Trek Recovery and Gearing up for the Fall

We got back to our home that has a roof on Thursday nite August 15. Living out of a van and tents for two months was a challenge. We had a chance to rest and recover some at Karen's mother's Wildwood house for a few days after finishing the Trek last Thursday. Now comes the recovery at home and the gearing up for school. I was able to go into my classroom on Friday and see what all I will need to do to be ready for students. Teacher days start on Monday. We have a lot of extra 'cleanup' to do related to the robbery in St. Luis; getting driver licenses, changing bank accounts, replacing items etc. What a hassle but God blessed in so many ways. I think we need to step out of our normal, our comfort zones sometimes to be reminded and to be able to see once again how amazing God is and how He does take care of us. We are not big enough to handle life. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, He created it all, He is big enough!!!!! I added a slideshow short of the Trek. Just 50 pictures to highlite the trip. You can't see Him physically but God is there all over the place. More to come.

Trek-a-Cross completed! Day 53 August 8, 2013

3465 miles, ocean to ocean in 53 days. As the days go by we will add to this blog and fill in details. Praise God, He got us thru!! He is so amazing.

Some interesting data: 45 days riding out of 53, 14.1 average speed, 245.5 hours of riding time at 5.5 hours per day, 77 average miles per day, with breaks 7.8 hours on the road/ day (average on the road miles 10mph), 28,000 tire miles with 17 flats and 3 tires replaced, 3 broken spokes (all on Don's rear tire), no cable or chain breaks, no brake changes, 4 minor accidents with no serious mechanical damage and no ride stopping injuries, we biked thru 14 states.

Most important: many many Gospel contacts. Our prayer is that Jesus Christ was shared and glorified in all we did. And the many Gospels of John given, we pray people will read and come to know Christ personally.

Trek52 Wednesday August 7

82 mile day. Stayed at Homestead campground, Georgetown, DE.

Trek51 Tuesday August 6

88 mile day. Stayed at Millersville, MD KOA.

Trek50 Monday August 5

88 mile day on C&O canal. Stay at Harpers Ferry KOA.

Trek49 Sunday August 4

Trek48 Saturday August 3

45 mile day. Stayed at Rocky pond  campground.

Trek47 Friday August 2

80 mile day. Stayed at Outflow campground. We left the Washington KOA and had about 28 miles to get to the GAP. The PA hills where rediculous. We worked really hard riding up and down and up and down on steep hills but we finally got the Great Allegheny Passage. We were so relieved to get to the GAP that we needed to celebrate with a Mt. Dew. We realized that we had made it pass the high mountains on our trip, the rest should be fairly level; the GAP, C&O, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. We still had over 50 miles but we were excited and got to camp in good time. Vicki, Ken, and Chey came out to find us. I broke another spoke. Karen had found a great site at the camp ground after much hassle. We swam in the lake and Nate and Jess Brubaker showed up about 9:30 PM. So great to have familiar faces again.

Trek45 Wednesday July 31

88 mile day. Piedmont Inn such a blessing. We rode hard up and down, up and down all day. We were tired. I always worried about Karen as she navigated finding a place to stay for the nite. God provided a whole lounge and kitchen to work out of for the nite. One of the few nites we actually had a roof over our heads. No worry about rain, chocolate chip cookies from an oven, showers at the manager's home, a great final nite in Ohio.

Trek46 Thursday August 1

70 mile day. Stayed at KOA in Washington, PA. Finished Ohio and traveled thru West Virginia and finished in PA. 10 states down and 4 to go.

Trek44 Tuesday July 30

77 mile day (2.5 of route to camp) Back to just the 4 of us riding again. More hilly terrain but we go thru the miles in good time to have chance to swim in the lake at the Lakeview RV park near Lancaster, OH. In Lancaster, OH the say Lancaster as we do in PA but I would take our streets paving. Rough riding on a bicycle.

Trek43 Monday July 29

92 mile day. We finished up Indiana and headed into Ohio. What a challenge getting thru another city, Cincinnati. I thought we could go thru on 50 the whole way but one road said no pedestrians or bicycles. We got off at the next exit. Now to find a way thru. Yea for Google maps on smart phones. We made it thru but I hate the inability to plan ahead in cities. Luke's brother rode with us for the day. Great job David!!!! Great camp site at Rocky Fork State Park.

Trek41/42 Sat/Sun July 27-28

Day's off from riding to explore the Creation Museum. Amazing time exploring the evidence for creation. A statement that especially stuck out to me was this, 'God's world agrees with God's word.' What a great time, Luke's parents, my brother and family came and enjoyed the experience with the team. We also had some great worship and teaching at First Baptist Church of Rising Sun, IN.

Trek40 - Friday - July 26

84 mile day ending near Aurora, IN camping at the Little Farm by the River. What a fun day with my brother Jay joining us in our ride for the day. Other brother Leon and family join us at camp. All three brother reunion, yea !!!

Trek39 - Thursday - July 25

111 mile day, second century ride, longest day yet. Camp near Brownstown, IN. Starve Hollow Recreational Park.

Trek38 - Wednesday - July 24

95 mile day. The support team ended up catching up with us and we had lunch at Burger King. Stayed at the local park in Lawrenceville, IN.

Trek37 - Tuesday - July 23 - Happy Anniversary to us!!!

30 amazing in years. Wow!! God created marriage and said it is good. Thank you Lord for Karen and the picture of Your love you have allowed us to be.

80 mile day trying to get thru another city, East St Luis. We had a tail wind and got to camp in record time. The support team found a WalMart and started to replace some of the stuff we lost. Great time swimming in the lake and an Anniversary supper at Pizza Hut buffet.

Trek36 - Monday - July 22

47 mile day. We were taken back out to Pheasant Hill and rode back. Fairly easy ride. We were emotionally spent and needed to do some miles. We got back in good time and got to play games in the lodge, go over new verses and I was able to plan the rest of our trip to Pittsburgh PA. The lodge had a good WiFi connection and paper maps still work. I slept good. God is good!!!!

