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Winding Up the Adventure

Monday, August 8, 2016

As I posed this a.m.
Picture of "Tour" yellow shirt with bike bling,
Then Olympic medal around neck,
Reminding me of treat of in-person audience,
Gifting me with attention, admiration,
Truly wonderful experience!

And website comments
Of encouragement, appreciation,
Engaged reading of adventure.
Wonderful on-line audience!

My deep desire in writing,
Speaking to tell story,
Is that my journey can beInspiration & motivation
To others to try your own "Big Ride."
To reach for your own "bigger" vision for yourself.

I'll share an encounter from early summer.

Along street in hometown,
Man called out, "I hear you are biking to Wyoming at age 77."
"Yes," says I, and told some of upcoming trips.

Woman had slowed while walking behind on sidewalk.
When I was alone again, she came to me,
"Are you really going to make that ride?
And may I shake your hand?"

We did shake and smile.
She went on down street.
Later I saw her at outside table,
So asked "Are you new here?"
"No, been here a few years."

She continued speaking:
"I am survivor of domestic abuse, and have been involved in Empowerment sessions. I am 68 years old.
Hearing your adventure plans let me know

It's not over 'til it's over."

Both of us had tears.
I thanked her for such an affirmation.

It made me realize that that is why I tell my story.
If one someone is encouraged, inspired, motivated,
I am humbled and honored.

"It's not over 'til it's over."
It's never too late to say yes to a big dream.
Get help; lots of it if you need that.
Find the humor in the hard stuff,
Laugh at how awkward, difficult, challenging moments can be.
Stick with the commitment,
Make connections.
That's working for me.
Try it; you might like it.
Emoji

Reunion time was worthwhile,
Reconnection with some,
Realizing how very big class was: 400,
How few I really knew.

Gathering 135 people,
Eighty-three classmates.
Good event.

I was asked several times
"Are you riding bicycle back to MN?"
"Not this time even though it is downhill!" 

Home will be welcome,
And require re-entry for me
Now I know more about the "how to."

You'll hear from me occasionally.
Certainly I'll let you know about rides—
Speaking adventures, too.

Let me know of groups, companies, organizations,
That would like to hear my story.

Many, many hugs to each of you,
Lin

My "Olympic Gold Medal," given to me at the Pre-60th Reunion Luncheon Talk!

Here's a bike with pizzazz!

Cheyenne, home of "Frontier Days" boasts a collection of "Art Boots." This one by the Public Library.

Bob beside another amazing Art Boot—almost as amazing as he is!

Bob by Cheyenne's Lincoln Memorial

Packing Up Again...

Lin Bruce
 

Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"

Carla - August 9, 2016

Awesome article in the Wyoming News – best one yet! You ROCK!

I look forward to seeing you in a couple weeks after your return. Safe travels to you and Bob.

You’re my hero!

Love you,
Carla

    Lin Bruce - August 10, 2016

    We’ll be heroes together, then. It was an awesome article! Thanks for reading and sharing it!

Irene - August 9, 2016

Looking forward to seeing you at home! Congratulations! You are a star!!
Big hug!

    Lin Bruce - August 10, 2016

    It won’t be long now! Thank you for following and cheering me on so steadily, Irene!

Sandy Holland - August 9, 2016

Hugs to you, Lin! Outstanding achievement & adventure! Love the bling…it looks great on you, even though you outshine it! Looking forward to your return.

S.

Leslie Beadles - August 9, 2016

Hello Lin!!! I am happy to know you and read about your cycling adventures. I too did the Tour de Wyoming 2016. Your song at the closing ceremony is one of the most fabulous performances I have had the pleasure of seeing. Thank you for taking chances and talking about the fears and exhilarating feelings that come with pursuing goals. I was thrilled to read about you in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle too! I look forward to more of your dreams in print! With great sincerity, Leslie Beadles

    Lin Bruce - August 10, 2016

    What a pleasure, Leslie! It was quite a ride, wasn’t it! Congratulations, and may our paths cross again soon!

Gail McLaughlin - August 10, 2016

Wow, wow, WOW, Adventure indeed! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring me personally,Lin. You get to sit back and bask in the glory now. So many delicious memory moments to savor. You have a nick knack paddywhack for making everything into fun!

Jill Swanson - August 15, 2016

Oh Lin, how fun to get to “join” you again via the internet on this trip. So delightful to see these last pictures especially! I loved the one of you with the metal on (so well deserved) and the beautiful bicycle shirt (it looks fabulous on you!) also the ones of your dear Bob, and the very fitting picture of you by the boot at the library – I wonder who wanted to go there ?? 🙂 I could also appreciate the fact that the motorcycle matched your outfit that day, but that sort of bike just isn’t your style — you have given me so much inspiration this summer, I’m pressing on to race number 4 of 5 5K’s while I’m 55. THANK YOU!

Love
Jill

    Lin Bruce - August 17, 2016

    I love it– my best fashion advisor brings her expertise to bear in the biking corner of my closet! 🙂 I treasure you—- so glad I’ve added to your motivation!

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