Norseman’s Passage takes me way outside my comfort zone.

I have never ridden 100+ miles at one time (a “Century”). Norseman’s 39 days of riding includes 21 days with more than 100 miles cycling.

The most I have ridden previously is 83 miles. I have cycled 60+ miles 5 times. Norseman’s route averages 80 miles a day.

My best climbing day was around 3,500 feet. On Norseman’s Passage, climbing less than 4,000 feet will be a flat day on our journey to Maine.

Negative thoughts were plentiful. Will I ride fast enough? Can I survive the mountains? Will I hold everyone else back? Can I endure physically? While valid concerns, I realized it was the way I was looking at Norseman’s Passage that was the problem.

Perspective or how we look at something, the mental construct through which we interpret what’s happening, sets the stage for how we feel. Challenges are opportunities viewed through the right lens. Hurdles are debilitating saboteurs given the wrong point of view.

What did I learn? What is the best way for me to view Norseman’s Passage?

I want to live in the moment. The destination is not the objective but rather the end product of a fun day. Miles and mountains matter less than enjoying days being a kid again riding around on his bicycle.

I want to focus on the journey. Enjoy the day of cycling. See America. Search out different localities’ idiosyncrasies and unique traditions. Have fun with my companions and the people we meet.

In today’s fast-paced hustle bustle world, who gets six weeks to go play and have fun?

I realize hard days are ahead. There will be times I question why I am doing this; what was I thinking? The objective isn’t perfection. The goal is maintaining my perspective, applying what I’ve learned, and having fun as many moments as I can.