This morning I headed out on the 110 mile ride from
Worthington to Mankato, MN. After an
encouraging start I once again began to struggle. Finally after 60 miles I knew
that it was time to get on the sag van and call it quits. Every pedal stroke was an effort. The headwinds made it even tougher. Everyone can have an off-day, but for me it’s
now been almost a full week of struggle.
The trip has gone from a great enjoyable adventure to no fun. At that point, it makes no sense to
continue. This is supposed to be a
vacation.
I have no regrets about my decision to end the trip
now. Sure, I would have liked to have
completed the trip from coast-to-coast.
But, if I don’t complete it, will my life be any different when I return
to Maryland? No. If I were to continue to slog along and
complete the trip, will my life be any different when I return to
Maryland? No. I met a lot of nice people. I had a good time until the last week. So it was a worthwhile effort even though I didn’t get all
the way to the East Coast.
Tomorrow morning I will be renting a car, putting my bicycle
in the trunk, and heading back to Maryland.
Later in the week or this weekend I may add some more thoughts to this blog. But for now, I’ll just leave with a hearty
thank you to all or those who have encouraged me over the last several
weeks. It has made a big difference as I
pedaled across the west and Midwest.
Your support means so much to me.
Safe travels home. You have had an amazing adventure. Open your heart to other amazing adventures ahead! Laura
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura for following my journey. It was indeed an amazing adventure even if I didn't reach the ultimate destination. I saw places up close in a way I never thought I would. I always wanted to try to go all the way across by bicycle, and I finally got to try that. Even though I came up short, I learned a lot about myself, and about America (even a closer look than one can get from a train!) I certainly intend to have as many other adventures I can in the future. Maybe the first "adventure" will be to try and make up for lost time and go see the Nats on Saturday night. If I go, I'll come by and see if you and Dick are there. Bruce
ReplyDeleteYou have accomplished a lot and we are proud of our favorite "peddler", other adventures await you deserve a big rest. Hope to see you on the American Tobacco Trail in the future (only 20 miles) !?!? 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 will talk soon old buddy !!!!! 😎😎😎😎
ReplyDeleteThanks Guy for all the support. I got home last night after spending 1,200 miles looking at the shoulders of the interstate highways and rating them for how good or bad they would be to bike on! I can tell you that all the of the shoulders between Minnesota and Maryland are better than the ones in South Dakota! Talk to you soon, and look forward to getting together. Now off to do the laundry!
DeleteGood goin' Bruce. I've been following you all the way across. I'm treating, when you get back to town. Scott
ReplyDeleteI'm back in town. Look foward to seeing you sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteBruce,
ReplyDeleteI selfishly was sorry to see your trip end early because I enjoyed your posts so much! I'm certain you made the right decision and equally certain that not many folks could accomplish what you did. Glad you made it to Minnesota, Harmon, and look forward to seeing you in NJ. Deb