Blogging from my cell only.

My blogs can only come from my cell phone now that I don't have laptop. Thanks for your patience. We are still taking pictures but I am not sure how to continue the albums from my cell.

Trek35-July 21 - Sunday

Day rest and frustration.  Great morning worship at Grafton First Baptist church. Wonderful generosity from the Pastor and his wife giving us a great lunch at Finn Inn. We enjoyed the St. Luis Gateway Arch, it's history and grandeur. Then the frustration, our van, our home for the Trek, broken into. Karen's purse, 7 backpacks with our personal treasures for the summer. Wallets, cell phones, license's, 3 laptops plus plus. All gone!!!!!!! Police take report. We pray with the officer. We pray for the criminals. We cancel credit cards, freeze bank accounts, change passwords and and and....... We are safe, we have our God, we have each other and we try to regroup. God is still good, all the time. God has a mission for us,  we emotionally try to move on. We get some rest.

Trek34 - July 20 - Saturday

76 miles, Curreyville lunch, thanks for the water and ice. Crossed the great Mississippi River and into IL. 6 states down. Another bike wreck, all safe, Ben's leg bruised. Picked up at Pheasant Hill, IL, camp at Pere Marquette State Park.

Trek33 - July 19 - Friday

87 miles ended in Paris, Mo. Picked and driven to camp Mark Twain State Park. Bike falls on Don's head while napping. Nice facial wound!

Trek29-32 Monday-Thursday July 15-18

Well we got up early 5:45 AM wanting to leave early at 6-6:15. I checked my bike and find a broken spoke. It is a simple one to fix so I take the time to fix it we are late getting started, 7:00 AM. We head out on route 36 again from Phillipsburg, KS. 7 miles into the day I am drafting close to Luke and hit his tire and loose my balance and fall right and land hard on the pavement. I hit my shoulder and hip, did a roll in the grass and pop right up. Not sure how my feet came out of my clips but I rolled free from the bike. Ben and Keith watched the whole thing and said it looks horrific. They missed me and did not run into me. They stopped and asked if I was OK, I quick asked if my bike was OK. I said I can heal the bike cannot. The front fender was broken but everything else seemed fine, then I checked my wounds. My shoulder and upper arm are bleeding, my hip is brush burned and my elbow and other knee and.... I did not hit my head. I put ointment on and we are off riding. That was actually the worst fall I ever had on a bicycle in my life. I basically healed in 2 days. yea!! It seemed like my day because I did get the 12th flat later in the day. What a great campsite in Belleville, KS at Rocky Pond Community Park. We had some rain which sent us to celebrate at DQ for some ice cream. We started memorizing James chapter 3. We went 96 miles.

Trek30 We went 86 miles and ended at Seneca. We wanted to leave early again to beat the heat so we left at 7:00 AM. We get in to a great camp by a lake with a pavilion. The engine light came on in the van for a second time, as Karen did other things I took the rest of the team to the local pool to cool off and I tried to find a mechanic for the car and a bike shop for my bike because we found another broken spoke. With a Dodge dealer in town we set up an appointment for the next morning. No bike shop in town. I try to fix the spoke myself. I have one tool but need another since I have a different wheel (I figure that out after reading a maintenance book and watching a Utube video and wasting an hour.) I duck tape the spoke so it doesn't effect any thing else but ride a wobbly wheel all the next day. My nite was restless since my 'stuff'' is not 'perfect'. I can worry, I try to cast my cares on the Lord. God is good!!!!

Trek31 I let the guys sleep in so I can take the van to the shop. I take it at 8:00 AM, with some encouragement to get to the van. The computer diagnosis says that the 5th cylinder is misfiring like it was is Spokane, WA on the way out. We determined things would be fine until we got home in the next 2000 miles. I put some fuel injection cleaner in the gas tank and decided to use a higher grade gas. I gained some confidence that we will be OK. We take off at about 9:45 AM, a later start. We travel 74 miles, cross over into MO. and camp at Beacon RV park in St. Joseph. MO.  RV attendant likes to help cross-country bikers so we got the only tent site for free. Thanks!!!!!  We have been doing much better at getting less expensive camp sites. Thank you Heavenly Father and Karen's frugileness. During lunch I received an email from Bob, a friend from the Phillipburg church. He offered his home 15 miles south of St. Joseph but Karen had already got the free site on our route. Thanks Bob. In conversation he was able to locate a by appointment only bike repair person in St. Joe's. Thanks Shawn for fixing the spoke and realigning the wheel and the great conversation about living for Christ. In Christ alone we are saved and not by works. Ephesians 2.8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."

Trek32 With my 'stuff'' fixed we try to leave in good time, 8:00 AM. At 93 degrees, lots of humidity, rolling hills and a tail wind, we make good time. We stop for McDonald sundaes and get into camp about 3:50, Pershing State Park, MO. We ride into camp and camp is set up. The support team is doing an amazing job, set up and tear down of camp, great meals and cleanup, etc. Karen is amazing, pray for her strenght, she is definitely working out of her comfort zone in finding camps, grocery stores in new cities and working out of the van. She is making fabulous meals and keeping us full of energy and water. Yea!!!! I think I sweated the most today of any day. We broke 2000 miles for our whole trip and we put in 90 miles.

Nugget of Truth: Trek day 32

This trip we have been talking to God, our Heavenly Father, very often. We depend on him so much because we can't see what's ahead of us and so we continually depend on his provision, mercy and grace. Some people may wonder why we talk to God so much. Why do we get up and give our day to him? Why do we talk to him throughout the day and then thank him at night? Well, one reason is because we are not at home here on Earth. Our home is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father, and while we are not with him we don't send him letters or text him or pick up the phone and call him. We call out to him in prayer. Mark 13:31 reminds us that this life is not permanent and there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. We will be with our Heavenly Father when Jesus comes back.

