He's given the decision a lot of thought, and he's decided that this ride is just not worth being away for three weeks.
He said there's no real point in continuing if he's not having fun. He sounds like he's made peace with the decision, and talked me through his thought process, and I think he's right. He's learned, through this experience, that he can do as many miles as he wants on the bike, but it's not what he wants to do. He's having moments of fun pop up through the mundane, rather than the other way around. The driving force behind the decision seems to be that; however, his nagging achilles is playing a small part.
I will be heading to an early sleep and then driving 11 hours to get him tomorrow from Lima.
We should be back some time on Tuesday and from there he can relive the experience for you. I'm sure he's got great pictures and great stories to share and this blog will continue to live until he's told them all.
Thank you to everyone for your support and kind words. I know it meant a lot to me and got me through this remarkably well. Chris is an amazing husband, person, and friend. He gives his entire heart to everything he sets out to do and I couldn't be more proud. I can't wait to give him a big hug and kiss. He's already ridden almost 900 miles on a rigid, single speed bike in just 7 short days. Now that the decision has been made, I absolutely can't wait to see him and enjoy the rest of our summer together.
These races may consume our lives now and then, but in the end, it truly is just a bike ride.
Quite a ride it was.
Quite a ride it will be.
13 comments:
Chris-
Nice work out there. Proud of you for giving it a go in the manner that you did.....very little fanfare and very little noise.
Again....great rid.
Now get home to that seemingly awesome wife of yours!:-)
Best,
Brian Blair
Congrats Chris. Enjoy the rest of the summer and don't look back with any regrets. Ride On!
Nigity - "Always keep a smile in your heart."
Chris,
Look forward to your thoughts
Great ride!!!
Fun is the key. I have bowed out of my share of races, glad to see that Chris made the leap into doing such a race. I look forward to riding with you both, very soon.
Well put Marni, thanks for that. It is a bike ride...
I'm impressed with the decisions Chris has made, and this decision is actually refreshing, in many ways.
Also, I'm thankful for the opportunity to have met the two of you.
Have a fantastic summer enjoying one another's company!
Brendan
Can't wait to hear the stories and see the pics!
My wife and I spent lots of time doing self contained touring, our favorite being the San Juan Islands. Hopping from Island to Island on ferrys and camping.
It's true about riding a bike. It's just a ride. But the experiences you have will never leave you.
You can only be proud and celebrate what so many of us out here only read about! 900 miles on a bike....in seven days!!! That is something to celebrate! I get a sore bum from riding a trail for an hour!! I have been enjoying your blogs for months and have lived some adventure reading about your couples trip (Marni's recaps allowed me to feel as though I was on the trip right along with you all....amazing....truly amazing!) and then this trip. I can tell you that you have been cheered for and cheered on all the way from Michigan!
I would also like to tell you that you both have brought much inspiration to me thru your adventures from your support of one another in your marriage and friendship. What a wonderful testament.
Be proud, feel congratulated, celebrate your accomplishments, and know that you have inspired so many people to step out of their comfort zone and do something that the world told them they could not do! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us and I personally will be looking forward to hearing all about what you endured.
Enjoy your summer and your time together. You are blessed at this moment and at this place. Soak it in and appreciate it. Anything else that is meant to be will come in due time. For now....just enjoy the moment and all that you have and thanks for sharing a little bit of your lives with anyone who happens upon your blogs looking for a little inspiration and adventure.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! What an amazing acheivement!
Congrats Chris and Marni,
As a spectator, it was fun while it lasted.
Maybe someday you will be able to hit the trail together - then there'd be no stopping you :-)
Chris - way to go! Awesome ride and tough decision in some ways, not so tough in others. Once you set your mind to do something it can be hard to change it.
Well done and see you soon!
Ed
Just a bike ride. Somehow those words just don't capture the essence of what it really is...
Solo TTs can be hard. Where a race gives purpose to the pursuit...you did not have that carrot. It was simply a long ride and a long time away from home.
From one chronic manic to another, I think I understand your dilemna. Tough call on your part, but when all is said and done you'll know even more strongly what is most important to you.
Way to go bro bro!!!
May there be many rides to come.
love you.
Congrats on a great ride. It's a long ride with a long time away from loved ones, so if you're not having fun, it's definitely not worth pushing on just for the sake of pushing on. A bike ride should be fun above all else!
Perhaps just a tour along the trail for the both of you in the future?
Good Job. Just think, 900 miles in 7 days! Amazing. Great accomplishment. I can't wait to read your thoughts.
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