Day 32, Kasson, MN to Hastings, MN, 52 miles

I made it!!

We woke to thunderstorms and rode the first 20 miles in the rain but Joe escorted me 52 miles to the great Mississippi River to dip my tire. It is 2500 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Mississippi River finally finished!

All the players at the tournament gave me a great reception and we have a celebration dinner planned after Friday's round at the golf course.

Though I did ride every mile I must admit my crash with the car door in Baker City, OR almost caused me to quit the bike tour. But the feeling of joy and accomplishment I feel now makes the crash, altitude headaches, sunburn, hemorrhoids, saddle sores, and sore ribs a reasonable price to pay for the grand experience and adventure. I gained a new appreciation of my creator's imagination, increased my love for the Saviour, illuminated my need to depend on faith, and confirmed His power in my weakness!

Sharing this with fellow riders, staff, tourists, our orphans, tour players, and supporters and friends gave me the feeling I never rode alone. I still feel this was a dream I was destined to fail at unless God intervened and though I cannot prove His participation to others it is undeniable to me. I makes me love Him more and want to serve Him better.

I must agree with David in I Chronicles 29:11,12. "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength."

My prayer is that God will become more real to all of you and I thank you for being a part of my adventure.

Gratefully,
Tom

Day 31, Mankato, MN to Rochester, MN, 100 miles

Karen was waiting for me to finish with a big smile and it was sure good to see her after being apart for a month!

We rode 100 miles yesterday in 4 hours 36 minutes and 100 miles today in 5 hours and we were ecstatic! The best part of the day is when you finish and just sit around and smile at each other because you finished another days’ long ride.

My last day with the America by Bicycle tour meant saying a sad good bye to my riding mates for the past month over five states. Tomorrow Karen will be our support vehicle and Joe Coffey and I will ride to the finish line of 2500 miles at the PGA Champions Tour tournament north of Minneapolis. Joe has been a tremendous encouragement by joining me for the final four days causing me to ride even faster and easier because of his incredible pulls. He had one staggering pace line pull of eight miles yesterday, and watches over me like a mother hen day and night. Our friendship is a good picture of what the Lord can do in two lives. Joe told two riders the story of when we ran from kidnappers in the Philippines four years ago and the look on their faces was priceless. Joe has sacrificed five days as pastor of a huge church in Hudson, Ohio to make sure I finish my 2500 mile adventure.

I am so blessed to have friends like Joe, a wife like Karen, and a Savior like Jesus! Tomorrow is the last ride of a wonderful adventure of 2500 miles across five states and some really beautiful country! I made it Tracy!

With Joy,
Tom

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
Proverbs 17:17
“Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?” Proverbs 20:6
“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Day 29, Sioux Falls, SD to Worthington, MN, 70 miles

Joe’s bike was delivered to our hotel around 10:30 by the airlines. But we still had to put it together which took awhile. By 11:45 we were finally on the road which meant that we caught some big winds and the heat of the day. We got into Worthington around 4:00 tired and hot. The one good thing was that Joe pulled all day so I forgave him for all the trouble!

We have a couple of long days ahead of us. Both are at least 100 miles. But I am getting close to the end. It’s hard to believe that this ride is almost over for me! I can’t thank everyone enough for their prayers because I am sure that is what got me all this way. Keep praying until the end on Thursday though! I still need you!

Love, Tom


“I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die.” Psalm 28:1
“Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving!” Psalm 28:6,7

Day 28, Rest Day in Sioux Falls, SD

I really needed a rest day so it was great to be able to do just that! Rest! I had been asked to attend a banquet which finished a fund raising tournament that eight Champions Tour pros had played in today. They used the funds raised to help at risk kids in South Dakota so it was great to be able to go and share the invocation and to hear more about all they were doing to help kids. It seemed like such perfect timing!

Late in the evening my friend, Joe Coffey, arrived. He had good news and bad news for me. The bad news was that his bike had not arrived on his same flight. But the good news was that they knew where it was…. which led to more bad news. The bike was not in Sioux Falls, SD but in Albany, NY. I told Joe that if he helped me any more I might not make it to Minneapolis!

Day 27, Mitchell, SD to Sioux Falls, SD, 70 miles

Thank you Jesus! The winds turned from the east to the northwest and at our backs! We went what seemed like a short 70 miles with temperatures in the 70’s. It was sunny and we had a beautiful blue sky all day! The roads were smooth and we didn’t have hardly any traffic. We’ve had so many tough days in a row that we needed a breakthrough!

One big treat today… I got a massage! Angie Quigley’s mom, Marlene, lives in Sioux Falls. She arranged for a great massage which I really needed. Thank you ladies!

Tomorrow we have a rest day. Ahhhh! I found a nice church to go to in the morning and then it just so happens that some of the guys from the Champions Tour are going to be here in Sioux Falls for a fundraising tournament. I’m going to the banquet in the evening with the guys to see them. It will be great to see Dave Stockton, Morris Hatalsky, Jim Colbert, and Don Pooley!

Then tomorrow night a good friend is flying in to join me on the ride. Joe Coffey is a pastor in Hudson, Ohio and is the one that got me going in biking! He is going to ride the last four days with me and it will be great to have him by my side! Thanks, Joe!

My spirits are high today. I’m tired but really happy! And don’t worry. Even though it is a day off tomorrow you will still get prayed for!

II Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Day 26, Chamberlain, SD to Mitchell, SD, 70 miles

Yesterday's devotions from James was good timing because today the 25 mph cross-wind was against us for the whole 70 miles. And the temperatures were in the 90's. We passed through Pawtucket(known for their annual lawn mower races) and then on to Mitchell (known for the Corn Palace which is decorated with huge murals of corn and grass) with everyone praying for the winds to change soon! To forget about the wind I thought about some of my favorite things. Things like riding unicycles with the kids at Sankey, or when Dr. Gil Morgan, Dana Quigley, and D.A. Weibring are in the same threesome, or going to church and then out to lunch with Karen, etc.

After I checked into my hotel today I got down on the floor to do some stretching and woke up 2 hours later still on the floor!

At about the 50 mile mark today my little bag that holds my spare tube, repair tools, wallet (with my licence and credit card), and phone inexplicably fell off the back of my bike without me knowing it. But one of the riders coming along behind me somewhere saw it and decided to stop and bring it in. A catastrophe was alerted because of grace and Ted's alertness!

It would be easy to give into the temptation to curse the wind, get foul of mood, complain about less than ideal roads, weather, rude car and truck drivers, and any number of annoying things. Today I found my encouragement in I Corinthians 10:12 and 13. "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure." It got me through a rough day without giving into a number of temptations.

