Never Too Late
Taking a break along the Virginia Creeper Trail
I can't even sleep in a tent right.
As I lay there with this thought of ineptitude, I also knew that I was going to safely survive the night and actually get some quality sleep, so if I intuitively felt better with my feet towards the opening (where the tent is higher... and one would typically have their head), so be it.
I don't camp. Maybe the better wording is I haven't camped. Mom only slept in places with electricity and running water, and an attempt to camp with my aunt some 38 years ago ended before it started due to a downpour. I had one camper stay, and recall sleeping in a car once or twice (don't ask), but that's about it. Being a lover of outdoor activities and landscape photography, one could assume I took to the tent more often, but not so much. Yet in the theme of this blog and the words of Three Days Grace: It's not too late. It's never too late.
A few weeks ago, a friend invited me to join her and some other friends to camp and ride the Virginia Creeper trail. I am always in for a good scenic bike ride, and also was eager for some campsite experience before my #vanlife2021 excursion later this Spring, so I was in. As a haven't camper (see above), I needed to borrow some gear. Luckily I have some great friends with great gear, and gained access to some quality essentials. So we loaded up for two nights in Tennessee with a 35 mile bike ride in between.
The weather forecast wasn't on our side, yet Friday's dry skies and cool evening kept us optimistic. I brought my camera with me, knowing it may not make the bike ride if it was raining (spoiler alert: good call), and played around some at at the campground. Shooting for me is still always a learning and growing experience, and this day's lesson was despite the notion that my Sony a7iii stays stable and sharp with slower shutter speeds handheld, I am not stable at slower shutter speeds and still need to use the tripod. (Yes I know - ISO... as I said lessons learned.)
I survive a chilly and surprisingly cozy night (backwards in the tent), and am ready for the day ahead... or so I thought. I have been riding for a long time, and have invested all the different gear needs over the years. I did a 55 mile training ride in a pretty bad rainstorm one time, and have tackled lots of cold and windy rides, so a little drizzle wouldn't spoil this beautiful trail. The trip up to White Top was still promising, but as soon as the van doors opened, so did the sky. But my cycling raincoat and wicking spandex pants and Smartwool socks will keep me warm and dry, right?! By mile 3 it was evident feeling any such sensation would have to wait until this ride was over. I consciously resigned to my current environment, and made the decision to be in this moment for all that it is.
And in holding that space, I could recognize that despite my legs shuddering, and not being able to touch anything as my gloves were too dirty (and were not getting back on if they came off), I am having a good time. I can be physically uncomfortable - dare I say miserable - yet really enjoy this moment. Being on a bike is freeing, and I am always grateful for an opportunity for making memories. Gratitude goes a long way.
Speaking of gratitude - we were all so grateful that the rain let up for the second leg after lunch (we made a filthy mess of that restaurant!), and despite still being dirty and damp, it was a great ride. Never have I been more excited to change my socks, and the evening by the campfire felt even more rewarding.
This trip not only helped me feel confident and ready for my van camping ventures that lie ahead, it gave me the important reminder that experiences can be concurrently amazing and awful, and there is value in embracing it all. I'll become a camper yet - and maybe even dare to sleep with my head towards the front of the tent.
Stay tuned…