Tuesday's ride was just another 'ride through the countryside', 102 miles through backcountry roads from one town in southern Georgia to another in northern Florida. The terrain was virtually flat, evidenced by our GPS that showed the elevation above sea level hovering somewhere between 27' and 110' all day long. As we left Patterson, GA this morning, the town newspaper reporter came over, snapped our picture and promised us it would show up next week Wednesday in their weekly publication. Check http://www.theblacksheartimes.com/ for more info. From L to R: Doug (Florida), Ben (N.C.), Ed (Michigan), Gordon and Dan (both from Texas), Jon, Jeff, and Rollie (all from N.C.). Rollie is our SAG driver.

The scariest moment of all came when one of the many ubiquitous logging trucks simultaneously met up with yet another ubiquitous logging truck going in the opposite direction and caught us like dead ducks on the side of the narrow two lane road with very little shoulder. For the vast majority of time, drivers have been courteous and gracious but today's incident almost forced us off the road and reminds us that your continual prayers are effective and totally necessary.
Tomorrow we head to Bunnell, Fl near Palm Coast, another 112 miles. We're feeling the effects of all the many miles but we're also determined to finish what we started. Thank you for staying with us. We couldn't do this without any of you. It takes teamwork, in the same way that it takes teamwork to get God's Word to the Bibleless peoples of this world. Thanks for being part of the team.

A week before the ride, our SAG (Support And Gear) driver along with his wife, drove the entire distance of our 635 mile ride and personally delivered a small green tote bag that contained info about Wycliffe and about our ride to every single church along the route. As we ride, we pray for these churches as we pass them but today was a special surprise. A church in southern Georgia had erected a hand made sign welcoming our group of 7 cyclists. We stopped, personally autographed the sign and had our pictures taken. Each church along the route, more than 225 of them, or, about one every 3 miles, has the God-given potential to make a difference in the global task of Bible Translation. We're extremely grateful for each and every church that is involved in God's Commission of reaching every tribe, and tongue, and language, and people.

Today's ride also represents the halfway point of our journey. We can tell we're moving south as the mercury soared to 95 F with few clouds and fewer areas to stop at that afford shade. One of our stops was an old abandoned convenience store that had no conveniences whatsoever. And the heat is starting to take its toll as well on all of us cyclists. Higher temperatures mean more stops with more ice and more cold drinks. This slows our pace but keeps us hydrated and healthy. Doug had another flat tire and had problems with his rear wheel but Rollie, our SAG driver has been magnanimous as he jumps in quickly and assists with any and every problem. We praise God for helpful hands and willing hearts. And for you as well as we start the 2nd half of our Wycliffe Southeast Cycle Chase 2009, headed for Wycliffe USA headquarters in Orlando. Tomorrow we anticipate spending the night in Callahan, Florida.

Century Two

A hundred miles into yesterdays ride and I was honestly beginning to think we had bit off a little more than we could chew. We underestimated our time in the hills, Columbia traffic, a bike shop parts run and a flat repair. We were an hour and a half late into Orangeburg. Today was a whole different story. Getting away from the worst of the traffic and major hills we were able to keep our team together in a nice paceline the entire day. It’s been great getting to know the guys and learning to function like a real team.
We had a special treat waiting for us in Statesboro (GA) tonight. A member of Grace Community Church (our host church) found out about the ride and offered to put the whole team up for the night in their hotel. Thanks again Jon (and Nathan and Grace!) and Pastor Mike. We appreciate your heart for your community and for those still waiting for Scripture in their own language.
Today was 112 miles, a beautiful ride. We have a short day tomorrow, 92 miles to Patterson, GA. Thanks for your prayers for the team. We ask you to pray for the Bible translation needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, so many are waiting.
Lets ride!
Doug
Pictures 1) We're loving our team jerseys 2) Georgia line--229 miles south of Waxhaw

We've gotten two good days in, for a total of 230 miles. The perfect riding conditions made today's century ride (100 miles) one of the best centuries I've ever ridden. The South Carolinian hills gave way to shorter rolling hills which in turn gave way to almost flat topography as we entered Georgia. We're only about 50 miles from Savannah, Georgia in the little town of Statesboro. The elevation is less than 200 feet. It was hot and humid today, with the humidity breaking through to the 100% level. The rain was short lived and we barely got wet but it does remind us of where we actually are.
Our group of 7 riders has grown into a cohesive formation and today's ride of 112 miles was proof of that. There's good communication and no one complains when a rider needs the larger group to slow down a little bit.
Today I was informed that a Bible Study group up in Glen Arbor, Michigan which I love to attend whenever we're in Leelanau County, has agreed to sponsor the trip. I'm so grateful for all those that are committing to be a part of the larger task, to provide quality training for 45 Congolese Bible translators.
Pictures: riding the paceline; what it looks like from the back of the pack.
Second picture: You're right, I never knew there was Dover, Georgia before today either. From L to R; Ed, Dan (from Dallas) and Doug, (from Orlando; Doug is the organizer of the bike ride and the same person I rode with in the cross country ride in 2007.)

Southeast Cycle Chase on the Roll

We made it. It has been a very long day. The fellowship and BBQ chicken at Trinity Presbyterian Church was worth every mile. Thanks to Bubba, Terry, Jeff and Pastor John and the whole crew! We had a wonderful time.

