Not to be

I have decided not to pursue the record ride this summer.

There is not one single factor that has brought this about but rather the contribution of many small and not so small ones. Significantly, with time, I have come to realize that the Diabetic Awareness component meant a lot more to me than chasing after a number for its own sake. Given the rushed
nature of my attempts to work on this, I feel that it would be better to 'cut my losses' and move on to other pressing personal matters in the short term, and rebuild this project around another attempt or another noteworthy activity down the road.

Many thanks to Bow Cycle and especially Chris George for his work on this site. Thanks to all of those who have provided support and encouragement and to those that have followed this bit of misadventure. Another special thanks to the great folks of Glenboro, MB as well.

Again I would like to publicly acknowledge Erik Straarup for his amazing ride in 1999 and wish him all the best on his next trip, around Australia. The Race Across America is in the news again, but what he accomplished, though less publicized, is at least as impressive if not more so.

I have no regrets for having put into this what I have up to now. It has been quite humbling at times, but has also provided some valuable lessons and neat experiences. For what it is worth, not withstanding saddle sore issues, I finished this last training trip feeling very confident in my physical ability to have a serious shot at it.

I do hope to keep this page active and continue to build it into an interesting and valuable resource. This is not the end of big undertakings by any stretch. Among other projects on the list, skiing to and climbing Mt. Logan (Canada's highest peak) next spring is a real possibility. I am not writing off the idea of trying to break this record at a future time either.

In the near term I may bike part of the way back to Kimberley, BC (at a more casual pace), testing the new tent I have from Black Diamond (only 2.5 lbs!). I have a LOT in my personal life to sort out, but I am also very keen to get back into long distance trail running and climbing.

Thanks again to everyone.