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Post by hikerjer on Jul 18, 2015 10:14:05 GMT -8
As I have alluded to before on these forums, my 24 year old son and I were to leave on a cross-country bicycle trip from Portland to Savannah in mid-July of this year. Unfortunately, in mid-March, I had to have total knee replacement surgery which while a success, obviously, put the trip in a somewhat precarious position. Typically, for things to get anywhere normal after a surgery like this, it takes six months and generally a year to be at 100%. However, I was optimistic, overly so apparently, that maybe with training and exercise and considering that I was in relatively good shape, I could be ready for the trip by mid-summer. When I told my surgeon this, he supportive but a little dubious. He said he wanted to see me before I left. In the middle of June, I did go to see him. He took x-rays and informed me, that while the healing was progressing nicely, I had three options. First, I could go on the tour and be miserable every day due to the pain I would experience. Second and more likely, I could go and do so much damage to the knee that I’d have to go in again and have the whole thing redone. Third, I could wait and take the trip next year. Disappointing and unfortunate as it was, the third one was really the only viable option. And so, although it’s a bitter pill to swallow, once again, I’ll have to postpone the trip. I’ve done that twice before because of issues with my elderly parents so it’s getting to be old hat. At any rate, I’ll be driving my son out to Portland early next week as he’s determined to take the tour with or without me even though he’s never done anything like it before other than extended backpacking trips. So, he does know how to camp. More power to him, I suppose, although I know I’ll worry about him all the time even though I’m quite familiar with the relatively small amount of danger involved. Not so much his mother. Obviously, I’d much rather be going with but I guess I’ll be living this tour vicariously through him. So, it appears, I’ll be waiting for next summer to do this. After all, I’ll be a lot younger then. Isn’t that how it works? Guess it's life that always dealing the cards.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 18, 2015 10:24:25 GMT -8
So, he is using your sleeping bag? Did you find another?
There are so many of us, I wonder if he could sleep and shower at various homes along the way? Certainly not enough for every night, but maybe every 5th night or so?
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Jul 18, 2015 10:31:14 GMT -8
I'm sorry Jer. I know you have been wanting to do this trip for a long time. Maybe next year will work for you.
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Post by hikerjer on Jul 18, 2015 11:01:24 GMT -8
You're a perceptive guy, Zeke. Yes, he is actually using the 40-degree bag that we've discussed before. After I found out I needed to have knee surgery this spring, I sort of gave up on the quest for additional one. Maybe next year. Depends on the shape of my bag after he's used it for 3-4 months.
I think he's planning on camping almost the entire trip except for some friends and relatives he knows well that live along the way - San Francisco, Colorado Springs, St Louis, Atlanta. But he's just not the type of guy that's going to go out of the way to stay with complete strangers regardless of how kind they are. No fear or rudeness on his part, just the way he is. But thanks for suggesting it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2015 13:54:34 GMT -8
Jer, I'm sorry that you are delayed again in the pursuit of your dreams because it seems we all must do that. But I have to admit your desire to cycle from shore to shore perplexes me — excuse me, especially at your age.
I was indeed impressed when you completed your trip a couple years ago. Then your knee gave out, and I wondered if it was all worth it. Whatever it is that a guy seeks out of such trials of endurance, I think I satisfied those specific yearnings by the time I reached age 30. So I'm left somewhat befoggled that this means so much to you.
But it's your wish and to each his or her own. Despite the frustration, I think you're making the best decision to delay another year. Those knees are valuable joints — well worth preserving as long as possible. Best luck for next year.
