Post Trip Thoughts

I was happy that I did the trip but you can't go home again!  The first trip at 70 across the southern route was much more exciting for me. It was a life time goal and regardless of how I  felt I pedaled every mile.

I wanted to do this trip basically because it was a different route, I could validate that I was in pretty good shape for a 75 year old and that it again would be fun to do. Even though I trained hard for this trip I felt exhausted most of the time.  I still do not know if it was that I was five years older, or the terrain, or the fact that I had to give up 3 months of training to go through treatment and recovery for prostrate cancer. In my opinion the trip is more challenging because of steeper climbs and possibly longer climbs. Even the first 100 mile day (the first day in essence) was a challenge and I realized that once again I would be the slowest of the group. I was alright with that and realized more than in the last trip that I needed to van it not only for myself but to make the whole day easier for the guides to manage. The guides are constantly monitoring the spread. ( The time and distance between the fastest and slowest rider and how they can support both groups successfully.)


I enjoyed the scenery more on this trip and loved the descents, especially Mount Hood, Lolo Pass and many more multi-mile steep descents.  I also enjoyed the scenery, especially in Eastern Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Eastern Wyoming, Western South Dakota, (the black hills and Badlands), the farms of Minnesota and Wisconsin, New York State, Vermont, New Hampshire and dipping the tires in the Atlantic in Maine.    Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were just OK

I am beginning to think that extended trips might be a little more challenging than I imagine they will be and that I need to think about all aspects of the next trip more carefully especially daily  distance and climbs.  I know I will still bike as often as possible so that ' get the exercise I need but just maybe slowing it down as pace for multi-day trips might be sensible   to consider more seriously.

Dipping the tires in the Pacific. 

Dipping the tires in the Atlantic. I think I look happier in
this one!

Ann helps me celebrate in Maine

My nephew Scott surprised me by joining in the celebration of
my arrival! Thanks to Ann and Scott  -- I really
appreciate them being there!

I completed about 3000 miles of the 3756 mile trip!  Not bad for an old guy!