The Author's Florida Bike Trip
I often get letters from folks wondering how I am doing. I am doing well.
OK, so I've been a bit tardy in responding to y'all about my bike trip to Florida. It went well and I learned some important lessons. First, after 5 years in remission, I was capable of more physical exertion than I had thought possible. I had miscalculated the distances that I would need to ride in order to accomplish my goal of riding the length of Florida. Consequently, I ended up riding at least 80 miles every day, and this with tent, sleeping bag and pad as well as clothing, etc. Sure, I was tired, but I felt surprisingly good each morning. Going to bed before 10 helped too. So, bottom line, you can get into great physical shape after chemo.
Second, I learned that in bike riding you take what the elements will allow. Let me explain, the first 4 days I had the wind at my back. It was glorious. The last 4 days I had it in my face. I had to find a pace that was comfortable even if that meant riding at such a slow pace that I had to spend more than 6 hours a day on the bike to get to where I wanted to spend the night. Patience.
Third, that even though I didn't really accomplish anything, it felt like I did. It was a life achievement that amounted to nothing. I'm glad I did it. I rode 650 miles in 8 days. I had no mechanical difficulties until the last 5 miles of the trip, when my rear tire blew out. "The more you near your destination, the more you're slip sliding away," was the line from Paul Simon that reverberated in my mind.
Finally, Florida is a large and beautiful state when seen from the slow moving perspective of a bicycle. The weather was good and for the most part, I avoided a sunburn. I drank in its serenity, beauty and strength. I returned refreshed and ready to do anything that I had a mind to accomplish.
On a more somber note.....my marriage of 30 years has come to a halt. My wife Jane decided two years ago that we should separate. She has recently filed for divorce. I have a new lady in my life now and I accept life, just like the wind. Sometimes it's with you, at other times, right in your face.
Mark