Touring as a Tribute to my Father

[DebW]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You've been planning your tour for a long time, and it will now be a healing journey as well as all the other things you wanted it to be.

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry for your loss. After I lost my father last summer, I felt very inspired to race. It was that same feeling of wanting to really live life, to get out of my comfort zone and push myself; to be more like my father.

I haven't toured, but I have driven across country and I experienced a feeling of existing in a very strange and beautiful "in the moment" place which I'm not really able to describe, but you might understand what I mean. I hope this trip gives you comfort.

[Tri Girl]

hirakukibou- please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I love that you're still planning to do your tour, and that it will be done with your father in mind. I'm certain he would have loved to take such an amazing adventure, and you'll be making him proud.
I lost my father at a young age, and when I decided to become active, every race I've ever run (or ridden) has been with him on my shoulder. Your father will be along for the ride with you the whole way.
Take care of yourself, and take it easy. Big hugs to you!

[Jo-n-NY]

hirakukibou, I also am very sorry for your loss. I think this trip that you have planned is a wonderful way to help heal & help you through the grieving process.

[emily_in_nc]

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing my father in 2005 was the very hardest thing I've ever gone through, and the darkest time in my life. I couldn't even get on my bike for about 9 months after he died, and even when I did, I couldn't ride on the road initially. He died in a car accident in a tiny Honda Civic he'd driven for over 10 years, and I felt so vulnerable on my bike after that. I would only ride my mountain bike on trails for a long while. I finally did start riding on the road again, but like you, I cried quite a bit as I logged miles -- I too think and contemplate when I ride, but it was actually cathartic and helped in my long grieving process, I think.

A couple of years later, a man in my bike club died -- also in a car accident -- and he had been almost like a father figure to me, so that brought the tears and grieving back as I pedaled along.

I salute you in your resolve to complete your planned tour and am sure your father would be very proud. It will do you good, I just know it.

[hirakukibou]

Thanks everyone for your kind and supportive words. I do feel that his spirit will be at my back.

Now we just have got get my DH well (He has been sick with shingles for 3 weeks ) and finish mapping out the route, figure out the ten million details (like the health proxies and pack all the gear up. I am most worried about DH. The next two weeks will tell. . . we are hoping to leave in three weeks.

I will post the route when I am done -- would love to see any willing TE'ers along the way!

Cheers,
Hira

[pll]

hirakukibou: My condolences for your loss. The idea of riding as a tribute is very beautiful.