This Thanksgiving weekend we had an open night so I am filling in. Though I have some diaries I am excited about ‘in the hopper,’ I didn’t have a lot to say tonight. So I am going to write a little about a family relationship development.
I mentioned in earlier diaries my sister’s plan to ride at least portions of one of Adventure Cycling’s transcontinental routes. She and our younger sister rode from the Oregon coast to Charleston, SC, in 1982, and now, nearing retirement, she thought to undertake a similar challenge. She invited me to accompany her for the first three weeks, which got us through Washington State and into the Mt. Hood area of Oregon. I think we did about 700 miles together, through spectacular country, new to us both.
One of the best things about the trip was the motivation it provided for some quality training we did in preparation in the South Carolina and North Carolina mountains near our homes. We rode hundreds of miles together on mountain roads. It was a return to cycling for her, and I think it surprised her. To recover the love of a sport she had loved for many years when she was younger, and had then gotten away from. But we rode in heat and rain and wind, and enjoyed the variety of experience that these fine local roads can offer.
When I returned from the shared time in Washington and Oregon it was with some sadness, leaving her alone for the continuation of her adventure. Riding alone can be great fun, but it can also be difficult. She rode on for five or six more weeks, another 1100+ miles, before ending her trip and heading home, herself.
Now that she is back, to my delight, we have resumed our rides together. We rode about 28 miles today on an abnormally warm November day. Our route was one of our staples before the adventure began, with two significant climbs, one of them on a gravel road.
And I had one lingering thought as we cycled through the autumn day. How many siblings are given the gift of each other’s company for a shared experience like that after 60? I’m not sure it is many, but I am sure thankful that it is so for us.
I hope the holiday is being a fine one for each of you! On to tonight’s comments!
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In the same Angela Marx diary cited above, comes some funny repartee by many here beginning with this comment by Bob Johnson (followed by Armando … )
Is this comment by officebss with a story about officebss’s name, and a few words about Emmy Lou Harris. Always welcome!
Top Mojo ala mik!
For Thursday, November 24, 2016, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on the subject.
2016-11-25, courtesy of jotter!