Long time no updates. Been a very hectic 9 months. Had many awesome experiences and adventures along with a host of unfortunate and discouraging events. Won’t attempt to cover everything but will give the Reader’s Digest or USA Today version. Spent an awesome nearly 3 weeks in France: 8 days with family in Bordeaux and Paris then 12 days with Trek Travel (Classic Climbs of the Tour) and a separate excursion to watch Stage 9 in Troyes. Great food, wine, and cycling. Returned stateside and then completed RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). There was little cycling challenge to completing the event but it’s an 8-day party on a bike. Not my cup of tea but shared the experience with a half dozen other local cyclists and mostly had a great time. Recommend giving it a try but I won’t be repeating the fun. In the fall went south of the border to Mexico City and long weekend in Cabo San Lucas. Great food but no cycling opportunities.
On the not so good side, dealing with declining health if parental: one with Alzheimer’s and the other with Parkinsons. Had to transition both of them to an assisted living facility as their days of independent living quickly came to an end.
Still experiencing corneal irritation and now regularly seeing three different ophthalmologists. Underwent a bright light exposure, gave blood to create PRP drops, and incorporated an off label application of a blood pressure prescription converted to eye drop form. Slight improvement after nearly 3 months but not enough and will soon pursue more direct (i.e., invasive) procedures to treat the underlying causes (e.g., corneal scarring, conjunctival granuloma, and band keratopathy).
Have placed randonneuring on hold for a bit as time to train for 300-400K events aren’t in the calendar and the Missus isn’t such a fan. Alternatively, registered for Bicycle Adventures Arizona Sonora Bike Tour in March and Cycle of Life’s Mississippi River ride in the fall.
Will effort to be more consistent with updates. It’s a good thing this blog is a cathartic endeavor as there’s certainly been no clamoring from the vast reading audience for the latest cycling and culinary adventures.
Cycling and Culinary Flavors 