One last story: Someone made a comment about bugs in my teeth yesterday. Yes, there have been a few but I have found they go right down with a big swig of water!

Day 25, Pierre, SD to Chamberlain, SD, 84 miles

The winds turned into our faces at 20 to 25 mph the last 35 miles. The temperatures reached 97% making it a very difficult day. Two big climbs in the last 7 miles also grabbed our legs but the big problem in my group of three men were our feet! The heat from the pavement was so terrific our feet were burning! I gave foot rubs when we arrived!

What started as a fairly easy ride became a hot death march. I tried to ignore the heat and wind by thinking of the kids at the orphanage. Somehow tonight Toto got his call through and reminded me of all the difficulties we have already been through. He kept saying, "Kaya kaya" which means "you are able". The fact that we did many of those things 20 years ago does enter my mind.

But the Word of God doesn't change over time. James 1:2-4 still applies. "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

The Christian life is not predictable nor are we entitled to tailwinds and mild temperatures! Tomorrow I'm ready for anything including the heat!

Tom

Day 24, Wall, SD to Pierre, SD, 117 miles

In Wall, SD they only get 10 to 12 inches of rain per year and draw their water from deep wells that are 3200 ft. deep! The water is very hot at that depth so the longer you keep your cold water tap on the warmer the water will get! Their school district is over 2000 square miles or bigger than the whole state of Rhode Island. Some students come from 70 miles away to make up the 120 member student body at the high school.

It was a long, hot, lung-bursting, butt-rubbing, mind-bending 117 mile ride over rolling grasslands for miles in every direction all the way to the Missouri River and on to Pierre, SD. (Pierre is the capital.) I am tired but was encouraged to receive a blog entry from our kids in the Philippines that refreshed by spirit and encouraged my heart. That quick reminder of who I am riding for and representing was perfectly timed. Thanks, kids!

I have lost more weight and now look like the Philippine parasites have returned I’m so thin but you can still recognize me by the space in my teeth! My ribs continue to heal and I look forward to covering 84 miles more tomorrow. I’ll give what I have!

“Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”
II Corinthians 8:10-12

Uncle Tom

Day 23, Rapid City, SD to Wall, SD, 57 miles

We had thunderstorms and rain in the morning but it turned into a beautiful day to ride to Wall, South Dakota. We had to ride 18 miles on the interstate shoulder. Sometimes the big trucks come by fast and close enough to give you a big push in the back with a wind draft.

My legs were tired from all the climbing yesterday but I had a laugh when I finished in Wall today and went to the famous Wall Drug and had a root beer float and cheeseburger with my free water! Some tourists came up and were excited because they had taken my picture at Mt. Rushmore yesterday and here I was a hundred miles later in Wall today! The poor guy was getting 8 miles to the gallon in his RV and paying over $4 per gallon and a bike rider was meeting him at the same places! When I said good by I said I’d see them in Sioux Falls!

I have not read a newspaper or watched TV in a week but the world seems to be going on without me. More Bible reading and prayer time sure makes me more optimistic about my future and my mood more peaceful. I realize there can be a balance but I have enjoyed filling my mind and thoughts on St. Paul’s suggestion in Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:2. I miss your company Karen but have not felt lonely because of the special time with the Lord alone.

Mike and Jan sent me a box of cookies from Sleepy Hollow, IL with a quote from General Patton who said, “An army is run on its stomach” which definitely applies to endurance biking, too! But I think Christians run on what they feed their minds and I’m finding mine renewed by some good meditation on His Word.

Love you more than ever,
Tom

Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Colossians 3:2 “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Day 22, Hot Springs, SD to Rapid City, SD, 72 miles

Another incredible day. I felt great for the second day in a row! We started out into a headwind and climbed 18 miles before a short flat 3 mile stretch and then 11 more miles of climb through Windy Cave National Park and the National Forest. We saw great herds of buffalo including some crossing the road right in front of us! Another 15 miles of climbing through the Black Mountains brought us to Mt. Rushmore to visit the four presidents. I bought a presidential soda with President Bush on the front for Karen. (Guzzled the soda but saved you the bottle!)

The ride into Rapid City was changed from the original plan. Larry Frederick, a fellow rider, is riding to promote blood donation because he was given 150 units of blood which saved his life. (Read his story at www.lifeacrossamerica.com) He was on duty as a policeman when struck by a car. He can barely walk but rides his bike with great courage and stamina. We ended up being paraded around the city to promote a blood donation drive and were riding into a headwind again plus 15 extra miles of riding! But it was an honor to do the extra miles with Larry.

Headwinds are the most mentally difficult obstacle to overcome. A 25 mph headwind can double your time on the bike and with hot weather creates energy problems. I strip down my bike and carry only the essentials in my back jersey pockets because weight slows you down. You must keep your eyes on the finish line, put your head down, and keep going as long as needed to get to your goal.

My encouragement is Hebrews 12:1, 2. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Let us ride with endurance the race that is set before us! The wind and heat are constant but the attitude you have can change things for good or bad. Keeping an eye on Jesus helps me keep a good attitude!

Day 21, Lusk, WY to Hot Springs, SD, 92 miles

What a wonderful ride I had today entering the Black Hills of South Dakota! My legs felt great, ribs quit aching, and I enjoyed the climbs! I felt like I could ride to Detroit today.

As I get older these days are less frequent but I still know how to appreciate them. I feel like Caleb when he was older than everyone else (85 years old) and he was asked to take the high country when it was the hardest to take! And God gave him another chance to do battle.

I remember when the good games I played happened less and less and then the hip replacement and then there were no more basketball games. I was so glad my security and self-worth were not based on my ability to play basketball but rather in my faith in Christ. And I am thankful for the simplest athletic activity of riding a bike across our magnificent country. I get another chance to enjoy the pleasure of a physical challenge. Since I don’t deserve nor am I entitled to these special days I am grateful the Lord has allowed me to experience each one.

Tomorrow we will do more climbing in a single day yet and we get to visit the Presidents at Mount Rushmore on the way! As Caleb would say, “Give me the high country tomorrow!” I can’t wait until the morning!

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3: 20, 21

Tom

Day 20, Casper, WY to Lusk, WY, 106 miles

We all started out fresher and ready to go after a day off but the 106 mile ride turned out to be a difficult ride for all. At mile 65 there was a horrific accident ahead of us. We saw the smoke and watched the police and fire departments race past us. A truck and van collided on the road and the van had burst into flames killing the driver. With all the traffic stopped we had to pick up our bikes and hike around the accident site.

