Saturday, June 28, 2008

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!

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