Good Morning - Happy Monday - (Miraculous Monday I should say - I'm actually awake at this very early hour. Below is a copy of an email I just sent out to most of the people on my email list. I hope that for those of you who have been keeping up - you will be moved to find a way to help with this endeavor - Providing bicycles for the Corine people of Mynmar - who now live in Kennewick WA.

Pao (on guitar) & Ni (?) singing at our worship service. The song is about 2 people in a relationship but their love is sacrificial -

"Hi All - Some of you have been keeping up with the Sea To Sea journey via my blog and I thank you for that.For those who haven't, I had an experience seeing someone who had to walk a long journey up a long, steep hill (mountain) the 2nd day of our ride. Long story short - I believe I was meant to give him my bike as it was more than likely he needed it - while I am riding because I want to. But, the issue of my commitment to the ride and others was also an issue so I didn't. I have been wrestling with that and it seems that an answer to my concern was revealed yesterday.I have stayed with a host family - here in Kennewick WA and my host Henry was talking about the local Corine Tribe families (from Burma/Myanmar) who have made their home here could use transportation.He is going to fix up a couple of old bikes that he has to give to them. It is a very basic need. The Corine people represent the people we are riding for. I will be posting this on the blog but wanted to make this request of as many people as I can.
Perhaps there is a way for me to generate enough interest to raise funds to provide as many bikes as possible to these families who have so little. If your church or civic organization or you personally are interested in helping me provide bikes to these wonderful people (we met some of them at our outdoor worship service yesterday) please let me know. At the least - please
pass the word so that others may share their blessings. Thanks - Joanna

The members of the Family of Faith (CRC) from Mynmar who now live here in Washington State.

Before I sign off - I just want to say thanks again to Henry, Sandra, Nick, Jasmine & Brandon Lee for allowing me to spend time with them in their home. It has been a wonderful way to meet people from different parts of our country as well as having the chance to sleep in a bed and take a shower in a bathroom. While I've always appreciated my showers -I am even more thankful that I have one to go home to. More importantly - it is the people I am going home to that I really look forward to seeing - especially of course my Dave, Amber & Justin. You are the best.

Last Thoughts for the Day

Thanks to all who have been keeping up with the ride and what we bikers have been up to.

Thanks for those who have posted comments to my posts. It is really neat to know that they are not only being read but are engaging you in thought, prayer and in some ways continued conversation with me as I am out here and you are where you are.

For those who started the journey with us (Al & others) know that you are missed but that your involvement in this tour was and continues to be invaluable. It wouldn't be what it is without all the work you did to help get it ready. We look forward to seeing you again along the way or at the end.

For those who keep sending encouragement and your thoughts back to me - thanks is the most I can say but it is truly heartfelt.

DECEPTION FALLS

(Pictures from Stevens Pass - 2nd day of the ride) -

SeaToSea08

Mt. Rainier - June 28, 2008 - An unusually sunny day.

Chaplain Len R. riding my bike (after working on it)- 6/28/08

Jess, Rob, Kevin & Mikey - great new friends. They are the people who I stayed with in Seattle before the tour started.

6/28/08 Gathering at the University of Washington in Seattle - preparing for the tour.

Worship Sunday at the U of W.

Waiting for our group picture - 6/29/08

MONDAY - GOLDEN GARDENS - FIRST STOP ON THE TRIP -
PUGET SOUND TIRE DIPPING

John V. - Master Bike Mechanic & Road Angel (I know he'll blush if he hears about this).

Puget Sound -

TO BE CONTINUED

SUNDAY JULY 6, 2008

WEEK TWO

SUNDAY’S REFLECTIONS
It's now Sunday afternoon and I am catching up w/the blog. It's amazing how important these posts have become to us bikers. A number of people are keeping in touch w/their families and congregations and communities back home and given the level of support that has been given - it is very important that we keep in touch with you all and let you know how things are going.

