whewwwwwww what a story Goddess! I'm worn out just reading it! How neat you got to meet SloJo - he and I are doing both virtual RAAM and a virtual Ride Across Australia (VOZ) and he's one of my biggest motivator/supporters!!
I'm sorry things just didn't work out for you - but you survived and did the ride!! good on you!!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"