Hi All -
Thanks again to those of you who read our blogs - and for letting us know.
We realize it's not always consistent - but then again - isn't life a bit like that?
People ask - "how has the riding been?" and I ususually answer, "alot like life, some hard days, some easy, some rough patches, some smooth - but all in all I wouldn't have missed it for anything".
I've also been asked whether I'd do it again if I had the chance and to that I say, "It depends on when you ask me." I probably would if it was meant to be - but I would surely want to know that it was something God was asking of me. The level of stamina and endurance that is needed for this is significant - and I do recognize that I have made it this far - with my break - but I honestly believe that I have done what I did because God provided the opportunity and then empowered me to do it. On my own - I wouldn't have considered riding across the country on a bike. Not that I wouldn't have given it some thought - or just thought it was a neat thing to do - but in terms of what I am usually up for physically - this would not be at the top of the list. There are some riders who are athletic - some who are more casual riders and some who truly have had to deal w/physical ailments that would make anyone think twice about embarking upon this type of ride. Yet, I guess in each of our cases, God asked it of us and then empowered us to go ahead and do it.
I also truly believe that the prayers we have had prayed for us and the support and encouragment that is directed towards us all play a part in keeping us going, moving eastward and God-ward as we use this tour to do our part in ending the cycle of poverty.
For all those who have said that they are involved in only a small way - I say that each person who has chosen or been moved to participate in this tour is a necessary and vital part of the tour. Systems work together in ways that allow for good or for ill to occur and if you have taken part in this tour - either through prayer, financial support, baking goodies for us or opening your homes to us - you have been a part of this special system that has been created to address the unhealthy systems that keep people oppressed or feeling that they are doomed to spend their lives in need and want.
I will say that if the whole tour had been like the last couple of weeks, there would have been a lot less drama and angst on my part but again - life doesn't work like that either as there will be uphills, hot days or headwinds. It's all part of this package and avoiding or trying to avoid the challenges and difficulties usually doesn't work. As tough as the first 4 weeks were - and they were - I would have missed out on so much had I not taken part in it. I don't ever want to bike through a desert again - but I got to see a part of the country I had never seen before. We've been blessed in terms of weather other than that very hot days that we encountered (yes, I did miss some of them in Nebraska & Wisconsin). And the roads and environment in Michigan & Canada have been terrific. It seems to be true, in my case at least that familiarity makes for comfort. Michigan and Canada look a lot like what I am used to - green, suburbs & farms, humidity and other characteristics which in their familiarity I find comforting. It should help me to empathize more I suppose with those who find change threatening or unwelcome and I hope I will be - but I also hope that others will take the risk that change seems to represent and find out what else there is for them in life. Like many things - it doesn't have to be either/or - life can be both/and. Familiar and yet new, similar yet different, comfortable yet going beyond comfort to the next level.
As of Wednesday - we have been in Canada and I cannot say enough about how hospitable our Canadian cousins have been. Ontario is beautiful and the rides have been mostly smooth - (again - a few rough spots here and there) and the outpouring of support is phenomenol. If it is true that people express their love via food - then we have been loved as high as the clouds and as deep as the oceans. Churches and individuals have provided us with snacks and fruit and cold water and ice cream and pastries until we feel like Thanksgiving turkeys (American style) ready to be served. To see all the people awaiting our arrival in Ontario on Wednesday when we crossed on the ferry was truly overwhelming. Of course there were many family members there -looking for their riders but even we Americans felt like we were being welcomed back home. How fitting and again - how illustrative of the concept of true, biblical hospitality.
For myself, I wanted to find a place to buy a Canadian flag to "wear" on my bike. I saw a gentleman speaking w/one of the riders and asked him if he could let me know where I might get one. He didn't answer but responded by giving me the flag he held in his hand. It's bigger than the ones that most people have been putting on their bikes (Canadian or American) but I attached it as best as I could and rode on my way.
