This text is a biographical reflection by Miles Mathis, recounting his experiences leading up to and during a bicycle tour of Europe with his brother Mark in the summer of 1983. The narrative delves into Mathis’s early life, academic pursuits, and personal development, highlighting his intellectual curiosity and unconventional path. He discusses his rapid academic progression, his early academic achievements like high SAT and PSAT scores, and his choice to attend Haverford college, which he found disillusioning. The text also touches on his relationships, notably with a girlfriend named Allison, and his evolving understanding of himself and society. The core of the piece is the detailed account of the 1983 European bicycle tour, a challenging yet formative adventure that took them through Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France. Mathis also reflects on moments of perceived magic or extraordinary luck throughout his life, from childhood incidents to encounters with nature and his own artistic aspirations, contrasting his worldview with prevalent societal trends like Modernism and punk. He concludes by emphasizing the profound impact of this first European journey, despite not covering the planned mileage, and his lifelong connection to travel and personal growth.

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