Breakthrough by the Mile
How the Road Taught Me to Rise, Rebuild, and Reclaim My Power
Back in the late 80s, I developed a dream—a deep, unshakable urge—to ride my bicycle from Minneapolis to Washington, D.C. At first, it was just an idea, one of those wild notions that linger in the back of your mind, whispering, What if? The more I thought about it, the more it consumed me. I wasn't a professional cyclist. I wasn’t training for a race or making a statement. I simply wanted to push myself beyond my perceived limits, to see what I was capable of, to endure something most people wouldn't even consider attempting. We carried everything on our bikes, not dependent on anyone or anything.
For one year, I planned. I mapped routes, estimated distances, researched terrain, and trained to build endurance. I envisioned the journey in my mind, convinced that I could “will it” into being exactly as I had imagined. In my head, each day would unfold with smooth roads, cooperative weather, and a steady breeze at my back. I pictured crisp mornings, sunshine warming my shoulders, and cool, refreshing air in the afternoons. I assumed that once I got into a rhythm, my body would adjust, and the miles would start to melt away.
But the reality of an undertaking like this is that no amount of planning can account for everything. The road always has a way of reminding you who’s in charge.
The Unexpected Becomes the Reality
The first few days were a shock to my system. The road was not smooth. The wind was not always at my back. Long pulls up miles’ long hills. Quick descents.
The weather did not care about my plans. Some days were brutally hot, the sun beating down as if to test my resolve. Coming out of the Appalachian Mountains at 7pm it was 102 degrees. Other days were freezing, my fingers numb as I gripped the handlebars. I faced headwinds so strong they felt like an invisible wall, forcing me to pedal harder just to maintain forward momentum. There were stretches where I battled relentless rain, my clothes drenched, my spirits sinking with each passing mile.
And then there were the roads themselves—long, endless, seemingly stretching into eternity. Coal trucks running us off the road. Hills I hadn’t anticipated. Rough pavement that sent vibrations through my entire body. Roads that looked promising on a map but turned out to be grueling tests of patience and endurance. Every day was a new challenge, and I quickly realized that mental strength was just as important as physical endurance.
The Grind: Some Days Are Good, Some Are Not
Most days on a journey like this are a grind. Some are happy grinds, where the miles pass with ease and the scenery provides a welcome distraction. Those were the days when my legs felt strong, my mind was clear, and I felt an almost meditative peace in the rhythm of pedaling. The road stretched ahead like an open invitation, and I felt truly in sync with the journey.
But then there were the other days, the ones that tested my patience, my endurance, and my will to keep going. Days when exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. When each push of the pedal felt heavier than the last. When my thoughts turned against me, whispering, Why are you doing this? Just stop. This is insane.
Those were the moments that defined the journey. The easy days don’t teach you much. But the hard days? Those are the ones that shape you.
Breaking It Down: One Mile at a Time
I quickly learned that focusing on the full distance was overwhelming. If I spent too much time thinking about how many miles were left between me and Washington, D.C., it felt impossible. Instead, I had to break it down into manageable pieces.
One mile at a time.
One town at a time.
One hill at a time.
Some days, I set small goals just to keep moving forward. Make it to the next gas station. Get to the next town. Just another five miles. When I focused on the immediate task in front of me rather than the entirety of the journey, I found that I could keep going.
Life is a lot like that. Big challenges can seem insurmountable if you look at them all at once. But if you take them piece by piece—one step, one day, one small victory at a time become manageable.
Keeping the Vision Alive
Despite the struggles, I kept my eye on the ultimate goal. I reminded myself why I had set out on this journey in the first place. The dream wasn’t about an easy ride. It wasn’t about comfort or predictability. It was about pushing through the hard days, about proving to myself that I could endure, that I wouldn’t quit.
Each mile I conquered was proof that I could overcome the challenges. And with every town I passed through, every sunrise that greeted me on the road, every day I didn’t give up, I felt more certain that I was going to make it.
The Unbreakable Spirit
There were plenty of reasons to quit. Plenty of moments where stopping would have been the easier choice. But quitting was never an option.
I thought about the words of Winston Churchill: "Never, ever, ever give up."
That became my mantra.
Every revolution of the pedals was an act of persistence. Every struggle was a lesson in endurance. And every mile was a reminder that the only way to truly fail is to stop moving.
The Finish Line: A Destination and a Realization
When I finally reached Washington, D.C., the feeling was surreal. It wasn’t just about the accomplishment of covering the distance. It was about everything I had learned along the way.
I had battled exhaustion, self-doubt, weather, sickness and road conditions. But I had also discovered an unshakable determination within myself. I had learned the power of breaking big challenges into smaller steps. I have learned that every great journey—whether on a bicycle, in business, or in life—is a mix of highs and lows. And most importantly, I have learned that resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about struggling and moving forward anyway.
Looking back
Looking back at the pictures from that journey, I see more than just snapshots of a bicycle trip. I see moments of perseverance. I see lessons learned. I see proof that we are all capable of so much more than we think—as long as we keep pushing forward.
So whatever road you’re on, whatever challenge you’re facing, whatever dream seems impossibly far away, just remember: One mile at a time. One step at a time. Keep your eyes on the prize. And never, ever, ever give up.
If you're working to raise your credit score because you're tired of the struggle and ready for a way out, start by visualizing your destination: financial freedom. Just like when I set out to ride my bike to Washington, D.C., the first step was simply getting on the bike. Then came the pedaling. I took breaks when needed, but every mile required effort—and so does your journey.
Know this: it will take hard work. But simply knowing it’s hard work makes you stronger and more capable of doing it. Keep your eyes fixed on your financial future. Don’t get distracted. Follow my advice, stay on course, and you will reach your goals.
And if you fall off along the way? Get back on. Keep moving. This is you depending on you—and failure is not an option. Others may be counting on your success, and they are worth the effort. So are you.
There’s no magic. No secrets. No shortcuts. Just miles to go—and a clear road ahead.
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