Other wonders occured on Wednesday when Johnny ("Do Something Beautiful") Pierce rode by w/John Vanderveen and somehow I managed to catch up w/them. Yes, they had to have been taking it easy but we rode from the marina to Chatham (Ontario - not NY my New York friends) together. I don't know where the energy came from - it had to have been the cupcakes and candy and boeter koeke (Dutch- see if you can guess what it means) that I had before getting back on the road. Everything went smoothly until about 7 km from Chatham where we stayed Wed. night. Earlier - John's (Pierce) rear tire & my front one clicked although we didn't go down thank goodness. But it seemed to have affected his tire because not 1 but 2 spokes broke. Suffice it to say I felt badly but Johnny was a good sport and said it was something that happens when biking - which is true. I know he would have preferred not to have to SAG into camp but as it was - he did get a ride to a bike shop where the spokes were fixed, the tires replaced and someone very generously covered the cost. Then John got a ride back out to the spot we had stopped and rode the rest of the way into camp. Given that another rider had taken a bad fall due to his frame splitting (I'll spare you the details but please keep him in prayer as he recovers) I am happy that nothing worse happened to John or myself. The best part of that ride was singing our way into camp. It's amazing I can sing and ride at the same time but it does pass the time. Which is good because there were a couple of days during that week that I wasn't sure whether or not I'd make it in to camp that day.
Tuesday was pretty tough - as it was a 95 mile day and I was dragging along. Lovely Greta got in front of me at some point and we took off. I was able to keep up w/her for most of the day but I know she was holding back as well. We spent a number of miles together and then when we got to Walter's stop I let her break free. Jake P. & I ended up doing the last 20/30 miles together and got help along the way from Tim V. Tim does work w/the CRC and is a really good rider as well. If he hadn't carried us along I would have called it quits long before getting to camp but he like so many others kept us going and we rode into camp just as dinner was being served.
Those long days are the ones that really get to me. I think I can handle up to about 60 miles and then I want to stop. There were so many places along the roadway that looked inviting enough to stop at and take a nap - a long nap. Which only works if you have all the time in the world and don't have to be any place in particular.
On Thursday - it was almost the same thing. I couldn't keep up w/my shadow it seemed and the road seemed endless and I was sure I would miss lunch that another wonderful congregation was serving but I managed to get there around 1 and there was plenty to eat and I wasn't even the last or near to the last person to get into camp. Thursday was a busy day for some riders as there was a time trial for anyone who wanted to sign up - (testing yourself against yourself) but they did ask that only riders who could do 18miles/hour or better sign up so the volunteers who were helping out didn't have to stay out all day. Suffice it to say - I didn't sign up. (Many bikers also went to the VELODROME. It's an indoor bike track that goes around in circles at some bizarre angle and riders can ride like it's some kind of amusement park thing).
I did get to London early enough to get clothes done but I missed going to the work project I had signed up for. We needed to meet before 7 but I thought we had to meet at the bus at 7 - so I missed that one. If I can get in early enough for the project in Binghamton NY - I'll do that. In London we were greeted again by a number of wonderful people who had all the different kinds of dessert in the world you can imagine -after serving us snacks and dinner and inviting us to do laundry and swim in their pools.
From London we went to Hamilton and again were greeted graciously. I may even have been on a news story that aired Friday night as a local station was videotaping riders for their story and I rode in just as they were preparing to tape the riders following their van. Everyone said to get in the group and perhaps be on t.v. - For once, getting in late didn't mean missing everything, although I did miss getting a pedicure or foot massage. I will appreciate them even more now than I ever have. I also had decided to see if I could go home w/someone as I wanted to sleep in a bed and take a shower in a home setting. There was room & I signed up to stay w/Sandy & Suzie (from NJ) and we got to stay w/Ann who was just wonderful. It was also nice spending time w/others from NJ even though neither of them grew up there like I did.
Ann got us back to Redeemer University where we had been hosted by 7 a.m. Sat. morning and we were on the road again before too long. Corinne & I rode again together today (did yesterday also) and got to St. Catherine's this afternoon around 3:30. She got into camp before I did - as she can put the pedal to the metal (so to speak) when she wants to. I got caught at a couple of lights and stopped in a bike shop for some chain lube. I ended up getting some other things & forgot the lube but hopefully will be able to borrow some before the week is over.
Now I am getting ready to go to sleep for the night at the home of another lovely couple - Mike & Engline, my hosts for the night.
I will do my best to get updated w/pictures before too long. The smoother, shorter rides have provided the opportunity to take many moreand I enjoy sharing them w/my readers.
