You might have gathered from my bicycle camping series that a tent is on the top of my “essentials list” for bicycle travel.
I know that I am far from alone in this thought. But I bet there are few bicycle travelers out there who have had a song about a tent sung at their wedding.
I proposed to my girlfriend, Kat Marriner, on our first bicycle trip together. It was a four month-journey through the Balkans.
It wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. It was often far from romantic. But that journey was the rock-solid foundation of our relationship.
I wrote letters home to my brother (as I often have) from my travels. My brother happens to be a song writer.
What I didn’t know is that he took the words from my letters and fashioned a song from them. A song that I didn’t know he had written until the moment he sang it to Kat and me at our wedding.
We cried then (1997) … and we cry every year on our anniversary when I sing it to Kat. It doesn’t sound as good as when my brother sings it … but the words always ring true.
And to think my brother could have purchased us a set of silverware instead.
Dream. Pedal. Travel. Repeat.
Originally posted on the Adventure Cycling Association’s blog.
Willie, and Kat,
I have been lucky enough to hear your brother sing many times, and he has one of the most u affected, naturally wonderful voices I have ever heard! I am glad you treasure the song he wrote for you.
Have a greet time in Spain, etc.
I took my firstself-supported mini bike tour 2 months ago: http://www.pedalingoregon2010.blogspot.com
That was what was within reach. Loved it all!
Happy trails, Paula Joy
if my own ducts are any indication, I have no idea how you continued with the wedding.
I am a happy, smiling wreck. I see you are not the only wonderful and talented person in your family, my old friend. 🙂 Completely beautiful on several levels. I hope soem day to actually connect with you on a trip through Sacramento, and to meet your intrepid bride.
Happy travels!!