Aging is funny. Its a bit like having an old vehicle that you’re not sure you can trust on another long road trip. One day you think it’s time to accept that you’re getting old and to acknowledge the limitations of your aging body. Then denial and wanderlust set in. The next thing you know, you are headed off on a new bicycle tour adventure! Yes folks, it’s true, Jim and I are headed off on our bikes once again. This time we’re headed off to South America. Inspired by Deb, our good friend and companion from other bicycling adventures, we have signed up for the TDAglobal cycling South American Epic 2022. Jim plans to ride the first section from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile. He is then graciously heading home to be with Star, our aging and beloved Australian Shephard of 13+ years. I hope to continue on south through the Lake District of Chile and through Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) to Ushuaia near the southern tip of South America.

We are lucky enough to have traveled to Argentina and Chile before on shorter cycling trips when we were both still working. This trip, however, will take us through many new territories and promises fabulous new scenery, adventures and challenges. We look forward to traveling with several companions from prior trips: Hermann and Ada from the Netherlands; Peter and Judith from Bristol, England; Bill Wilson from Canada; and Deb Jenner, geographer and intrepid cyclist from Bath, England.

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We have been working hard to try to get as fit as possible for this journey and are lucky to have great support (It takes a village!). I want to call out to Michelle Lobdell, our awesome trainer in Spokane and to Carlos Soler, cycling coach, who has tried to guide me to become a stronger cyclist. We are incredibly fortunate that our good friends Tom and Anne Bandow are coming to stay at our place in Washington to take care of our dear old dog Star. And I could never have taken this on without the encouragement, friendship and care of Dr. Lisa Bliss, extraordinary athlete and doctor who has helped me through my various ailments and recoveries (see her inspiring TED talk at http://youtu.be/bmbN-MtVC8Q ).

I am dedicating this trip and blog to two beings that left us in the past year. The first is Jon Loreen a treasured friend and cycling companion from many trips in the past. We cherish the memories of our rides together and miss his gentlemanly companionship.

I also dedicate this blog to Jack, our canine companion of more than 13 years. He used to pout whenever we headed out on our adventures, refusing to look at us when he saw the suitcases heading to the car or us dressed in bicycle garb. We miss you Jack.

Jack and painting of Jack by grandson Gideon for on his grave

So please wish us luck, fortitude and the wisdom to hop on the van when we really ought! It always helps us to savor our journeys to have you riding along. See you from the road.