How God showed up

1. Why is a warm shower such a treat? Why does cold water and a simple Ramen Noodle dish cooked in a Jet-boil, amongst friends, satisfy after a hard day of riding? Why do I sleep so well in a cold night outside in my sleep system? Such simple things are blessings from God. Living a simple lifestyle on the road brings one closer to appreciating simple things that bring contentment.
2. Taking in scenic byway after scenic byway over stimulates the senses. Riding so slowly across stunning landscapes affords you time to take it in and marvel at God’s creation and creativity. So, slow down and take time to appreciate what God has created in your own area of the country. Take the time now to do it, and do not assume you will have time later.
3. Signs! Riding from state to state I see one sign that dominates yards – “Be Kind”!  Lately I have seen “Be Patient” included too. One location added the phrase “Be Cool” too. The last phrase aside, I see in these messages a reminder from God’s Word in Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”

Overview

Fascinated by the route of Lewis and Clarke through Montana and Bitterroot Mountains, Meriwether Lewis, age 31, at Big Hole basin was contemplating on his 31st birthday leading the infamous “Corp of Discovery” still felt he was seeking his purpose and desired to work harder in his efforts to better serve mankind. Granted, at 31 years old in 1805, one’s lifespan was shorter. Still, his contemplation is remarkable. Little did he know he would die at the age of thirty-five not long after his return from exploring and finding the Northwest passage that would lead to a large migration westward for the country’s expansion. 

 He, like pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback church ask the question, what is your purpose? Even as we get older, it’s not a bad question. Something to think about.

Lastly, the route westbound was discontinued! It was already there being used by indigenous Indians and for trappers from the Hudson Bay company. We just needed their help. Good ideas are hard to beat, including routes. In this region I am impressed how passageways became roads, and vistas remain remarkably unchanged. I am enjoying riding a part of their route, just slightly faster than their pace, and seeing much of the same views as they did. Lewis and Clarke did not give up when they did not find the initial watery passage. They hunkered down and pushed forward, hungry, tired, and cold to complete their mission – with the help of Indians and fur trappers. 

 Like one 71-year-old rider who rides via bike camping 6 months out of the year, slow down and appreciate the views more. Don’t assume you will have time later. 

Blessings and Stand Firm,

Scott

To see Scott’ videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydubq7KuWFE_3ZUD5mPdxQ

How God showed up

1. In His creation. I am even more in awe of God as I get to experience seeing the beauty of his various landscapes, animals, vegetation, and weather. God has graced us with favorable, yet challenging weather patterns compared to what other riders have experienced. For me, it’s a testimony to God’s creation.
2. Overall health continues to be good. Grateful for stamina and safety for self and fellow riders. 
3. Each night God provides a place for us to stay, and sustenance as pray the Lord’s Prayer each day. 
4. We met a rider who was solo and riding eastbound. We met him in the KOA at Rawlings, WY. When I told him, we were riding through Victor, Idaho to route around Yellowstone to the park’s west gate, he said he lived in Victor. Knowing us for about one hour he made his beautiful home available to us for 2 nights so we could have a rest day. This is the second stranger who made their home available to me. 
5. We meet friends of friends I know in Cincinnati. In Dubious, WY, we are invited to breakfast with friends, Les and Kathy, of Burr and Terry Robinson. Their hospitality and home are warm and inviting.

Overview

I look at the map’s route and its elevation relief. I shudder at some of the sections, and my thoughts encounter fear. You decide to move forward and see the challenges from afar.  Then, you confront and engage it. The only way to conquer what is in front of you is to keep pressing forward and eventually you get to the top. It’s hard. It can take a while. Sometimes our pace and strategy vary. On lookers offer suggestions and encouragement. Yet, no one can rescue you from the task that is yours to complete. You get to the top of the climb and look back to see how far you have come, and you find great satisfaction and confidence to take on the next one. 

Another angle to addressing problems is perspective when looking at it. Your perspective may not be wrong as much as it’s misleading you. From a distance or when looking down on the next ascent to climb it can “appear” to loom larger than it really is. I found that if I ride to the lowest point to better understand and appreciate the actual course in front of me only to discover that the task (incline) was minimal or an illusion. I was seeing something that was either nonexistent or very manageable. I had to change my perspective or get closer to the challenge to better understand it. Don’t let your perspective hold you back from getting closer to the issue and moving forward. It’s likely not as bad as you think. 

