"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."- Les Brown

"Go big or go home" was a constant phrase I often heard growing up and playing sports . That mentality of playing to win, putting your all into every endeavor, and never giving up was ingrained in me from the moment I started competing. So with this in mind I thought I knew in my heart that I would complete this journey as planned. But sometimes life doesn't go according to plan and you realize that you are a human being with limits and try as you might sometimes recognizing these limits might just be the best thing you can do for yourself.

After a week of cycling alone I not only had bent my back tire from the weight of my pack, but also a full understanding that maybe trips of this nature shouldn't be taken alone. I wasn't looking forward to hitting the open road every day as time went on and yearned for a companion or two to share the joys and burdens of the road. Traveling alone was not for me.

So after a talking with my parents and some very awesome friend's I have decided to make a stop in NYC for the moment and figure out my next move from here. I'm looking at finding an apartment with a friend and staying at least until the summer while working in the theatre scene here. And while it's not San Francisco right now I think that this city will be good to immerse myself in and see how I do. I have a pretty solid base of people here at the moment all working on some incredible projects and I want in!

I want to thank everyone who has supported me in this process because without your belief in me I would have never been able to bike as far as I did. (Hey Provincetown to NYC?! Not a bad distance if you ask me.) And you know, I tried, that's the best thing I can ask of myself. But without your enthusiasm for this crazy endeavor and your love and support I surely would not have pushed myself past Commercial St.

I also want to thank my parents for allowing my to try this despite the fact that they were worried out of their minds about it. I would like to state for the record that they were right in advocating for me to find a group or companion to join me on this but in allowing me to learn my own lesson they taught me something about what it takes to be a parent. I count my lucky stars that I didn't have to learn this lesson the hard way in some dangerous situation and now see that I can still fulfill my dreams but don't have to risk my safety to do so.

All of the money I have raised will go directly to the Save the Ta Ta's cause and hopefully take their researchers one step further into discovering a cure. To all of the people who have donated I give a hearty THANK YOU and big hugs are coming your way when I see you next.

So, here I am, in the city, figuring out the next step. It feels exciting, overwhelming, and like a freefall but I think with the support of my friends and family I will continue to pursue the path of the theatre artist and create some good work and do well here.

My will for my work is strong and this is only a small bump in the road of life. I'm taking it one day at a time and we'll see how this new adventure goes.

Until next time!
-Sam S.