Mark 13:31-37 Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at mdnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!"
We are looking forward to the day when Jesus Christ our Savior comes back and we get to go be with our Heavenly Father.  Are you looking forward to that day too?

P.S. We are thanking God for Lindsey, who we met at the information center yesterday. She provided passes to a local museum to help fill are time in yesterday's heat and she gave us her 2 dozen corn! So we had corn for supper last night and it was like having a piece of good old Lancaster County with us. Thank you, Lindsey!

Trek28 Sunday - What a great day with a church family and a day to rest.

We appreciated worshipping with First Christian Church of Phillipsburg, KS. Very friendly, they offered for us to use the kitchen if needed, they told us about the Block Stop evangelism event that nite and the free bar-b-que. We went to the local Pizza Hut for a buffet lunch. Wow, that was good again, second for the trip. We went to pay the bill and the waitress said the bill had been paid in full. There were several families from the church that ate there that day. That brought tears to my eyes. God provides!!!! We were able get some rest, go swimming. We got some food at the Block Stop and had a time of prayer for the event. We were not able to stay because we were getting up at day break to beat the heat.

Backup to Trek22-26

Trek22 Originally the plan was to ride the 30 miles of Mount Evans on my birthday. Well on my birthday we were coming over the pass. So I guess we could do that on Monday. We have been working so hard trying to keep the schedule and surviving we voted not to do Mt. Evans. I usually dream big and am glad to accomplish some things. No one was really too disappointed, I told them they could do that sometime in their lives if they so decided. Karen was glad not to drive anywhere far. We spent Monday truly resting, playing sand volleyball, swimming at the lake and going and watching Dispicable Me 2, and getting blown around by the winds at our campsite. Crazy winds out here. We had to move out stuff three times, different people in charge of the camp ground tell us different things. Different people apply different rules that are in affect. We can't keep track of them all, we are in a different place most nights and different states regularly. Can't put wash lines in trees out here in the west because they must preserve the few they have. Tents must be on the stones provided because the grass doesn't grow very well with the little rain. Only two tents to a site, so the second nite we move our tent to a neighboring site but have to move it back because someone is renting that the third nite. We seek to be gracious and show Christ's patience. I went out and bought another tent at the local REI to replace the girls tent that would not zipper shut, we put that old tent rain fly on the guys tent whose tent fly had torn. I repaired, sort of, the picnic table canapy that the wind had damaged the nite before. Crazy times, just in 'real life' God is Good!!
Trek23 Great Day visiting Focus on the Family. What a great time exploring the great resources Focus and Odyessy have developed thru the years. We got to to a Odyessy radio show for a CD. We offered our services to help but nothing worked out so we enjoyed the museum and soda shop.
Trek24 Wed. The guys, Luke and Keith got their first century ride, we did 109 miles in wind, hills and storm split around us. We ended up near in Anton, a small town with an RV park with no bathrooms. We got to use a hotel room for the bathrooms and shower. It was in harvest time and lots of harvesters were staying their. Great to hear about how the American harvest works.
Trek25 Thur. Each day keep getting hotter and hotter. We made it 85 miles this day.
Trek26 Fri. This day ended up be 109 degrees. We didn't know the temperature at the time but I was getting drained more and more the further we went. I was trying to drink lots of water and eat. We got to one town and said we were done for the day. We found out it was 109 degrees.

Trek27(2) I guess we beat the heat?

Here I lie under pine trees at Phillipsburg campground exhausted. We made it the 65 miles before 1:30 PM. The pavement radiated heat. The temp. is 105 degrees, not sure what the pavement temp. was. Dangerous heat warning til 8 tonite. We are all safe and the rest found a pool to cool off in.

Trek27 Trying to beat the heat!!!

Will have to get caught up later. We have been in survival mode and without data. 109 degree heat yesterday and still 70 miles in. Leaving early this morning to tty and beat the heat. Prairie Dog State Park last note. Cross-winds are relentless.

Trek21 - Happy Birthday to me, Don 55

I am scared, scared I can't ride up 4200 feet to the 11,307 foot Berthoud Pass, I am scared that the van may still over-heat, don't think that the broken T joint was the only problem with van, we have it really loaded down. No showers at the Frasier back country camp ground. Bad wind storm in the nite, didn't sleep well. We start our ride, we stop at Subway for some energy and start the climb. Part way up, Karen texted and said van went up Pass with no problems, we continue to climb and take breaks and climb. We make it to the top with relative ease. Praise the Lord that we can live by trusting in Him and not paralyzed by our fears. We sail down the mountain make through some of the maze of getting to Denver, CO and make it 73 miles. We are picked up, shower and have a 9:30 PM birthday supper at AppleBee's in Denver suburb. Get back to camp and watch and A-team video and head to the tents, stars are out. Wind storm blasts through camp about 3 AM. Picnic table tarp is broken, we take it a part and put all stuff in van, tents are blasted. We didn't blow away but thought we might. Didn't sleep well but were able to sleep in. Day off on Monday.

Trek20 - Wow!! God is Good but gives the unexpected!!

