Miles 498 to 554, 56 miles, 1,650 feet of climb, max speed: 32 mph, avg speed 15.2 mph
Pentecost! I could not help but thinking about what Taylor would say as he introduced hymns at church today. He certainly knows his church history and traditions. I realize that my blog has been light on mentioning the spiritual significances and growth that has occurred in most of the riders on this challenge. Some would say it has been more significant than the physical blessings. We tease Eddie, the young priest from Florida, for perfect riding conditions, protection from all risks, and too many un-coincidental coincidences that have blessed our trip. He immediately and unashamedly gives credit to the Holy Spirit showing us all favor. One of the marching songs we pedal to is ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ as we take on the next hill. I heartily concur, and in fact, have been the recipient of countless mini-miracles and several king size ones. Wow.
Today was one of those days where some folks didn’t even unpack their cameras. It was miles and miles of miles and miles. We did have one big hill, Golconda Summit, that rose about 1,500 feet from the typical miles and miles of miles and miles. The highway designers thought going over the mountain was easier than the extra 30 miles to go around the end of it like the rail road did. Although the ride down the other side was not steep, it was much more terrifying. The trucks, wind, and road debris made the descent unnerving. Overall – it was still oh so worth it.
One of the highlights of the trip is visiting with the locals, and the one we met today had all the colors of the rainbow. While we were eating lunch he sat down with three of us riders and offered to share his chicken gizzards with us. He told us his life history of recurring triumphs and tragedies. His stories were quite unbelievable (like getting a medical degree from University of Alabama - Huntsville) but so much a delight in the hearing. Later amongst ourselves we called the experience ‘The Best of Clay’. He must be quite the lady’s man too, having many stories about his X1, X2, X3, X4, and the near collision with X5. May God touch his life and heal is many hurts.
Bottom Line: A whole herd of God’s angels are riding with us. Awesome.
Pentecost! I could not help but thinking about what Taylor would say as he introduced hymns at church today. He certainly knows his church history and traditions. I realize that my blog has been light on mentioning the spiritual significances and growth that has occurred in most of the riders on this challenge. Some would say it has been more significant than the physical blessings. We tease Eddie, the young priest from Florida, for perfect riding conditions, protection from all risks, and too many un-coincidental coincidences that have blessed our trip. He immediately and unashamedly gives credit to the Holy Spirit showing us all favor. One of the marching songs we pedal to is ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ as we take on the next hill. I heartily concur, and in fact, have been the recipient of countless mini-miracles and several king size ones. Wow.
Today was one of those days where some folks didn’t even unpack their cameras. It was miles and miles of miles and miles. We did have one big hill, Golconda Summit, that rose about 1,500 feet from the typical miles and miles of miles and miles. The highway designers thought going over the mountain was easier than the extra 30 miles to go around the end of it like the rail road did. Although the ride down the other side was not steep, it was much more terrifying. The trucks, wind, and road debris made the descent unnerving. Overall – it was still oh so worth it. One of the highlights of the trip is visiting with the locals, and the one we met today had all the colors of the rainbow. While we were eating lunch he sat down with three of us riders and offered to share his chicken gizzards with us. He told us his life history of recurring triumphs and tragedies. His stories were quite unbelievable (like getting a medical degree from University of Alabama - Huntsville) but so much a delight in the hearing. Later amongst ourselves we called the experience ‘The Best of Clay’. He must be quite the lady’s man too, having many stories about his X1, X2, X3, X4, and the near collision with X5. May God touch his life and heal is many hurts.
Bottom Line: A whole herd of God’s angels are riding with us. Awesome.
I'm glad you have your own priest for the trip. Did you wear your red for Pentecost? Adam played the Pentecost offertory today. He played Sweet, Sweet, Spirit. It was a gospel swing version. You would have enjoyed it. Have a great ride tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI just stopped in to check on you. Sounds like you are having a good time. Enjoy the views and fresh air and remember God puts people in your path for a reason. Stay Safe and fun.
ReplyDeleteGlad things are so wonderful. The pictures shown make one want to be there. Hope the feet and other body parts hold up for you. How fast was too fast coming from day 3 (4?).
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