I try to get in a bike ride most days after work. It’s a great way to breathe some air, clear my mind, and write all those emails I should never send. And since I live in the Napa Valley, it’s a pretty nice place to ride.

But yesterday was a little different. As I rode along one of my main routes, I noticed two cyclists stopped by the side of the road. These were not your run-of-the-mill day bikers. They were heavily laden with panniers and backpacks. And from the rear fender they sported small Polish flags.

I stopped to see if they needed any help.

No, they were fine. Just checking their location.

So asked them where they were going.

The young man looked up at me with a smile, and answered: “Alaska.”

I suggested that they might not make it by nightfall. He laughed and replied that maybe tomorrow…

They explained that they had met a Polish expat on their ride earlier in the day, and were on their way to his house for dinner and a shower.

That sounded like they were in good hands, so I left them to continue their ride…to Alaska.

So what are you doing this summer?