The other night, I sent out an update that I was most likely abandoning the tour. That was after the two hardest of cycling for me that I have ever experienced. I wanted to sleep on the decision to pull out of the ride. Crashes, cold temps at night and other factors contributed to this plus the fact that i was physically and mentally beat up after those two hard days. However, I decided to sleep on it and make the final decision in the morning. One of the riders commented the day before that, ” I looked like I had passed my limits.”
The next morning, I decided to take it a day at a time and since I have had two really good days, but no internet / connectivity.
That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
I will provide an update on the last four days today / tomorrow. We have reached a rest day in Whitefish, Montana. However, I can’t commit to every day updates, duw to time constraints as well as a total lack of connectivity.
Tailwinds
Chuck
chuckhardesty 
Ok Chuck! I do remember on the XC16 that the first week was a constant conversation with myself about “can I make this thing.”It takes so much more, I imagine, to get used to sleeping in a tent & bag and the whole next day “stuff”. Hang in there – I am sure your body will adjust. I remember Larry saying to me- “if it was easy, everybody would do it”. Ain’t that the truth!! Sending good vibes!
Thanks Jim. The other things like camping do add to the stress but like you say, just take it one day at at time and we adjust over time to an increase in stress. I intend to ride slow / easy when I need to and I don’t have the skills to go gonzo
Way to gut it out, Chuck! Ride from tree to tree.
Thanks Herm, there are a whole lot of trees here!
Hang in there. Continue a day at a time. Enjoy what you can while you can. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks RoseAnn very much appreciate the thoughts and prtayers!
Way to go Chuck, ride like the wind!
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Right now riding like an old cowpoke but that is better than the alternative. Thanks Denise!
That is good news about the turn of events! I hope you’ve seen the worst of this trip. Please post more beautiful pictures when you have time!
Thanks Sabine, I did post a few more photos which is another reason not to ride with the big dogs, they don’t like to stop. I want to savour the experience and not see a blur…
Glad you made it to Whitefish! It’s all downhill from there…
You must have been on the south side of Whitefish!
I’m on pins and needles!!!! You got gusts! Keep riding……
Many thanks Portia! I am rooting for you as well!
Good news. We are all rooting for you.
Thanks Larry – very much apppreciated. HGope you are riding a lot!
Sorry for misspellings!
One day at a time is what it is all about. And it is true what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Keep on trucking. Take it day by day. Be sure to rest up well in between and know we are all routing for you whatever you decide. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Thanks Pat and I would note that you are an inspiration as well. Don’t know many folks who live life with as much gusto and on the edge, unafraid to tackle just about anything!