Why a bike ride and why now???

As most of you know, I have enjoyed cycling for many years now. I have found it to be both therapeutic and economical. Bike riding is definitely cheaper than psychotherapy (experientially learned) and I seldom need to fill the auto tank or find the need to join a health club.
I have participated in many week long bike rides (courtesy of the MS Society) over the past several years, covering hundreds of miles of Minnesota roadways. With a sick sense of humor, I figured if 7 days of cycling is fun, 27 days of cycling must be GREAT! This warped thinking led me into the planning stage of an extended bike tour, a trip that would last as long as my vacation days could support.
Why now? 2009 has been a major transition year for me. I turned 50 years old in January, graduated with my Masters in July, and have been given the opportunity of some new-found freedom. My children are now old enough to care for themselves and I am getting better at respectfully declining requests of my time.
And so, with the help of Adventure Cycling (www.adventurecycling.org) I am stepping away from the computer and out of the hospital to spend the next month cycling the length of the Pacific Northwest; from Washington to California following hiway 101 down the coast line. I hope to see incredible sights, meet wonderfully interesting people, celebrate solitude and grow stronger both physically as well as mentally. I anticipate days that challenge me in ways I can't even imagine, however I seldom enjoy routine existance, much preferring adventure with a dash of risk tossed in.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. (M. Proust)

I am eternally grateful to everyone who has supported me in this adventure! I would especially like to thank my children, Shannon and Rob and Tom. Your encouragement and support over the years has sustained my spirit and nurtured my soul.