We all felt so sad for the driver and affected family we lost our desire to pedal for awhile. Our support vehicle could not get through the backed up traffic so we got into a long, hot ride with limited water and food the last 40 miles. We ride in small groups and water and food tucked in pockets was shared around. Those struggling with the desert heat were pulled and looked after by the others. It was just like it says in Proverbs 11:25. “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Our new opponent is the heat. We ride 92 miles tomorrow. I know we will accomplish it because the riders are working together!

Love, Tom

Day 19, Rest Day in Casper, WY, July 4

One of our riders, Paul, was left behind in a hospital a few days ago but is back with us now. Tracy is back from the ER, Norman survived a crash within a couple miles of the hotel on Thursday, Jim hopes to ride Saturday after three days out, David has back spasms, and a number of people are suffering from altitude sickness. Whew! We all enjoyed a day off here in Casper!

I slept, did laundry, cleaned and oiled my bike, and had a long quiet and reading time. Over 1500 miles ridden and I feel very contented. Even soreness, altitude headaches, sunburn or weight loss has no negative effect on my spiritual condition!

Physical and mental exhaustion need not take away your peace and contentment when you feel God’s presence. In fact, it may increase because you depend on Him more and yourself less.

I see how Paul felt in his letter to the Philippians. Here is what Paul had to say in verses 4:10-14 taken from The Message: “I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess--happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me--it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”

Contented in Christ,
Tom

Day 18, Riverton, WY to Casper, WY, 120 miles

We rode 120 miles to Casper, WY today! This day will be the most mileage of my trip. At the half-way point we were surprised by Nathan’s mom!! (Nathan and Kelli are the Marines I mentioned yesterday.) She had driven 900 miles to surprise all of us. She brought us sandwiches, drinks, and some unbelievable desserts! Everyone’s spirits were lifted by this generous act. The last 60 miles went by easier than the first 60 miles!

The relief and satisfaction of finishing 120 miles was obvious at dinner. Doing it with other people increases the satisfaction. When we work together in a pace line the rider in front drives through the wind and the riders following closely behind spend 30% less energy. As each rider takes his turn in front the group is able to accomplish much more than a single rider could hope to do. This teamwork is efficient and creates working relationships and friendships.

Solomon said it best in Ecclesiastes 4; 9, 10 and 12. “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. But if there’s no one to help, tough! By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.” (Taken from The Message.)

We need not go through life alone when we can be far more efficient, happy and effective by joining with others to serve our precious Savior.

Please pray for some of my new friends who need some encouragement and healing. Norman crashed today and is bloody and sore. Paul was left in the last town at the hospital in pain. Jim has been out for several days with serious saddle sores. Many have had to ride in the van because of the difficulty of the ride. It is on my heart to ride every mile and I am partnering with other riders so we can survive and ride them all.

Thanks for praying for me and watching my back. My total miles (includes riding to eat, shop or sight-see) are over 1500 miles now and I’m having the time of my life!

Sore but content, Tom

Day 17, Dubois, WY to Riverton, WY, 79 miles

From Dubois to Riverton is 80 miles of beautiful scenery and thankfully, is also pretty flat. After two days of incredible climbs in the mountains it started out very easily with a tailwind for the first 40 miles. And even though we had headwinds the last 40 miles it was a very reasonable 80 mile ride! (I must be nuts!)

The first 30 miles I talked with Nathan and Kelli, a young couple in the Marines. They have asked me for suggestions to help them in their future. In enjoyed telling them about how the Lord helped Karen and me and the time and miles went by quickly. This couple is so special. They give you joy just visiting with them. Their online blog is at www.americabybicycle.wordpress.com. There are a number of military and retired military riding and their discipline, training, and perseverance is impressive.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we are going to ride 120 miles to Casper, WY across desolate country where the towns are as small as 10 people! There may be head winds, severe thunderstorms, and temperatures in the 90’s but at least no mountains are in the way!!

Everyday I celebrate finishing another day and have learned to think and live for one day at a time. My ribs are now improving and I look forward to my longest one day ride ever. I have made it over the mountains!

Philippians 4:6, 7 taken from The Message encourages me. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Day 16, Jackson, WY to Dubois, WY, 88 miles

Last night as a celebration for climbing Grand Teton Pass I decided to treat everyone to a Dairy Queen milk shake. I took a cab to the DQ and had wonderful fellowship with the cab driver! He has been a Christian many years and was very interested in what I am doing on this ride. You never know when you will run into a brother in Christ!

I looked pretty ridiculous carrying 35 milk shakes into the hotel but we had a great time sipping them and talking about the conquering of Teton Pass! We all need to take time to celebrate life a little more.

Today’s ride was the most beautiful and picturesque yet! The Grand Tetons, the Teton National Park, the 20 mile climb to the continental divide at nearly 10,000 feet, snow fields, and huge meadows framed by rivers and mountains were my inspiration today.

Since I was the first one in today I had to laugh when riders coming in immediately yelled out vanilla or chocolate at me assuming milk shakes were certainly in order for today’s climb, too!

It reminds me of playing four games in one day in the Philippines and finding a water fall or river to swim in as a reward and celebration for accomplishing all we did. It helps the spirit and overcomes the saddle sores, blisters, lip ulcers, sunburn, dehydration, and the extreme fatigue. We have climbed three huge mountain passes in two days and it demands a celebration!

What are you celebrating these days? God loves celebrations and our thankfulness. I sure enjoy my time with Him in the mountains! Philippians 4:4 says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean revel in Him!”

Pictures taken of Tom coming up over the summit!

Day 15, Idaho Falls, ID to Jackson, WY, 88 miles

Wow! What a day. A surprise 15-20 mph headwind greeted us the first 30 miles and we grouped up to work through the wind as we approached the mountains and anticipated the upcoming climbs with even less energy.

The mountains look majestic, wild flowers were everywhere all day, the rivers are full, and the scenery was absolutely spectacular!

At the summit of the first climb (Pine Creek Pass – 5820 ft) I was spent and gasping for air and I still had 30 miles and an even more difficult climb ahead. At this point I was politely offered a ride in the support vehicle and with the aching ribs could do so with dignity. I then had a flashback to my high school cross country coach, Bruce Waha. He always tried to entice us to give up and ride in his car when tired only to humiliate us later for quitting the run. He even carried a spray can with “Gutless” printed across the front to spray at us! We learned to resist getting in the car if at all possible.

Well, Coach Waha, Coach Helm and Coach Sziksai would have been pleased to see me struggling up that last beautiful snow capped mountain pass to the 8431 ft. summit at 54 years old! I had to stand up and climb the last mile it was so steep and looked an absolute wreck to the staff waiting at the summit. But I was an exhilarated, thrilled wreck when I got there!

