“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —A.A. Milne
- Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2022
- Weather: Clear and cool in the morning and it got HOT!
- Starting Point: Schoharie, NY
- Departure Time: 0642 EST
- Miles: 42
- Moving Time: 2:15
- Total time: 2:25
- Overnight Location: Brookside RV Park, Catskill, NY
It’s to the point where we’ve begun counting lasts. The last time I’ll have to meter my steps to turn in the bathroom, walk sideways down the hall, or feel the room rock when I turn in bed. The final time I’ll wake up to see the sunrise in a place I’ve never been before.
I miss my family that goes without saying, but my house will always be there, and my cozy bed can wait. It’s the final time I’ll pedal away from the place we stayed, never to go back because we’ll call another our home.
The last time I’ll hear the comforting whir of a downshifting engine, knowing they’re as happy to see me as I am to hear them because together, our only goal is to experience the country on wheels in a way that’s bigger than only a ride.
The opportunities to savor a hearty country breakfast without concern are nearing an end. There’s security in the routine of daily life, but nothing more liberating than the whim of letting a bike take you where you’d never go to meet people you’d never know.
There’s something special around that corner and down that road, and the last thing I want is to miss the chance for another memory or to overlook an experience.
My riding days are far from over, but soon I won’t be riding across the country. I wish the anticipation and excitement could last forever.
When the day is through, and we raise a glass, the toast always goes like this, “Day 56, another like no other, until tomorrow.” I don’t want tomorrow to be the last.
I’m okay with saying goodbye to wearing shoes in the shower and paying for the pleasure, just sayin! If that’s the way it has to be, though, I’ll take it any day.
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Fifty-Six—Si Bradeley
I first met Si Bradeley when he had read between the lines of something I’d written to sense that the internet trolls were getting to me, and I was taking it personally. I knew him from the race recon videos, but we’d never spoken before, and his unsolicited words of reassurance were just what I needed. He’s always there when I need a reminder, even though I don’t know where there is and likely never will. Yet I know he has a mutually respected friend he can count on to be there too.
Here is what Si had to say—”Think you know most of it already :-)”
That’s true, and you can to if your interested in reading this fun and informative The ZOM interview about Si here.
Amount Raised to Date—$9,920
Thank you, Si!
Now off to Uncle Rudy’s house in Fishkill, NY!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
