Casa Grande to Tucson - Day 4

  Tucson, Arizona
Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Friends and Family,

At 2:00 PM Lawrence and I pulled into the Gieco parking lot to a crowd of cheering people.   It was a great day for riding with a mild wind and temperatures in the mid 80's.  As we celebrated completing another epic ride, I heard some disappointment voiced by a few Geico employees over the betting pool that went belly up because one of us wasn't run over (considering our experience, I would have entered that pool myself).  Lawrence and I spent some time on the car ride back home discussing the rather significant differences between this ride and the San Diego ride last year.    Last year we rode every inch of the 420 miles, many of which were on seldom traveled highways.   This year, we had to bypass approximately 100 miles due to shoulderless road conditions and even when there were shoulders, we had to contend with a horde of drivers competing for the "Road Kill Crown".      I suspect the average driver didn't have murderous intent, but they were obviously more concerned with developing an appropriate alibi for having lost the mortgage payment, than driving with any degree of moderation.   The net effect was the same: numerous close calls and people screaming at us for being on the road.    The other major difference was having to divide the ride up for the last two days due to a medical emergency associated with our son.  It meant less riding, but it also felt strange riding completely solo, (largely because you really want someone suffering with you).  

The bottom line is that I've proposed that we try the San Diego ride next year, but this time, we won't get lost, and we'll invite other friends to join us.  Yes, that means you.   Why not get bike out early this spring and start riding a little farther each weekend?     By the time October rolls around, you'll be in good enough shape to give it a try.   What's the worst that can happen (besides Lawrence and I abandoning you)? 

Thanks for following our journey and I hope you will seriously consider the offer for next year's adventure.

Cheers!