I celebrated by screaming down the descent at a top speed of 54 mph. It was truly a mountain top experience today and reminds me of what that great missionary, Dick Hillis, once told me. “It’s really serving when it’s hard but the blessings can be overwhelming!” The Christian life is a journey of difficult walks of faith and serving. But what a blessing we are privileged to share with the King of Kings!

My hope is still to ride every mile to Minneapolis and we got over a big obstacle today.

Tell Zach thanks for his special prayers.

Wyoming is spectacular!

Philippians 3:12-14 “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Day 14, Blackfoot, ID to Idaho Falls, ID, 33 miles

Even though today was only 33 miles to Idaho Falls everyone was sore, tired, and mentally worn out from the 110 mile ride into the wind yesterday. I also must admit I am tired, sore, and my ribs are a significant problem.

But my room here is on the sixth floor and overlooks the river and some beautiful falls! I am also looking at the Grand Teton Mtns. from my balcony and they are breathtaking and intimidating at the same time. It is 88 miles to Jackson Hole, WY climbing to Pine Creek Pass at 6764 feet, a brief recovery, and then climbing to the Teton Pass Summit at 8431 feet. The descent off the last summit is five miles with possible speeds of 50 mph on the bike!

The sore ribs and breathing the thinner air will make it a great challenge tomorrow. I feel like I did before a basketball game or halftime show sometimes. In fact, this reminds me of going into China to play basketball with Bibles in my bags or playing in Mindanao, Philippines, or hearing the gunfire at night or the ambush in Pampanga in 1979.

It’s good to try something you are not sure you can do. Or as that great missionary, David Morken, once said, “Try something you are destined to fail at unless God intervenes.”

God lives in the Grand Tetons and I will say hello tomorrow and enjoy His fellowship and encouragement all the way to Jackson Hole!

Psalm 121: 1, 2 says, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”

Day 13, Burley, ID to Blackfoot, ID, 110 miles

Another beautiful sunrise as we started the 110 mile ride to Blackfoot, Idaho. Because of a head wind and the heat it became a long day in the saddle and important to work in small pack lines to maximize effort and recover between pulls into the wind.

Since drafting can reduce your workload by 30% it is wise to group with friends of equal strength and take turns leading into the wind. I was very fortunate to ride with a group of six riders for the last 80 miles and we were all handshakes and hugs after completing the distance and reaching our hotel.

Just like Solomon explains in Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10, 12, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, (or tires) the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

These alliances and companionship lead to a great group dynamic and relationships of trust. It’s a great atmosphere to encourage people to faith. As exhaustion and fatigue became evident, and the Grand Tetons loom just ahead, it is vital to work together and encourage each other. Jesus would love riding across America with this group!

One last thing you might enjoy… they gave me a plastic bag full of ice to tape on my sore ribs the last 25 miles. It was great! As it melted it just ran down my side and down my legs and kept me cooled off! Great idea!

Day 12, Twin Falls, ID to Burley, ID, 38 miles

I got up early to eat breakfast (I’m always famished) and rode down to the Snake River Gorge to watch guys jump off the bridge from 1,000 feet up! It’s called base jumping and they jump from the bridge into a free fall and throw their parachute up over their heads until the speed and wind catch and open the chute. This is followed by a violent looking lurch of their bodies. Then there is a peaceful and controlled ride and landing (still on their feet) on the banks of the Snake River. You will be happy to know I did not attempt a jump myself although one young guy thought I was crazy for riding my bike from the Pacific Ocean to Minneapolis. That is the pot calling the kettle black, I’d say.

Since today was a short 38 mile leg we visited the Shashawnee water falls and did some site seeing so our total ended up being around 50 miles. We divided up into teams today and had a scavenger hunt during the ride. It was great fun on an easy day preparing for tomorrow’s difficult ride of 110 miles to Blackfoot, ID.

Because we arrived early to the hotel the rooms weren’t ready yet but to my great fortune the hotel clerks were Filipinos! After some introductions and extensive conversation in Tagalog they suddenly decided that my room was actually ready now! This caused both surprised looks and grimaces from my fellow riders. It was a great time to explain the Filipino tradition and culture of “kaibigan at kasama” (friends and associations). I just love the look on Filipino faces when I begin speaking to them in Tagalog and the walls come tumbling down. Josephine and Ray were Crispa fans (I played for the basketball team Crispa in the early ‘80’s in the Philippines) and we talked about basketball and then about Jesus.

Thanks for praying. I had another great day.

Love ya,
Tom

I Corinthians 9:19-23 “… I am not bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ. When I am with the Jews I seem as one of them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ. When I am with Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies I don’t argue, even though I don’t agree, because I want to help them. When with the heathen I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence and help them, too.”

“When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it all and don’t say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so they he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.”

Day 11, Mountain Home, ID to Twin Falls, ID, 97 miles

We headed out of town early and watched the beautiful red sunrise over the mountains to our east. The incredible scenery everyday is a reminder of God’s imagination and creativity.

My ribs seemed to hurt less today and my legs felt strong nearly the whole 100 miles. It reminds me of when Jac Jacutin broke my ribs in Cebu years ago and we still had 25 games to finish that tour. I finished that tour by concentrating on one half-time show at a time and waiting on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

The calls, cards, packages, and prayers seem to encourage me and I am just concentrating on one day at a time and not the whole 2500 miles. Sometimes when I am peddling alone down a quiet road I feel a joy and peace that washes away any pain or discomfort and I feel grateful and overwhelmed by God’s grace in my life. I find myself enjoying every mile, every animal, every scenic view, and soon I am finishing into town and the local Dairy Queen for my celebratory milk shake! What a wonderful experience and adventure this has become.

I finished today by riding over the Snake River and saw the river, canyon and Evel Knieval’s jump site. He had no chance! He could have sold “armadillo” tires to us all!

Day 10, Boise, ID to Mountain Home, ID, 50 miles

Hey Babe,

Happy 31st Anniversary! Your card was waiting for me at the hotel today. Glad you got the roses.

I had 3 flat tires today after buying expensive new “armadillo tires” yesterday to prevent flats! The bike shop guy in Boise saw me coming for sure.

The doctor confirmed I cracked two ribs in my crash and suggested going home and trying again next year. Hale Irwin and Dave Stockton would never let me forget it if I went home because I was “sore”!