As I reviewed this before posting - I realize I have used a number of superlatives to describe the people and experiences from the last 2 weeks. It's hard to know how to express the level of what we have experienced in words alone and writers usually advise not going overboard but it's hard not to. I hope when I get the pictures up - they will be able to convey a sense of what we are feeling and thinking but perhaps it can only fully be understood by others who are participating in some way or another. Again - this is similar to life itself. Sometimes you just have to be there.
Showing posts with label seatosea08. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seatosea08. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
More Random thoughts - Friday July 11
FIRST OFF - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE!
Many of us are on this trip as our loved ones celebrate birthdays and anniversaries without us.
However, we remember them in our prayers and acknowledge the specialness of the occasion. (sp). We also keep our friends, families and strangers in prayer as they go through difficult situations so know that those of you in that situation are in the hearts and prayers of many.
I am having a brain block but the scripture verse for yesterday (July 10) is "God is doing a new thing - can you not see & perceive it?" Yesterday we left Baker City OR for Huntington, OR. I left B.C. before 7 a.m. & got to Huntington by TEN FIFTEEN - IN THE MORNING. It was amazing - I actually to spend time hanging out and socializing before NOON. It was a new experience and whether or not it occurs again - I did it. Of course the ride was fairly short and basically all down hill but hey - it was still great to be at the camp site before the gear truck pulled in.
To my former Drill Sargent - and D.I. (1984) and to some of my past camp counselors who seemed to think I have only 2 speeds - "slow" & "backwards" - nanny nanny boo boo!!
I can keep up. Maybe not always - but enough. I got to shoot a couple of games of pool with a fellow rider (Frank) and have another cold COKE - (note to Coca Cola Co. - while I'm not a fan of advertisement the way it's practiced in our culture - I would definitely consider doing a short term endorsement for you - a cold drink of Coke at key moments have kept me going when I wanted to just stop and sit in the road - and let the ride pass me by. I am not a fan of soda anyway but the things that keep us going (on the basically healthy side-soda is a "want", not a "need") are so greatly appreciated. Ice has become a treasured luxury. While the heat in these parts is dry (unlike the east coast where the cliche "it's not the heat, it's the humidity" is supposed to make it better) it's STILL HEAT!!!
I now know what a baked chicken would feel like if it could feel. Sorry chickies (our new family members). Yesterday I spoke with one of the many local people of Huntington who were so happy to have us in their community and as we spoke we stood outside in the sun. I enjoyed speaking with him but my left leg felt like it was ready to crisp off in pieces. I tried to gracefully & politely end the conversation but he was so enjoying it that I wasn't sure I'd have a leg left to stand on - never mind ride with.
But - he was one more example of the true meaning of biblical hospitality - "welcoming the stranger into the midst of the community". We aren't just one stranger but 170 strong (144 bikers and our drivers and support staff and it can be a bit overwhelming to have this "horde" descend upon some of the small communities. In some places we overwhelm the infrastructure - (think overflowing sewage systems) so for people to open up their schools and homes to us is something we treasure.
So it was another day of spending time sharing our story with the people of the varying communities and hearing their stories and for the most part being supported and encouraged.
(Every now and then someone we meet will suggest that the funds that are being incurred to do this ride would be better spent on community gardens or some similar suggestion.) But it isn't just about funds although we have raised a considerable amount; it's the raising of people's consciousness - awareness of how poverty isn't just lack of money but a whole mindset of hopelessness and despair. Not having money in and of itself is being broke. But not having hope or a way out of this mentality is true poverty. It's not that if a person has a positive mental attitude then they can think their way out of deprivation and despair; it is the awareness that one in this situation isn't alone and God is still with them. The sad part continues to be the realization that alas, there are enough resources for everyone on this planet - if everyone were willing to see that the resources are distributed evenly. Again - a bit of preaching.
Tonight I got to say the closing prayer for our group meeting. We took the time to say good-bye to 3 of the riders who are leaving this weekend. It is good to acknowledg that there will be a loss to the community. We acknowledged their presence among us as well as that they are leaving - but they will not be away from our thoughts and prayers.
- Random fact - There are 13 pastors participating in this bike ride.
Another random fact - Clip shoes/pedals are a great way to get the maximum benefit in riding.
