' In many cases, ALS does not affect a person’s thinking ability. However, as many as 50% of people with ALS develop some degree of cognitive (thinking) or behavioral abnormalities.
Today was a mixture of paved bike paths, hills, gravel roads and dirt bike paths. We dodged many Amish horse buggies with the accompanying horse poop in the road, a few e-bikes and lots of loud pick up trucks. We rode a lovely 68 miles in cool sunny weather. We progressed at a good clip until we hit the hill from hell which was about a 12% grade. Normally, once you climb a hill, you get the enjoyment of flying down the other side with wild abandonment. Not today!!! The down hill was a steep descent on a gravel road. A bit scary for most of us (but not Gio on his gravel bike) as I rode my brakes the entire way down going about 14.8 miles an hour.
Today, I had lots of time to think about what was happening with this Oxford to Boxford bike ride. It truly has surpassed any expectations that Doug and I could have had before we left Boston on Monday morning. It is so much more than a riding our bikes for 1000 miles, although my leg muscles are reminding me that this is what we are doing... Sometimes it takes a terminal diagnosis to stop and take stock of what is important in your life. We all know our lives are more enriched with connections, love, laughter and joy. Well, this experience, only 4 days in has offered all that and much more. It has been a time to reconnect with old friends, and to make new ones; to reminisce, to laugh and sometimes cry. It has been an opportunity to catch up and hear stories of what has transpired in the last 40 years! It has created a time to reflect on all of the people here on the trip and so many from far and wide who have supported us through a financial donation or words and prayers of love and encouragement. It has been so much fun for me to meet Doug's college buddies and I feel as if I am surrounded by 7-10 newfound brothers at any one point in time. We both feel so much love and support and words could never really describe it adequately. At each stop, new people stop in to reconnect with Doug and we know that this will continue in the days ahead with more people joining in or offering us hospitality. Today's hosts, Rod ( an Alpha Delt fraternity brother) and his wife Marsha McGregor have opened up their beautiful home for all of us. When we arrived, they had a full spread of food and gave up their own bedroom for Doug and me and left all sorts of treats for us to make us feel so very special. Simply incredible.
Danny and Kristen drove to the McGregor home from Pittsburgh, delivering Charlie so he can start riding with us tomorrow. We said goodbye to Sarah after meeting her fiance Eric. John Collins, another frat brother joined us for dinner as did Steve Lopez's son Nick and the entire McGregor family. We even got to help Scott Golan celebrate his birthday! Memories to last a lifetime!
Tomorrow, Neal Restivo will rejoin the group for another day of riding and Margaret will ride and then reconnect with her daughter before flying back to Boston. So many moving parts but somehow it has all worked out spectacularly.
Heading to bed with a few sore muscles and a very full heart.
With much love and gratitude to all,
Dolly
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