I have finally arrived back home after being gone for almost 2 weeks. I spent the first part of my trip riding a bicycle for 3 days as part of an event called RAGBRAI. This event brings in about 10-12 thousand bicyclists at day on this 7 day trip. Small towns become flooded with people and bicycles. It challenged me physically and mentally. I like to think that I am in pretty good shape since I work out 3-4 times per week, but I witnessed men and women twenty years older than me pass me by on their bikes. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about myself. One thing I learned is that I am not a good camper and that I am a little more high maintenance than I thought.
I was fortunate enough to meet up with a grieving dad that lost his son 8 years ago. He rides almost 7000 miles a year in order to occupy his mind. He told me that “riding makes me feel closer to my son”. He and his son use to spend a lot of time riding together. In fact, they have bicycled across the United States twice. He told me it is a form of therapy for him. (Thanks Phil for taking the time to meet with me)
I spent the last part of my 2 week vacation traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico. What a beautiful place with great food, history and fine art. We took a culinary walking tour of 5 separate restaurants in Santa Fe and were able to meet with the chefs and sample the food and wine at each establishment. Great food, great wine and we met some great people. Fantastic experience.
As part of this trip to Santa Fe, I was able to meet with another grieving dad that lost his 21-year-old daughter, almost 7 years ago, to a tragic accident. This gentleman now heads up a grief support group for other parents that have lost children. I applaud Don for taking what he has gone through and to reach out to others that will have to travel along this very tough road. (Thanks to Don for taking the time to meet with me on such short notice)
Sorry its been awhile since I posted on this blog, but I promise you can expect many more postings soon.
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