I just got back on Monday from an 850 mile road trip out into the Texas Hill Country. Me and handful of other bikers camped out at Lost Maples State Park and road the legendary Three Sisters group of roads, 335, 336, and337. I'm kinda exhausted right now but I'm gonna throw down some thoughts before crashing.
Initially, in the planning stages of the trip I thought about what I would need while I was gone. It dawned on me after a while that I was dreading returning. One of the reasons was that all the bullshit of everyday life would be waiting for me-no matter how far I rode. So I decided to reduce the amount of crap waiting for me when I came back and cleaned the house, did all my laundry, dishes, mowed the yard, washed the car, and generally took care of any loose ends I could think of. This was the best idea I've had in a while.
There's a break-point on a road trip where the relevancy of my normal everyday life becomes microscopically small. It usually happens when I am finally far enough out that I am the only one on the road. Problem is, the everyday life becomes increasingly relevant as I ride back towards home. By reducing the number of things that life would entail upon arrival back at the house I made the ride home in a relaxed fashion and was pleased to have nothing to do but relax and unpack when I got back.
More details about the trip later. Right now, it's time for some much needed rest.