This is the twelfth long-distance bicycle trip that I have done. The first one was in 2012 and I have done one each summer since then. I started because in 2011 I went on a motorcycle trip up to Fairbanks, Alaska and back, and on the trip I saw a number of people bicycling the same route and trip I was on. I camped with several on different occasions on the trip and talked with them about their experiences. I became intrigued with the challenge of riding a bicycle to Alaska. That winter I did a bunch of reading about long distance bicycle touring and bought my first bike, a Navara Safari from REI. I continued the trips each summer because of the health benefits, the challenge of doing them, the enjoyment of getting away, the personal and spiritual renewal that they always were, seeing the country, camping, and the great fellowship with those who went on the trips with me. I think there have been about 30 different people who have gone on at least one of the trips. The longest trip was to the Grand Canyon, then up to Yellowstone, and then home. That trip was a bit over 4,000 miles. The most interesting trip was the second trip up to Alaska with my brother Cliff and his wife, Kathy driving a support vehicle, we saw 92 bears on that ride, along with thousands of buffalo, moose, caribou, rocky mountain sheep, and even a wolf. The most challenging was the trip across the northern United States ending in Portland, Maine. I rode that one with John Smith and it was unsupported meaning that we each carried 70 pounds on our bikes in front and rear panniers. I lost 40 lbs on that trip. The most enjoyable trip was the one we did from San Diego to St Augustine, Florida. John Smith, Richard Klindtworth, and I rode and our wives all came on the trip with us. When we pulled into camp the tent was all set up, dinner was cooked, and Patty was ready to give my tired muscles a massage. These past twelve years have been a wonderful and enjoyable chapter in my life and with enough experiences to fill ten books.

I decided last night and this morning that I am going to pull the plug on my bicycle riding. It is getting more and more difficult to ride and the pain and the not being able to sleep the night after a hard ride have taken most of the joy out of the experience for me. The joy of the past experiences and the part of me that hates quitting anything because it is hard has made this a difficult decision that I have pondered on for several days, but it is time. I will be the designated driver for the rest of this trip. I might try some half-day riding or every other day riding, but usually, when I make a decision like this it is better if I just do it so I don’t keep second-guessing my decision.

The positive thing about this change is that now I can devote more time to grandkids and fishing.

I will keep writing this blog about this trip from the perspective of the others riding, today’s ride will be part B of today’s blog.