We pack up camp in Craig, CO and visit Mom & Pop's Bar-b-que restaurant. Vicki had met them the day before because they have a sign that says, 'Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We stop in to give them some Gospels of John to give in the restaurant. The are Gideons and use the business to share Jesus. The restaurant is locked and we begin to leave. They come out and show the greatest hospitality. NOTE: if ever visit Craig, CO please visit their restaurant (on US 40 3/4 mile East of town) They gave us all home brewed tea, brisket, rolls etc. They said we should stop up on the pass and enjoy a picnic lunch together. I shared how much of an encouragement they were, since I had been a little discouraged. They reassured me that God is good. We had a sweet time of prayer. The mutual encouragement in Christ was a God sent.  We begin to drive up Rabbit Ears Pass to drop off riders where they were left the day before. The van has been overheating on the mountain elevations and heat. We turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat to help take some heat off the engine, it worked before. Near the top of the pass the engine heat goes in the red and starts to steam and no more heat is coming from the heaters. We are at a pull off area we pull off turn off the engine. Continues to steam, I open hood and see that a plastic T joint in the coolant hoses is broken. Call AAA (holiday weekend), they organize a tow truck, we eat lunch on the pass together (which we were not planning on doing) How did 'Mom & Pop's' know that? We mountain bike some while waiting. I call the Dodge dealer that they are towing the van to. They close at 1:00 PM, they may not have the part, we may have to stay til Monday or Tuesday if part needs to be ordered. (God we need wisdom) Tow truck can only take 2 in truck. Trek riders decide to take all we need for several days so we don't lose miles, Vicki and Ken will ride down mountain (8 miles, 3000 feet elevation) on bicycles, and Karen and Chey will ride in tow truck. At garage after hours, they send Karen across street to auto parts store. Karen buys part and anti-freeze, garage puts it in and doesn't charge since cashier has gone home for day. They are excited with our Trek adventure. NOTE: BIG thumbs up to the workers at the Steamboat Springs Dodge workers, they will serve you from the heart!!!!!   Karen is on her way about 2:30. Mean while we riders are dragging a trailer and heavy loads on our bikes for several days, we thought. Karen picks that stuff up from us and we are still are able to get 76 miles in for the day even though we only started by 1:00 PM. We camp at Fraiser, CO, a rodeo is taking place so we get to see a 'true' Colorado rodeo. God is Good but gives the unexpected!!!! Huge thanks to God and all He placed in our path to help us survive.

Trek19 - Rabbit Ears Pass to Camp

We enjoyed a sleep in, I promised the team that if they made it to Craig. We enjoyed a Pizza Hut buffet and where dropped off on Rabbit Ears Pass at 9000+ feet elevation. We rode back to camp. This works sometimes because it is hard for Karen to find us sometimes and then there is no timing issue since we can just ride into camp. It is so much easier for the support team to be at camp two nights. We are struggling with finding places to stay at inexpensive prices. We are not an RV, we are not only a tent, we need electricity and we have 3 tents and 8 people. Campgrounds charge extra for each person and sometimes we have to take two tent sights. Pray this stress can be figured out for Karen and I. Otherwise we are all staying healthy and working so well as a team. God's Holy Spirit and the Fruit of Him is showing forth in our lives. We are having some 'minor' but annoying supplies issues, a tent rain fly tore, air mattress are not holding air and the other tent zippers don't close to keep out the bugs. Sounds a lot like life. The bikes are working great! We have to take what comes. We need wisdom and God has promised to supply. God is good!!!!

Trek18 - Thanks for the water (2)

We are dropped off in Dinasaur, CO and ride East on US 40. Nice road, tail wind, and no traffic, yea! We loaded up on some extra water. Karen, calls and lets us know that there are some major hills ahead we may not make it the whole way to Craig, CO. We had a flat(9), took lunch while we fixed it and where hoping for some water at Elk Springs. Not much of a town but there was a rest stop. Thanks for the folks from Vernal who gave us some ice water. There was a cold water pump at the stop. We loaded up and took off feeling good we made it over the hills with not to much difficulty and made it to Maybell, CO. 3:37 we are feeling good, someone tells us the road to Craig in not to difficult so we decide to ride the whole way. We see an Balded Eagle, chase two Pronghorned Antelop along the road for about a three quarter of a mile and see an Elk close to the road. We get a flat in Craig, pump it twice to get to camp about 7:05 PM. We are so grateful for the support team in having camp set up and amazing supper ready. We enjoy the fireworks at the local high school and that is about it for Four of July, 2013.

Trek17 - Thanks for the water

We were dropped off East of Myton and road to Vernal, Utah. The hill climb going into Vernal was a killer but we pumped it out and had lunch at a rest area over looking the town. We treated ourselves to sundae's at McDonald's and road on out of Vernal. We had loaded up with ice water. One flat out of town and on our way to Colorado. We kept drinking water in the heat, a head wind started making us work harder. We took a food break about 6 miles from the CO line and realized we didn't have enough water to eat. I decided we would ask for help. I raised my water bottle in the air as cars passed. About 5 cars passed and then one stopped, praise the Lord! They shared their water!!! They also said it was 108 degrees in Dinasaur Canyon where they were visiting. Not sure how we would have made it without that water. Thank you "guardian angels", and thanks to for the one pickup truck that turned around and came back to help. We made it to Dinasaur, Co.

Nugget of Truth Trek day 18:

It's been a little bit since I got to post another nugget of truth to ponder, but this truth is powerful and crucial. It is one that you could dwell on for awhile. This truth is the reason for why we live the way we live, for why we speak the way we speak, and for why we have chosen to take God at his word and place our faith in him. The truth for today comes from Ephesians 2. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." ~Ephesians 2:8-9. Nothing we do can pay God for the penalty of our sin. We can't boast about how good we are because we can't be good enough. God has to extend grace to us... and he does! Out of his beautiful love he has chosen to save us by grace, so we no longer have to be bound to death (the penalty for our sin). We don't have to work to earn his favor. He gives us his favor. We are set free!

Trek16

We rode from Heber, Utah up over Daniel's Pass, 8020 feet, nice climb, to 5 miles East of Myton. We were picked up about 6 and stayed in Vernal at a KOA. 20 degrees cooler and much better riding.

Trek14 - Week 3 Slideshow coming soon

So starting our third week of riding the predicted temperatures in the Salt Lake valley is to be 102+ everyday. That is crazy for riding in that heat. So here is what we did. Since we got kicked off the highway on Saturday and got picked up in "no man's land" we decided to take those miles that we went out of the way and bring them south into Salt Lake City. We would pick up from their and ride the rest of the way to the Autry's to complete that 'leg' of the trek. We also had Karen take us out to Heber, Utah, (it is so much easier from her to drop us off then to try to find each other in this huge America) where we wanted to end up on Saturday. We rode back from Heber to the Autry's from their, which was down canyon, down wind and much easier then we had originally planned. So we got up at 6 and did 48 miles back before it got too hot. Then we rode the 22 miles to complete the Saturday 'hiccup'. So yes we may be about 30 miles behind schedule but we should be able to catch up at some point. It has been such a joy and refreshing time being at the Autry's these last nites.