The family I stayed with last night were great. Henry & Sandra Lee and their children Nick, Jasmine and Brandon were so gracious and FUN. Henry is from China and came to the US w/his family in "65 when he was about 20 months old. When I met him he pointed out that in all liklihood he wouldn't be hard to find as he was the only Asian in a large group of Dutch descendents. However, the community is becoming much more ethnically diverse. There are a number of Mexican immigrants and people from Asia and also from Mynmar. There are a number of them from the Corine Tribe in Mynmar. They are a growing group with a number of them joinig the local CRC congregation. Today our worship service was held in the Columbia Trail Park - along the Columbia River in Kennewick. This is where camp was set up last night and we will be staying tonight againg although I am going back to the Lee family. Henry & Sandra met at WSU and have been married for about 27 years. After worship this morning which included praise songs, a mini-dramatic presentation about the tour and why some of us are riding and two song presentations by some of the Corine people we had lunch an d are now just passing away the afternoon.
I am doing this - and others are napping. Some are hiking (believe it or not), swimming, and just hanging out. Tomorrow morning Henry will bring me back here and we will be on the road to our next point.


In addition to the spiritual angst of yesterday – I am also coming to terms with the fact that even though I have this trip to focus on, the events of the last year have not disappeared and what I am coming to terms with is how vulnerable I have felt. For those who know me – you’ve heard this before, but there are 3 characteristics which I value highly and those are integrity, authenticity and vulnerability. I realize now that while my dad always said I didn’t have anything to prove to anyone – a major challenge of this trip is proving I can do it. My level of need is great since I am not as strong as others. (I know this isn’t a bad thing or anything I am ashamed of – but it does mean I’m at a different level of ability). Because of the differences in our abilities – I have to rely on others and let them help me. Now, I don’t mind being supported or encouraged but as I said last night to a group of really cool bikers – I want to feel like I am offering something as well. The situation of this last year underscored how vulnerable we all are. The other thing I am dealing with is the attack on my integrity. I don’t HAVE TO prove I am a person of integrity but after the decisions concerning my charges against the colleague who did wrong – I can’t help but feel like something was taken away from me. I want it back. To those of you who know me – I know you will probably say I didn’t lose it. You may be correct. But the feeling is there nonetheless.Just before the ride – I read in a magazine that Chelsea Clinton – in an echo of her mother’s feelings perhaps stated in an interview that “emotions aren’t logical”. I suppose at one level that is true. And to a degree I don’t think they are supposed to be. But the two need not be put at odds with one another. Emotions can be messy, can be overwhelming, can be draining. But at the same time, they are the expressions of our situations. And if in fact we were created to experience emotions – why do we try so hard to avoid them? If you love someone and they hurt, how does it help to pretend the hurt doesn’t exist? If you love someone and they leave or die – why is it wrong to express that through tears? I know that people are afraid to experience emotions because it can feel like we are out of control but I find that if we express our emotions at the times we need to – then they don’t build up and become the volcano that makes us feel like we have lost our foundation..And I express emotion. Duh! So what is happening is that while I am riding for the ride – it has become a time in which my emotions reveal what is going on as I heal from the wounds which were so recently imposed. Granted – not everyone will give such a detailed tour of this essence of the journey but since it is part and parcel of this ride – you all get a glimpse into the inner workings of this particular biker.

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 -

Various thoughts & reflections

First off - major thank-you to Dr. Sandy - a vet from the area who is participating as a support person in Yakima. Sandy was posted along the route to guide us to the proper route as it changed last night slightly.
We got directed to a bike path which took us straight into Yakima & a Christian school who is hosting us. Forgive any typos or mistakes tonight - I am trying to quickly catch up as Sandy is letting me use her computer to do some catching up.

Yesterday was not as easy as some people thought. We had 2 major climbs to make & I rode up most of the first and got a ride the rest of the way. But then I got to ride downhill which is the best feeling. Then there was another "hill" to climb and I walked pretty much most of the way - and stopped - and walked and stopped - and ate and stopped and ate. We have been strongly advised to keep up our food & hydration intake as this is a pretty grueling endeavor - (yes E., I am getting my exercise - and more. This pretty much goes beyond exercise).

