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July 19, 2005
The ten footer was barely enough - VA/DC border
If it weren't for the terrible pain and numbness it would have been great to have stayed longer. Now how to leave? Closest Greyhound? About 110 miles away in Johnson City TN. Amtrak? No chance, you would have to go to Ashland Kentucky. Rental car? No luck there either. My left hand broke down quite literally in the middle of nowhere. There was one more option. It was overkill, but it was the only option left: U-Haul! There are U-Hauls everywhere in rural America and Breaks was no exception.
The goal in setting out on this journey was to circle the earth without leaving the surface, a goal that is in line with a kind of spiritualism that will be demystified in future dispatches. Now it's appropriate to mention a spry 91 year old named Carl Lane and our meeting as he was leaving for church.
"Is Jack Turner Branch Road this way?"
"Sure is! Why don't you come to church with me?"
"I would Brother, but I have a lot of miles to pedal. It's going to be another hot day and I'd like to cycle as much as I can while it's reasonably cool."
"It won't take that long, why don't you come with me?"
"I think the Lord would probably want me to stay alive to witness and not die of a heatstroke."
"That he would"
Fresh with the spirit of Brother Carl in my mind I have concluded that the plan to circle the earth primarily by bicycle is going to be impractical. There have been some really tortuous cycling days, no question about that. Downpours from the remains of Hurricane Dennis, 95 degree heat and the toughest moutain passes ever have made the journey hard and immensely satisfying. I have gotten through those days because of a belief in the transient nature of life's moments both blessed and cursed. Right now, pick nine random events of your life, three good, three bad, and three mediocre ones. They all have one thing in common: not a single one of them is as real as the other and they are all ancient history now. When the tough moments have reared their ugly head, this belief has been a silver bullet. Remembering this during the good times is important too. It allows you to appreciate your fortunate times. Regard all phenomenon as dreams eastern practitioners say.
My doctor says the condition is called ulnar compression: an ailment that affects the nerve from the elbow to the pinky and the left side of the adjoining finger. It takes several weeks to heal and this is what makes my journey impractical. A few days of recuperation would be no problem, but requiring several weeks to heal every time I decide to go hard charging isn't realistic. The alternative would be to go numb, keep pushing and have my condition to transform from temporary setback to lifelong companion. Start your engines because I can handle being laughed at. I invite you to snicker, guffaw and laugh your behinds off at what I have attempted to do. That's what I am doing as I ponder the questions that are left.
Can I circle the earth without leaving the surface? Yes. Will I tell a good story? I'll do my best. Will I still record it with my trusty 3 CCD digicam? Uh huh. The original goal remains intact, but sadly there will be no ego pumping, chest thumping roars of athletic success at my triumphant two wheeled return. The upside is that I should have more interesting stories since I will be able to cover more ground.
First I have to get all of this stuff back to Washington DC and that is why I am negotiating this U-Haul through a terrific rainstorm. A ten footer truck was a good choice, it can transport me, my bike and all the touring gear without a problem. It's only when I loaded my disappointment that it really got crowded.
Posted by Julian Cook at July 19, 2005 01:06 PM
The Link Adventure Team says you will still have one heck of an adventure to tell and Kendoll wishes you well!!! Good luck.
Posted by: Kenneth Link at July 26, 2005 03:29 PM
Julian, I think about your dream adventure and you everyday and wonder what you are doing. I hope your arm pain and numbness is improving. I am assuming from reading this that you are giving up cycling as one of the modes of transportation as you refocus your journey. True? The disappointment must be overwhelming.
Let me know if and how I might help.
hugs,
mary
Posted by: Mary Wright at July 26, 2005 03:38 PM
Hey Mary!
Yes it is! Mucho overwhelming, but there's nothing I can do about it. Best for me to continue forth and tell a good story if I can.
Julian
Posted by: Julian Cook at July 26, 2005 03:40 PM
The spirit was willing but the body was weak. Keep the spirit alive, the body will come around in due time. There were going to be setbacks and delays during the journey. This one just occurred very early. I consider this journey in progress. Keep me posted.
Posted by: Kevin at July 26, 2005 03:42 PM
This is your niece in shepherdsville. I just wanted to write and say how inspiring you have become to me. I hope you get through your malfunction and continue. Hope to see you sometime.
