We count ourselves lucky to have met such a great group of mates and that we are fit and healthy.
On one of the great days cycling through the picturesque 7 lakes region we met a group of cyclists and as all cyclists do in remote parts they pulled over and we had a great chat about riding, how beautiful the lakes were on this perfect day and how you can leave all your troubles at home when you are out on the bike. Angela and I talked later about how great it had been to have met such a happy bunch of cyclists. I put their photo on this website which you can see under “The lake district Argentina”.
I particularly remember one of them “The Chilean” they called him, for three reasons. He gave us both a blue cap that they had made up specially for their trip as he could see we were getting burnt out in the hot sun. He offered to take a photo of us all so we could both be in it (the one on the website). The third reason was that he was driving the support car carrying all the gear while his mates were all cycling and he was obviously a very keen cyclist - what a nice guy! I thought he must have drawn the short straw to be driving instead of cycling on that perfect day.
Recently one of the group logged on to our website and Angela and I both received an email. It is one of the most amazing I have read for a while and no matter what happens on the rest of this trip it has already made us feel our efforts have been more than worthwhile.
It turned out that the Chilean helped organize this ride years ago, and they’d taken a cycling trip every year in a different part of South America and all become very close friends. Normally they had panniers (bags) as we do but this year the Chilean was not able to ride with them. It turns out he did draw the short straw when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was on his third and aggressive treatment of chemotherapy after two unsuccessful courses. His cycling friends where all helping pay for the very expensive treatment he would otherwise never have beeen able to afford. The following week they were taking time off work to drive to another city and to the hospital where he would have a bone marrow transplant, in support of and as donors for their friend, so he could have a chance for life.
The email said they wanted to congratulate us and thank us for the fight against this cruel killer. For that we are very appreciative and will keep up our efforts as best we can.
We will continue to keep in contact with this group of friends and with luck see them all including The Chilean in Buenos Aires at the end of our trip. I hope this finds everyone fit, well, enjoying life but aware of others not so fit and well. Keep it cranking!
Silas