A new Chapter in our journey.
Dear friends,
For years, this blog has been a place to share the joy of life on two wheels—the miles we’ve pedaled, the landscapes we’ve explored, and the incredible people we’ve met along the way. It’s been such a privilege to bring you along on our adventures, and we’ve loved every comment, cheer, and bit of encouragement you’ve shared with us.
Today, I’m writing to share why things have gone quiet here. Life has taken an unexpected turn, and we’ve found ourselves on a very different kind of journey. Earlier this year, James was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
This diagnosis came after months of uncertainty and challenges—balance issues, vivid dreams, physical weakness, and cognitive struggles that started to creep in during our most recent tour. At first, we tried to push through, determined to keep riding. But eventually, it became clear that it wasn’t safe or sustainable.
Returning home was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made. For so long, the road has been our freedom, our joy, and our way of connecting with the world. Letting go of that dream has been heartbreaking.
LBD is a complex and progressive condition, one that affects James both physically and mentally. It’s a mountain we never imagined climbing, but here we are—trying to navigate it with the same determination we’ve always brought to our cycling adventures. Some days are harder than others, but we’re taking it one step (and one pedal stroke, in spirit) at a time.
Now, our days are slower, filled with simpler moments. We’ve traded cycling across continents for tending our little home, warming it with wood we haul and split together. Our adventures have shifted from the open road to finding joy in the small things—like hearing our cat purr or feeling the sunshine on a quiet afternoon.
We miss the freedom of cycling, the camaraderie of the road, and the thrill of exploring the unknown. But we’re also deeply grateful for the years we had, the memories we’ve made, and the incredible support of this community.
We want to thank you, our wonderful readers and fellow travelers, for being part of our journey. Though our cycling days may be behind us, this blog will continue to be a space where I share updates about our lives, reflections on this new chapter, and maybe even stories from our past adventures that haven’t been told yet.
Thank you for riding with us, cheering for us, and standing by us—even now, as we find our way through this new and unexpected adventure. Your kindness and support mean the world to us.
With love and gratitude,
Margit and James
Margit, we met in front of the grocery store a few months back. I'm biking the coast still, currently in northern LA. Thinking of biking through Mexico soon. I'm sorry to hear that you are pivoting alongside your husband toward a different lifestyle, however it seems you are both making the most of it.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Jacob Bolton
thank you, Jacob! I want to encourage you to cycle through Mexico! Check out our blog on: https://journals.worldnomads.com/margitpirsch/country/138/Mexico?p=1
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