How Do You Coax Out Your Confidence?

Starting out feeling NOT very brave,
Never the start point that I would crave.
One-mile-at-a-time,
On downhill or climb.
To notice the progress each mile gave.

Sunday, May 1, 2022
Arriving in Council Bluffs, Iowa for Great American Rail Trail Ride

Feeling nervous and inexperienced,
Even after twenty plus years of bike rides.

I’m in Council Bluffs, Iowa,
For Great American Rail Trail Ride.
Bike ride starts Tuesday morning. 
“Shake down” day here as all gather.

​In case you picture Iowa
Completely flat agriculture;
In our car, Bob and I drove 
Frequent “swoop-down-climb-up” sections of road.
I wonder about trail gradients.
Hoping for very few “swoops.”
I’ll let you know.

Preparation & packing,
Always important.

This time my nit-picky selections of 
Fewest items, smallest sizes,
Even prompted my weeding out
A few things from shelves & drawers
Completely unrelated to biking.

That felt great!  
I hope I can recreate that when I return.

Reminder to me:
One-day-at-a-time can get me there!

Hugs,
Lin