This is probably a good time to thank Captain Dave and Hale for lecturing and encouraging me to take on this adventure for the kids. I actually miss watching Dave shoot 1 under without hitting a green and Hale shaking his head because a 50 footer had the audacity to stay out of the hole. Someone please remind Jay Haas he still owes me $5.00 on the Celtics/Lakers series and interest is compounding daily. Thank you also to my three angels, Margie Kuramoto, Peggy Gilder, and Angie Quigley for praying for me every day. Congratulations to Jeff Sluman for winning in Boston! And could it be true that Dana finished third in Boston and showed up at Friday Fellowship even when the Red Sox were playing at Fenway? Could it be the apocalypse? Go Quigley!

I have seen a dozen old classic cars for sale the past week and I leave Bruce Lietzke’s phone number with each one. Tell Gilmer Bryan Morgan II I visited the Boise State campus and they still have replays of the University of Oklahoma bowl game every Sunday in the student lounge. I have noticed that Bob Gilder and Peter Jacobsen are well known west of the Cascades but I suddenly got quizzical stares east of the Cascades when their name comes up.

I miss the guys and gals on the Champions Tour and continue to pray for everyone daily. But I have three words for the hotels in Oregon and Idaho. “The Golf Channel”.

Tomorrow we have a huge ride and climb 100 miles from Mountain Home, Idaho (once the shipping station for over one million pounds of sheep wool annually) to Twin Falls riding past the jump site of Evel Knievel’s attempt over the Snake River Canyon. (Pictures to follow).

Mike (our ride director) gave me permission to ride on a pain pill tomorrow if needed since we don’t have to pee in a cup and get tested. Seriously, I appreciate your prayers to avoid any more crashes.

Love you and still “mahirap patayin” (That means ‘Hard to Kill’ which is Tom’s Chinese name).

Psalm 34: 1-8, “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all His kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt His name.

For I cried to Him and He answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what He did for the. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord-and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence Him.

Oh, put God to the test and see how kind He is! See for yourself the way His mercies shower down on all who trust in Him.”

Day 9, Rest Day in Boise/ a few photos from Oregon

Day 8, Ontario, OR to Boise, ID, 62 miles

It was a beautiful day with a cloudless sky above us. We all felt good today (Monday) knowing that tomorrow (Tuesday) we get our first rest day. We are ready and all my body parts say thank you!

We rode into Boise, Idaho today all together in our group wearing our matching America by Bicycle jerseys. It’s a great way to let people know who we are and it is a fun way to end our first week together. Some will be saying good bye here and there will be a few others that will join the group and ride from this point on. It has been fun to get to know many in the group. I can feel some of the relationships are really growing.

The day we rode 120 miles with two big climbs my breakfast was 6 pancakes, 6 sausages, 2 bowls of oatmeal, 2 glasses of orange juice, a banana, and a small yogurt. But I swear I was hungry by the top of the first climb!

At the first SAG stop I refilled my now empty bottles, ate strawberries, an apple, 6 Fig Newtons, 2 boxes of raisons, and then stuffed a banana, a Cliff Bar, and a box of raisins in my back pocket which I ate before the finish of the second climb. I drank 9 bottles of water and Gatorade and was still ready to eat when I reached Prineville and the finish. The result was that I lost 5 pounds this week!

It’s just like living for Christ. Without spiritual nutrition we lose our strength and ability to walk by faith. Prayer, reading God’s promises and some fellowship help me as much in my faith as food is helping me continue to ride. To ride long and strong takes fuel. To live for Christ takes spiritual refreshment.

Last night after supper I borrowed a unicycle from the local bike shop and some basketballs and performed the unicycle/juggling show for the whole group. I shared some stories and ideas of faith and everyone was very appreciative. Our group is not only riding and eating across America, we are growing as we go.

Thanks for your prayers.

Tom

Day 7, Baker City, OR to Ontario, OR, 85 miles

After getting taken out by a suddenly opened car door on Saturday afternoon I quickly thanked the Lord it wasn’t worse and spent the night icing my ribs, hip and shoulder. Since my goal is to ride every single mile from the Pacific coast to Minneapolis I was concerned the accident might cause me to miss a day or two of riding. The tour staff offered to let me ride in the support vehicle but were very understanding when I decided to try and ride.

Imagine the encouragement I felt when six riders were waiting for me when I finally came out of the hotel this morning. I was the last one out and I assumed everyone would be on the road by now. Their goal was to help me ride the 85 miles to Ontario. I have known these people for less than a week and their gesture of support and kindness lifted my spirits.

We were in a pace line taking turns all day to be more efficient. They took turns carrying my backpack to lighten my burden and even changed my flat tire. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There are friends who pretend to be friends, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

My goal has always been to be a friend and share Christ. The fruit of those dynamics was never clearer than today. We missed a turn adding miles and still made it to our hotel in Ontario by 1:00. We crossed a time line today into Mountain Time.

Thanks for praying. God is watching over me.

Tom
PS I’m gonna need more liniment!

Day 6, John Day, OR to Baker City, OR, 81 miles

Tom wasn’t able to get out his blog entry yesterday but he called this morning with a few tidbits he asked me to put together for you. He was tired and sore after two hard days in a row. The group had lots of climbing and weather changes to deal with but always with the snow covered mountains for inspiration! He said he saw a porcupine on the road. I asked him if that meant a dead or a live one and he said dead. So, why did you want it included that you saw a porcupine? Because he had never seen one before… dead or alive... and he thought it sounded interesting. (You can be the judge on that fact.)

A rain storm came up on them towards the end of the ride. He was in the head of the group so he got the head winds to deal with. The middle of the pack got the cross winds and the ones bringing up the rear group got the tail winds! The weather changes can be tricky.

When he got into town he made a run to the local Dairy Queen for some treats for several people. He was hit in the rib cage by someone opening their car door into him. He said he was not hurt too badly but when he sneezed this morning he really felt it. He says to tell you that since he is such a superior athlete he was able to stay on his bike and not get hurt any worse. (You can be the judge on that fact, too.)

So, it was a tough day but he said it started out in an interesting way. Tom has two jars of ointment that he carries in his bag. One is for sore muscles and the other is for application to parts of his body that might feel sore from chaffing if you know what I mean. Somehow in the early morning confusion he applied the wrong ointment to the wrong part of his body. So for the first 30 minutes or so he felt like he was sitting on a heated car seat! (This fact might be easier to judge….)

One of the leaders that comes from America By Bicycle writes a journal on-line. Tom thought you might enjoy some of his description of this second difficult day. Mike Munk writes, “The temperature at departure was a bit on the mild side compared to previous days in the desert. As the road rose steadily to the foot of the first climb, it was great seeing the sun rise over the mesa to our left and we started shedding the arm warmers and jackets. The sunrays glistened through the irrigation machines as they spewed their morning quota of water across the alfalfa fields...so serene...so peaceful. No wonder I like doing this sort of thing. It must be tough for the people who live around here to wake up to these scenes every morning...grassy meadows surrounded by mountains...life is good.

