Since around 2008, I have known that I have an enlarged prostate, but have always felt that the inconveniences, as so aptly portrayed in various pharmaceutical ads, was something I could live with rather than consuming said pharmaceuticals.
I don't really know if riding has triggered the increased inconveniences and occasional pain while attempting to expel a few tablespoons of urine, but this new condition is quite bothersome ... to the point where I am more concerned about this than my usual concerns about my lack of ability to hear. I am guessing that since I will be turning 70 years-of-age in two years, that my body is telling me that I will, from here-on-out, be acting my age.
Anyway, I decided to head home and get this taken care of rather than continue riding for another month-and-a-half.
Remarkably, Kim has absolved me of any guilt feelings I may have for abandoning her ... quite obviously my telling her of my decision yesterday was a real shock. One of Kim's outstanding qualities is that she lives in the present, and looks at changes as opportunities. As we parted ways yesterday, she said that she would take a day off today and reconsider possible routes ... continue on the planned route ... ride back down the Pacific Coast ... or even ride back down to her home in Austin. Remarkable positive approach to life.
Our ride had been going well as we rode from Corvallis over to the Coast (just north of Lincoln City), then north to Washington via Astoria. The adjacent photo was taken at Rockaway Beach, OR ... one of our overnight stopping points. I have biked the Oregon Coast numerous times, and it is almost always a beautiful ride. I say "almost always" because a couple of years ago I rode in cold wet weather and that is not a fond memory!
So, back to the desert heat of Tucson ... saddened that the ride is over ... saddened that I will not be sharing more time with Kim ... saddened that I am almost 70 (how the hell did that happen!!). But, as the old saying goes, "If handed lemons, make lemonade."
Although with my current prostate condition, I think I will hold off on drinking too much of that lemonade.
Sorry to hear about the early end to your adventure. Sounds like a good priority call, though. Get well and get back to riding :-)
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