May 31

Over the years, whenever I dreamed of someday riding my bike across the country, I envisioned it as an act of solitude. I would just go off on my own. Except for checking in with my wife and family periodically to reassure them I was OK,  no one would hear much, if anything, from me for several weeks. We now know that's not how this journey has come about — and that's been my doing.

As I started putting together the pieces for this endeavor, I found myself telling just about everyone I met what I was hoping to pull off. I didn't need much prompting. During small talk at a gathering someone would ask, "So, what are you up to?" To which I'd respond: "Well, I hope to ride my bike across the country — solo!" The person would look at me as if I'd had too much to drink and would ask more questions: "Are you serious?" "Isn't that dangerous?" "Why don't you go with a group?" "Is Susan OK with this?" "Is she or someone with a car going to follow you?"

No matter how many details I gave people about my dream and my planning, and how much I stressed that I knew what I was doing (or at least thought I did), I knew very few of them expected I would follow through on the idea. But I kept telling people. And more people. Even strangers. I had to. Because if I didn't, it would have been too easy not to make the commitment. Years from now I'd still be talking about my dream. An unfulfilled dream is all it would ever be.

The people who bought into the idea inevitably would ask or urge me to write about the trip and share my experiences so they could follow along. I was resistant. Part of me still wanted that journey of solitude. But I came to realize that, after using people for motivation, I needed to open myself up to their interest and support.

I'm glad I did. I now appreciate beyond words the support and attention I have received for this trip. 

The 3-1/2  rest days I took in my hometown, the Quad Cities, couldn't have been better. I've already written about how great it was to spend time with Susan and my sister Rita and her family. I was further honored and humbled by some of my former high school classmates who took time out of their Memorial Day holiday to organize and attend a gathering at a local restaurant where they showed their support and encouragement. (Susan got to meet them as well.) I'm so happy I had a chance to talk to everyone. My only regret (blame my fear of public speaking) was that I should have given a short speech, thanking and toasting everyone there. I wish I'd been a better guest of honor.

What a great bunch! 

Today, I had an appointment for yet more attention. Rita arranged an interview with Mark Ridolfi, a reporter from her hometown weekly newspaper in Eldridge, the North Scott Press. Rita took me to the newspaper office and sat in on the interview — "I want to see what it's like when one journalist interviews another journalist," she said. Ridolfi and I talked for two hours. (He asked Rita several questions too.) Our talk flowed so easily that it didn't feel like an interview. 

Ridolfi asked Rita to take a picture of me that the paper will use with the story. He was interested in the fact that I have multiple sclerosis, so I wore my "I Ride With MS" jersey.

With all the hometown energy I received over the last few days, I'll be smiling when I hit the road on the next leg of my adventure.

Thank you to everyone!

Contact me: Thoughts or comments? Email me at richardridesusa@gmail.com.

I ride with MS: Support the spirit of my ride with a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Click here.

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