Today was another tough day, especially after yesterday which was billed as our toughest on paper. Many of the riders thought today was tougher, but I think it was only because of the cumulative affect of both days together plus they've been climbing for several days now. Today's ride had 3 mountain summits to cross each about 5000 feet high with each ascent at least 6 miles long. We started out below 3000 and descended below 4000 between each summit. We climbed in the neighborhood of 4600' today. I'm sure the riders hate to lose all that altitude each time they work so hard to get to a summit, but such is life. Although the effort was tough, the scenery below was breathtaking (and they already were breathing hard after the effort) which made the work to get to the summit well worth the effort. The great news was that we also had 3 screaming descents to enjoy...ahhhh, life is sweet.”

The town they started out in was John Day. I loved what Mike wrote about what he found out about John Day. Mike writes, “As you know, last night we stayed in John Day. Everywhere around here it's John Day this and John Day that. Seems like this guy's name is on just about everything around these parts! Who was this John Day anyway? I was a bit curious and when I checked it out, I discovered he was a trapper that came through this area in the 1800s. One day he was attacked by Indians and left alive but naked along the river where some Europeans found him and named the river the John Day River (sounded better than "Butt Naked River" I guess). John thought having something named after your self was pretty neat so he took it upon himself to put his name on just about everything around these parts after that incident. Now you know how to get something named after yourself...you don't have to do anything important, you just have to find someplace that isn't already named and get naked. I checked and found everything's already named around here (mostly after him) so I'll have to wait and find someplace else.”

You can go on-line and read more of Mike’s journal at www.Americabybicycle.com. Click on Ride Journals and then on Mike Munk’s Across America North 2008.

Karen, for Tom

Day 5, Prineville, OR to John Day, OR, 120 miles

Until today I have never ridden 120 miles in one day let alone after four straight days with 300 miles in my legs and with two very challenging climbs the first 60 miles! We climbed through the Ponderosa pines early and I saw an elk, deer, rabbits, a couple pronged horn antelope, a prairie dog, and a big rattle snake.

The second more significant climb caused a terrific ache in my thighs and hamstrings but what joy and satisfaction I felt to summit and reach speeds of 45 to 50 mph on the descent. The scenery was awesome racing down the canyons and along rivers and meadows sprinkled with wild flowers.

The hot sun gave me a sunburn on my face, my hands and shoulders hurt, and my bottom is pretty sore but my spirit is soaring when I think how far I’ve gone and what I’m experiencing. I pulled out my prayer cards to avoid counting down the last 20 miles on my odometer. Praying through my list makes the time go by fast.

I have no time or desire to read the newspaper or watch TV but am finding quality time to talk and listen to Jesus.

Relationships with other riders are developing and we talk, assist each other, and look out for each other during and after rides. The Fruit of the Spirit are practiced by many. Galatians 5:22, 23 says, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We climb together again tomorrow!

Day 4, Kah-Nee-Ta, OR to Prineville, OR, 61 miles

Today was another nice ride with beautiful views of snow tipped mountains along our way. We have ended up in the desert town of Prineville. I rode with four others and we were the first in today. By taking turns leading we saved our energy which we will need tomorrow on our longest day yet. We are getting ready for some hard climbs, too. But I got in early enough to find a place to get a massage. That felt great! I also got my laundry done which I needed to do. Then we had our group meeting. Each day the leaders meet with us and give us a topographical map of the next day and go over it with us. We talk about any problems we might have and they give us some good tips on how to handle the ride.

During the meeting one of the leaders told me that a newspaper reporter would like to interview me. He had heard about our group and knew that a few of us were using the ride to raise funds for a cause. Some are riding to raise money for cancer research, abused women, blood donation awareness, etc. He talked to me around 30 minutes asking questions like why was I doing this ride? How did so much money come in? How did we start taking in orphan children?

I don’t feel like I need to be overly aggressive in sharing my faith but when someone asks me about my story I like to tell them something of my faith. I told him that we love the Lord and He is the One who inspires us and that is why we have done this. The grace of God is that powerful. He can do it! We live to give glory to God! We have to give Him the credit for doing it.

As we were finishing he casually mentioned that he probably wouldn’t be using any references I had made to God because his paper had readers that might be antagonistic or offended by that kind of talk. A story like mine could be in the religion section but not on the sports pages where this story was going. They don’t want to lose readers but they would enjoy hearing about the adventure. Why can't they give God any credit at all?

All I could think of was that he was the one asking the questions of me! Why did he want to know what I was doing and how I was doing it if he wasn’t going to be honest in the article about why I was doing all this? I ended up calling him back and asking him not to even include me in his article. He really wanted to tell my story (at least part of it) and finally said he would include some of the points I had made about God being the reason for the things I am doing.

We want our lives to give glory to God and it is discouraging when we run into people who don’t do that and don’t even want us to. I have quoted Ephesians 3:20 for years as what I stand for and believe in. That verse is, “Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.” I want this ride to give God the glory!

Day 3, Welches, OR to Kah-Nee-Ta, OR, 66 Miles

Dear Kids at Sankey Samaritan Home in Lucena City, Philippines,
(And to all the other readers, too!)

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat mga anak ko! (Good day to all my many kids!)

Today your Uncle Tom rode from the mountains to the desert. When I started this morning it was only 38 degrees which is very cold for this time of year but it was because we were at a high elevation. We started with lots of warm clothes on then dropped them with our leader in the truck as it gets warmer.

To begin we had a 20 kl. climb with snow around us before heading down to the high desert of Oregon where it was 80 degrees! It can snow 1 meter in a day in the mountains. (Uncle Toto will explain snow to you!) The air is thinner on top of the mountains and many riders suffer from altitude headaches in the evenings after big climbs.

I saw some elk and deer today. When I got to the desert I saw at least 20 wild horses running near the isolated road I was riding on. Our country is beautiful and I enjoy the time with Jesus as I ride along hours at a time praying for each one of you. Because I am riding for you and other Filipino kids my legs don’t seem to get tired even though matanda na ako! (I am old!)

I you want to imagine what it is like to ride a bike so far go and sit on top of a fence post, lean forward for six hours, move your feet in circles, and eat things like raisons, bananas, and a liter or two of Gatorade each hour! Masakit any puit ko! (My butt hurts!)

