Gay and Gray: August 2008

To mark my 50th birthday, and possibly deny the associated signs of physical decline, I decided to ride the length of the C & O Canal Towpath on my bicycle.

I gave this decision long consideration - about 5 minutes of thought after finding the ride while surfing the net 2 weeks before my birthday.

I am not an athlete, in any sport, in any way, in any universe. I have never ridden my bicycle more than 75 miles at one time, never more than 25 miles unpaved, and never for full days in succession. Fortunately, my friend Kandy Lippincott has, and she agreed to join me.

The C & O Canal runs from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown, MD over 184 miles of stones, cinders,packed dirt, tree roots and mud that was abandoned by the mule barges in the 1800's. It parallels the Potomac River and winds through some gorgeous scenery. It is a popular bicycle trip for riders more experienced and more fit than myself.

Then we packed our necessities (clothes, camera, bungee cords, and 5 spare inner tubes) onto our bikes and drove to Arlington, VA where our friend Marilee would watch over our car. A bicycle shuttle company (amazing that there are such things) drove us the 2 hours to the trail head in Cumberland, Md and we were off.

Did I mention the both Kandy and I often have some difficulty walking due to chronic foot problems? Consequently Kandy biked with her crutches on the back of her bike, and I had my cane on the back of mine. The 2008 Assistive Devices Bike Tour was ready to hit the road.

We rode for 6 days, about 30 to 40 miles each day. At night we stayed in motels, hotels, B&B, and youth hostels.

We met terrific people,

got very muddy, and developed an appreciation for riding on pavement!

We also explored caves,

went swimming in the Potomac, saw all kinds of wildlife and strengthened our friendship.

Donna

and Greg (Kandy's husband)

met us at Harper's Ferry, Va.

Greg rode the last 2 days with us, while Donna painted.

Donna also provided much appreciated bicycle concierge services, such as bringing us emergency inner tubes when we ran out! We had a total of 8 flats among the 3 of us, and we got really good at changing tires.

We arrived in Georgetown to meet Donna at the end, ready for cocktails and carbohydrates, on my 50th birthday.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate.

I'm starting this blog to reflect on the issues of life going forward from age 50. This "speed bump" birthday can serve as marking a life passage for many people, including myself.

I chose to mark the birthday itself by a long distance bike trip - With my friend Kandy Lippincott, I biked 184 unpaved miles along the C & O Canal Towpath from Cumberland, MD to George Georgetown, MD. We were joined for the last 2 days of the ride by Kandy's husband Greg, who biked with us, and by my wife Donna who served as our "bicycle concierge".

My 50th birhtday was further celebrated by the suprise party Donna threw for me at Standard Tap.

Hopefully my knees will soon recover from the ride, and my liver from the party!

Here are some pictures from the party. I'll post more on the bike ride later.