Trek 13 - I don't know this about this heat!?

So now that I am at a better WiFi setup and my Smartphone isn't running out of battery. (I have to save my battery on my cell phone for communication with the support team.) Anyway how were the last few days. Craziness!! Trying to survive the heat. We ride into a town and the McDonalds has a sign that says extreme heat wave has created a dangerous situation, to be careful. And we were just out on paved road riding our bicycles. I was so tired on one hill that I had to walk my bike up to the top of the Pass. No signs of heat exaustion, (or maybe I just described one to you) we are trying to drink lots of water and eat. A little bit challenging when the water is hot water and food doesn't taste because of being so hot. We have been riding on some highways, plenty of room on the side of the road, I had researched if we could do that or not. I thought I understood that we could ride on highway 84. We took a rest stop under a bridge in the shade. After we started a police man stopped us and informed us that we were not allowed to be riding on the Highway. He said we could take a side road but it would take us 22 miles out of the way and up a mountain that we would not have had to go over. On a bicycle that is not an easy task. The officer said, 'Be safe.' The back roads were less safe?!? Anyway God is good, I am not sure what the meaning is at this time or I may never know. I thought we might be half a day ahead of schedule, now I think we are half a day behind. I haven't been taking as many pictures lately because we have been in survival mode. If we stop it is under a bridge in the shade. Stopping along the road takes up time that we need to keep moving since our pace has slowed down. These last two day we have been pulling the bike trailer and all carrying more weight so the support team would have time at the Autry's. We appreciate your prayers. We have been talking to people along the way, they love the trek we are on. We are giving them Gospels of John and we pray the Holy Spirit will work in the prepared soil of their hearts.

Trek 11 and 12 - hot, Hot, HOT!!!!

105 degrees and we are riding on hot pavement. We survived!

Trek 11 - the morning of, wondering what this day will bring forth

Data and cell phone, WiFi was rare the last few days as well as the rides were hard. Lots of wind. Monday we were able to pull off 91 miles, long with and head wind going up the Snake River valley. Tuesday only 70 miles but what a great evening climbing the sand dunes. What an experince. New slideshow for week 2 (coming). Rain off and on all the time. What a pain. Wednesday, we decided to take the Freeway, 84. Hot sun this day. We got two flats, our windshield is cracked from truck kicking up stones on the freshly tar and stoned roads. Like regular life I guess the challenges of life are setting in. Karen got a great campsite in Hansen, ID. We stopped by for a swim in the pool and had supper and did 19 more miles in the evening. So Wednesday we got 85. 228 more to the Autry's by Saturday. Thanks for praying. God is good.

Week 2 -- Need 78 miles days....

....to make to the Autry's in Draper, Utah by Sat. Thanks for praying!!

Trek7 - Day of Rest

Wow!! So needed. No riding today. What an amazing time worshipping with the Body of Christ at Vale Christian Church in Vale, Oregon. What a hospitable group of people, the life of Christ was evident in their lives. Great worship with an up front band with a harmonica. Good time in communion, a message on the Nature of Mankind. Thanks Pastor for the reminder that we as mankind were specially made by God to be in His image. We have fallen and can through the Lord Jesus Christ be made whole and complete again, not perfect in this life but (Ephesians 4:21-24) to put off, renew, and put on. (click on the passage to go to the passage on BibleGateway a great internet resource). Thanks for the fellowship time and the use of the kitchen to make our pizza lunch. (that rattlesnake dip was amazing, just kidding, but that is what we were told :) Thanks for the advice on our next few days of travel. Wow!! This was and encouraging day. The trip is a little overwhelming. I knew that but had not experienced it til now. It is kind of like real life. We don't know what is coming but we must remember to walk in the Spirit, trust our God, allow the fruit of the Spirit to flow from us to each other, stay in touch with the Body of Christ and know our only hope is in Christ alone. I love you Heavenly Father!! You are good.

A page has been added on the side that has MyTracks maps

I have an APP on my phone called MyTracks that tracks where we go on GPS. I can send it to Google Maps. I will try to add the links to the side page. I could send the details to the posts but they are not always accurate. I don't always pause it every time we stop.

Nugget of Truth Trek day 6:

1 Peter 3:14-16 (ESV) " But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. " It is such a blessing to travel across the country and share the reason for our hope.

Trek5 - Nice 20 mile straight road with a tail wind.

70 miles, a few climbs, up a pass to 4800 feet, leg muscles hurting but we are over-all doing very well. We are mostly on schedule. Heading to Vale, Oregon Saturday. We will cross into Mountain Time. Met Dennis and were able to help him. He blow out his transmission at a rest area. He had no cell phone reception so our Verizon phones had reception so we were able to let him use ours and get help from a friend. The Gospel is going out and we pray God the Holy Spirit will help people see how amazing Jesus is.

Nugget of Truth Trek day 5:

 Mark 10:45 (ESV), "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." We, who have chosen to follow Christ for the rest of our earthly lives, seek to resemble Christ's character. We hope to be an example of Christ and represent his attitude of service.

New SlideShow up on the side of the Blog

I will adding pictures to that as we go.