Lastly, each time we cross into a new state I feel like the channel on the TV has been changed. The scenery and history of the area work in tandem to bring our history and heritage to life. The people we meet along the way and the stories they share add contrast and richness to my experience. It reminds me that God has been at work and is still working both there and in me. 

Blessings and Stand Firm,

Scott

To see Scott’ videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydubq7KuWFE_3ZUD5mPdxQ

How God showed up

1. The weather, coming across Kansas, was unbelievably in our favor. Quartering tail winds, no rain, fog in the morning, and strong tail winds blowing us into Colorado. Normally one gets 20 to 30 mph headwinds and pop-up thunderstorms. 
2. Being in awe of His endless landscapes that change and grow with each passing day. 
3. Continuous provisions each day with a place to stay each night.
4. His traveling mercies and meeting strangers who make time to talk with you.

Overview

Living simply is not so simple at times. As I travel across the country, I rely upon a bicycle, four saddle bags (panniers), a bike maintenance ensemble, a map, a smart phone, and a credit card. The four panniers handle:

Bag 1 = All camping gear. Aka, my home.

Bag 2 = Cycling clothes (2sets), casual clothes (1 set) and inclement weather clothes for 3 months, iPad and sandals.

Bag 3 = Food, personal items, and some meds to include emergency medical items.

Bag 4 = Stove, fuel, cookware, utensils, electronic items, spare tire, water filtration kit, snake bite kit, and repair kits for Bag 1.

Maintenance ensemble = spare tubes, tools, lube, pump, glasses, battery, spare bike parts like spokes, chain links, flashlight, and emergency medical kit/blanket, maps, Garmin Nav Aid.

Credit card and some cash.

This cycling nomadic lifestyle is best served as lightweight and simple as possible. After all, you have to pedal as light a bike as possible. On the other hand, you are going to be gone three months and will want some of the pleasures from home. What to do? What to do? After one serious long climb, and then a few more for good measure, one opts for lightness. 

The daily physicality of the riding is only part of the challenge. The other equally important challenges are self-management of keeping supplied, preventative bike maintenance, and keeping body, equipment, and clothes clean – or as clean as possible. When you have a drawer or closet full of options, a stocked kitchen, and a garage with multiple forms of combustion powered vehicles, things get easier. It doesn’t mean life still isn’t complicated. 

I am fortunate to be traveling and experiencing such a simple lifestyle with the ensuing challenges that come with the territory of the adventure cyclist. Moreover, it’s a great time to take inventory of the many blessings we receive daily from the Lord but have come to take for granted as though they are an entitlement. 

Living so simply, at the whims of the weather and terrain, to ride 60 miles each day has allowed me the benefit of simply enjoying God at the most fundamental and basic level I have experienced in quite a while. My dependence and appreciation of God’s faithfulness has been sharpened and become intentionally more focused. Perhaps living more simply is not so bad! 

Blessings and Stand Firm,

Scott

To see Scott’ videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydubq7KuWFE_3ZUD5mPdxQ

How God showed up

1. Our entire ride through and across Kansas had ideal weather for us. We were expecting strong 25 mph headwinds that did not materialize. Nor did it rain or the weather force us to take shelter. Instead, we had some overcast and cool mornings. Some days we had tail winds. There were hot days, but we managed to get out early and stop early. 
2. On one hot stretch, we found someone offering free ice and water to cyclists. On another hot day we found a church doing the same thing except they had snacks too and you could spend the night. 
3. Meeting other believers on the road while riding. 
4. Meeting Ronnie, a Vietnam vet, in Girard, KS during breakfast. Someone then picked up the tab for our breakfast.

Overview

We extended week 5 into week 6 to finish out Kansas and negotiate a challenging weather forecast. Riding across Kansas was memorable as vast recurring farmlands of nothingness exposed the dedication of rugged farmers and tiny communities who know each other’s names. Impressive. AG, or agriculture, is an amazing industry that is in the hands of some very dedicated, smart, and resilient people. Tom the farmer schooled us on corn, wheat, and cattle. 

