Sometimes I wake up in the morning and forget why I'm here. It would be great to say that every day I need the motivation of the people I ride for. It would not be true, though, to say that I am riding my bike entirely for the cancer-fighting cause. Truth be told, sometimes I forget about all that is important. I just wake up everyday the same, ready to ride my bicycle.So let me take a step back. Right now I'm listening to the song "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" by MercyMe. Here are the lyrics that hit me:He wakes up every day the sameBelievin' he's gonna make a changeNever wonders "if" but "when"I guarantee he can find a wayTo reach out and make somebody's day'Cause someone took the time with himI have to back up, away from all the hills, wind, pedaling every day to a new location in the United States. How can I make a change today? And in the past 43 days, it been surprising how possible it is to make a change just by riding a bike. I've sat in on 6 portraits, heard numerous other stories, and have inspired countless people who heard about our organization. But that's not all that has changed since the start of the ride; here are a few other things:- I could have never expected the massive quantities of food I would be eating this summer... Enough for several people!- My appreciation for how complicated bikes are has increased! But I'm learning a lot.- Well of course the tan lines have been refined lately with the sun being so intense... And I'm honestly quite proud of them!- Then there's my body in general. My legs have become, well, toned. And quite huge honestly but hey that's okay; I'm getting stronger as a cyclist.- I am so critical of roads: the good, the bad, and the ugly.- I actually realized I love hills and mountains. Perhaps it's simply due to comparison of other cycling obstacles: heat and wind are unforgiving barriers but every mountain has a downhill; I love speed!- I love me a good chair or couch after all day in the saddle!- Showers are to be short and appreciated. A shower every two days is decent. Sink showers are a new, important concept.- Snot rockets while riding... 'Nuf said!On a more serious note, one thing that changed during week 2 has taken some getting used to. My best friend is trying to find a new normal after her dad passed away from pancreatic cancer. His memorial service was yesterday. As much as I wish I could have left the ride to go celebrate his life and new life in eternity with Jesus, I know that what I'm doing here is enough. And that's why every morning I have to return to the real reason I ride: it's not a vacation or an athletic endeavor. This mission has so many purposes and sources of motivation for each of the riders. When I wake up an hour earlier at 4:45 tomorrow, I hope to refresh my vigor for the cause. In the past few days I've tried to have more cancer-related conversations with people. It's about being open and willing to listen and encourage anyone who has a story to tell.I have learned a lot since starting the ride. More details about portraits I've sat in on coming soon...