Trek4

91 miles of no man's land in mid Oregon. Stayed in Burns, Oregon

Trek3 - Climbing McKensie Pass

That was work!! We had rain most of the night. Most of stayed mostly dry. We started with blue sky trying to get thru but then it soon started to rain. 21 miles to the pass, 10 plus miles up high, pumping the pedals in rain off and on. We stopped for some food at times but we got cold. We were told that it was 35 degrees at the top. No full gloves for two of us and two the gloves were soaked. I was concerned about hyperthermia. Beautiful lava fields at the top. Totally cloud covered. Sun started to peak thru a little. Stopped raining. We got in some dry clothes, ate our snack in behind the bathroom out of the wind and yes in the bathroom. Our core body heat never got too low. Going down was cold on the hands. But we had a great break at the bottom laying on the hot road, sun had come out on the east side of the mountain. Praise the Lord, He took care of us as usual. Rode on to Bend.

Trek2

Wow. I am writing this and posting this on the morning of day 5. Wow, it is a challenge to keep everything going even out here, map planning, paying bills at home, riding, riding, riding, and not having adequate internet access when you need it. There are placing I don't even have cell phone reception let alone a data connection. The GPS even went out at one point so we had the road and that was it.
Anyway. Day 2 was a only a 51 mile day, we let rode out of Springfield and road 126 east of coarse. Not to hard, but ended at a campsite that let us use the local Hotel's hot spring pool. So nice!!

Trek1-2

So we are waiting to be picked up in Springfield, OR. We went 75 miles. Further then planned. We all felt pretty good. Pic shows us in the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to brother and sister-in-law for finding a place to reach the ocean with our tire. Thanks too Jay for leading us in prayer and starting the Trek-A-Cross focused on Christ.

Trek1 - We are off.

Tried putting a picture in the post but to far out. We are half way back from Florence. Amazing weather. Helped a man lying along the side the road. Thanks for praying.

Days 7-9

Camping with no electricity or data. Many wedding preparations for Jeff and Sara's wedding. Wedding today!  Beautiful weather. Hope to start riding tomorrow. Picture of rehearsal. Had a little access to WiFi for a little. Thanks for your prayers!!!!

Day 6 - heading to Oregon

Great day off from traveling and time spent in Spokane. The van was in the shop all day. We were to pick it up @ 9 am. Beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Busy Portland but a great supper @KFC. Hope to @ Baker Bay county park by 9.

Day 5 - a God story and Mission Park

Are vans engine light was on for about 2000 miles. We made such good time we are able to stay @ our daughter and son-in- laws in Spokane, WA. Time to find a trustworthy mechanic, where? With following leads God proved faithful, a follower of Christ ready to help a brother in need. More details to come. @ Mission Park, slacklining and reaching out.

Day 4

Woke up to noisy birds. I think I saw every hour. I look out thru the "5" buildings in town and see snow capped mountains. The rockies south of Great Falls, MT. No shower from sprinkler, we are out by 7:30. No shower, period. Just passed thru Great Falls and about an hour out from Montana Wilderness Bible College.

Interesting end to Day 3

We keep driving. The sunset was 45 min. Long and beautiful. We are seeing pronghorn and deer crossing the road. It is getting dark. We keep driving. We go thru towns that you miss if you sneeze. We arrive @ Winnet , MT. 10pm small chance for a campground. Town a little larger then a sneeze. Only thing open is the bar. Two people outside. "Any campsites around here." Lol, no! Some people stay at the park up the road. But you must be out before 8 or the sprinklers come on. Any bathrooms? Up the other street in the 24 hour laundry. No sign on building couldn't find, used bar bathrooms. No data for phone. GPS says, your location is temporally unavailable. I think we were in 'no man's land'. God provided for our need. He is good!!!!!

Day 3 con't -2

Just had a great stop at the North Dakota Badlands. Wow! Thank you Heavenly Father so beautiful. Theodore Roosevelt National Park check it out online. I will have to wait for WiFi to add pics.

Day 3 con't

Thanks Good Sam hosts for the milk and bread for breakfast. Thanks Fargo Pizza Hut on 19th Ave. for lunch (we had to pay but they gave us two free meals for next time). Great service!            I have tried posting all day with pics it failed so I took pics out.

Discover Truth - Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life

Finding the Father, Knowing God the Father Thru Jesus is what the way to find real life and that He is the truth. Wow! I am discovering great insight about Jesus the Truth again in Romans chapter. 6 "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Continue reading at the link on Romans chapter. Make sure you are spending quiet time with the Truth, Jesus and His Father and walking in the Spirit's path each moment. 

Day 3

Waking up @ a Good Sam RV park @ St. Cloud/Clearwater MN 992 miles to Keith's college Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. Great day yesterday worshipping together in the van traveling. Read thru all of James with with a great discussion. Lots of rain in the afternoon and @ nite. Van working great! Met some great hosts here @ the Good Sam. God's people are everywhere! Yea!

Day 2

3 years later, Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio

On our way to Alaska we found this place. Great camping and access to the Inn's pool. Safety in traveling today! Yea! But the check engine light came on. No over heating so not sure why it came on. Appreciate your prayers. We are in God's hands.

Working together in pumping up air mattresses

Ohio State line

And we are off!!

Thanks to our amazing Heavenly Father for..... All the planning and all the support and those who joined us for final packing. Thanks for the departing prayer. This is God's trip!!!

Here we go, one day and we are off, Coming ready or Not!!

My mind is racing between 5 things that I am doing and 10 other things that I think I need to do. It was interesting last Sunday nite at the Bacculareate service for LS and Keith Graduation, so people were asking if we are ready. Well I am not sure I will ever be ready. It is coming ready or not. So thankful for all interested in what God will be doing in and thru us as we Trek-a-Cross. We sure have appreciated all who have donated gifts of money and supplies and have helped us get ready and so many who will help take care of things while we are gone, lawn mowers, house sitters, pet keepers, etc. We know our God is big enough to not let us forget anything that we are not suppose to forget. We know that this life is not about us but about the Body of Christ working together and the community working together. We are not alone.
          So excited for tomorrow, for Keith's graduation from High School. Still some last day things to do but the real excitment the celebration of Keith's amazing years in school. Congratulation Keith. It will also be a day of packing all those boxes that you see in the picture (that is only a part of them). We gave everyone two boxes to fill with personal items. Then we have other boxes for living for two months in Big Red. See how this goes!!