Remember the verse in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 in your Bible? It talks about discipline and training and sacrificing to prepare yourself to perform your best not only in athletics but in school, music, and most importantly in your Christian life! I began training for this adventure with Jesus in January and six months of practice has at least given me a chance to succeed. You can do the same and are doing it now! Keep listening to Uncle Toto and Ate Bebs and God will make you strong Christians and you can accomplish great things for God.

I love you and am so very proud of you!

Uncle Tom

Keep praying for me because we are going to help lots more Filipino kids after my ride!

Day 2, St. Helens, OR to Welches, OR, 75 miles

It was a beautiful ride through orchards, nurseries, and a view of the magnificent 11,239 foot high Mt. Hood which has a base that spreads for 92 miles. The glaciers of Mt Hood had my total attention the last 25 miles!

The last 30 miles today was lots of climbing up to a mountain resort with a great hot tub and pool! My legs are feeling good enough that I am enjoying the incredible beauty of the NW USA and socialize with everyone I meet.

My morning quiet time is a highlight and I continue to request strength, energy, and safety from injuries and crashes. It reminds me of the day to day dependence on Christ we experienced in the Philippines going from province to province and village to village playing basketball all day every day! I am enjoying this wonderful adventure with the Lord and His creation.

I have room for more prayer requests so keep them coming.

Love, Tom

Day 1, Astoria, OR to St. Helens, OR, 75 miles

My first day was great! We left Astoria, OR around 7:30 AM and I rolled into my hotel for tonight in St. Helen, OR after 3 ½ hours of riding time after 75 beautiful miles. When we started out this morning it was pretty cool… around 49 degrees! Brr. But I had my cold weather gear on in layers. Every 20 to 30 miles I peeled off another layer!

I felt great even on the two big climbs. One was a five mile climb that was much more fun coming down than going up. I was going 45 miles per hour on the last of the down slope. A guy my size can get up some speed on the down sides of the hills! I felt good tackling the hills today. I felt pumped up!

We had a couple of things happen today that were unusual. Most people are very careful of riders on the road. Some will wave at us or yell something encouraging. But today some guys went by and threw some bottles out of the windows at some of our riders. One guy got hit by one of the bottles and ended up in the ditch. Thankfully, he just had a few bruises. A driver coming along saw it all and called 911. The police came by to check on our group and said they would do what they could to find the bad guys. Turns out the policemen were bikers, too, and were upset about what had happened. Another thing that we heard about was to the most experienced rider with us. He is with America by Bicycle and was riding around 30 feet behind another rider and going 40 miles an hour downhill when that man’s windbreaker jacket, which was tucked into his back shirt pocket, came flying out. It wrapped itself around our leader’s face! Thankfully, he was able to keep control of the bike and peel the jacket off his head, too! There were a couple of flat tires and one guy’s wheel had to have some spokes replaced.

The group in charge of the ride is taking good care of us. We had a couple of stops today where they were able to refill our water bottles, give us snacks to keep up our energy, and check on our bikes. I’m starting to meet some of the other riders. I’ve met two men in the Air Force and one policeman. Jesus happened to come up twice already! In fact, I spent 30 minutes with someone after dinner tonight talking about Jesus.

I prayed through my list of names twice today. I found it was easier on the flat areas to pray because I was too tired going up the hills! I’ll have the list memorized soon.

Today we had Mt. St. Helens in our view with Mt. Hood looming large on the horizon. Tomorrow we get closer to Mt. Hood and spend the night in Welches, Or. Our miles will be about the same.

Thanks for praying. I feel inspired and appreciate your prayers and calls. I can’t get back to everyone but I love the messages!

Day 0, Astoria, OR

Today Tom begins his ride across America! I dropped him off at his hotel yesterday afternoon where he was meeting the rest of the riders and the group leaders. He was excited and maybe a little nervous about the whole thing! But he is ready to go. He has put in lots of hard work getting ready and now it is here.

We flew to California last week to attend a 50th Wedding Anniversary party for Jerry and Arlene Hitchman. Tom also spoke at Westgate Church in San Jose. We had a great time visiting with friends. Tom continued to ride each day he could. One day he tackled the mountains between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. He said that he was surprised because he hadn’t remembered that ride being easy before. Goes to show you how good his biking is going! He also took one nice ride with the pastor of Westgate, Steve Clifford. We also spent an afternoon in San Francisco with my brother, Don, his wife, Diane, and my two nephews, Konrad and Evan. Tom couldn’t imagine climbing some of those hills on his bike. The mountains of Santa Cruz were easier looking!

Our next stop was at Bob and Peggy Gilder’s in Corvallis, Oregon. Tom took two beautiful rides there and just had a great time. The air was cool and we had beautiful sunny days. The ride there was over rolling hills and alongside stands of huge fir trees. Mt Hood was beautiful!
Then finally on Sunday Al and Andy Egg of Portland drove us to the coast where Tom would be dropped off. We drove to the ocean and saw the famous landmark, Haystack. Then on to Astoria where the Column is. It’s a tall column you can normally walk up a spiral staircase in and see the view of the Columbia River and into the state of Washington from the top. Breathtaking views!
We dropped Tom and all his gear at the hotel in Astoria, said a few tearful farewells (me) and waved goodbye. The next time I see Tom will be when he rides into Rochester, MN! Al and Andy took me back to Portland where I caught an afternoon flight to Oklahoma City. The route we followed back was exactly where Tom will be riding today. It follows the Columbia River all day just about. Parts are quite hilly with lots of trees on both sides of the road. At one point the road opens up and you see Mt. St. Helens just in front of you and just to the side is Mt. Hood, both still snow covered.

Thank you so much for praying for Tom! Pray for the whole group while you are at it, ok? Pray for strength to make each day’s ride, for alertness on the road, for the new friends he will make, and for his safety. He is praying for you. He has around 80 3 x 5 cards hooked together with information about you that he will carry each day so he can be reminded to pray for you and your family.

Karen, for Tom

Tom, Jeanette, and Tracy in their new Bike4Kids jerseys designed by Kevin Larson.

What are the odds that on my last group ride with 70 riders on Tuesday evening I would be wheel to wheel with the one bike that suddenly cracks a frame and the derailer and skewer snaps?

The accident mangled both Art’s bike and my bike but incredibly both of us were unhurt! I sat in the ditch and said a prayer of thankfulness!

One fall so close to the Ride Across America and I could be a scratch. The bike is repairable, just like the car was repairable in our recent car wreck.

Since Christmas I have logged 4,334 miles in 240 hours of riding in preparation for the June 16th start. I thank God for His protection and encouragement during each mile and hour.

“I publicly praise the Lord for keeping me from slipping and falling.” Psalm 26:12

Tracey tells about Sunday's ride!