It's a matter of not only having to push down on the pedals but you can pull up as well. This doubles the amount of effort that goes into riding and helps move things (me) along at a better pace.
Another another random fact - if you have a bike which keeps you upright (like my hybrid), be sure to remind yourself to relax your shoulders. That is one thing I have in my mind as I ride - don't tense up - it makes it harder. Today I did find a chiropracter in Ontario, Oregon. I wasn't really on planning finding one but as I was walking around looking for internet access, I passed the office of ONTARIO CHIROPRACTRIC. "Something" pulled me in...I asked the receptionist - Donna - if there was an opening and she said that as a matter of fact - someone had just canceled like literally minutes before I walked in. The doctor who saw me was Donna's daughter - Dr. Hillary and she was a gem. Because I go for chiropractice adjustments on a somewhat regular basis - (Thanks Dr. Dorneman) they were willing to take accept me as a one time patient.
Dr. Hillary worked wonders. I told her about the spill I took last week and after examining me she told me I had done some damage to my sternum. Basically I just need to keep it iced and take ibuprofen. The funny thing is it doesn't hurt when I bike, just when I lay down to sleep. It's not serious but it's another earned badge - reminder of what a challenge this ride is.
FOR ALL FAMILY & FRIENDS who know people along the route - remember, if you can encourage the people you know to come out and wave hi or take a moment to speak with us or just take a card, it would be really cool.
Oh also - THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MY PERSONAL EFFORT. We just got our donation update today and I can't thank you enough for your help.
PICTURES - check out next post. I know a number of you are look forward to seeing them but please be patient. Our internet access is a bit limited and if I can get anything done, I try to write before uploading. But I promise - you will get quite a show when I get them in.
More songs -
John Mellencamp - THIS IS OUR COUNTRY
& for our departing riders - "GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN" -
Many of us are on this trip as our loved ones celebrate birthdays and anniversaries without us.
However, we remember them in our prayers and acknowledge the specialness of the occasion. (sp). We also keep our friends, families and strangers in prayer as they go through difficult situations so know that those of you in that situation are in the hearts and prayers of many.
I am having a brain block but the scripture verse for yesterday (July 10) is "God is doing a new thing - can you not see & perceive it?" Yesterday we left Baker City OR for Huntington, OR. I left B.C. before 7 a.m. & got to Huntington by TEN FIFTEEN - IN THE MORNING. It was amazing - I actually to spend time hanging out and socializing before NOON. It was a new experience and whether or not it occurs again - I did it. Of course the ride was fairly short and basically all down hill but hey - it was still great to be at the camp site before the gear truck pulled in.
To my former Drill Sargent - and D.I. (1984) and to some of my past camp counselors who seemed to think I have only 2 speeds - "slow" & "backwards" - nanny nanny boo boo!!
I can keep up. Maybe not always - but enough. I got to shoot a couple of games of pool with a fellow rider (Frank) and have another cold COKE - (note to Coca Cola Co. - while I'm not a fan of advertisement the way it's practiced in our culture - I would definitely consider doing a short term endorsement for you - a cold drink of Coke at key moments have kept me going when I wanted to just stop and sit in the road - and let the ride pass me by. I am not a fan of soda anyway but the things that keep us going (on the basically healthy side-soda is a "want", not a "need") are so greatly appreciated. Ice has become a treasured luxury. While the heat in these parts is dry (unlike the east coast where the cliche "it's not the heat, it's the humidity" is supposed to make it better) it's STILL HEAT!!!
I now know what a baked chicken would feel like if it could feel. Sorry chickies (our new family members). Yesterday I spoke with one of the many local people of Huntington who were so happy to have us in their community and as we spoke we stood outside in the sun. I enjoyed speaking with him but my left leg felt like it was ready to crisp off in pieces. I tried to gracefully & politely end the conversation but he was so enjoying it that I wasn't sure I'd have a leg left to stand on - never mind ride with.
But - he was one more example of the true meaning of biblical hospitality - "welcoming the stranger into the midst of the community". We aren't just one stranger but 170 strong (144 bikers and our drivers and support staff and it can be a bit overwhelming to have this "horde" descend upon some of the small communities. In some places we overwhelm the infrastructure - (think overflowing sewage systems) so for people to open up their schools and homes to us is something we treasure.
