Distance 26.3 miles -- Total 826.3 miles
Time 2:14:43 -- Total 69:17:34
Elevation Gain 574 -- Total 29,420 feet
As Dirty Harry said in Magnum Force, "A man's got to know his limitations." I have always thought of that quote in the context in which it was delivered--as a subtle put down. Today I am appreciating it as a basic truth. My limit for bike touring is 826.3 miles.
After considering this for several days, I have ended my ride in Boise. There is no deeper explanation other than I have not been enjoying the ride. And I am too old to spend two more months doing something I'm not enjoying. Plus my bike told me it was time to quit when I had yet another flat two miles from my destination.
I am happy I did this. It has been a great adventure. I feel I got what I wanted out of it. I rode for more than 800 miles; I crossed two mountain ranges and climbed more than the height of Mt. Everest; I explored a part of the country I had never visited; I reconnected with two old friends, Doug and Jean Ann; I saw the total eclipse; and, I met a lot of great people, some of whom are following the blog.
I only have one regret, the students in Ms. Young's 5th grade class won't get to follow along and play where's Melvin anymore.
For everyone reading, thank you. I hope you have enjoyed it. And to everyone who has commented, whether on the blog or through email (especially Marsha Berry who sent me an email every day), I cannot tell you how much that communication has meant to me. If you have any final thoughts you would like to share, post them here or email me at mdubee@comcast.net.
I have rented a car and will spend several days making my way back home. The good news is, now North Dakota is back on my itinerary. I will post pictures from the rest of the trip on Instagram @mgdubee. Here is one last picture at the finish.
A final thought, none of this would have been possible without the support of my wonderful, caring, understanding, patient wife Kristine, whom I love dearly.
Signing off for #melbikesamerica.
Enjoy the cross-country journey - can't wait to have you home and hear more about your adventures. I am so proud of you for doing it, and for knowing when enough was enough.
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DeleteAs they say in show business - "timing is everything." 823 miles is a lot of bike riding by yourself, carrying your own gear, on unfamiliar and busy roads. Great accomplishment Melvin. I felt the same way on my trip. We did 900 miles and there were days when i felt like we were just grinding out the miles each day without the satisfaction you should be getting on a bike. That was enough for me and everyone else inthe group felt the same way at the end. Big difference was we were part of a group which made it easier and it was only a 40 day trip that ended in sunny southern California. Congratulatons on your accomplishment. Looking forward to having a beer when you get back and learning more about the trip. If you keep on your northern track home - come meet us in Wellfleetm MA on Sept. 20 -24 for a the Cape Cod ride. Kevin
ReplyDeleteTwo mountain ranges more than I did this summer. What a great adventure and stories to tell! Looking forward to seeing you in Columbus. We'll have the tent set up in the backyard but will keep the sprinklers off.
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DeleteProud of you Melvin! I've really enjoyed your blog and am sorry I haven't commented until now. Glad you got to see and experience Washington, Oregon (especially the Columbia River Gorge's amazing waterfalls), and Idaho. Now praying that you have safe yet interesting travels the rest of the way home.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Mike Holmes
Thank you Mike. I'm looking forward to the rest of the drive home.
DeleteCongratulations, Melvin, on a remarkable journey! I'm glad you did it, too.
ReplyDeleteMelvin, I'm so glad you are safe! What a remarkable achievement. I'm happy to know such an adventurer.
ReplyDeleteThx Cathy.
DeleteMelvin. Great job on an incredible ride. So glad you are safe and will live to ride another day. Enjoy the Drive home. Nice jersey too
ReplyDeleteBrendan,
DeleteI appreciate all the support. I started in the Bo's jersey, I had to finish in it.
Great job Melvin! I don't need to tell you, but that is a lot of miles to ride solo in unfamiliar territory. Enjoy your drive home and reflect on what you have accomplished. Nice job representing Bo's!
ReplyDeleteDave B.
Hey Melvin - Congratulations! 826.3 miles is quite the accomplishment, and I'll look forward to hearing more sometime! --Dan.
ReplyDeleteHappy that I finally finished your blog and I have to say- incredible, impressive, inspirational. I didn't try to have all I's...wonder if there's a deeper meaning to it, a sign perhaps... I-statements, there's no I in Team, I alone no more... maybe not. But I sure am glad that you got what you wanted out of #melbikesamerica. And that you're home safe and sound on the s... court... hm
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