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Post by hikerjer on Jul 18, 2015 17:31:59 GMT -8
You know Travis, we all have different goals and aspirations in our lives, as you rightly pointed out. A cross country bicycle trip has been a dream of mine since high school. But as you also know, life has way of interfering with plans. Up until now, retirement, career, family, and finances as well as my other personal interests - canoeing, conventional travel, skiing and especially backpacking, all conspired to delay the bike trip. The knee thing wasn't something I planned on but stuff happens. I don't really think it was bicycling that did my knees in but a combination of factors such as skiing, bicycling, hiking, etc. Price of an active life, perhaps. Actually the bike tour I took a few years ago was remarkably easier than I thought it would be. Perhaps that's one reason I'm so set on going again. As for satisfying yearnings by 30, it seems I just keep accumulating new goals as I get older. Anyway, if I can't go this year, I'll have something to look forward to all winter. And I have no intention of wasting the summer sitting around. After I return from the coast next week I have to do a little painting around the house and then I'm off on a number of endeavors that I've wanted to do for years and now it seems the opportunity has presented itself to do them.
One last comment or two. As far as doing the tour at my age - I'm 66 - you'd probably be surprised at the age of so many of the cross-country cyclists out there. There are a huge number my age and older. They all find themselves in the same situation as me - excepting the knee thing - retired and they finally have the time and money to do it. So why not? Anyway thanks for responding. I always appreciate your comments and as you say, "each to is own".
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Post by trinity on Jul 18, 2015 18:19:19 GMT -8
Really sorry about your trip, I can only imagine how disappointing that must be. Good on you for making the best decision for your long-term health, as difficult as it must have been. Hope your knee continues to heal well, and hope you're able to cross this trip off your bucket list next year.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2015 19:12:17 GMT -8
As for satisfying yearnings by 30, it seems I just keep accumulating new goals as I get older. Really, it's just the physical endurance thing I satisfied early. But like you, I still have many things I want to do. And I'm not going to abandon those hopes. You're right about the age. Many folks achieve great things in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond there. If there is anyone I know who can do this, it's got to be you. Whatever it is that I still want -- and there are many things -- no one will dissuade me from seeking that as long as necessary. There are times when being stubborn is akin to a virtue. I hope you succeed, or at least have good opportunity to give it your best try. |
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randypenny
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Post by randypenny on Jul 18, 2015 19:54:45 GMT -8
hikerjer , sorry your not going to make the trip with your boy. When he hits Missouri the KT, rails to trails path runs into St Louis. If he can pick it up, there's good support along the way for anyone traveling on a bike. KT link |
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Post by lostone on Jul 19, 2015 4:03:49 GMT -8
Sorry to hear that you have to delay your plan, but it does sound like it is for the best. Another year of healing and strengthening will hopefully make the journey more enjoyable next year :-).
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jul 20, 2015 10:35:11 GMT -8
That must be very disappointing. Next time for sure.
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Post by Crockett on Jul 20, 2015 20:05:29 GMT -8
a cross-country bicycle trip from Portland to Savannah My butt hurts just thinking about it!. ![]()  ![]() |
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Post by rwtb123 on Jul 21, 2015 3:28:27 GMT -8
IMO,hiking the A.T. in 6 months would be an active lifestyle.Speed jogging it in 46 days a test of endurance.Similarly,riding a bike cross-country over a summer an active lifestyle while racing across America in 8 days( www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raamfp.php?N_webcat_id=1 ) a test of endurance.As I am sure Jer knows once you are trained, riding a bike 50-60 miles per day to places unknown is more like a vacation than anything else.That said the number one reason older folks get off the trail or cc route is knee pain so as disappointing as it is Jer is smart to fully rehab his knee before setting out.I would also consider going as light as possible for similar reasons as backpackers are constantly lightening their load. And,while this is all particularly true for those mentally able to adjust to life on the road/trail,I know myself well enough to know that when I get away from home I will turn a hike or ride into a feat of endurance trying to do too many miles,with too little rest and food to the point that after two or three weeks I am ready to be back home to recover. So really I see both sides of this issue. |
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 21, 2015 4:47:23 GMT -8
I think you made a good decision to put it off until next year Jer. Best to be at 100% for a trip like that.
Hopefully your son is able to set aside the time again next year.
What has the doc said about getting back on the downhill skis this winter?
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Jul 21, 2015 7:17:38 GMT -8
The road will still be there next year. As folks have noted-best to be 100% for a trip like that. (Or at least 92.3%). We'll be up in your neck of the woods Aug 15th for a week. Give us a shout if you'll be around.
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