Greetings and hope you are all safe and sound. Last night at rap HK told us that most problems happen the first and last weeks of the trip. We are riding through the New England portion of this country, complete with charming homes, small villages and many retirees. Sadly we lost one of our riders in Niagara - Richard (I called him badger boy because he always wore a Wisconsin jersey and had a badger flag on his bike when we rode through that state). Apparently he injured his knee coming into the USA and after a day of ceaseless pain, decided to end the trip. Our day started off unfortunately true to HK's word: Bill, my skit pal, was hit by a motorcycle coming out of the hotel. Jana, who has been riding with him since the second week, said he flew up in the air like a rag doll and landed hard. Thankfully he does not recall a thing. He went to the hospital and ended up with stitches and scrapes, a concussion, and the likelihood that he will not complete the ride. As we rode by we saw the blood on the ground and I cried for about 5 miles. We saw him come in as we were unloading the box, and I cried again. He is very lucky and looking overall well. A bad way for BS to start a trip and a sobering day for all of us.
I am glad that the Ramada Inn is across the street because I am in serious need of a glass of wine. We tried to keep up the cheer today - along the canal we rode for about 25 miles and I said that it was kind of creepy - Erie as it were. BS said that it was a route canal. But somehow my heart wasn't into the comedy.
We are in the hotel and safe, and I feel like crying some more. What a great vacation buddy I can be, eh? Please everyone on and off the bike, take care and be watchful (as my mother would say) of the "other idiots on the road." Love to all, MA
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4 comments:
MA:
It also reminds me of the tag line from the beginning of "Hill Street Blues:" "Let's be careful out there...."
Into each life a little difficulty must fall - see how I managed to avoid the "r" word? Although Bill seems to have come through OK in his contact with a motorized two-wheeler, it is a reminder as you say for all of us.
I guess I'll stop drinking now when I drive....
(It's only Starbucks!!) Really!!
Today's was probably as melancholy a post as you've had for the entire trip, and speaking for all, I hope you get rid of the red dog. (get it? Melon? Collie?) (I hate when I have to explain them).
Hope the rest of the week is better, and hope you get back in to the swing of things...
Also, Patrick wants you to know that he is now the 2nd king of the mountain as far as family arm-wrestling is concerned. Peter still rules, but Patrick is hot on his heels - or is that elbows?
Love,
Gyurka
Dear MA (More Aware)
Hello BS (Bike Safely)
That was a shocker. Your prior blogs made Bill a real person, not just another rider. That made it worse hearing about his accident. Wish him well from all of us. Hope Bill can stay around. If not, who’s going to be your skit partner?
I’m glad BS is there with you to share the bad times. Anyone can share the good times. Sorry you’re so down right now, no matter that the reaction is natural. Keep your perspective. Bad things can happen even if you stay home. (More accidents happen around the house than anywhere else, though typically a motorcycle won’t run you over in your own kitchen.) Be more aware and bike safely but have fun doing it. Don’t let it interfere too much with your last five days.
Wow...I suppose something was bound to happen considering the miles that you all have ridden, but I'm still so sorry for Bill and Richard and Jana (for seeing it) and you (for losing your skit partner) and BS (for a sobering way to start a ride) and all the other riders. Let's pray that this is it for incidences and the rest is smooth sailing.
I know you've ridden New England before. Is it still as beautiful this time of year? You are a fabulous vacation buddy - as I can attest to personally, because (gosh), we rode all the way across the Golden Gate Bridge (that should bring a smile to your face). BS wants to share the experience in all that it is with you.
Keep your chin up, your eyes open, and your heart strong!
Love, hugs, prayers, and giggles, Tenley
Dear MA,
I echo all the sentiments of the others who have commented!
My heart goes out to you, (5 miles of tears....loosing Bill and Richard from the "pack"....to Jana for what must have been awful to see). May you continue to be watchful and let us pray that these are the ONLY incidents for the rest of the trip.
I still cannot fathom the toll this is taking on your body and emotions! The highs, the lows, the in betweens (probably not a lot of those!). It is so great to have had this experience shared by so many and now with BS...as PR said...glad he was there to be with you...it is rare that jokes fall flat for you!
Keep up the awesome life experience! It is just incredible to be able to vicariously travel with you! With all that is going on here, your trip is still the highlight (and I guess, now the low light) of our day!
Drive safe and prosper! May God grant safe travel and awesome experiences as you wind up these last few days!
Much love & can't wait to talk with you!
much love,
me
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