A Bump In The Road

Note to the touring cyclist: It doesn’t always work the way you planned.

How many times have I said RICH’S RIDE isn’t about Rich and it isn’t about a ride? I hate it when my own words slap me in the face.

The “ride” part of this edition of RICH’S RIDE hit a major snag Tuesday. I didn’t feel especially chipper when I cranked away from the hotel in Lake City, but that happens. Usually once I get going everything’s okay. This time it wasn’t.

At about nineteen miles I crawled off the bike. 102 degree fever, dizzy, felt like, well, let’s just say I didn’t feel well. I’ve had enough infection issues to recognize the signs. We were in the middle of nowhere, so we drove about an hour to the closest hospital in Tallahassee.

I’ll spare you the details. The bottom line is I’ve been warned that failure to stay off the bike for a few days could cause serious, long-term consequences.

I’m absolutely determined to finish the 1000 miles, but this is one situation where there’s a clear difference between determined and stupid. Fortunately I have Becky to reinforce that reality if I lose my mind.

Needless to say, I’m terribly disappointed. This isn’t the outcome I envisioned, but it’s simply beyond my control.

Now the question: what’s next?

Assuming the antibiotics kick in as they should, Becky’s offered to ride some of the remaining miles on her bike. We’re a team, right?

Some of the folks from our Venture Expeditions Freedom Tour suggested they could ride some miles as well.

We’ll figure it out. This really isn’t about a ride, right?

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