Day 9: Fitty!

Start: Fort Nelson,

B.C.Liard Hot Springs.

317 kms (197miles)

Total distance 4393 kms.

Today is my Birthday. I am 50 years old. Last year, Kimberly had her Fifty and Fabulous birthday year where she got a car:A trip to Cuba:And a party:This year, my darling Wai-an (Kimberly) encouraged me to make a special plan for my 50th. So this is my big trip, my big celebration, me and this funny bugger I have been friends with for 45 yearsriding a couple of British bikes through a vast forest in the far north.

So this morning I woke up early and ….

Well, we are staying in a motel and took the opportunity to do some laundry. But I fell asleep and Chris has all my clothes, so this morning was spent making coffee in my motel in my underpants setting off the fire alarm with my camp stove!!

Birthdays are a time for reflection on the journey through life. They are a mile marker to look back at where you have been and to look forward to the road ahead. At 50 I can say that my life has been good so far.

There have absolutely been some bumpy sections, some sharp corners that I did not negotiate well and there have even been some accidents (Jack and Izzy) , but everything has always worked out well. I have travelled the worldas a young man and although my drinking days are long gone, I can truthfully say, I have partied with the best of them.I have two incredible kids that are growing in to great adults that I am supremely proud of.I have made some good mates along the way.I have found a partner and companion to share the journey with.And through it all (even the dark times when I listened to Coldplay) my family are there to support me.And not only this, I also have been fortunate to assemble an incredible team of talented and committed professionals to help me create the Big Blue Plumbing legacy.I have also made some other very special friends along the way.

The road ahead?

Well I got a few miles in the tank yet, I reckon.

No doubt there will be more twists and turns and some potholes, but if riding a bike has taught me one thing it is this, if you stare at the obstacle, you will hit it! Always look where you want to go.

I am headed in to the distance with my wonderful wife, I will travel to exciting places. I will experience the joy of watching my children living, growing and becoming themselves. But while I look ahead I will never forget where I came from and I will try to focus on the moment.

This moment is on the ride of a lifetime, and just like my life, when those long sweeping bends appear on the horizon, I will relax my shoulders and do as my wife always says, “lean in”. Or I will do as MyMateChris says, “Cover the brake (just in case) and FUCKING PIN IT!”.