As we settled into a long week 5, that was very hot, we met more and more cyclists, especially coming from the west, and traveling eastbound. Some were cycling a modified route. Their war stories were frightening in that we wondered if we would experience the same things.  Turbulent weather! The heat took its toll on people in different ways. In the end, the route or journey, and the riding conditions can only be managed by the cyclist. Each person must ride their own course. No one can do it for them. Their goal is to finish and finish strong. It is like Hebrews 12:1-3. “Let us all run our course with endurance and set aside those things that easily entangle us.” There is a great deal of self-management here in choosing what you will let distract you from being focused on the course in front of you. So, focus on yourself and change what you need to in order to take on the challenges of each day.

While riding through the countryside one studies the landscape and topography. I can’t help but think what it must have been like when settlers made their way west across the same terrain I was observing except without a paved road. Their ruggedness, determination and faith carried them through against some remarkable odds. I thought the mountains had their challenges; the prairies and high plains have theirs too. 

It’s hard to be discreet when you are inadvertently drawing attention to yourself. As the day wears on and you are drinking lots of liquids, it’s only natural for the body to tell you it’s time to find a spot to relieve the pressure on your bladder. With convenience stores far and few most times, it comes down to finding a discreet place along the roadside to take care of business. However, even with the most thoughtful care and planning to find that one perfect place, it does no good when you leave the flashing red light on, on the back of your helmet. It continues to do its job in attracting the passing motorists who willingly honk their horns acknowledging that they see you. Oh well, the lessons we learn on the road!

Blessings and Stand Firm,

Scott

To see Scott’ videos, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydubq7KuWFE_3ZUD5mPdxQ

How God showed up

1. Meeting and riding with Scott W. from Columbus, Ohio, after having ridden with David and Sam in weeks 2 and He has walked the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Northwest area. He knows a thing or two about this lifestyle. His awesome wife, Mary, joined us a few days ago, via car, and is following us. She plans to drive and meet us every day at the end. Her support provides an added measure of safety and encouragement as we prepare to trek across Kansas and Colorado with less available shelter on the route. I also got to meet two lovely people, Mike, and Mary, from his church who took some of their vacation to meet up with Scott and follow him for a few days.

2. The cooler temps made for better climbing. Peddling the Ozarks seems like continuous up and downs. Had it been as hot as the previous week it would have been even harder.

3. Protecting us while riding some very busy back roads over Memorial Day weekend.

4. I made a wrong turn, and I sensed something very quickly that it did not seem right. I stopped and rechecked my bearings on the map and sure enough I was off course. I had gone less than a quarter mile, so I was very thankful. I really think it was God heightening my senses to hit my pause button and recheck my heading. I am trying to better recognize such senses as there have been others too.

Overview from week 4 on the TransAm

Leaving Carbondale, Illinois with a fully functional bike was a great start to the week. The climbing leading into the Ozarks necessitated the lower gear range. Arriving in Chester, home of Popeye the Sailor man fame, I caught up with Scott W., a retired IT exec from Honda, where we decided to ride together. I found I was learning a lot from him just watching him approach the rigors of bike camping. The guy was a tried-and-true hiker of the AT and Pacific NW. His spirit and internal clock were hardened to living the salty trail life. He and his wife, who arrived later, have been very gracious in permitting me to ride along. There is a solid benefit in riding in pairs from safety to encouragement. After each solid day of climbing, we fist bump and hi-five in celebrating the day’s achievement. We thank God for His traveling mercies, our stamina, lodging, and for the numerous people who are praying for us.

The Ozarks are the third mountain range we must cross. The Appalachian Mountains, in Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, had steep, long, and recurring grades to negotiate. I did my share of walking my bike up some of them. Hey, it’s the forward progress that counts. Also, the dogs were a very real threat that stopped in their tracks at the sound of my bear horn. The Ozarks, while not as consistently steep, are brutally repetitive seasoned with some more gentle rolling flats. Letting Mary carry our gear in her car made the last third of crossing the Ozarks more tolerable. I have said that I am more curious as to how the Rockies will feel on our legs and lungs.