The JAARS send off was great. We loaded luggage, slathered sun screen, pumped tires, took the obligatory group shot at the sign, had prayer. A half dozen locals joined our group including a motorcycle with videographer. Thanks Merle and Bob! Bob (the videographer) actually spent the whole day with the team. Next time we’ll go for some JAARS helicopter aerial footage.

Hills galore. I actually like hills. I rode more Carolina hills in the first two miles than I have seen in a year and half in Florida.

Had a chance to chat with a few Columbia Int’l students interested in Bible translation. Good to meet Allison and friends.

We did 118 miles today. 8 hours in the saddle. 112 miles tomorrow. Little tired and it’s getting late. Signing off till then.

Doug

Pictures 1) BBQ with the great folks at Trinity Presbyterian in Orangeburg 2) hanging with prospective Bible translators at Columbia Int'l University 3) video--Ed's ramp assist takeoff

The JAARS Center is located in Waxhaw, NC and is the the place where Wycliffe's technical services are located, services such as computing, IT technology, aviation, shipping of materials and other forms of transportation, plus a host of other services. Our dream was to have the bike ride go from one Wycliffe Center to another, in this case, Orlando, where the home offices for Wycliffe USA are located. The picture shows the team early on Saturday morning as we were about to leave for Orangeburg, SC, a distance of 118 miles. Along the way, we stopped in Columbia, SC, and had the opportunity to pose with a Confederate soldier standing at attention at the State Capitol. He looked hot in the 85 degree temperature.

Today was a long day but we are encouraged by your prayers as we continue on our adventure down to Orlando. We are committed to see 45 nationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo get the proper Bible translation training so they can do Bible translation in their country and the bike ride in support of that. Thank you for being a part of this important work.

Day 1

I woke up with my sore throat still very much intact. I say I woke up. I didn't really sleep. I rode the first 47 miles through the worst of the hills despite feeling pretty debilitated, but then was forced to SAG to the next rest stop to refuel adequately and get enough rest to try to keep up with the other guys. I wouldn't have expected the sore throat to affect me that much, but it did. I started riding again and with some help drafting on others was able to finish. I only rode 95 miles instead of 115, but I was pleased to be able to do that much after the sore throat.
I also had a puncture, running over a staple that perforated the tire and tube pretty thoroughly. So the ride remains challenging, but we all keep soldiering on. There's a good spirit of cooperation and mutual help among the riders

Ride Begins

I (Doug) arrived in Waxhaw Thursday night, plenty of time to pick up SAG supplies. Ed wasn't far behind and was able to provide buggy support on our initial Costco run. What does it take to fuel seven cyclists on a 100 mile day? Bagels, bread, gatorade, apples, oranges, bananas, powerbars, clifbars (chocolate brownie:-), peanut butter (extra crunchy), jelly, raisins, granola bars, multigrain b-fast bars, almonds, pickles and one special order of baby spinach leaves... we're going to nickname Dan the "Sailorman".

We were thankful for Bolt Brothers bike shop in downtown Waxhaw. They had what it took to get Gordon's bike roadworthy. He had an unfortunate shipping mishap (lost tools and various bike parts) that proved to be the first glitch in the week. We lost a little time and had to forgo a group ride/shake down. Pray we get any mechanical bugs worked out early tomorrow.

We had a good orientation to get us on the same page as far as group riding dynamics, rules for the road and dealing with weather, etc. I'm thankful for the team God has put together; Ben has led multiple long-distance group rides, both regional and trans-continental. Gordon used to race and was in the bike business for 8 years. I think Jeff raced in the old days too. Lots of great experience on the team.

Thanks so much for your prayers. Our most challenging day is tomorrow, 116 miles to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Orangeburg, SC. And lots of hills. I are a flat-lander. I’ll let you know how it goes… tomorrow! Bring it on.

Pictures: 1) Ed-Costco buggy support 2) Gordon and Dan - picking up the pieces 3) destination-Trinity Pres

Friday - Assembly day

Well, we are off to an inauspicious start. I opened the box that had my work-stand and tools in it only to find out that it had no tools in it. There was a hole across one end of the box but the strapping tape was intact across the hole. Further investigation revealed the bottom seam of the box had split and apparently the two boxes of tools had escaped through that.

Okay, no tools. I opened the box with the bike in it and discovered that the small box inside that contained my pedals, computer, front quick-release and front brake caliper was also missing. Same thing. Sp;lit seam on the bottom of the box. Now the bike isn't rideable and there are no tools to fix it!

I was able to borrow pedals and a quick-release from one of the guys at JAARS. A quick trip to the bike-shop and $200 later I can ride and have a very basic toolset to work with. So now I have to go round and round with Fedex to document what they lost and what it cost. (Sigh)

Oh, yeah. I woke up with a sore throat. Swine flu, anyone? Please pray fror me. I need it! ;-)

Final Prep

My brother gave me the cycling jersey I'm wearing in this photo. I've done alot of training going on solo rides, but it's a reminder to me that this journey that we depart for tomorrow is not me going at it alone. My brother has the map of our route and he's promised to pray for me each day. Thanks for being a part of "Going the Distance"