Anyway - one of the riders - Hank - managed to keep himself pedaling and because he was - I decided I'd give it a try. I rode about 2 of the 3 miles up and then we stopped for a bit and then got to ride about 10 miles downhill till we hit Ellensburg where we stayed.

The question of the day for me had to do with the fact that as I rode the first hill, I encountered a man walking up as well. We actually leapfrogged for a couple of miles as he started up before I did. I had stopped to get a Coke and postcards and rest at a little stop on the way (picture included). So, I caught up to him, passed and then stopped to rest as he passed by me. This went on for a couple of miles and while I was wishing I was already up to the top - it occured to me he probably wished he had a bike. I'm pretty sure he was a laborer from the area - trying to get to a logging site and while they were along the road, he had a ways to travel.

So, here I am - on a bike - because I want to be - and there he was - walking along, in the heat, in long pants and a flannel shirt trying to get somewhere. The absurdity was too much. I camethisclose to giving him the bike. I know - you all would wring my neck if I had - never mind what I would do for the rest of the tour - but I couldn't escape the thought that in all liklihood - he was one of the people we are riding for. I did share lunch and kept on going. Corey - one of our support people found me and I took the last leg up the hill in the van. But I still can't help but wonder if this isn't one of those times when the absurd is the way to go.

I did get to our site in time to help set up for dinner as yesterday was my team's turn to help with dinner. That ran through this morning - setting up for breakfast - cleaning up - putting the tents and things back on the truck and then riding behind the rest of the group as encouragment and just to keep an eye on things.

Today was a short ride - 40 or so miles - and I actually got to our site by 12:30- 1:00. I set up the tent - (almost, there is a piece missing - Rachel - I'm going to have to get you a new one - this trip has been pretty hard on all the equipment), took a shower, washed clothes - in the shower - hung them up (& given the heat we had today - they are probably already dry) and then got to take a trip to Wal-Mart where I picked up a couple of things and then went back to "camp" to try to update this blog and catch up with everyone. However, the satellite doesn't seem to be working again - and it was taking forever for pages to come up - phone line connections go faster. That is how I got to come here - as Sandy offered me the chance to use her computer so I could do this. (Speaking of camp - Edie & Helen, I passed a street last night called Ockanogon. Close enough to fool me for a minute - wonder what my former counselors would think of my involvement with this given my lack of get up & go when I went to Matolly?)

I also realized yesterday that while I do like to ride alone - I do want to be part of a group. Not because I am comparing myself or wanting be like someone else (read the devotion from yesterday) but because it would just be nice to hang out w/a group when they went for coffee or whatever before getting to the site. And it would be nice to get to our sites before 5:00 p.m. Today was a bit unusual in that it was a shorter ride - but on the days we have long endurance rides, I don't get in until late and it would just be nice to have some time to do things before dinner.

The other thing I did last night was carry water from the shower to our clean up table and it was a fairly long walk. It made me think of the CROP Walk motto: "We walk because they walk".
It echoes why we are riding. We are having to do without some of our creature comforts - and we get to use the shower to wash our clothes and it's all very communal. Something I enjoy but again - I get a choice in participating in these few weeks of some discomfort. Far too many people don't have a choice at all. As has been said - "poverty isn't a choice & it's not something one can easily walk away from". (I say easily because people have had their life situations change - but again - poverty can also refer to state of mind - and attitude as well.

Well, have to go - need to get back to camp so again - I hope I get the pictures up before the end of the week and perhaps get a little bit more organized in my recording of our adventures - but in the meantime - check out everyone else's - you may get to see where we have been and what others are thinking about as we travel.