Great reminder from a brother in Christ! Day 15

A Bike Ride with God

Author unknown

Written sometime between
1910 and 1985.

        At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like the president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable ... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, and it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal." I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we're off again. He said, "Give the gifts away, they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him at first, to be in control of my life, I thought He would wreck it; But He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He smiles and says ... "Pedal."

A teacher friend of mine from my school sent this to me. What a great reminder!! Life and our trip this summer is about the Lord Jesus Christ showing the greatness of the Father and His love and forgiveness and His supply and, and, and...... So now and this summer when it seems like I, we can't do any more I pray (and we ask you to pray) that we will look at His reassuring smile and keeping pedaling.

Over the mountain, yea!

First half of our 73 mile day

I think you might be interested in this track: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=206720382859522691974.0004dd006eba91ba9fdb9 Created by Google My Tracks on Android. Name: First 46 Miles Activity type: biking Description: - Total distance: 72.85 km (45.3 mi) Total time: 3:27:29 Moving time: 3:08:52 Average speed: 21.07 km/h (13.1 mi/h) Average moving speed: 23.14 km/h (14.4 mi/h) Max speed: 54.90 km/h (34.1 mi/h) Average pace: 2.85 min/km (4.6 min/mi) Average moving pace: 2.59 min/km (4.2 min/mi) Fastest pace: 1.09 min/km (1.8 min/mi) Max elevation: 261 m (857 ft) Min elevation: 50 m (164 ft) Elevation gain: 884 m (2900 ft) Max grade: 9 % Min grade: -87 % Recorded: 5/18/2013 8:10AM

Wow a Goal Accomplished!!

3650 in 365 !! That means before we Trek-a-Cross America this summer 2013 I had a goal to ride 3650 miles of training from June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013. Task accomplished today 15 days early. For me at 54 years of age I know I had to keep my body going all year. I could not just try and train at the last minute. Thru summer heat and Fall and Spring winds and winter cold I was able to average 10 miles a day with some 30 to 68 mile weekends. We will see this summer in 24 days how all the training worked. This weekend we will be riding a training ride to the Cabin at Halifax, 73 miles. The 4 of us, Luke Brubaker, Ben Henson, Keith Brubaker and I. Maybe a our Loft leader friend will go also. Here is the plan, the map. Click and view our route.

Truth Shared @ Monday Nite Loft with Middle Schoolers - Good for all of us.

IT’S NOT A HIDDEN TREASURE

-God wants you to know what He wants-

Truth - Understanding God's Will for our Lives

God makes a promise: Psalm 32:8 Proverbs 3:5-6 John 16:13

(Note: click on the link on Psalm 32 to BibleGateway, then you can look up the other Word's from God)

What should my attitude be? Psalm 40:8 Ephesians 5:17

How do I understand what God wants? Psalm 37:31 Psalm 119:105,130

What conditions are given? Romans 12:1,2 John 17:7

Basic Guidelines in decision making:

1. Matthew 6:33 Am I seeking God’s desires ahead of my own?
2. Matthew 22:37-39 Will it help me love God and my neighbor?
3. Matthew 28:18-20 Will it help me fulfill Christ’s mission for me?
4. 2 Peter 3:18 Does it increase my knowledge of Christ?
5. 1 Corinthians. 6:12 Is it helpful or is it mastering me?
6. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Will it help me honor God with my body?
7. 1 Corinthians 8:9 Does it encourage someone to stumble?
8. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Will I glorify (lift up) God in it?

Other Thoughts:

What has the advice been? Proverbs 15:22

Is it wise? Ephesians 5:15-17

Are the circumstances right? Philippians. 1:12-14

Do I have inner peace? Colossians 3:15

Challenge: In one of your decisions this week, use the guidelines and thoughts.

The Passion for this Trek-a-Cross America

The passion for this Trek Project can be summed up with these songs by Steve Fee. Burn for You Lyrics are as follows:

There's a stirring in my heart
Unexplainable
There's a calling on my days
Undeniable, yeah
And there's a fire in my bones
Uncontainable
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you

I'll go anywhere
I'll do anything
At any cost for you
My King

There's a passion in my heart
For the world to see
Revival fires burn
A great awakening
And there's a raging fire inside
That's so high
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you, yeah

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

Oh, burn for you
Yeah, burn for you
To the ends of the earth
To the ends of the earth
To the farthest part
Til every heart has heard

To the ends of the earth
To the ends of the earth
To the farthest part
Til every heart has heard

There's a stirring in my heart
Unexplainable
And there's a calling on my days
Undeniable
And there's a fire in my bones
Uncontainable
And it's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
It's causing me to burn
For you

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

Burn for you
Yeah, burn for you
Oh, burn
Burn for you
Yeah, burn
Burn for you
To the ends of the earth

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/steve_fee/


To the edges of America we want to people to see how amazing Jesus, God our Savior is.
Also this song called Broadcast. God is so amazing and what He has done for us is so amazing how can we not broadcast it. So on our Trek we will as I Corinthians 10:31 says 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God' How can we not Broadcast Him!!!!!!

Catching up on the last two weeks. Day 41

Praying before we left on Middle School Loft Retreat

'Cray' Group Pic at porch @ JT Getaway Retreat, Brubaker's cabin

Last weekend was the Spring Middle School Loft Retreat. Great job Ben and Eric in organizing it this time. Thanks to all the leaders; Aja, Chey, Keith, Ken, Ben, Eric and myself. What a great time seeking God and His Word on Building a Firm Foundation for our lives. Establishing that firm foundation in middle school is so important. 

While on the retreat I had the chance to go for a training ride. I forgot many things for my bike ride but I found I can do without, socks work fine for gloves. :)  I rode from the cabin in Halifax, PA to Peter's mountain (again), out Clark's Valley Road and over the mountain again and back, 38 miles. That second over the mountain was crazy steep. I could only imagine that I was riding up Mount Evans in Colorado which we hope to attempt in July. 