So it was another day of spending time sharing our story with the people of the varying communities and hearing their stories and for the most part being supported and encouraged.
(Every now and then someone we meet will suggest that the funds that are being incurred to do this ride would be better spent on community gardens or some similar suggestion.) But it isn't just about funds although we have raised a considerable amount; it's the raising of people's consciousness - awareness of how poverty isn't just lack of money but a whole mindset of hopelessness and despair. Not having money in and of itself is being broke. But not having hope or a way out of this mentality is true poverty. It's not that if a person has a positive mental attitude then they can think their way out of deprivation and despair; it is the awareness that one in this situation isn't alone and God is still with them. The sad part continues to be the realization that alas, there are enough resources for everyone on this planet - if everyone were willing to see that the resources are distributed evenly. Again - a bit of preaching.
Tonight I got to say the closing prayer for our group meeting. We took the time to say good-bye to 3 of the riders who are leaving this weekend. It is good to acknowledg that there will be a loss to the community. We acknowledged their presence among us as well as that they are leaving - but they will not be away from our thoughts and prayers.
- Random fact - There are 13 pastors participating in this bike ride.
Another random fact - Clip shoes/pedals are a great way to get the maximum benefit in riding.
It's a matter of not only having to push down on the pedals but you can pull up as well. This doubles the amount of effort that goes into riding and helps move things (me) along at a better pace.
Another another random fact - if you have a bike which keeps you upright (like my hybrid), be sure to remind yourself to relax your shoulders. That is one thing I have in my mind as I ride - don't tense up - it makes it harder. Today I did find a chiropracter in Ontario, Oregon. I wasn't really on planning finding one but as I was walking around looking for internet access, I passed the office of ONTARIO CHIROPRACTRIC. "Something" pulled me in...I asked the receptionist - Donna - if there was an opening and she said that as a matter of fact - someone had just canceled like literally minutes before I walked in. The doctor who saw me was Donna's daughter - Dr. Hillary and she was a gem. Because I go for chiropractice adjustments on a somewhat regular basis - (Thanks Dr. Dorneman) they were willing to take accept me as a one time patient.
Dr. Hillary worked wonders. I told her about the spill I took last week and after examining me she told me I had done some damage to my sternum. Basically I just need to keep it iced and take ibuprofen. The funny thing is it doesn't hurt when I bike, just when I lay down to sleep. It's not serious but it's another earned badge - reminder of what a challenge this ride is.
FOR ALL FAMILY & FRIENDS who know people along the route - remember, if you can encourage the people you know to come out and wave hi or take a moment to speak with us or just take a card, it would be really cool.
Oh also - THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MY PERSONAL EFFORT. We just got our donation update today and I can't thank you enough for your help.
PICTURES - check out next post. I know a number of you are look forward to seeing them but please be patient. Our internet access is a bit limited and if I can get anything done, I try to write before uploading. But I promise - you will get quite a show when I get them in.
More songs -
John Mellencamp - THIS IS OUR COUNTRY
& for our departing riders - "GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN" -
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SATURDAY - JULY 5, 2008
SATURDAY – July 5 – Day 6 – 57 to go
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Opening Prayer:
O Light, sine on our senses and dispel the sleep of our soul. To you before all else may our voice resound, and let us pay our vows to you. Amen.
Psalm 30
Collect:Mighty Lord of heaven and earth, whose Son is the head of the church, shape and renew your people until we bear the image of Christ and his true likeness to the world. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Lord, hear my prayer – And let my cry come unto you. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful by the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
May divine help always be with us. And with those who are absent from us. Amen.
VESPERS –
O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Opening Prayer:O God, Creator of all things and Ruler of heaven, we give thanks for the day that is finished, and we pray at the start of the night. May faith not know darkness; may the night shine with faith. Amen.
