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!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
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.”
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.”
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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
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
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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!
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!
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