Not surprisingly, I never got a chance to produce a Holiday Letter before my departure for Odyssey 2000 (O2K). In place of that, I'm including the biography I wrote for the official Odyssey 2000 web site. Enjoy!
Name
Age
39
If You Don't Live In A Big City, Nearest City
Minneapolis, MN
Employment (If Retired, What Did You Do For Work?)
I'm currently employed as a Computer Systems Analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Riding Odyssey 2000 With Someone Else? Whom?
No, just me!
Why Are You Participating In Odyssey 2000?
Three times in my life, doctors have told me that I'd never be able to continue at the level of competitive sports I love. In 1995 I bicycled 3,800 miles across the USA in 51 days. My friends joked "now that you've ridden across the country, what are you going to do to top it... ride around the world?" As a matter of fact, yes!
My father died when he was 42 and I recently lost a good friend at about the same age. In light of my physical setbacks and those I've known with too-short lives, I don't want to postpone my dreams for a day that might never arrive.
When I tell people about Odyssey 2000, I'm amazed by those that lament "oh, I could never do something that". I ask why not? I tell them that I'm not able to do this because I'm some super-human athlete or independently wealthy. I'm doing it simply because I believe I can.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To On Odyssey 2000?
I've always thought it sad that there's so much to experience in this wonderful and diverse world and that few of us get that opportunity. I'm not letting my chance pass by. In 2000, I'll turn 40 and have no intention of being one who wonders "what have I done with my life?" I'll be doing it!
I'm so anxious to meet the rest of the riders and staff. What a courageous, adventurous, and vibrant group of individuals to call my new friends! These people, and those I meet along the way, will surely have a profound effect on the rest of my life.
How Do You Think Odyssey 2000 Will Affect/Change You?
As I mentioned, I'll turn 40 during Odyssey 2000 and will have the best body of my life... yes!
Seriously, my two-month ride across the USA already changed me in so many wonderful ways, I know Odyssey 2000 will take me to a whole other level. I just don't let life's little dramas drain my spirit. Few things are really worth getting worked up about. I truly understand that we choose what the quality our lives will be.
Sometimes I feel like a gerbil on a wheel and its time to jump off. Its so easy to become entrenched in our daily routines and never stop to consider alternative paths. I can't wait to see what life holds for me beyond 2000!
Updated Nov 21 2001 by Valerie
