Party In The U.S.A

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I have mentioned several encounters with local PD support groups; but today we scaled new heights.  A leading light in a local support group, who is also a World Parkinson Conference Ambassador, has been communicating with me for months to prepare a hero's welcome for us.  I was just expecting Ferrero Rocher* but she had laid on considerably more than just funny nutty chocolates.  She had commandeered the library in Marina, CA where local PD support volunteers had prepared a welcoming party, complete with banners, a groaning table of free food (my favourite sort) and a little schedule of speeches including a welcome by the Mayor.  A couple of local people living with PD and 3 of our own group spoke quite movingly about their personal journeys with the condition and how the physical therapy, emotional support and sense of purpose that these cycling challenges brings has changed their lives.  For a brief moment I vowed to go easier on them but it didn't last.

We are now close to Monterrey.  Near enough to get a cab there for dinner but far enough away to get rooms without selling an organ.  We are about to head into the area of coast known as Big Sur.  If you ask Google for pictures of the Specific Coast Highway, 90% of them will be from Big Sur.  For several years the spectacular coast road has been closed due to land slips and when I was last here in 2023 we had to follow a major inland detour lasting 2 days to bypass the closure.  Earlier this year the road was finally reopened and we are going through.  Along the way we will ride 17-mile drive...more on that tomorrow.

*It.'s probably just a British thing...don't worry if you don't get it

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