Wow, what a site! On my way to work this morning at 5:00 AM I saw a full moon in the southwest, a storm rolling and bubbling in from the northwest, and the sun trying to push its first rays of the day through from the east. A little reminder of the pure power of nature and how things can change in an instant.

Sunday was a great day for a ride. Sunny, light wind from the NW and a group of six riders all experienced and seasoned in the ways of the road. At this stage of the America by Bike event we cannot let Tom have any kind of incident. His body will simply not take it. In the pack were Tom, Donnie, James, Sey, Jeanette, and myself.

We started out headed NW traveling through Cashion and then on to Kingfisher where we took a break at the Love's Country Store. We all consumed some energy food and drink (no pizza or Cherry Coke) before hitting the road again. After being on the road for a short mile our energized leader, Tom, discovered he had forgotten to go to the bathroom so off the road again to McDonald's for another short break. Brought back memories of traveling to grandma's house in a car with young kids in the back seat. When are we going to get there? I have to go to the bathroom! Yada, yada, yada!

On the road again we headed for Okarche with the wind at our backs. James immediately jumped out front to push the pace and Sey quickly responded by pulling us all up to the front where James was consumed by the peleton and spit out the back. Once in Okarche we turned back east and spun past the world famous Eischen's Chicken House as fast as possible. The smell of greasy fried chicken and beer may have been too much temptation for some of us to handle. Once that obstacle was overcome then it was on to Rosies's Convenience Store in Deer Creek where we paused to take care of James' case of HOT foot. Back on the road again with just six miles to go.

What is it about the last mile with the last hill that makes cyclists moan and groan? You would think we were climbing Pikes' Peak or something. Thanks to Jeanette who took the lead and pulled us that entire last mile or we may still be sitting at Western and Covell Rds. Back to the house where my wonderful wife, Lynn, had shown up and made post ride stawberry smoothies and burgers. What a ride! 75 miles. Great weather and great friends. What more could you ask for on a Sunday afternoon?

This is a picture of Tracy and me before our 100 mile ride from Edmond to Blackwell, OK on Saturday. Nobody wants to see the pictures of us after the 100 mile ride to Blackwell!

Tracy is more serious and quiet... sometimes riding 30 miles before talking. Tom, who can't let 30 seconds pass before talking says, "That's okay. I'll do all the talking, Tracy. You just have to listen!"

Training for a cross country ride is similar to the Christian life. Your train and prepare yourself physically to accomplish the goal of finishing the distance. We train ourselves spiritually to persevere through difficulties and prepare for the next opportunity to serve Christ.

My new Trek Madonne 6.5 arrived! It's only 16.5 pounds. It's the same bike Lance Armstrong rode in the Tour de France. Maybe it will help me go fast, too! The Trek bike was donated by John Burke, president of Trek. Thank you so much!

Karen and I were involved in a 14 car pile-up on I-12 in Louisiana on April 29 while driving to the PGA Champions Tour event in Austin, TX from Savannah, GA to lead Fellowship for the players and wives and Tour family.Thankfully, nobody was killed and only 3 taken to the hospital despite the carnage caused by the out of control 18 wheeler that hit everyone unexpectedly from behind. We took a heavy blow from behind, avoided the car in front, and ended up in the median ditch between the east and west bound lanes. We walked away with no serious injuries and rented a car. We drove 12 hours to get home to Oklahoma. We thank God again for His protection and Grace in our lives.

Psalm 91:11 in the Living Bible says, "For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go!"

I saw 6 alligators during a 35 miles ride in the Myrtle Beach area and saw some beautiful countryside during a 52 mile ride through Mississippi. It's difficult to train while traveling and speaking but the different and interesting routes are a blast! I often have my morning quiet times with the Lord while on the bike cruising the countryside!

The Trek bike arrived! You can lift it with a couple of fingers it is so light. Thanks to John Burke (Pres. of Trek) for his generosity in donating the new Madone 6.5 for the Bike 4 Kids ride.

Tracy Habluetzel has scheduled 7 straight days of 50 miles plus rides for this week. We are on day 3 with sore legs already! Don't know what I would have done without Tracy's training and encouragement. Four weeks of training left to go. Reminds me of all those years of basketball practices to prepare for the basketball tours and unicycle shows.

"In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I'm not just shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise I fear that after enlisting others for the race, I myself might be declared unfit and ordered to stand aside." I Corinthians 9:24-27, TLB

To support Bike 4 Kids you can send checks made out to World Harvest Ministries to PO Box 613, Manchester, Michigan, 48158.

The Goal: I hope to ride my bike 2500 miles from the Pacific coast over three mountain ranges and through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota in 27 days starting June. 16.

The Reward: Over $317,000 has been pledged or donated so far towards building orphanages and sponsoring kids in the Philippines.

Thanks to Ben and Julie Crenshaw (Hall of Fame golfer) who introduced me to John Burke, the President of Trek. John has generously donated a new Trek Madone for the 2500 miles ride from Oregon to Minnesota!

Thanks to Tracy (and Lyn) Habutzel for his hours of training, motivation, and nutritional guidance. Our fifty mile rides with me clinging to his back wheel gasping for breath have been valuable preparation.

Yesterday I rode 30 miles in a thunderstorm motivated by the need to get miles in my legs before June 16. In four months I've ridden over 2,000 miles and lost 22 pounds. But my best week has been only 215 miles. In June it will be 625 miles per week for four weeks straight. I covet your prayers!

Greetings to all the kids and Toto at the orphanage.

Bike 4 Kids

I've decided to temporarily switch from my unicycle to a two wheel Trek Madone bicycle and another great adventure! On June 16th I will join a group of men riding from the Oregon Pacific coast over three mountain ranges, through five states and 2400 miles to Minneapolis, MN.

Besides the pleasure of a challenge and the health benefits I have the added joy of serving the Lord by riding to benefit kids in our three orphanages in the Philippines.

I have enjoyed playing basketball and doing unicycle shows to express my love for Jesus. Its great fun to do the same riding a bike!

Not just any bike either! John Burke, president of Trek, has donated a new Trek Madone for me to train on and make the effort of nearly a hundred miles per day in 26 days.

Sponsors have pledged well over $110,000 to date if all miles are completed with more joining each week ranging from a nickel a mile to $5.00 a mile. My goal and motto is now RESM or Ride Every Single Mile!

Since Christmas I have ridden 80 hours and 1500 miles and lost 20 pounds preparing for this exciting adventure.

World Harvest Fundraiser

Information will be added soon of how to sponsor World Harvest through this event.