Over the Hill

Last week I rode a couple of afternoons with Rollie - 18 and 34. Things seemed to be about "normal", so Saturday I signed on to the "Morrow Mountain Massacre". It's a 60mi. near Charlotte, with lots of hills. I was feeling good, rode out with the fast crew for a few miles, when it hit me that all was not well with the digestive tract. The first rest stop at 19 mi. found me hugging the toilet. It was drag from there on. I sagged after 30. Sunday, I woke up feeling terrible. Hit the Excedrin and off to church. I drug myself to the 2:00 PM 20 miler, but when I got on the bike, I was fine - go figure. Today, I feel fine, better watch out ?
Deut 33:26

In Michigan, spring time temps can be unpredictable; 60F one day and 30F the next. So it pays to be prepared.

Cold weather riding is not my most favorite but when it must be done, then cold weather gear is in order. A balaclava is essential to keep cold air out of the lungs and layered clothing is the other desirable part of one's outfit. My current regiment includes 3 layers on my torso and 2 layers on my extremities, plus neoprene insulated covers over one's biking shoes. Stopping for coffee or hot chocolate along the way isn't a bad idea either. Ride on!

Sit Bones...?

As a relative newbie to the world of Cycling, I had never consciously thought of my 'sit bones' before. But today, I went to my local bike shop (LBS) and had my sit bones measured.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I bought my first road bike this past fall. Since then I've been enjoying it very much, but I have yet to feel comfortable on longer rides. I think I have my bike pretty well fitted to me at this point, but the seat (saddle) is still uncomfortable. I know this because I end up subconsciously squirming every couple of minutes, besides the occasional numbness that will sometimes occur. As I've been considering a different saddle, I've discovered how important it is to have a saddle that is the proper width. My bike came with a very nice high end saddle that many people speak highly of, so I didn't think it was a saddle problem-until recently. 

Now back to the 'sit bones'. What I learned today is that I am in-between a narrow (130) and medium (143) in the distance between my sit bones. (I was surprised a little as I'm 6' and over 180 lbs-I figured I'd be a large, but it's a genetic thing; not based on my weight or dimensions.) The saddle on my bike is a narrow. That's why I'm having so much discomfort on long rides. It's very nice to learn this and as I consider what saddle to buy in my size I have a good deal of hope that I will enjoy my longer rides much more in the near future. 

So now you too know that you have sit bones AND that they are important when it comes to a proper fit and more comfortable ride on those long days on the bike.

New Roads Traveled

I've been using the trainer 5 days a week and currently, the weekends are the only time I have to get any extended riding in. That will probably change as I gear up, or mile up, in April. This past weekend I did a quick lookup for rides over 50 miles in Waxhaw, NC. I found the route and quickly printed out some road names and directional turns I needed to make. A couple times I found my self stopping to check that I hadn't missed a road. Lessons on this ride were God provides the direction we need when we ask Him. Believe it or not, I had to turn on Tom Green RD. When I came up to it, there were two roads with the same name (Both left turns about 100 yards apart). I stopped and was going to head down a road where I would know it would end up, and then I prayed. Lord, you know which road I need to head down. Then I saw a marker spray painted on the road from a previous tour group. Thank you Jesus! I also realized after the ride that it is much harder riding alone. I had ridden 44 miles with a friend 2 weeks earlier and the legs weren't as sore. This time, the jabbing pain lasted about an hour after the ride. Just as Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs, it's neat to know others are praying for us and for this "Going the Distance" ride.

How do you ride in this stuff?

