I'm finally going to go on a bike tour with Adventure Cycling in February. It's sort of a warm-up for the cycling season even though when I get back home I'll still have a wait till I can get on the road. It will be my first tour.

I've had to wait 12 years to work up to this event. I had promised myself that when I retired I would ride across country using the routes planned by Adventure Cycling. However, when I reached retirement age (55) after suffering for 10 years with a bad back, I found out that I had a broken vertebrae. Prior to this I had 3 surgeries for bad discs but no one found the separated vertebrae which continued to cause all sorts of trouble. I was still using my bike but it was like a scooter that allowed me to get around. I couldn't walk more than 100 feet.

Then I found a good surgeon who reconstructed my spine with rods and screws and replaced two discs with spring barrels. My God, what a difference. I felt great. Finally, I could plan a bike trip.

Maybe not. I had to have both knees replaced first (not at the same time!). After two decades of backpacking and climbing all over the country, my knees were shot. So they were replaced 4 years ago and now, after a full regimen of exercise, I bought a new touring bike (my other was stolen) and never looked back.

This past summer, I biked 7 mikes to an exercise facility, rode an elliptical for an hour and then biked back home. At first, it was difficult (mostly the seat) but then things got better and better and by the middle of summer I felt incredible. Better than I've felt in a long, long time. I saw the description of the CA Warmer tour and decided to try a supported tour to see if I could handle a bike tour. If things go well, then I'm on my way across country.

Oh, did I tell you I also had to lose 100 pounds? I'm almost there (lost 80 pounds in a year) and hope the rest comes off slowly. It's no longer the pounds but the conditioning. I'm ready, man!

So, God willing, life is good again. I'd like to pass along my wishes for everyone to have a Merry Christmas (and the holiday you celebrate) and an exciting New Year. Just remember, 70 is the new 40! Cheers!