...because at ages 74 (for Pam) and 79 (for Don), we just told them we’re getting out of Dodge (actually, northern Indiana). Not forever. Just for a week or two…or three. We’re heading to Florida to scout out potential places where we can spend our winters, thanks to tips from the Bike Forums' Fifty Plus posters.

Yeah, we’re driving down, not flying. Because that’s the way we want to do it, so we can take along our bikes and also explore a few bike trails. Because we’re grown-ups. Because we’re not senile – yet! And because we can!

“When are you coming back?” Look for us when you see us.

“What if something happens?” We both have cell phones and debit cards. And lots of experience from years of travel.

“Why now?” Why not now? Maybe wait a few years and hope we’re still relatively healthy?

“What do the doctors say about it?” Don’t know; didn’t ask ‘em.

“Have you really thought about this?” Just long enough to decide it’s something we want to do.