Last Rides...

It's hard to believe that we are down to the last 7 days before the ride...

I have a full day tomorrow. Part of it will be a 'last ride' on my bike before I box it up and ship it out Monday morning to JAARS. I've never done that before but think I have everything that I need. Another task for tomorrow is to finish my presentation for Sunday morning at church. I'm able to have a small table up in the 'missions hallway'. It will be up for a few weeks starting this week and go for several weeks into May. I'll also get a chance to share about the ride on Sunday and after I return; and hope to be a part of raising $6,000 (only $10 / mile - and my middle daughter is going to be the first on my pledge sheet at $.01 / mile! :-)

I rode with the jersey today! It worked Great. The shot below is one that I'm going to use in my PR for this as it includes my bike and Bible (and me - but it won't be cropped due to the limits of the Blog as the one below is).


The physical phase of preparation for this ride has come to an end for me. I've had lots of encouragement, but am still a little nervous about the great physical task that it will be.

I fly out to JAARS on Thursday ... it's going to be here before I know it! Please keep praying for all who are involved in this event - I'm calling it a missions trip. It's going to be 10 days of serving God in ways that are going to challenge and stretch us. I'm certain that we will see God's hand: I'm very excited...

On today's ride, at several places, I noticed that the weeds on the side of the road were very pretty! Like I wanted to stop and take photos, but the conquer mentality wouldn't allow me to during the first notice of these 'weeds'. More beautiful weeds followed and I eventually had to stop - my conscious wouldn't let me continue. I took just one shot of a weed and it's shown here. It made me think of the scripture that talks of Solomon in all his splendor not being dressed like the grass of the field. They were just weeds, but they were striking and worth stopping to enjoy for a brief time. It was a good reminder to make time for the things going on on the sidelines.

Tomorrow should be a full day - but I'm expecting it to be nice too! Especially if I take the time to appreciate the weeds on the side of the road. Or to say the it more clearly: especially if I take the time to appreciate and notice all that God is doing around and despite my schedule. My life is more than what I do!

Another Shot @ the Midlothian Walgreens

We love it whenever there's a drug store or gas station along the way! Taking a break from the saddle is also a great way to connect with the other riders. This time was no different as Dan and I were able to unclip and take a few minutes getting to know one another. Ride on!

Sat: Not long ... but not easy.

It's been a little over a week since I first spoke with Ed on the phone - in preparation for riding together while he's here for some work related business. The hope was to get at least 1 ride in together on Saturday and we'll see what happens with the rest of the week.

Ed and I had talked about doing the 40 loop twice, but due to time and riding conditions (strong winds) we did one 46 mile loop together. It was fun being the 'host' and taking Ed on my regular route so he could experience what my route is like, what the riding conditions have been like and just to share some time together.


The ride south was into the wind: pretty tough going. We had a very brief light sprinkle, but not enough to become dangerous. We left from my house and stopped at Walgreen's at the turn around point about 1 1/2 hours later. The return trip went quicker with the aid of the wind. We saw speeds in the 20's, 30's and even 40's. There are parts of this route that have some rough road and since I'm pretty familiar with the roads it's safer for Ed to lead so he can navigate with the benefit of seeing the whole road (we also took turns leading so the other could have a rest from pulling into the wind).


It was great meeting Ed for the first time. We've communicated a couple times by email but it was nice to meet face to face, to have him in my home briefly, show him the quick family photos and head off on a ride together... both taking turns praying to our God with thanksgiving and requests.


The riding conditions were tough, but it was a Great ride!