The Trip I had to take. The story I couldn’t write.

It was 2022, less than two years into the pandemic. Vaccinations were available, travel was opening up, and I had a case of cabin fever with no idea where to go. We were all still getting our footing in this new reality—one that included masks, booster shots, and continued (but less dangerous) risks of infection. Then, I got a DM from someone I’d never met but followed on Instagram.

“Do you want to come to Sierra Leone with me and ride bikes?”

I responded reflexively: “Count me in!”

Then, I questioned everything. I’d only liked and admired his photos on Instagram. I knew nothing of him other than that he seemed to be a taller, more artistically expressive version of me—complete with cool bikes and even cooler cameras. He replied, “Great!” and said he’d get back to me with a plan. All I had to do now was explain this sudden decision to my wife.

This is my second—no, third—attempt at telling this story. On the first go, I was paralyzed; there was too much to say, and I hadn’t even fully processed the trip. The second attempt seemed to land perfectly, but my computer froze before I saved it, and the entire draft was wiped clean. I couldn’t recover it. Frustrated, I told myself I’d come back to it, but I never found the time. My inspiration was lost.

Now, I’m back for another go. It’s an adventure worth sharing. I’ll be writing this in bits. Come back to this page over the next few weeks for the refresh. Stay tuned. There’s more to come.