And don't forget - "t's not too late to donate, feel free to participate"
Peace & blessings to all - and hugs for you know who.
Jo

Lots of Work - Yeah & some fun

Have to cover 2 days since we didn't have access to satellite yesterday.
Monday started off fairly inauspiciously - the truck got packed, John led a group of us down
to Golden Gardens and we met up with everyone else. Jess, Rob, Kevin & Mikey met me at
the beach which was awesome. I just so appreciated having someone there who knew me and
came to see me off. Jess got some pictures of the tire dipping ceremony and it was quite the sight seeing all of us lined up in the water - rear tires in the water - and then heading off by groups back up the trail (20 miles) and then onward toward Sultan. For anyone who wants to see the route - I think you can find it online or grab a copy of the Sea To Sea meditation/map book. (Still available for $8.00).
(The beach is actually off Puget Sound which is part of the Pacific. I felt a tinge of homesickness - as the smell of saltwater drifted past awakening the memories of days past spent at the Shore. Of course I am also looking forward to it at the end of this adventure since Dave & I will be spending time there before heading back home.

Before we were even 50 feet away from the starting line, my bike started acting up. Whether it was the brakes, or tires or whatever, it just didn't want to ride smoothly. By the time John (a seriously capable bike mechanic) got it working - everyone else had pretty much gotten started. We continued back toward the University and not too far afterward found a bike shop that did some repairs. John also advised me - strongly - that I needed to lighten my load up as carrying more weight than necessary makes for a "longer" journey.
Unfortunately - it would be another 30 miles before I would reach the truck and our first camp sight so, I got to carry most of the extras that I thought might be needed - mainly pain killers, topical pain killers, snacks, lip balm, and other assorted items. John found someone o carry one of my packs since it was attached to the front of the bike and apparently was messing up the cables. The trail ride was terrific. I rode with another biker - Annette and we just really enjoyed ourselves cruising along. The path followed the Sound (I think) and I told Annette about the Heritage Trail in Monmouth County that is a good ride and how I hope one does get put in at home. Sorry neighbors - it is just such an enjoyable way to ride - off the road - attractive scenery - and all the other things that go along with recreational riding. What have discovered is that I do enjoy riding alone or with a friend. It's nothing personal fellow sojourners - I have learned through the years that I enjoy my company and while big groups are great at parties and concerts and yes - even worship - for me - I can appreciate the ride a bit more fully if it's just me or me & Dave or out with a couple of friends for a leisurely trip. Obviously - that's not what we are about for this adventure but it was well worth learning as I had been considering joining a riding club but have decided that I will pass on that option. And besides - there will never be another group like this and there doesn't need to be. But this will always be the group that sets the standard for what I would want in a riding club. As big as we are in numbers - so too is this group big in heart.
Something else I learned today was not what I heard previously about bikers (bicycling bikers) was that they can be very hardcore about their expectations and it could be kind of hard to break into the group. But whether it has anything to do with the issues and values that brought us together - or whether it transcends even that - this has been the most gracious and welcoming group of people one could ever hope to travel the continent with.
There are varying levels of bicycling abilities amongst us but I would pretty much have to say that I fall a the less experienced end of the scale. But that hasn't kept anyone from being supportive - helpful - encouraging and all other adjectives of that category.

I am fairly stunned that I finished yesterday's trek without keeling over (50 miles) never mind getting up and doing it again today. Today's ride was quite the challenge. 77 miles - with 10 going abou straight up - from Sultan - where we camped last night to Steven's Pass - up in the mountains - really, high mountains and then down hill all the way into Leavenworth where we are currently camping. That trip is wrth a story all its own which I will catch up with at some poing in the future but for now I will do my best to upload my pictures - get them set and then head to bed. Tomorrow a.m. will be coming very soon. (pictures still to come - I did not remember how to get them off the disc and onto the memory stick. I may have to ask the great media people what to do. They are here on the trip keeping the media updated about the trip, it's purpose and how people can still support the cause.)

BTW - as Jerry K says -

"It's not too late, you can still donate and participate"

BTW - Thanks to all the angels who have been part of this trip - both members and non.
You are making it possible for us all to partner not just with each other and our supporters but those whom we are seeking to serve.