Why?!

I was sitting in a brewery today blowing off some steam and on TV was the Tour de France.I was looking at the daily struggle of the men in the race. Why do it? Sure, there is the "win" part of the race... but by and large only a few of the riders even have a legitimate shot at an overall victory.Why do it?I started thinking the same thing about my own ride?Why do it?There are easier ways of traveling. Camping on a freaking motorcycle?! Taking the road less traveled (or perhaps almost never traveled as was the case a few days back).I guess in some ways it's to prove to myself I can. I can't "win" this adventure. Looking at it objectively the best that can happen is I return home unhurt (if a bit sore and achy) with a pile of pictures and an intact bike. Losing can really happen, though I strive not to think about it too much.I oftentimes talk about "building character" in a facetious way. In the end I think this is exactly what this is.Why?To put the rest of life into crisper focus.