Ahem... 1,175 miles thank you very much! 😁

Crossing the Bighorn Basin and then the Sand Hills in the dead of summer just didn't seem like a Good Idea... especially with a progress rate in the single digits of miles in an hour.

Thanks Susan. I'm enjoying watching you skipping about the continent, too. Gothic cathedrals have always caught my eye so I'm particularly enjoying the current episode.

No comment came through but you can tell me tomorrow what you were going to say. 😀

Thanks Dana. Maybe when Dan and Ian get done we can organize an after - tour get together.

We also have a niece in Charlottesville so there's a chance for a visit there too.

Hi Keith - yea, your tire hitting that hole surely didn't help. :( :( Yes, I'd like to get together when you're back and ready for visitors - email me at char22046@yahoo.com and we'll schedule it! I forgot all about the stained glass I did for you! I'd love to see it in the furniture you put it in. :)

Second the motion. I am VERY impressed by what you have accomplished. I've loved your pictures and your writing has been fun to read. I can't imagine doing your journey at any age and your reasons for quitting are absolutely valid. I'm glad you enjoyed so much of it. I'm only sad we won't get to visit with you while riding through KY. But - recover and bring Linda to Cincinnati for a long visit and we'll be good! I'm so glad you are safe.

Definitely NOT wimping out! Good judgement and completely valid reasons. Having ridden more than 830 miles from Bend to Cody (Google Maps), through some beautiful scenery of the western US is an accomplishment very few of us could achieve, and nobody can take that away! Well done, and your journal has provided something for the rest of us to look forward to daily. Thanks for putting the time and effort into it!

I’m glad you’re listening to your mind and body and respecting the need to stop. When the fun ends, why keep going? What you did in 4 states is amazing to me. Thanks for sharing your journey. Let’s keep in touch - and maybe plan a visit!

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You are not a wuss Keith, just a smart man who knows when to fold his hand.
You’ve done wonders over the past month and though I’ll miss your daily musings and upbeat reporting, I concur with your decision

There are many ways to enjoy cycle touring, and I cannot imagine undertaking a solo, unsupported trip across the US. Chapeau! But in keeping with the title of your journal, I do hope that over time this trip will be one of rejuvenation. You clearly love cycling, seeing new places, and, most of all, meeting new and interesting people. I wish you well and a speedy recovery to all that ails you

Thanks Scott. What you and Rachael are doing is nothing to sneeze at.

I marvel when you talk about humping up 12 and 15 percent grades. That kind of steep has me in tears on an unloaded road bike and here you are doing them while carrying panniers. And you have a decade and a half on me to boot.

I wish I knew.

Sounds like the wise decision to me. For myself, I’m not sure I could take on a long solo tour any more. The last one I tried lasted only six days. If I wasn’t bringing my family with me it wouldn’t be the same.

Thanks so much for taking us along with you. It’s been a great read.

Again? What is it with you and tires, Keith?

Thanks Nancy. I agree.