Up until this year, I had never ridden in below-freezing temperatures. I usually waited until the first of May to start riding. In Michigan, road biking is, at best, only a 6-month sport. With the JAARS to Orlando trip being only 60 days away, I've decided that I'd better get on my SEVEN (brand name of bike) and start doing some serious miles. So last Sunday I mounted my fi'zi:k Arione saddle and started down the road. Snow banks were clearly visible on the sides of the road as well as in parking lots, creeks were still frozen over, but it was sunny and 24°F. I decided to go for a short 20-miler but by the time I had 5 miles in, I decided that since I was going to have to turn around yet and pedal back INTO the wind, that maybe only a couple more miles would be in order. By the time I got home I had been on the coldest ride of my life. I was wearing 3 layers on top, 2 layers on my legs, 2 sets of gloves, booties over my shoes, and 2 head coverings. And oh yes, sunglasses to boot! The wind chill factor was 0°F and with me traveling about 14 mph, probably colder than that. My fingers were balled up in my hands inside my gloves and my feet were frozen (I may actually have suffered a bit of frost bite). I never shifted gears once. I couldn't. When I got home, I hit the hot tub and just sat there for about 30 minutes trying to thaw out. I have a good cycling buddy who says, "There is no such thing as a bad ride, only bad clothing." I finally understand and believe.
I hit the cycle shop today and stocked up on cold weather gear. I should be better prepared the next time. Stay tuned. 60 days, huh?

Back in the Saddle

I'm not going to tell you how many miles I rode today. Let's just say that if this was the first day of the ride, we'd still have 100 to go. It was almost not worth changing my clothes for.

But it was worth it. I just wanted to get back in the saddle today, after a month of being away. The temperatures here in Texas are over 80 degrees, just about perfect for a soul that loves the warmth. I took the chance to take it easy, adjust my aerobars some, and to enjoy the weather.

Out Like a Scout...

We’re just wrapping up day four of our five day route scouting trip…what a blast! It’s been a huge amount of work. This is the first day I’ve been even interested in thinking about blogging. When was the last time you drove 600 miles at an average speed of 33 mph? And we’re doing it twice—up and back!

Monday morning Gordon and I left Orlando in our rental car for Waxhaw, NC, driving the route in reverse. I had already done a virtual 400 ft “flyover” the whole distance via Google Earth (amazing what you can do with the internet) but we needed to get an intimate feel for the road, the lay of the land, mileage to turns and rest stops (SAG stops in cycle-speak) for our detailed maps and cue sheets. In addition to all this we were trying to make our appointments at our over-night host churches. We knew face to face meetings with these gracious folks a couple months in advance would go a long way in making the whole event a great success.

Wednesday was spent in Waxhaw at the JAARS Center (Wycliffe’s support arm of missionary aviators, mechanics, radio and computer techie-types) meeting several staff assisting us in promoting and supporting the ride. JAARS is providing SAG (support and gear) equipment—van and trailer and hopefully the volunteer driver to go with it. We might have picked up a couple more cyclists too!

Wednesday morning was also a scramble to come up with a contingency route through the heart of downtown Jacksonville, FL. Our initial plans to bypass and cruise the scenic Atlantic coast up to Fernandina Beach crashed and burned when we discovered that the Highway 1A Mayport Ferry across the St. John’s River had been closed since February 2nd. Looks like Highway 1 from Callahan straight through to St. Augustine will be a good option. We’ll be investigating the need to get a “parade license” to “take the lane” through the nation’s 12th largest city—gotta love the adventure!

Today was a productive day—first half of our second pass. Patterson Baptist Church is putting us up again—thanks Pastor James (and Alvin and Ruth and Diane)! Pray us through Jacksonville tomorrow!

We’re pumped about actually getting to cycle the incredible country we’ve been driving. We’re pumped about the response and hospitality of the churches long the way. We’re finding favor in all we’re doing. It’s fresh, it’s new, it’s fun. I think it’s God.

pictures. 1) hills to the horizon! 2) Gordon storyin' with Jon and Pastor Mike. 3) South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia. 4) Scouts on a new route--intense!

Ambushed

The "minor" cold I thought I had last week was the flu in disguise. It ambushed me and took me out. I spent all day Wednesday and half of Thursday in bed. I'm up now, but I'm sleeping a lot, trying to get my energy back. Some congestion has settled into my chest. Training has been out of the question.

Missionaries have a reputation for being a hardy lot. Sometimes people think we persevere through every obstacle. I do have a stubborn streak, but I’m just like everyone else when I’m sick. I need to rest, get plenty of fluids, and trust in God for my wellbeing.

Please pray for us as we take on this project.

You want me to give what...?

