Why and Why Now?

Biking is one of the many sports that Tony and I have enjoyed during our 35 years together. It has been the centerpiece of some of our best vacations—France, Germany, New Zealand, PEI, Croatia—sometimes as a couple and sometimes with our kids, Andrew and Allie. It’s a wonderful way to experience the countryside—faster than hiking but slower than a car.

Tony (yellow jacket) & Carol (beige jacket), Croatia

Tony, Germany

Allie, New Zealand

After we moved to New Hampshire five years ago, great biking was so much more accessible than in the Boston area and I had more time to take advantage of the opportunity.

Paradise

As my body responded less favorably to squash, my sport of choice for the previous 15 years (truth be told, being pummeled by relative newcomers to the sport 30 years my junior might have also played a role), cycling seemed kinder to my joints, muscles, and psyche. I upgraded my equipment and ventured back out.

Last year we escaped the cold and grey of New Hampshire for our first winter in Florida.

Not Paradise

We biked some with the local bike club, the Sarasota Manatee Bike Club, and I frequently biked solo. I realized that I wanted to get more serious about training. Then the light bulb went off—

I turn 60 (yikes!) on March 4th. A long distance cycling trip seemed to be a momentous way to welcome in the new decade. Planning the trip well in advance provided a great conditioning and fitness goal. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I hope to shed a few pounds along the way.

I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about raising this idea with Tony: the cost, two months apart—. To my relief, he has been behind me on this from the get go and has been one of my biggest fans during the training. We ride together frequently when he’s not flying his glider. He’ll be out to visit for what we wryly refer to as our conjugal visit during my rest day near Austin, Texas.