Dear Friends:

There’s no question all of us riders have experienced physical exhaustion.  At one point or another we’ve even experienced emotional exhaustion.

Lately I’ve experienced both.

Being diabetic presents an array of challenges when participating in endurance-type sports (e.g. cross-country cycling ride).  Finding balance is important.  One has to take in enough fuel (sugars) for energy but at the same time be cautious that it’s not too much so as to over-elevate one’s blood glucose levels.

Over the past three weeks I have had difficulty keeping my “numbers” in range which necessitated seeing my doctor.

Secondly – and most importantly — is the care of my family.  My wife and daughters have made tremendous sacrifices over the course of this ride.  I humbly stand in admiration for what they have had to do.  Being away from them has been painfully difficult.  I needed to come back home to spend some time with them.

As such I have taken a brief break from the ride and returned to Colorado Springs.  I’m getting the proper care from my doctor and giving the necessary attention to the needs of my family.

I shall rejoin my fellow C4C riders late next week as the route enters the southeast portion of our trip.  We will continue to carry the important message that poverty is a threat to the common good and that 40 million Americans living in poverty is simply wrong.

The Cycling For Change message is important.  But family and health are far more important to me.

These are the things in life that I shall not take for granted anymore.

Thank you for your prayers and understanding.  You can look for more blog updates after next week.

Peace,

Jason

Picture Caption:  Jason, getting a most welcome hug from his daughter.