When people learn about my retirement they invariably ask "what are you going to do?" I tell them about my bike ride and they say they would like to do something similar. Some form of the following exchange ensues:
"What kind of bike do you ride? A Harley?"
"No, I just bought a new Surly Long Haul Trucker," I answer.
"A what?"
"It's a bicycle, not a motorcycle." Then the conversation takes an entirely different tone.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
The Prologue
HEY, IT'S MY FIRST BLOG! Now that I've got that outburst of rookie enthusiasm out of my system, let's get down to business.
As many of you know, I am retiring after 33 years with the largest paint company in America, effective July 6th. Since I will have quite a bit of free time on my hands, I decided it might be fun--not to mention challenging--to undertake an extended bicycle trip. (Some day I'd like to upgrade that to an EPIC bicycle trip, but for now I will settle for an extended ride.) In mid-July I will be visiting my son in Seattle for a couple of days and then begin my completely self-supported trek back to Minneapolis-St.Paul. This adventure seemed like the next logical step after six RAGBRAIs and last year's solo, 6-day ride from Hastings to Duluth and back. If all goes well on this trip, I hope to continue on to the east coast next summer.
It is quite surprising to me how many people, when informed of my plans, have questioned my sanity. That includes my wife who was an early critic and obstacle to my journey. After weeks of "negotiating," I can now count her as one of my many supporters. Anyway, those folks who questioned my judgement gave a name to the web address that got you to this point.
And the supporters who have expressed interest in my trip are the reason for this blog. I hope I can live up to your expectations. Personally, I think the blog will eventually attain the same literary importance as, say, Finnegan's Wake. More likely, however, it will be just as hard to understand and not nearly as profound. Profound? What can you expect from a Blog Title taken from a 3rd Grade writing assignment?
I probably will not post again until July. When I begin my long journey, I encourage and humbly welcome any comments you wish to post. I think there is a comment box you can click on to do so.
As many of you know, I am retiring after 33 years with the largest paint company in America, effective July 6th. Since I will have quite a bit of free time on my hands, I decided it might be fun--not to mention challenging--to undertake an extended bicycle trip. (Some day I'd like to upgrade that to an EPIC bicycle trip, but for now I will settle for an extended ride.) In mid-July I will be visiting my son in Seattle for a couple of days and then begin my completely self-supported trek back to Minneapolis-St.Paul. This adventure seemed like the next logical step after six RAGBRAIs and last year's solo, 6-day ride from Hastings to Duluth and back. If all goes well on this trip, I hope to continue on to the east coast next summer.
It is quite surprising to me how many people, when informed of my plans, have questioned my sanity. That includes my wife who was an early critic and obstacle to my journey. After weeks of "negotiating," I can now count her as one of my many supporters. Anyway, those folks who questioned my judgement gave a name to the web address that got you to this point.
And the supporters who have expressed interest in my trip are the reason for this blog. I hope I can live up to your expectations. Personally, I think the blog will eventually attain the same literary importance as, say, Finnegan's Wake. More likely, however, it will be just as hard to understand and not nearly as profound. Profound? What can you expect from a Blog Title taken from a 3rd Grade writing assignment?
I probably will not post again until July. When I begin my long journey, I encourage and humbly welcome any comments you wish to post. I think there is a comment box you can click on to do so.
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