The bike ride has included periods of rain, hail, snow (light flurries at the Continental Divide), cold temperatures (down to 38 degrees) and hot (up to 98 degrees), head and cross winds (sometimes 25 to 35 mph with sudden, violent gusts to 50 – I have to asked, where were those rumored prevailing tailwinds my cyclist friends assured me of ?!!). I’ve climbed thousands of hills and mountains and had surface conditions ranging from smooth, paved roads with wide, clean shoulders, many others with cracks, potholes and no shoulders, to narrow gravel paths. Traffic conditions ranged from trucks driving 75 mph passing me on an average of one every 9 seconds, as well as thousands of cars. And then there were many days when I was on very rural roads and felt like the road was all mine. I would only see a vehicle about once per hour. The scenery on my ride ranged from spectacular, tunneling under a canopy of overhanding trees, past rivers and lakes. Other times it was days of riding through farmlands of wheat, corn, soybeans, etc. as far as the eye could see. As for human interactions, there were so many that were unique and unforgettable, ranging from acts of kindness to distrust and animosity toward us (especially if they learned we were Californians).

To say it has been a challenge is an understatement. At times it has been daunting, but at other times exhilarating and immensely satisfying. I can’t think of a day, even the worst ones, when I didn’t have a feeling of gratitude for being able to do this. Only once did I have moments of self-doubt as to whether I could complete this ride. It was a five-mile climb with no dips or plateaus – just steady climbing from steep to steeper. It was 98 degrees, with a very strong headwind gusting to 50 mph. And this was after having already biked for 45 miles that day. It was brutally dispiriting – but I did it!

Cynthia has had the challenge of driving the motor home and almost every day having to find a camping spot, ideally with hookups for electric & water. But sometimes we have had to “boondock” (dry camp). We have spent nights in truck stops and even a Walmart parking lot. And then she works her awesome homemaker magic – cooking wonderful meals in our tiny kitchenette, keeping everything neat and clean, etc., etc.

She is normally a planner and likes to know what’s next. But on this trip it depends on how far I get in a day, and that depends on many factors. But because of the strength of our 39-year relationship, we always work it out. She has been an incredibly supportive partner and I would not have done this trip without her buy-in.