Posted by: Ashley Mahaffey at July 26, 2005 04:12 PM
Your disappointment is palatable, but hopefully it is also transient. Your journey is destined to be spiritual as well as physical. Reducing the physical aspects somewhat will certainly enhance the spiritual journey. Your ability to be adaptable and your determination to be true to your cause will allow you to succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Take care of yourself and continue to travel well, my friend...
Always,
bonita
Posted by: bonita at July 26, 2005 04:16 PM
hey!no matter what happens your family will always be behind you,we know you are using your best judgement.just be safe and remember will all love you.it stillyour dream no matter how you finish it.
Posted by: susie tarrence at July 26, 2005 05:02 PM
Jules..every experience is part of a journey. Plans were meant to change that is true nature.
Re-group, rethink and relaunch...wmc
Posted by: wendy at July 26, 2005 06:36 PM
I am still very proud of you....and really looking forward to seeing you here.
Posted by: Maren at July 26, 2005 09:08 PM
Many people never travel because of family obligations, work or illness. My slight problem is so minor by comparison.
I am still the luckiest person I know, generally speaking.
Posted by: Julian Cook at July 26, 2005 09:20 PM
Hi Julian, as you know, these things happen for a reason. It's the cosmos telling you something, and while you're recuperating, you can ponder it. Perhaps you're meant to walk a bit, slow down, smell the roses, etc. You can still go round the world, but perhaps you're not meant to do it on a bike, at least not for now. We're all behind you though, and looking forward to your next update.
Posted by: Charlotte at July 27, 2005 05:27 AM
JC-Isn't it a blessing that you learned about the physical outcomes early on. Your journey is not diminished by prudence! In fact, it may hold extra promise in ways we don't yet know! Onward! Peat
Posted by: Peatyo at July 27, 2005 10:28 AM
Dear Julian,
Darci believes that nothing in life happens without a reson. Thus she feels strongly that the pain in your arm, that cut short your goal of biking around the world, was to free up your energies for an even greater focusing on the spiritual and social aspects of the journey. Now you can go at a more leisurely pace, have more flexibitlity, and not be burdened with so many physical discomforts.
I must say that no one could have forseen the CTS problem. It was one of those things that just came out of the blue, in a sense. But be it as it may, you have the choice to turn this bit of unforseen hardship into a blessing: Let it be a sign that your journey is to be of the spirit rather than the physical.
You have not been stopped, you have simply been detoured...to something greater.
Steven
Posted by: steven newman at July 27, 2005 11:03 AM
Take care, rest and recuperate, and continue your journey in whatever way is best, with all our best wishes. The mode of your travel isn't nearly as important as the inspirational attitude you carry. I'm sorry for the loss of potential chest-thumping, but hope you find a way to meet as many people as you might have on the bike. Please tell us if there's any way we can help. Be well and carry on!
Wes
Posted by: Wes Shofner at July 27, 2005 11:21 AM
Hola Julian, I also think that everything happens for a great reason...setbacks make your spirit stronger and wiser...take good care, BK,
Maria Eugenia.
Posted by: Maria Eugenia at July 28, 2005 12:00 PM
Julian - I echo the above sentiments and look forward to hearing of your adventures however you go about them! Take care of you! - Jules
Posted by: Julie Whittum at July 28, 2005 01:03 PM
Hey little brother. I still wish I was with you. Biking or swimming or boating or flying, A trip around the world, Imagine people, We dream, He is living. Go with your journey Julian and keep smiling. If no one else beleives, I know you will conquer. By the way, I know you are just a brother-in-law but I truly love you as much as a brother. Be safe, be healthy foremost for mom will whoop me. Remember she's my neighbor.
Love ya
Linda Samuels Cox from Sheeptown
Posted by: Linda Cox at July 29, 2005 11:49 PM
Julian,
The numbness problem when cycling can be incredibly intense, there is no doubt, and choosing to push through it is folly.
Your alternate experience, whatever it becomes will become you and each of us will be better for sharing some part of your path.
Will see you next weekend...
Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Thomas at July 30, 2005 07:26 AM
go 4 it. bubba: i am always thinking about u. love u. big bro.
Posted by: lacy jay at July 30, 2005 09:04 PM
Julian,
I love your writing and the people, places, and encounters you describe. Sharing your journey, it seems like I get to know the people you meet and feel like I am growing a little bit with each postcard you send. They are worth rereading, just for ambiance. As an unexpected benefit, I think I am also looking and listening more. Staying in contact with the earth - what a great metaphor. Or is it reality?
Posted by: Don at August 5, 2005 10:03 PM
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