Blogging is a challenge for me because I am one to live life in God's presence and let my life shine for Him and I tend to not broadcast what I am doing. But so others can be a part of the work of God in this part of His Kingdom I will attempt to be faithful.

Two songs that really describe my heart at this time in the Trek-a-Cross journey are from the group Fee, Burn for You and Broadcast (See Next Blog)

Made it to Samual S. Lewis State Park

40 miles in, 10 to track meet, 10 to home. What an amazing view from up here. Thanks Heavenly Father!

Off on a day 57 training

16 miles to Norman Wood bridge and Lock 12 heading north to Sam Lewis Park. A beautiful sunny day in God's world. Hoping to get 50 miles in before my sons track meet at Hempfield.

A Mountain Climb for day 64 Training

Wanted to see how I could climb a mountain on my bike. I am on a retreat near Duncannon, PA. 22 miles to Peters Mountain and back. I climbed it once and felt so good, I road down @ 35 mph and road up a 2nd time. Thank you Heavenly Father for the strength!!

'Lost' @ Valley Forge - Day 72 Training

Starting in center city Philadelphia about 1:30, 6 of us rode the Schuykill River Trail to Valley Forge, hoping to ride the whole way to my brothers' house in Coatsville, PA. I left home without a paper map. That is not usual for me, but I have this 'smart' phone that I had the maps on. Well I have some learning to do when it comes to technology. I think I will always have a paper backup. I was getting 'panicy' when my phone (and maps) were running out of battery and less then 14%. I could exactly figure out where we were at in Valley Forge. Could not find road signs. I got my directions mixed up. The zooming in and out on my 'smart' phone was messing up how far things were a part. Distances were messing with my sense of direction. I am not sure what all was going on but I had some tired boys and I didn't want to ride too far out of the way, because when you are on a bike it is not just easy to back track. Well we did make it thru the Forge and didn't go out of the way too much. But we did have some tired guys and then we had some hills. We ended up not following the rest of the Google maps because we could not find the rest of the bike trail. We stop at Dunkin Donuts, everyone picked their favorite two donuts and we downed a dozen in minutes. Three were picked up there @ the DD shop and the Trek-A-Cross riders, Keith, Luke and I rode the last 20 miles. 52 miles in total for this training day. Feeling good. Top picture has David and Luke Brubaker. Luke my nephew will be riding with us on the Trek-A-Cross.

Day 78 training

A little windy coming home. We were blown to Gap PA. Now we have to work to fight the wind. Good training. Pic. Taking a rest Kitchen Kettle Square. Thanks Verdant View farms for some burgers & ice cream to 'power' us thru.

81 Days til the Trek-a-Cross begins

The mailing went out on Monday and was received by many today, day 81. God is the one who supplies all our needs. We are trusting God to provide for all the needs for this mission/service project. We want to let people know so they can be a part as God leads them to give. It is great to rest in His arms. Check out the pages on the side to learn more about the journey we have been on.

God is God and we are not! See Previous Blog

Here is a creative story of how 'God is God and we are not!'

Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won't get mad
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?

God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one
of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed):Okay
God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things, the Good & the bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...

Wow! What a good Morning with the Church Family!

Day 84 - 84 days until we start on an adventure of a lifetime. This 70 day adventure has been overwhelming me some lately. All I could do to make this great, and all I want this to be for God. Wow that sounds out of perspective and was not keeping me in the place of Shalom. This morning I was reminded on the one hand that our struggle in life is about our inner nature with it's quest for autonomy and self-sufficiency. We want life to be about us. This time was ended in Sunday School with the thought that we are to submit to God and remember that 'God is God, and we are (I am) not!' Because God has worked in my life through the years I do not want the stuff I do to be about me. I want it to be about my life in God and not about me becoming god in my life. I want this adventure to be about God and I ask Him to keep it that way. But we battle in this life. After leaving Sunday School to go into a wonderful time of worship with the Church Family and dig into Leviticus once again. We take a close look at the voluntary 'Fellowship Offerings' in chapter 7. We examined the characteristics of a 'Beautiful Life'. (side frustrating note: I went to look at my notes from the message on my calendar description for today and they were gone. Some how I am deleting my notes and not sure how to always work this 'smartphone' :) (So from the uncompleted bulletin insert and my memory.) The beautiful life is full of #1. Spontaneous gratitude, #2. Uncompromising purity and #3.Lavish generosity. How do we live this kind of life? Focus on the God who is God and on His salvation Through His son Jesus Christ and the beautiful life will come gushing forth with Fellowship Offerings. I have committed my life to this and once again commit these next 84 days, the next 70 and beyond. Our Lord reigns and is good! Let us watch Him.

Didn't make the 65 miles, Instead 71 YEA!

I couldn't stop riding the rail trail I just had to go the whole way to Lebanon. I had never ridden the portion from Cornwall to Lebanon so I just had to do that. So in one ride I was able to do the entire Etown to Lebanon rail trail. Coming home was a challenge on route 72. I actually don't feel to bad. I think I really needed to do this many miles to give me some confidence that I can maybe actually do this Trek-a-Cross America at my age. It was a good reality check. We still some training to do. A goal I had for myself was to ride 3600 miles the year before we left. So June 1, 2012 I started. I needed to average about 10 miles a day. At day 282 I have 2874 miles, it is the first time I am ahead of my needed miles. It has been a challenge over the winter to keep up with the riding in the cold. Today was a God given warm day. Thank you Heavenly Father!!

Check out some of the other pages about the Trek-a-Cross, they have been updated.

Day. 92 another training day

Didn't know if I was crazy but it's such a beautiful day. I rode to Elizabethtown the rail trail and am eating lunch at Colebrook Road just West mount Gretna. 32 miles in and hoping to get about 65 today.