Touring as a Tribute to my Father

[hirakukibou]

About two weeks ago my dad died. It has been a hard couple of weeks. Now every time I get on my bike I start to cry. Mind you, my dad and my riding are not connected in some special way. However, I think the reason I cry is because riding is a contemplative practice for me. Riding is a time when I am in my body and quiet. It is both active and reflective. It is a time when I can ruminate. Recently, my ruminations have been about my dad and my upcoming tour across the country and the connections between the two.

My partner and I have been planning to ride our bicycles from Bedford, MA to El Segundo CA – We will travel east to west, across Adventure Cycling’s Northern Tier bicycle route, then to the Lewis and Clark trail, and then down the pacific coast. We will ride more in one summer than I do most years. It is a rather daunting trip and it is odd that in the midst of grieving, I am planning to undertake something so challenging for me. Yet, I think this is a good thing. It reminds me of things my father said to me, especially late in his life, about living for the day and following your dreams while you can. I think he felt he didn’t do enough of that. So, in a funny way taking this trip is a tribute to my father.

[indysteel]

(((hirakukibou))). I'm so sorry about your dad and the tough time you're having. But your tour sounds like a wonderful tribute. I hope it helps heal your grief.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. A few years ago a friend of ours lost her dad around the same time of year and she started a memorial century in his honor. This year she has started a scholarship fund in her dad's name that this ride is raising money towards. Perhaps you can someday join us for the Allegrina 100. I did it last year and it was my favorite century of all the ones I've done. It's set up to be a group ride with a series of legs, so people come and go, but we mostly all stick together, then have a party at the end in honor of fathers gone too soon.

Best of luck on your epic ride. I hope it is a really positive experience for you as you grieve.

[leah]

I am so sorry for your loss. And I cannot think of a better gift to yourself in the midst of grief. Nothing heals like being under the great open sky, watching the changing scenes go by as you pedal. Your father is there, in all of it. Big hugs to you.

[shootingstar]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father.

This ride is very significant for you-- ride with heart, strength and best of memories.

[lovelygamer]

Hira, I lost a friend suddenly last week. It was shocking and I couldn't even accept it for days. I can't imagine how it is when it's your parent. I really feel for you. It's bad when you can't even look forward to that which usually makes you feel better but hopefully, time and activity will heal you. I'll be thinking peaceful thoughts of you and wishing you the best this summer.

[Reesha]

Hi Hira! That sounds like an incredible tribute. I am sorry that you lost someone dear to you.

I recently had a man stay with me who does about 8,000 miles per summer fully loaded. He does it to raise awareness for Blue Planet Network and told me every year that he rides himself into shape and just takes it easy the first week. Have you checked out Warm Showers? I bet there are some Team E ladies that would host you both on the route. I know I would!

I am riding the northern tier this summer but it's a supported ride for the American Lung Association and it's West to East. There are a few riders on our trip doing it to honor someone they lost recently... and I just think it's incredible and wonderful that they are doing it for them.

Good luck to you!