This post has been a long time coming; there’s been a lot going on.
We left Kansas and entered the high plains of southwest Nebraska with its vast expanses of farmland and cattle grazing. There were long distances between towns, frequently 30 miles with nothing but open farmland. Planning the day’s ride became challenging, often forcing us to choose between a somewhat short day or a prohibitively long one. We generally chose the former.
Then came the Pawnee Grasslands in eastern Colorado — another sparsely populated area. The wind made beautiful waves through the vast sea of grass. Pronghorn Antelope were a common sight and the farmers in overalls morphed into cowboys with boots and hats. As we continued west the signs of civilization increased – more amenities, more traffic. We were happy to get into the cool town of Fort Collins, with its incredible array of restaurants, stores, and activities. We had great food and beer, something that had been missing for quite some time — Kansas City to be precise. We have now reached the halfway mark of our trip! A couple of days off the bikes to rest and recharge our energy was in order. We will then begin the long climb up the Poudre Canyon to Cameron Pass at 10,249 feet and head north from Walden into Wyoming.
Or so we thought. The climb up the Poudre Canyon was beautiful despite getting caught in a brief hailstorm. We stayed in a nice little cabin in the very small town of Rustic, Colorado. The next day we continued climbing. As we approached 8,000 feet, it become apparent that the elevation was a problem for me. I had been having headaches and difficulty breathing the previous week or so; 5,000 feet seemed to be the threshold. At 8,000 feet, I was lightheaded, had a pounding headache and was gasping like a fish out of water. There was nothing I could do but ride back down the hill and rent that nice little cabin in Rustic for another night while we considered our options.
We thought about hitching a ride over the pass but realized that wouldn’t solve our problem given that much of the remainder of the trip was at high altitude with numerous mountain passes. I was also worried that my headaches and shortness of breath might be caused by cancer progression, rather than altitude. My oncologist concurred that a chest and brain scan were prudent given the circumstances.
As difficult as it was to end the trip here, it was clear that my body was not going to cooperate. As my wife, Lissa, wisely said “Sometimes it takes more courage to call it a day than to try to continue.” While both Bill and I were disappointed, we reminisced about what a special experience the trip has been for us. We rode 2,200 miles and climbed 67,000 feet, much of it through the heartland of America — through floods, tornadoes and everything in between. We have memories and lessons that will live with us forever. I thank Bill for the sacrifices he made to take this time away from his work and family. He is a true friend that I am fortunate to have. I am also grateful for all of you that have followed along on this journey for your support. This trip epitomized the saying “it’s not the destination it’s the journey”.
I am happy to report that the brain MRI was negative. The CT of the chest showed some very slow enlargement of several nodules. This slow growth is not alarming, however, I will be adding Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, to my regimen. The journey continues.
Intertwangled on a Bicycle 
What an incredible story and adventure! Congratulations to both of you!
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You have had a wonderful journey and a good friend at your side. You’ve seen things most people can only imagine. I’m glad you are listening your wife – a wise woman.
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So proud of your accomplishment Jeff! You continue to awe and inspire us! (And we’re happy to have you home.) Pat & Lou
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What a wonderful trip! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and your thoughts. Congratulations, you did what I can only dream of.
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What a great journey! Thanks for sharing!
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I have been wondering about you two. In watching the route, I could see you went back and saw the sparsely populated country. Glad you listened to your body and wife. You have had a remarkable journey and I’m so glad to have met you both in Buckner, near Kansas City. I’m proud of you both as you should be too. The best to you.
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My goodness journey indeed. I am relieved to hear of the outcome of the MRI and dazzled by your SPIRIT and HEART. both of you. Many blessings on your way home. Love to you Jeff…so much!
karla refoxo
May you Walk in Beauty
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“I have a mind to confuse things, unite them, make them new-born, mix them up, undress them, until all light in the world has the oneness of the ocean, a generous, vast wholeness, a crackling, living fragrance.”
Pablo Neruda (translated by Alastair Reid)
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
—Anais Nin
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Jeff & Bill.. I am so proud of you both! “Its the not the Destination, It’s the journey.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Wow! What a journey is right. for some reason I was not getting any of your updates until this one. Congratulations for persevering through what you did and for saying enough when you did. You are a very strong and brave man1
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Thanks so much for sharing this truly inspiring trek! Safe travels and we hope to see you guys home soon!
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Well Done
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Had been wondering why we hadn’t had another episode of your journey in awhile. Jeff, you’re an inspiration to all of us! You were wise to listen to Lissa! Thanks to Bill for accompanying you on the trip of a lifetime. What amazing adventurers you both are! Thanks for the wonderful blog! Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure which probably won’t include high altitudes!
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Sounds like a great trip, and (as always) your amazingly positive outlook. So glad to hear the tests came back positive and you are feeling better. Enjoy the warm embrace of your wife’s arms. 🙂
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Jeff and Bill it was a pleasure to meet you albeit briefly in Springboro, Ohio. Sorry to hear that you had to turn around. I trust that you continue to be well and hope that you can complete your journey sometime.
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