One of the reasons I ride Cycle Oregon is to test myself, both physically and mentally. It gets harder as the years accumulate but this year will be especially challenging. I’m feeling strong, still able to tackle most anything this 62 year old guy has any business doing. A few weeks back I went out for a 32 mile ride with some decent hills. 4th of July weekend we did a moderate four mile hike to Tamanawas Falls and I got in a 52 mile ride out to Hagg Lake. Felt great afterward, getting stronger after my winter layoff.
Other testing hasn’t gone as well. Had three blood draws in five days hoping my count would be high enough for chemo but no cigar. The delays were conflicting with our vacation plans as our summer is about scheduled out. Yesterday morning the oncology staff encouraged us to take our vacation now, skipping a chemo session wasn’t a big deal, at least to them.
So, with 24 hours to get everything together, we hit the road headed for Santa Monica where we will pick up Route 66 heading east. We’ve got a bit more than two weeks before we have to be home. Today’s test was the 430 miles from home to Redding, CA. I did fine and this will be one of our longest days so we are off to a good start. The “mother road” isn’t the only historic highway, we got a “kick” from these Hwy 99 signs. Ever the contrarian, we are doing 66 backwards so this is cleverly appropriate.
Stay tuned for more about our adventure, cruising with cancer.
Excited for you to “get your kicks on route 66”!