WOOHOOOOO!!!!!

Ryan here. I just finished my last final at Stanford! I don't have the degree in front of me yet, but at this point its out of my hands. Its some feeling, let me tell you. Relief doesn't even come close to describing it. For me, being in college was harder than any job I've ever done, and I've done some nasty ones. But no matter how boring, or grueling or frustrating a job has been, its always ended when I punch the clock at the end of the day. College was just the opposite. Constraints on your time are much more lax, but there's just always, ALWAYS something else that needs to get done. Its like I've been living four years with the sword of Damocles hanging over me, and as I finished that last final it was like someone climbed a ladder, cut it down and safely tucked it away somewhere. It feels like someone turned gravity down.

I feel free!

The first thing I did was hop on the bike and just go. I can't remember the last time I've been able to ride and not think about getting back for class or listing the work that needed doing. I just headed for the coast under shock blue skies, and when I finally got back my little spin had turned into a four hour ride, and the best ride I've had in ages. There's something about riding with no destination in mind and no ETA. You free your mind from the everyday responsibilities, and you don't even worry about the normal bike stuff (How's my cadence? How's my pedal stroke? Am I picking the right line?). You go. You just go, and there aren't many feelings in the world quite so nice as moving just for moving's sake, just to propel yourself along winding roads.

Mitch and I are starting to get things in order for the trip, and as we begin getting supplies and double checking packing lists I can't help but think that thanks to the kindness of friends, family and supporters we are about to embark on a trip where we get to live with that pure and unencumbered sensation for a whole month.

Departure time is drawing near and we're now just over halfway to our fundraising goal, so spread please help us spread the word. My sincere thanks to those who've already lent their support. With no more academics standing between me and Belgium I'm getting so excited I can barely sleep at night. Its like Christmas Eve every night, and I just lie awake knowing I'm getting the most amazing gift of my life.