Today is the last riding day, a dramatic but difficult day. There are two “gaps” (sometimes called “passes”), Sally’s and Wicklow. We know there is a 12 km climb at the beginning. But we didn’t know how difficult it would be, especially with 20 mph headwind. Brenda and I gave up after about a half hour. It was just too much. Too old? Out of shape? Yes. Yes. One other couple also turned around. And one didn’t start. The others, the brave souls who did the whole ride, arrived back at the hotel around 4:00 both cold and exhausted. Then they had to disassemble and pack their tandems. Since our bike was packed by noon, we walked to the next village and had a civilized lunch of seafood chowder, liver pate, cabernet sauvignon and cappuccino. Life is good.
WHO’S RIDING? Luther and Elaine Stevens live in Shaker Heights, OH and Frisco, CO. Brenda and I first met them on a Pennywise Tandem Tour in Switzerland nine years ago. Elaine, a clinical psychotherapist, retired seven years ago. Lou recently sold his business, Custom Paper Tubes. Elaine has left our group early to go help care for a new grandson, Christopher Stevens Kressy. The Stevens are scheduled for two other bike tours this year, Cycle Washington (Yellowstone) and a Pennywise tour in Germany (Bavaria).
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