And He’s Off

This morning Larry started his journey.  Solo rider.  

Wife (that’s me) sag-wagon.

Last night Larry called our neighbor, Gary to check in.  Gary is battling stomach cancer.

Earlier, I called Barb, the mother of my friend and coworker Kristy.  Kristy is also battling cancer (breast cancer that’s metastasized). 

Early morning at the Oostema Farmstead.

I asked Larry, “How do you feel?” 

“I feel grateful for my health.  I feel sad to see friends struggling or having their health failing, you know.

“I have mixed emotions about being here and not back home spending time with those friends going through health struggles, spending time helping them in any way I can.”

“How do you feel this morning,” he asked.

“A little annoyed.  I’d rather you find yourself with 10 days of Vipassana than a two month bike trip.  But, then again, I’ll learn a bunch on this trip too.”

This morning he took off.  On his bicycle, 4,200* miles or so.  He’ll have plenty of time to think, to contemplate the meaning of life.

Dogs pose by his bike.

Changing into cycling shoes.

He’s ready.

Look at those sexy calves.

Odometer set at zero.

A dip in the Pacific.

And he’s off.