Psalm 116:1,2,8-16
SATURDAY NIGHT SEA TO SEA DEVOTION
QUESTIONS THAT MAKE YOU THINK
TODAY’S REFLECTIONS
Today my gears stripped. Not my biking gears. I could say my emotional gears –(duh, nothing new) but it was more my soul gears. I woke up feeling ok and ready to do today’s ride as it was another fairly short, level one (although short & level are both relative terms depending upon one's physical strength & endurance). However as I started the ride down the bike path from Sunnyside to Kennewick it hit me full force. For 15 + miles I became fully aware of how I missed the opportunity to be Christ to someone on this trip. With 24 hours between then & now, that sense has not left me although the feelings that I experienced with that awareness has somewhat subsided. It was so acute and all I could do was ask God for forgiveness for letting the chance slip by. It was on Tuesday when I saw a man walking up the hideous hill we had to climb on our bikes as a part of our journey. I am riding because I chose to – I don’t know if he was walking because he wanted to and perhaps (as a friend suggested, I am projecting) but I know in my heart I was meant to give it to him. And I also know that my bike would have been replaced in some way. It didn’t need to be the internal conflict that it became. And whatever happened after that – as far as him having the bike, was not for me to worry about. The sense of missing that moment was overwhelming for me and as a result – although the ride was fairly easy (again – relatively speaking for some of us), it didn’t take too long to become EXHAUSTED. At about 33 miles I got to one of the support vehicles and sat with a bunch of other bikers and Walter who is one of our many wonderful support people. A resident gifted us with some local cherries and we all enjoyed that treat. Another support person, Joy, rode up and took a break as well. It was then I realized I would not be going any farther. It was in this that I truly realized that this effort is mainly mental. I could not get myself to get on the bike and finish. Joy and I took off and Corey (another key support person) put my bike on his vehicle and got it back to camp. Along the way we encountered a small group, one of whom was dealing with flat after flat after flat. By the end of the day – this guy had 6 or 7 to deal with before he got to our site. Again – talk about persistence. After about the 3rd flat, I’d want to throw the bike somewhere. But you don’t – you just fix it and keep on going. Which, not to be overly philosophical is another great metaphor – or is it symbol, for life. Things break- - our bodies, spirits, minds, whatever but you fix it and go on. Sometimes we don’t fix what was broken and then life gets even harder. Ultimately – as I learn again and again – it’s our choice. Whether someone else imposes the wound – or we do ourselves, we are the ones who have to fix the flat, the gears, the brakes. For those of us who profess faith in Christ however, or in a power higher than ourselves, whom some of us call God, the fixing isn’t done alone. Just like when a biker has a breakdown on the rode – there is always – ALWAYS – someone who is right behind or beside to help fix it. And if a rider is alone when something breaks – s/he can sit and wait and other riders will show up shortly.
If not the SAG vehicle will show up eventually with needed gear, water and encouragement.
SAG vehicles are driven by volunteers who check the route for anyone in distress and whether it’s a drink or a new inner tube, they are there to provide it. The other element of these kinds of rides which keep the bikers going is the SWEEP team. The SWEEP team (I may have already described this) is made up of riders who pack the gear truck as the rest of the bikers head off to the new site and then follow making sure that no one is left behind. These support people as well as our fellow bikers are the presence of God in all circumstances. A biker can be riding alone but know that s/he is not alone. I was physically pushed up a pretty steep incline by aforementioned friend – the man who became my trainer. I can’t imagine he knew that this would be the case when he signed on but that is part of the adventure – the unexpected ocurrence. But Larry has really gone out of his way to make sure I learn the ropes about shifting gears (very important to know when and what gear to shift into), pedaling fast or more slowly, riding in a pace line and whatever it takes to ride effectively and efficiently. Larry rode beside me with his hand on my back and got me up a hill I probably would have walked up if I was on my own. In this way my stamina and endurance is increasing – miracle of miracles and I might actually be a biker when I get home. In the same way – John (one of our knowledgeable mechanics) has helped me and others to be sure the gears are greased and the brakes are functioning. As a matter of fact –pretty much everyone helps everyone as we clean and grease and do tune-ups so that our machines are functioning at maximum capacity. Some of the riders are almost obsessive about it – but it really is a function of good stewardship. If the bikes don’t work at maximum efficiency then the ride will be harder. This is the case w/my bike. (Apologies if I am repeating myself here – I am still kind of foggy and tired but want to take this time to catch up). My bike is about a 40 lb hybrid. As our tour logistics person Ed said – it’s a good commuter bike) but not really the right tool for this job. Before the tour – when we bikers were in conversation about the ride, I asked if the ride would be doable with this particular bike. The answers came back that it wouldn’t be easy but it was possible. And that’s the truth. It’s doable – but it’s not the best tool for the job – so it makes it more of a challenge. But the challenge is still worthwhile. The fact is – I will only be “suffering” for 9 weeks. But the people we ride for are challenged in a variety of ways every day of their life and