Last week I answered the phone to an unfamiliar voice, not too uncommon, but this person was soliciting something I've never been solicited before: giving my blood. Just 8 weeks ago I gave blood for the first time, and now I'm on the short list for being called back? He said my blood type is in high demand and short supply, so today during lunch I went in and gave a pint of blood. This was only my second time, but I expect that it will be a common event from now on.

I couldn't help but to think on how my blood could help save the lives of up to three different people. That's a pretty amazing return for an hours time and some minor inconvenience. What I started to think is I've had this blood for over 40 years and am only now starting to share it. I just didn't know about it before. I didn't know there was such a need. I didn't know it could save peoples lives...I didn't know.

I also thought about God and how Jesus gave His blood for me. It's His shed blood that made a way for my forgiveness.

This "Going The Distance" event is about getting all the people working together that need to be a part to see God's Word transform lives. Some of us are to ride, some will support, some will host, some will pray, some will encourage, but all of us will give. What we are to give is set by God. For me, it is my time, resources, sweat, pain and I expect that I am just starting to give the tip of the iceberg that has been set for me. Today I gave blood that was given to me to save the physical lives of people that I will probably never meet or know. I also gave two hours on my bike in preparation for riding in April - sweating, straining and pushing myself to give just a little bit more--for the hope of people that I don't know hearing or reading the Word of God some day in the future.

Just one question remains: what has God given you that He would have you give as your part of this work? Certainly you have something to give; ask God to reveal his desire for you if you don't know what you are to give.

In heaven, sitting around a great table as a participant of a Great Feast, I expect to see some who are there due in part to this project, and entirely due to God's Grace and Mercy.

-Dan

Introducing Dan and his 'steeds'...

Reading Doug's entries, where he mentions his time on his Mountain Bike (MTB)...well it seemed like a great way for me to introduce myself as one of the riders. It was just last May when I first started riding my MTB on the road, with my sights on a 100-mile ride in August. I think of my MTB much like an old steed, a faithful friend. I bought it back in 1987: a 32 lb Schwinn Impact. It was a big purchase for me back then at just over $200, but it sure has lasted me: trails in CA, to and from college, trails in TX,... chasing roadies...and being chased. I can very much relate to the idea of riding with roadies on my MTB. Fun memories...

It's hard to believe that it was just 10 months ago that I started cycling seriously. Since then, I've very much enjoyed cycling and have switched from running primarily to biking. As a fit, but large-framed person, my last running injury (Plantar Fasciitis) took many months to heal. Two weeks after the completion of the 100-mile ride, as I was still looking for a used road bike, God provided. They say you buy 3 road bikes before you really get what you want - but God skipped my first two and showed me my third one first! It's a great bike (2004 Cannondale r5000). It was in a garage with two flats and a layer of dust. But, in the dark, with out even being able to test ride it, it was clear it was in great shape. So after 1,700 miles on my MTB on the road, I was able to start riding a real road bike of my own. Now, I don't think the bike makes the rider, just the opposite - but as I prepare for 6 days of riding 600 miles, I am glad that I have some help in the form of a new "road steed".

I've now had my road bike for a little over 5 months, and I enjoy riding it very much. As part of the preparation for this ride, I've bought a trainer so I can be more schedule-oriented in my training and not have to depend on the weather or light hours. Last week my time was split about 50/50 for the ~8 hours of riding. It's my plan that I'll get more time outside as well as getting in some longer rides as March and April come--provided Boy Scouts, soccer games and other family events allow it.

I live with my wife of 20 years and my 4 youngest children. My oldest was married last year and has given us our first granddaughter. Our four kids at home range from 16 to 9. We've lived here since 1993, when we moved from CA to start working in what was then the Printing Arts Department (PAD) doing Windows software development. Since then, I've worked in different roles and projects both in and out of Wycliffe. I have been in the Language Software Development department (LSDev) for 7 years this month. It's a great group to work with and the end results directly hit the bottom line: helping to have God's Word in a language that speaks to each person.

(Just in case you weren't sure, the first photo is the front tire on my MTB - and the last is the front tire on my road bike: face shots of both my steeds.)

-Dan