This is a message I received from my Dad via email this morning.
I would love to share it with you, coz it is inspiring to read about how people can live their dreams, even at the tender age of 80!!! Yes, that’s right, my Dad turned 80 this last April. Now nothing remarkable in that considering that we as a race are starting to live longer and longer, but what is remarkable is that my Dad had a triple by-pass operation about 17 years ago and the prognosis at the time was not good. However, his Doctor told him to start running. The idea did not appeal so he decided to cycle instead.
A long story short, he survived…. and has gone on to become a cycling nut. He has cycled in many different in the world and has cycled the world famous Argus Cycle route about 13 times already. He has followed the Tour-de-France, and cheekily in 2005 nipped in at the front on the final day and caused an uproar as people thought he was one of the competitors (he got hustled off pretty damn quick by the Gendarmes once they realised he wasn’t) 🙂 (30.05.10 and….apparently I have to make a correction here…my brother gave me the correct version…my Dad rode in BEHIND the cyclists and the Gendarmes just waved) Ah well, I though my version was much more exciting!! 🙂 Shame about that, I have dined out on that story for ages, now it will have to go!
He has cycled the Camino del Santiago through France to Spain and is now back, cycling through Europe. Here is where he is today.
“Hi ! Just a brief note to keep in touch. All well.
Cycling up river along the Danube. This from a town Grien in Lower Austria.
Grien, Austria
So far mostly cloudy and rain. Not fun in a tent with a heavy downpour in the middle of the night ! Seems to be clearing today.
Spent a couple of days with K&T camping in a small town on the Danube.
They have had to head home for ‘work’, I’m cycling up-river to Linz (if you know where that is !! ) which will be a 58 km trip today. Stay over there one or two nights and then head back down river to Budapest.
Donauradweg (cycle route along the Danube)
Beautiful countryside. ‘Donauradweg’ i.e. Danube ride path is fab for cycling. Along the river and mostly away from road traffic. Just thru some small villages that the cycle path comes to an end.”
Linz, Austria on the Danube river
My Dad (p.s. that’s not his cycling helmet), I have no idea what he is wearing on his head and take no responsibility for that! 🙂
my Dad
thanks to http://www.letstravelradio.com/thisweek/2008/12-25/ for the photo of Linz 🙂
thanks to http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190426-d1604170-Reviews-Schloegener_Schlinge-Upper_Austria.html for the photo of the Donauradweg 🙂
thanks to http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grein,_austria.jpg for the photo of Griend
Not Just a Granny 
…wow that is awesome. I’ve always felt like a late bloomer and would achieve things as I got older in life…your Dad is a great role model.
😉
ivonne
Hi Ivonne 🙂 indeed. we are never too old to follow our dreams. thanks for the comment
This is great! Inspiring and entertaining. I’d love to hear more of the Tour de France story! Best wishes to him for future cycle adventures.
hey Thomas, So glad you enjoyed the post :). I would also love to hear more about the TdeF story!! I have been trying to tie my dad down to writing his life story and I am going to have to find a way of motivating him to do it. He has had quite a journey. tnx for the comment
Hi, Cindy thanks for the article just a quick correction on the TdF last day story, seeing as I messed it up first and he gets quite prickly about it….
He rode out BEHIND the peleton to much applause and without any obstruction other than friendly waves from the Gendarmes.
To hear more, you have to corner him with a cold beer or rum and coke and have your note pad handy if you want it recorded.
Ahhh!!! thanks for the correction. ah well what a pity, I got a load of fun talking about that it impressed me so much. what a shame tho, is made a really insteresting story! thanks for the correction 🙂 Funny how stories change and grow from the telling. next thing I would have had him winning the TdeF 🙂 LOL hahaha.