For Starters

It all starts with a woman, a magnificent woman who says yes. One wonderful enough to hold down the fort while I play for the month of February. A woman who supports me in having my dreams come true. For this dream is #1 on the list, that evolving list of 45 things I want to do before I die, begun on my 45th birthday.

Number 1 is a month spent cycling the South Island of New Zealand. 1900 km in 28 days ... in some of the world's most incredible scenery imaginable. And the list is in its infancy, being created and honed over this next year.

My intent here to inform and entertain, and I hope you're both.

And let me write a bit of a phenomenal man ... Ron. This man is pure hero. We spoke today for the first time, and I'm humbled and astounded. He's had a series of strokes that have rendered his right side a wasteland. Each step a marathon ... a stumbling wobbling gyrating impossible shift of weight and gravity that leaves a spectator breathless, awaiting the inevitable fall ... which never seems to come. Twice daily he teeters and shuffles along the sidewalk, going the 1 km to the store and back for his exercise. He said he does it to survive, to get his exercise. He also swims and bowls weekly, and will let you know that there are many worse off than he.

I'll carry him with me as I hit the hills, the winds, the sore butted hard times ... and I'll smile in awe.