Hello from somewhere in middle America as we head west with Pennsylvania in the rearview mirror.
By the time we pull into our driveway, 20+ hours from now, we’ll have racked up 3,700 miles on the Subaru, which begs one obvious question:
Was it worth it?
Every. Single. Mile.
1️⃣ Say Yes to the Big Stuff
Two days ago, I watched my niece Lizzie marry Connor.
The two of them have been together long enough that Connor stopped feeling like "Lizzie's boyfriend" years ago. He simply became family, and that isn’t just because of the time that’s passed. It’s largely personality – they’re such a great match.
Watching two people who are so clearly meant for each other begin the next chapter of their lives was worth every minute, mile, and dollar spent on a tow truck (iykyk). 😀
💡 Reminder: Investing in one-time moments will always have a positive return.
2️⃣ Bring Someone Along
I had to manage the 26-hour drive east alone, so I’m happy to have some company for the return. But why bring just Jim along when you can have a party in the car!
Our friend Will climbed into the car with us this morning because his Sunday Scaries have somewhere to be, too.
He lived in Colorado for fifteen years before moving back to Cleveland seven years ago and hasn't been back since. Now he gets two weeks of mountain bikes, trails, friends, and Colorado.
We can’t wait to have him “home.” 😉
💡 Reminder: Life is always better shared.
3️⃣ Time Is a Funny Thing
One minute, I was watching my niece marry the perfect guy.
Next, I looked over at the DJ booth and realized the guy playing the music was someone I went to high school with. 😂
Only in western Pennsylvania.
It reminded me how funny life is.
The people from your past…
The people in your present…
The people who'll shape your future…
Every once in a while, they all end up in the same room.
💡 Reminder: The years may fly by, but the right people make it worth remembering.
4️⃣ People Are Always the Point
When I committed to this trip, it all felt long. The drive. The time away from home. The time apart from Jim, Steve, and Tacocat, but when I reflect on the last five weeks on the road, the miles aren’t what I remember.
I'll remember laughing with "the kids."
Cards and conversations with Mom and Dad.
Watching the Pirates with Dad. 🏴☠️
Riding bikes in totally different scenery.
Visiting places I never even made it to as a kid.
Seeing Lizzie and Connor dance.
Picking Will up for the ride west.
💡 Reminder: Places can be wonderful, but people are unforgettable.
5️⃣ Convenience Is Overrated
Let's be honest.
Flying would've been easier, much faster, and potentially cheaper.
…okay, maybe not cheaper these days. 😆
But you can't throw a mountain bike in the back. Spend a month with family, or have a friend hitch a ride home.
💡 Reminder: The best experiences aren’t always the most convenient ones.
6️⃣ There's Always a Return
People usually talk about the cost of something.
The miles.
The time.
The money.
What we forget to calculate is the return.
One wedding, one month with family, countless laughs, and stories most of us will be telling years from now.
I’d say I got a pretty good return on investment.
💡 Reminder: Measure your life by what you gained, not just what it cost.
7️⃣ Worth Every Mile
Tomorrow I'll wake up (closer to) Colorado, and before I know it, I’ll be back to my mountains, back in my home, and back to my routine.
But I’ll never forget the summer I spent a month in my hometown, soaking up the joy and love of friends and family.
💡 Reminder: If it matters enough, go the distance.
I am so excited to be home. I’m sure Steve will lose his mind, Taco will be the indifferent cat you expect him to be (🤣), and the hair will be clear and humidity-free.
This is the longest I’ve been away from Colorado since I moved there 18 years ago, but I'd make that investment of time again tomorrow…in a second.
Your Friend and Coach,
Angie
