Last week was emotionally draining. On Tuesday, I stood bedside as a lifelong friend took his last breath. We laid Adam “Slim” Graham to rest on Friday. My consolation is knowing that he made peace with God through faith in Christ.
As a cyclist, long weeks equal longer solo rides on the weekends. I had considered going to the Laughing Donkey Ride in Chula, Georgia, but I wasn’t in the mood to socialize. I needed solitude. So, I took a long ride to remember my friend and process my thoughts.The following is a photo essay of my long solo recharge ride.
I lay out my gear so I can view everything and make sure I don’t forget anything. As far as snacks go , I packed three PB&J’s and a couple of chocolate chip cookies. The clouds hung heavy as I started out around 9am. As I pedaled towards Broxton, the heavens opened, so I tucked my camera away and put on my rain jacket. The rain was consistent until I arrived on the dirt roads near Rocky Hammock WMA.I stopped by this church off the beaten path to leave a prayer card. I love this picture. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Ruby’s. I will be returning soon!I made it to Town Bluff, which was close to 40 miles from the start of my ride.Towns Bluff boat landing at the Altamaha River. Slim and I used to come here as teenagers. That’s a mile for every year that Slim lived. The Pedaling Preacher had never pedaled in Montgomery County, so I rode over the bridge to say that I have. Patchy blue skies on the way back!With my Garmin 820 dying, I turned towards home. It died 8.5 miles short of a century, so I ended it short (approximately 93 miles in all).
Some think I’m crazy, but this is how I recharge. It’s how I process my thoughts. What do you do?
I’m a pastor, writer, and endurance cyclist. On this blog, you’ll find stories from long-distance rides, practical touring insights, and reflections on what the road teaches about resilience, purpose, and the journey of life.
Kevin W. Bounds 
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