As I have met other westbound riders, I try to capture their phone numbers and then text everyone every other day to check in. Our little traveling text community has become helpful in sharing tips on where to stay and how people are doing. The four levels I talked about last week are so evident. One of the two young women who were traveling together had to depart temporarily due to a family emergency. The remaining woman, Lauren, was able to text the group and catch up to another rider.

After one month of riding, I sense my spirit, mind, body, and heart crossing a very, yet unexplainable, threshold as we prepare to crossover into what is referred to as the middle third of the TA. The first third brought an in-your-face welcome and orientation period to awaken, or reawaken, your senses. Seeing the beauty, topography, and sometimes despair of the ruralist parts of America from the saddle of a bicycle is a memorable experience. I am in heaven when I get to pause and capture an image with my iPhone 11. (I only wish I could have brought my better camera gear and could spend more time stopping for shots.). But I will take it, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be out here and have one month of riding under my belt. 

I am so very grateful to my FOCAS/Lord’s Gym Ministries board and staff who are permitting me this time away; and I am so very grateful to the generosity of those who invested in this experience for me. It’s also wonderful that I get to bring awareness to our ministry and fundraising event, the Youth Resiliency Adventure which people are responding to. They are taking photos of my Jersey. I pray that you will too by checking out the website, www.YRAdventure.com and share within your social media network AFTER you have taken the 21n21 challenge for me.

Until next week. Stand firm.

Scott

The Spiritual, Physical, Mental, and Emotional

Now that I have been at this nomadic lifestyle 3 weeks, I believe I am starting to adapt to my surroundings. One can prepare, practice, and participate in extended bike camping and excursions; however, there is still an orientation and adjustment period one must go through. 

Having one quarter of the TransAmerica route completed, I can say that the experience thus far has been exhilarating. The experience taxes one from four dimensions which I believe are the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. Without defining each dimension, I will use my blog to point them out. For me, the Spiritual has been amazing as I have seen God show up time and time again, and He influences the other three dimensions. It seems to me that the other influence is our personality or how we are wired. I have met people, like me, who have planned their trip out with precision and cost. Others have just shown up and let the wind, the sites, and weather direct their pace – time is not an issue as to when they will finish. Still others are enduring grueling paces to cover a set distance every day.

While I am enjoying seeing the landscape of our vast and magnificent country, by far, meeting other riders and people along the way is the most enjoyable part of the experience. 

The end of week 2 and start of week 3 began in Paint Lick, Kentucky where I got to see Betsy and spend the day with her at a charming BnB that we highly recommend. It was fun to introduce her to Mark and Pat a couple riding the trail and David.  The ensuing week would introduce me to Sam, Lauren, Sasha, and Scott. 

Upon departing Paint Lick and meeting 27-year-old Sam, I experienced a bizarre bike failure at mile 26 for the day. After departing a refueling stop, and pushing down on my pedal to start accelerating, my front small chainring collapsed. It literally folded over on itself. The teeth from the sprocket were biting into the tube that supports the seat. I had to use my pliers to bend the folded sprocket back and free it so that the top, or larger chainring could rotate freely.

Sam immediately located the nearest bike shop in Danville about 16 miles away off route. The bike was ridable, there were no other options, so I thanked Sam and said goodbye. The bike shop owner in Danville said that he did not have the parts to fix it. He said my best bet was to coordinate a fix via the manufacture in Carbondale – which was about 375 miles away in Illinois. Not exactly your flat cruising terrain. I would not have my 11 lower gear ranges to take on the climbs. Sparing you countless details and the swirling thoughts racing around inside my head, I called Jim’s Bicycle Shop and Jim and MaryAnn coordinated the repair details with Doug, at Phoenix Cycles in Carbondale. Jim had the parts to get the bike repaired. I just had to ride there.  Fortunately, I took a detour to get back on course and caught up with Sam to finish riding most of the week to Illinois. 

