THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Well,  this past week our plans were shifted when our partners decided to opt out of the ride.  That means no motor home assistance.   Needless to say, this major change of plan has knocked us for a loop this week.  The day we heard “the news” we did a pretty brisk 60 miles,  but the next day after a very restless night’s sleep, we opted to do just 25 miles (our shortest ride in months.) and return back to camp to weigh the options, such as not going, trying to get someone else to drive our truck/5^th wheel,  and doing the ride “self supported” (i.e., pulling a trailer behind the tandem with all our camping gear, clothing, etc).

By late last night (Saturday), we had decided to forget the whole thing.  Too much unknown, too much expense….  So today (Sunday), we moped around most of the day.  I’ve never seen Rick depressed before and now I’ve seen it (nice to know I’m not the only one).  The thought of not even attempting to do this ride just devastated both of us and by mid afternoon, we knew we have to try no matter what.

So,  we have settled on doing the bike trailer/camping thing.  This is not to say we won’t stay in a motel from time to time, but that we will be minimizing what we take with us and doing a bit of camping along the way.   There are many details to work out, such as what all we need to take with us, how to get to San Diego, how to get back from Florida, etc., etc., etc.  But our spirits are lifted again just knowing we will go ahead and START!

We are now headed out with our entire “caravan” to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a few weeks to train in some different terrain, enjoy some company of Rick’s acquaintances from when he lived there,  and eat some New Mexican cuisine which I have heard  many rave reviews of.  After this, we plan to drive to Quartzsite and store the “mothership” and boat, and head out to San Diego to start this most excellent insane adventure.