The Freedom to Roam

The other night Jenny and I watched “The Hunt for Red October” while we were doing some trainer riding. The last time I saw this movie was in a theater in the early 90’s so I didn’t remember much. Loss of memory was good in this case because it was like watching a whole new movie again. Anyway, there is a great scene in the movie after Captain Ramius (Sean Connery) has told his immediate crew that he plans to defect to the United States and he is going to take them with him. After some thought one of his crew explains his plans once he gets to the US. Here’s how it goes.

Capt. Vasili Borodin: I will live in Montana. And I will marry a round American woman and raise rabbits, and she will cook them for me. And I will have a pickup truck... maybe even a "recreational vehicle." And drive from state to state. Do they let you do that?
Captain Ramius: I suppose.
Capt. Vasili Borodin: No papers?
Captain Ramius: No papers, state to state.
Capt. Vasili Borodin: Well then, in winter I will live in... Arizona. Actually, I think I will need two wives.
Captain Ramius: Oh, at least.

This scene reminded me of something that I am very thankful for. I am thankful for the freedom to roam. I have the freedom to go just about where ever I want and no one asks me for papers. What a great thing. I could get on my bike tomorrow and ride all the way across the country and no one would care because I have the freedom to do just that. Granted they might think I’m a little nuts because it is November but I could do it just the same. Don’t worry Jenny, I’m not planning on any cross country trips.

Of course I’m thankful for a lot of other things, but right now I’m thankful for the freedom to roam.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Remember, you’re going to need those extra calories that you’ll consume tomorrow come springtime when you’re out on an epic ride.