Milestones for me, are a big deal and satisfy my mental and emotional state. They are starting to put gas in my tank that sends me those self-talk pep talks that I can do this. Once I passed the 1,180-mile threshold, completed 3 maps, and crossed over into Illinois, my confidence piqued to another level on the spectrum. Factor in the grueling mountains of the Appalachians and an overzealous Jet Stream, the milestones resonate with a more satisfying tonality all their own. It’s why I am beginning to describe this attempt at riding across America as exhilarating and amazing. The four dimensions collectively reach down inside you and ping your soul. (Oh yeah, they ping your legs too.) But when God shows up through people and circumstances, your soul rejoices at the caress of God’s hand. Consider my God moment with Joyce and Ronnie below.

God Shows Up

1. Having your wife show up at the end of week two is a special moment to share in the rhythm of the trip.

2. Having Sam there at the moment of the bike failure was extremely helpful in locating a bike shop and thinking through some critical decisions in a short amount of time. I also appreciated rejoining his company later.

3. Meeting Robert and Candace at a restaurant in Springfield. They offered me their side yard to pitch my tent and tell me about the rich history of their property. It belonged to the pastor who married Abe Lincoln’s parents.

4. The heat and humidity descended on our riding by 10:00 am most days where it was 80 degrees. By 1:00 pm it was even warmer. With my bike’s inefficiency, it made my energy output all the more intense on this 64-year-old body. Sam had ridden ahead. I was already at 60 miles for the day and praying for an alternative to my camping arrangements in Eddyville. I had just walked my bike up a very steep graded hill for about one-third of a mile and downed most of my Gatorade and a Starbucks cold brew. I still thought an ice water sounded good. I hopped back on my bike and had ridden about one mile when I rounded the bend and saw a woman mowing her grass. 

I rolled into her driveway and immediately got her attention. You can imagine how a guy on bike loaded down with big red bags on his bike might pique one’s curiosity. “Hi”, I said. Would you be able to fill my water bottles with ice water?, was my follow up remark. She said her name was Joyce and her husband was Ronnie. Come over to the house and sit in the shade. She brought out a bottle of cold water and a cold wet towel. The towel was really a nice touch. We started to talk, and I answered all her typical questions. She was a retired underwriter from Peoria who was here with Ronnie taking care of a family heirloom – a really old house. 

She offered me another bottle of water which I gladly accepted and thanked her multiple times. She paused, and then suggested that I could stay in their unoccupied house for the night. AC, a kitchen, and a bathroom – offered to a complete stranger. I accepted her offer.

For me, I view these encounters as direct answers to prayers of all the people praying for me. When Robert and Joyce offered their hospitality to me it blesses them, as much as it blesses me, to accept it. It’s humbling and teaching moments for me. Sitting here in this laundry mat, as my clothes require another.25 cents to dry in delicate mode, is a blessing from a business owner to a guy on a bike. Kindness trumps just about anything. 

5. Back to the bike. At FOCAS/Lord’s Gym Ministries – our culture can be simplified to a formula of E (Event) + R (Response) = O (Objective). My objective is to ride across the country. That didn’t change. The event was the bike failure which I have no control over; and blaming, complaining, or disparaging wasn’t going to help. The only thing I could control is the “R”, my response to the event. I had to keep moving, making adjustments, and make the best of the circumstances.

Take-A-Ways

My laundry is just about done so I should wrap this blog up with my take-a-ways from week three:

1. God is paying attention.
2. He does not owe me answers to my trials.
3. Keep moving toward your objective, even if you must change your pace.
4. Enjoy the view, it will likely change.
5. Accept the blessings from other people. Who knows, they might be an angel!
6. It’s okay to ask for help.

Blessings and Stand Firm

Scott

The mountains, to me, are a unique place to live and etch out a living. Conversely, I imagine mountaineers would say the same thing about me not living in the mountains. Hanging out at my first of many hostels with a cast of eclectic Appalachian Trail hikers I was awarded my trail name of “Spokes”.  It’s a fun story that deserves more text. 

Also impressive is God’s timing as His Spirit watches over me with each day’s provision, especially during a very cold and wet week at elevation in the mountains of Appalachia.

Lastly, I have to add the privilege of beholding God’s handiwork in His physical creation of Virginia and Kentucky. So far stunning vistas, valleys, farms, and streams. I can only imagine what week 3 will have in store for me to experience.

