But What if it All Works Out?

Dear Adventurers, 

It makes me sad when people worry about using their things. Because at its root, this is anxiety...it's the what ifs...it's catastrophizing that's stopping them from going for it. 

I know someone who's afraid to drive their convertible because the windshield might get knicked, or the door might get dinged. 

I know someone else who never takes a sheet off their couch, in case someone spills on it. Now the couch is 10 years old, in perfect condition, and totally out of style. It's also still covered by a sheet.

Most recently I have a handful of people commenting, and messaging about our upcoming bike-rafting trip:

    I'm too afraid to put my bike on a raft. 

    I like my bike too much to take it down the Kennebec. 

    I can't let my bike get wet.

No one, and I truly mean NO ONE, loves their bike more than I love my bike. It's a 2016 Cannondale Scalpel and I plan to never replace it. I plan to repair it and replace parts until no compatible parts exist in the whole entire universe. It carried me through the Leadville 100 MTB Race, I was on it when I found the plot of land that has become Gravel Road Guide Service, and when I see it, I give it a shy little smile, like we have an inside secret. 

On October 15th, I will most definitely put it on a packraft, and take it from Mill Park to the Hallowell Boat Launch. 

It will probably be just fine. 

Is there a chance it will get wet? Yes, there is, just like it does when I ride in the rain.

Is there a chance I'll crash into a rock, or a bridge pylon, and crunch it into a ball of carbon? Yes, there is, just like when I ride hard on the trails, or drive my car with it on my bike rack. 

Is there a chance I'll hate bikerafting? Yes.

Is there a chance I'll love bikerafting? Yes.

Is there a chance I'll try something new and take a reasonable risk? There's no chance, that's a guarantee. 

My level one answer to those who are afraid to take a risk with their bike is this: Borrow your best friend's bike, and don't tell them what you're doing with it. 

My level two answer is this: Don't let anxiety hold you back from doing something you truly want to do. 

Remember, adventure begins where the pavement ends...and every once in a while, the rocks are gonna knick your windshield. Today, let yourself wonder...what if it all works out?

Love, 

Amy