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.”
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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.”
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.”
Monday, July 7, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
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
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
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