How God showed up

1. I had some bike repair issues at the beginning of the week that affected the bike’s stability. However, in my repair kit I found the items (spare bolt and Velcro) that corrected the situation. 

2. Wednesday brought a drop in temps as I was climbing through mountains. Then it Started to rain, sleet, and snow. Temp dropped to low – mid 30s according to attendant at gas station where I had to stop to warm up after hours of riding in it. Forecast was for rain lasting an hour. I still had two significant climbs. At the top of the second climb, at about 3,700 ft, there was snow, which a hiker later verified. He and his team were caught in it hiking the AT (Appalachian Trail). Hypothermic conditions for sure if I did not act. The route and weather were too unpredictable to chance continued riding. A short day in the saddle and somewhat of a delay in my mind. I had to remind myself that God is in control here and His itinerary. According to Enneagram enthusiasts, this is hard for 1’s to accept since they lean towards the perfectionist side and like to be in control of the outcomes. My Intended destination was shelved, instead riding/climbing another 8 miles to Troutdale Baptist Church’s Hostel for Hikers and Bikers. 

Got to get a hot shower and dry my clothes. One of my dear supporters purchased a compression bag for me. I used it to pack and stow my Down-filled jacket just in case the temperature dropped. It was 28 degrees the following morning. 

Throughout the rest of the week, as my itinerary changed daily, God provided a church bikers’ hostel for me to spend the night in and get out of the cold temps. PTL. 

Really impressed how God has orchestrated my accommodations, especially through churches with hostels. One Methodist church, 1788, left instructions on the door and the church unlocked. For 40 years it has operated this ministry in such a trustworthy fashion. I sort of felt like the guy who was beaten and taken to the Inn in the story of the Good Samaritan. In this case, it was a church showing unconditional love and trust to complete strangers. Oh yeah, you could help yourself to whatever food was in the fridge, freezer, or pantry – which I did. What was also nice about these very timely and uniquely located shelters, was that they were available during a cold snap when camping would have made my situation all the more challenging. I was warm and dry for most of week 2. 

3. In Elkhorn City, I met the Mayor, Mike Taylor, and he let me sleep in City Hall where he has permitted other cyclists to do the same for the last 15 years. When I met him, he was cleaning the building and preparing care bags of food and materials for people in his community. COVID-19, it seems to me, only exacerbated communities with an already struggling economy. His leadership impressed me along with his servant heart as mayor. I asked him about it, and he said God has blessed him to be a blessing to others. 

    

4. Upon leaving Elkhorn City I met another person, David, traveling the trail and later in the morning I met a husband-and-wife team too. We all rode together to Hindman where we spent the night in a church hostel. David and I rode onto Paint Lick just 10 miles west of Berea, Ky where Betsy was waiting. David, a trainer and endurance athlete, was able to coach me and suggest raising my bike seat to get more extension out of my legs for climbing. He helped me with breathing technique too for those steep and never-ending climbs. His advice was a God send. As we rode together, I learned he was a believer. As we rode, we talked and prayed.  In one town, he felt led to get off his bike and pray for an old church and the community. Later, in Booneville, we would meet the pastor whose family went to that church.

We have now all separated due to separate agendas, and I will resume a solo ride tomorrow on Wednesday. Since we are all about a day apart it’s my prayer that we reconnect on the trail as it is such a joy to ride together. 

5. Many of these back roads have been narrow with minimal to no shoulder. Kentucky has the added distraction of loose dogs who do not know how to welcome friendly cyclists. (If they chase me, I give them a blast from an air horn I am carrying. Seems to be working.) So, I am grateful for God’s traveling mercies and ask for your continued prayers. 

Take-A-Ways week two

1. God is amazing and has shown me considerable grace and mercy.

2. The Holy Spirit is at work in the most remote places.

3. Kindness and generosity are two powerful attributes of the body of Christ.

PS – My Garmin devices get confused, especially my watch. After a long day of rigorous riding in the mountains of Virginia it still tells me to get up and move if I sit too long during a rest stop. However, both my watch and navigation device still send me encouraging comments and congratulatory graphics. 

Blessings and Stand Firm,

Scott