8:00 AM - Early ride before homework and school all evening. Hopped on the bike wearing a new bike jersey that my friend from school Julian brought in for me. It fits perfectly! Read some school stuff then read about sixty more pages of Sir Ranulph Fiennes' Race to the Pole. A really great book about Scott's Antarctic Expedition in the early 1900s. I found one line in particular most compelling. Written by the expedition's chief scientist and zoologist Edward A. Wilson, he stated:
"Men don't improve when they live together alone." (p. 70)
How such a short line can embody the essence of human emotion and desire to be part of a larger group. I think Wilson captures the bare essentials of human existence. It's not merely being part of a group - a family, community, congregation, etc. - it is getting to know each and every person of that group and learning how to share experiences to make it better for the whole. I think marriage is a lot like that. It doesn't just magically happen with "I do's". You have to constantly work at it, change, and advocate for your partner. As in any relationship, it's not about you. If you fail to care about the people around you, you will live alone.
Felt really strong and confident on the bike today. Drank 2 x 24 oz waterbottles, 48 oz total for you math people. Maybe I should consider substituting 1 gatorade bottle now for the longer rides like this. Also, I realized how useful those pockets on the bike jersey will be. I will be able to stow granola bars, GUs, what have you right there :) So can eat as I tear up the roads! All I have to say is watch out NY bikers! Benn is on the prowl!
Total Time: 2:07:00 Total Distance: 42 miles | 
