On the evening of my last blog on June 10, after landing in Silverthorne Colorado, I was made aware of some developing circumstances back home. These circumstances are of a serious enough nature that I have been left with no choice but to indefinitely postpone the remainder of my trip and return home immediately.
I put the bike and all the equipment in storage in Silverthorne yesterday(June 11) and this morning early I took a shuttle 100 miles to Denver Int'l Airport and flew home. The last couple of days have been quite an emotional drain.
Whether I will be able to return this year and finish the trip remains to be seen and will depend on variables not even known at this time. I am sad and disappointed at this turn of fate but can't help but feel somehow lucky for the opportunity I had while it lasted.
However events lend themselves to evolve from here on, I want to thank each and every one of you who followed along on this trip with me. The daily show of support from so many of you was nothing shy of tremendous and I am so glad I had the opportunity to share some of my experiences and stories with you. I have saved every blog comment, every trackmytour app comment, every text message and every email from all of you throughout this adventure. They are a reminder for me of what great friends I have. Thank you.
If I can't get back to finish my trip, I am left with the choice of having the bike and equipment shipped back here, or.....................................One of you can fly up there, adjust the seat height and get her done!!
Thanks again. It may not have ended the way I planned, but it was still one of the greatest experiences of my life.
OMG...so sorry to hear something unfortunate came up.....I truly hope you get to head back and finish at some point.....Hope all is well.....
ReplyDeleteBrian George
Mike and I are so sorry to hear that you had to return to California for personal reasons. Your blog has been quite entertaining and I hope you will be able to pick up where you left off even if it's next year.
ReplyDeleteAffectionately,
Brandy and Mike Schuyler
Corvallis Oregon
So Sorry Mike. Prayers to you and Marie. If you need anything from the Rankins Please call. We love you guys. You're an Inspiration . I've enjoyed the trip posts up to now.
ReplyDeleteMike, I tried to post this a few minutes ago...not sure why it didn't, but I don't see it...so I'll retype. Just caught up to recent postings... So sorry you can't continue forward...but know that you've covered some amazing ground and done a great job of sharing the adventures! I hosted another cyclist (Warm Showers) once who was biking from SF to Maine... Part way through, she had to suspend the trip for over a year due to health issues that surfaced with one of her knees. She eventually was able to pick up where she left off and did finish the ride! I believe it will work out for you to do that, down the road. In the meantime, celebrate the many miles and mountains you've traveled. Quite a feat to be proud of! All the best, and I hope things work out at home, whatever is calling you back. Paula Joy
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