can’t really escape them. Well, maybe they can but at what cost? Another thing which hits home is the truth about how little a human being can live with. I think about all the STUFF I have at home and even the stuff I have w/me on this ride that I could do without – and it’s amazing. Certainly the circumstances in which we live call for different responses, but we in the wealthier nations could get ride of half of what we own and probably not notice. We are blessed – we are fortunate and we need to work harder to be sure that the material goods of the world are more evenly distributed. Yes, I am preaching but aside from the fact that it’s kind of what I do – it’s a point which has been emphasized over and over as we ride. It’s not about us. I do realize that but I also hope we are careful not to separate ourselves from those whom we are serving. Just like we bikers have become a community of unity – we really shouldn’t be separating ourselves from those whom we serve. That is something I find discomforting. Whether it is our geographic location, our ethnicity or our socio-economic situations – we can’t be “we” and someone else “they” or “them”. It’s a tricky thing to navigate but I don’t want to ride “for” them – I want to ride “with” them. Just as E.J. said indicated that those who support me are “with” me – I want to be “with” her as she takes her journey and others take their journeys.
Anyway - I think this is enough for now. We will be have dinner and then several of us will be going to stay with local families from the local Kennewick CRC (can't remember their name).
This is an opportunity I really will appreciate - a bed, a shower, should be fun.
Peace & blessings -
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Opening Prayer:
O Light, sine on our senses and dispel the sleep of our soul. To you before all else may our voice resound, and let us pay our vows to you. Amen.
Psalm 30
Collect:Mighty Lord of heaven and earth, whose Son is the head of the church, shape and renew your people until we bear the image of Christ and his true likeness to the world. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Lord, hear my prayer – And let my cry come unto you. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.
May the souls of the faithful by the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
May divine help always be with us. And with those who are absent from us. Amen.
VESPERS –
O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Opening Prayer:O God, Creator of all things and Ruler of heaven, we give thanks for the day that is finished, and we pray at the start of the night. May faith not know darkness; may the night shine with faith. Amen.
Psalm 116:1,2,8-16
SATURDAY NIGHT SEA TO SEA DEVOTION
QUESTIONS THAT MAKE YOU THINK
TODAY’S REFLECTIONS
Today my gears stripped. Not my biking gears. I could say my emotional gears –(duh, nothing new) but it was more my soul gears. I woke up feeling ok and ready to do today’s ride as it was another fairly short, level one (although short & level are both relative terms depending upon one's physical strength & endurance). However as I started the ride down the bike path from Sunnyside to Kennewick it hit me full force. For 15 + miles I became fully aware of how I missed the opportunity to be Christ to someone on this trip. With 24 hours between then & now, that sense has not left me although the feelings that I experienced with that awareness has somewhat subsided. It was so acute and all I could do was ask God for forgiveness for letting the chance slip by. It was on Tuesday when I saw a man walking up the hideous hill we had to climb on our bikes as a part of our journey. I am riding because I chose to – I don’t know if he was walking because he wanted to and perhaps (as a friend suggested, I am projecting) but I know in my heart I was meant to give it to him. And I also know that my bike would have been replaced in some way. It didn’t need to be the internal conflict that it became. And whatever happened after that – as far as him having the bike, was not for me to worry about. The sense of missing that moment was overwhelming for me and as a result – although the ride was fairly easy (again – relatively speaking for some of us), it didn’t take too long to become EXHAUSTED. At about 33 miles I got to one of the support vehicles and sat with a bunch of other bikers and Walter who is one of our many wonderful support people. A resident gifted us with some local cherries and we all enjoyed that treat. Another support person, Joy, rode up and took a break as well. It was then I realized I would not be going any farther. It was in this that I truly realized that this effort is mainly mental. I could not get myself to get on the bike and finish. Joy and I took off and Corey (another key support person) put my bike on his vehicle and got it back to camp. Along the way we encountered a small group, one of whom was dealing with flat after flat after flat. By the end of the day – this guy had 6 or 7 to deal with before he got to our site. Again – talk about persistence. After about the 3rd flat, I’d want to throw the bike somewhere. But you don’t – you just fix it and keep on going. Which, not to be overly philosophical is another great metaphor – or is it symbol, for life. Things break- - our bodies, spirits, minds, whatever but you fix it and go on. Sometimes we don’t fix what was broken and then life gets even harder. Ultimately – as I learn again and again – it’s our choice. Whether someone else imposes the wound – or we do ourselves, we are the ones who have to fix the flat, the gears, the brakes. For those of us who profess faith in Christ however, or in a power higher than ourselves, whom some of us call God, the fixing isn’t done alone. Just like when a biker has a breakdown on the rode – there is always – ALWAYS – someone who is right behind or beside to help fix it. And if a rider is alone when something breaks – s/he can sit and wait and other riders will show up shortly.
