September 10th, 2026 - Day 16

Day 16 - September 10, 2026
Route $66,000 - Arizona & New Mexico

I made a critical error this morning. Biking is done. Right? So what do I do with the extra time? I fill it in with all the work, fundraising, and other email stuff I have let slide. Right? Very clearly that was wrong!

Jeri expected CORRECTLY that I would now spend that “extra” time focused on her/us. This was the entire reason for the trip and I took my eye off the ball. When I realized my mistake I felt like Harry from Dumb and Dumber. “She gave me a bunch of crap about me not listening to her enough or something. I don’t know. I wasn’t really paying attention”

Fortunately this was not either of our first rodeo when it comes to a disagreement. AND fortunately we both know enough to let a little time pass BEFORE we work on a resolution. AND we have leaned to never sweep anything under the rug.

Once the dust settled Jeri made a great observation. “For the last two weeks, I have felt part of the adventure. I contributed, was valuable, and had freedom and responsibility. Then this morning you left me behind.” WOW! That was so good. I do not want to ever leave her behind.

Harry is funny and many of us do exactly what he did to his ex-girlfriend, but I for sure do not want to be Harry. I will be better tomorrow.

SHINE!
The Road Rider

PSS Fundraising took a twist today. A friend mentioned in her note to me that my posts the last two weeks have been a big help to her brother who found out 4 weeks ago that he had Multiple Myeloma. I gave my phone number. He left me a voice mail. Hopefully we can connect tomorrow. That donation was worth a lot more than the actual dollar amount. Wow!

Dana Farber
https://profile.pmc.org/JM1309

Children’s Cancer Research Fund
https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/JeffMulder

Healthtree
https://give.healthtree.org/TheRoadRider2026