If not the SAG vehicle will show up eventually with needed gear, water and encouragement.
SAG vehicles are driven by volunteers who check the route for anyone in distress and whether it’s a drink or a new inner tube, they are there to provide it. The other element of these kinds of rides which keep the bikers going is the SWEEP team. The SWEEP team (I may have already described this) is made up of riders who pack the gear truck as the rest of the bikers head off to the new site and then follow making sure that no one is left behind. These support people as well as our fellow bikers are the presence of God in all circumstances. A biker can be riding alone but know that s/he is not alone. I was physically pushed up a pretty steep incline by aforementioned friend – the man who became my trainer. I can’t imagine he knew that this would be the case when he signed on but that is part of the adventure – the unexpected ocurrence. But Larry has really gone out of his way to make sure I learn the ropes about shifting gears (very important to know when and what gear to shift into), pedaling fast or more slowly, riding in a pace line and whatever it takes to ride effectively and efficiently. Larry rode beside me with his hand on my back and got me up a hill I probably would have walked up if I was on my own. In this way my stamina and endurance is increasing – miracle of miracles and I might actually be a biker when I get home. In the same way – John (one of our knowledgeable mechanics) has helped me and others to be sure the gears are greased and the brakes are functioning. As a matter of fact –pretty much everyone helps everyone as we clean and grease and do tune-ups so that our machines are functioning at maximum capacity. Some of the riders are almost obsessive about it – but it really is a function of good stewardship. If the bikes don’t work at maximum efficiency then the ride will be harder. This is the case w/my bike. (Apologies if I am repeating myself here – I am still kind of foggy and tired but want to take this time to catch up). My bike is about a 40 lb hybrid. As our tour logistics person Ed said – it’s a good commuter bike) but not really the right tool for this job. Before the tour – when we bikers were in conversation about the ride, I asked if the ride would be doable with this particular bike. The answers came back that it wouldn’t be easy but it was possible. And that’s the truth. It’s doable – but it’s not the best tool for the job – so it makes it more of a challenge. But the challenge is still worthwhile. The fact is – I will only be “suffering” for 9 weeks. But the people we ride for are challenged in a variety of ways every day of their life and can’t really escape them. Well, maybe they can but at what cost? Another thing which hits home is the truth about how little a human being can live with. I think about all the STUFF I have at home and even the stuff I have w/me on this ride that I could do without – and it’s amazing. Certainly the circumstances in which we live call for different responses, but we in the wealthier nations could get ride of half of what we own and probably not notice. We are blessed – we are fortunate and we need to work harder to be sure that the material goods of the world are more evenly distributed. Yes, I am preaching but aside from the fact that it’s kind of what I do – it’s a point which has been emphasized over and over as we ride. It’s not about us. I do realize that but I also hope we are careful not to separate ourselves from those whom we are serving. Just like we bikers have become a community of unity – we really shouldn’t be separating ourselves from those whom we serve. That is something I find discomforting. Whether it is our geographic location, our ethnicity or our socio-economic situations – we can’t be “we” and someone else “they” or “them”. It’s a tricky thing to navigate but I don’t want to ride “for” them – I want to ride “with” them. Just as E.J. said indicated that those who support me are “with” me – I want to be “with” her as she takes her journey and others take their journeys.
Anyway - I think this is enough for now. We will be have dinner and then several of us will be going to stay with local families from the local Kennewick CRC (can't remember their name).
This is an opportunity I really will appreciate - a bed, a shower, should be fun.
Peace & blessings -
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