June 18
I believe this may be the longest day of this ride so far.
Seventy five miles.
There is so much beautiful scenery on 200.
When you are pedaling six, seven miles an hour, you see, you experience the glory around you more so than if you are traveling seventy on the freeway.
Would be something for everyone to do a journey like this in their lives.
Not exactly like this.
But some journey of adventure.
Do not become complacent.
Do not become lethargic.
Live life for the Lord.
Three bicyclists on road bikes passed me, but met up with them at Ravalli, where Hwy 200 and 93 meet.
They had joined up for one section of a ride with another traveling the northern tier.
The ride up from Ravalli to Missoula is not bad, just constant and long.
Oh, but when you are close to the city and start down that six percent decline, it is almost too much.
Especially if one is trying to stay on the shoulder, but needs to be on the main road due to the rumble strip.
And, my right wheel brake just would not grab and do its job of slowing me down.
So resorted to using the left one a lot while leaning to the right!
Fun.
Slept quite soundly after that day.
---------------------------------
Adventure Cycling....
June 19
I have desired to visit this place since I started thinking of a ride many years ago.
Finally got my chance.
Arrived at around ten thirty or so, thinking I would just look quick and get back on the road.
As if that ever happens.
There were bicyclists there who were going all the way from Neah Bay to Virginia.
One had started in Anchorage, traveled through Canada, and will eventually end up in Florida.
One from England touring the US.
So many stories to hear.
So many hints and tips to make a ride more enjoyable.
The "train" and I had our picture taken by Greg, one of the original four who began ACA back in the seventies.
And a little write up of the reasoning behind the ride.
And to get away is not necessarily difficult, you just want to continue to learn from all the people who have traveled all those thousands of miles, mapped it out, written about the routes and are more than willing to share all their knowledge.
Need to add, the receptionist knew a family who worked with New Tribes out of Goroka in Papua New Guinea.
Ok Lord, what else you have up your sleeve.
Another divine appointment.
After using the wifi, eating an ice cream bar, and using the loo, I was off.
The traffic was not too bad.
A few rough spots on the road where they are reworking.
Constantly looking in the mirror to see who is coming up behind.
I had pedaled twelve, maybe fifteen miles down the road, when I saw an IGA in the town of Florence.
Do not remember seeing one of those food stores since the one in Chewelah where I grew up. I remember it being on Main Street.
Knew I needed to get some bananas, oranges, a couple apples, fig newtons, and maybe some sunflower seeds for the next few days ride.
Had been wearing a shirt that Kacia got me some years ago.
Bright yellow.
One fish.
Two fish.
Old fish.
New fish.
Romans 6.4
As I am getting my go to bag off the bike, up walks a man asking about it. And he mentions the bright yellow shirt.
He, Ed, and his wife, Kelly, are believers in the Lord.
She had just arrived back from a trip to Tanzania with a medical team.
Was so incredible to hear the stories and see the pictures of her time there.
So instead of camping as I thought would be happening, I had salmon, rice, veggies and a milkshake for dessert.
I am sure I talked way too much during the course of the evening.
How can one not when speaking about the Lord!
Impossible to be silent or even quiet on such a life changing topic.
They put me up in their tent trailer and the next morning Ed cooked up eggs and some tortillas.
And coffee from overseas.
It was hard leaving as I had been introduced to another brother and sister in Christ.
Thanks to you both for all your generous hospitality and your speaking into my life through your lives.
Can not wait to see you two again.
-------------------------
Up the pass...
June 20
The bike/pedestrian path they have following along Hwy 93 is so nice.
I would not have taken it if not for having seen a couple riding who had started in Vermont back in April.
Another picture taking opportunity.
As I passed through Hamilton, crossing the bridge, who is coming toward me but another long distance traveler.
Tom was on a two wheel recumbent.
He had started in Connecticut and would end up in Oregon.
Was really good to swap stories with him.
He took a picture of me and hope to hear back from him soon.
Also...
Remember my brakes not working well coming down the grade into Missoula?
The bike shop in Hamilton fixed it for me.
Super simple.
A 2.5 allen key, on the correct screw, turned the proper direction...
And voila!
The right wheel brake works.
Stops this "train" incredibly well now!
If you need help with your bike, this is the place to stop.
At Darby, met up with two from my visit at ACA.
The one from Alaska to Florida and the other from Oregon to the east coast.
After stopping at the store, getting an "ade" drink, I left hoping to meet up with them at a campsite.
Did not happen.
Praying a safe and successful journey for them both.
Passing Sula, I thought to myself, I have plenty of time to get to the top, set up camp, and then be that much further along for the next day.
Yeah.
Right.
Got to be after nine and I still had four more miles to go.
Does not sound like much distance to cover, except when you are pulling a trailer full of stuff and your body is screaming to stop.
Right now.
This instant.
Had to ask forgiveness from the Lord for my attitude.
I am learning.
Just a little more difficult at times than others.
I found a place to sleep.
Behind some concrete barriers on a sharp corner where both lanes of traffic were forced to slow down.
Took the flags off, laid the blanket down with the sleeping bag on top, and went to sleep.
Though the weather was cold, I was not.
---------------------
On to Jackson...
June 21
Before I go further, I need to tell of a happening yesterday, which to me is very significant in regards to this journey for the Lord.
Was just to the point where I would be starting the nine mile ride up this pass.
And it is quite all uphill.
There is a man standing next to his beat up, dented car along side the road.
He motions me over and insists I get off the road.
Too dangerous for bikes and cars to both be on the road.
Tells me to put everything in his car and he will take me to the top.
What?
He had already told me he was not from the area and knew nothing of the road.
I cried to the Lord and he heard me.
One cannot walk in fear if walking with the Lord.
The two do not mesh together.
This guy was fearful to the bone. Anxious. Scared. Discontent. Disillusionment.
I simply prayed these spirits would no longer have control of his life.
Put my feet on the pedals and left.
He was yelling at me even at that point.
And he got in his vehicle and followed me part way up the hill, pulling into a turnout just a short distance up.
I believe this man was being used as an agent of the enemy to try and divert my mind to doubt, insecurity and fear.
I do not know how much I prayed up that hill, to my spot where I would sleep, but was more than a one minute prayer.
So glad I was given the spirit of discernment in that situation.
So onto the rest of the day.
Finished the last miles to the top of the pass and pulled into the rest area.
The first of many elephants chewed one bite at a time.
Met Michael and Barb.
Motorcyclists with a mission.
Great encouragers.
They have ministered and spoken into many lives here in the valley.
Right across from the rest area was the road that would take me to Wisdom, MT.
From there I would turn south toward Jackson.
As I came into Wisdom I noticed there were many, many clouds accumulating in the skies.
Find a place to pitch the tent for the night, or try for Jackson.
Jackson won out in that very short debate.
Glad I brought along the rain gear.
Worked well in the thunderstorm I went through.
As did all the waterproof panniers which hold all the supplies.
As I coasted into Jackson, my thoughts were not positive about the town.
Did not look hopeful for a place to stay.
I was tired and had already done fifty miles.
Noticed a place that had the word "lodge" in its title.
The Lord opened the door and I walked through.
Chicken salad for dinner.
And I was invited to soak in a hot spring.
Does the Lord know what we need or what?
He certainly does know!
--------------------
Rest in the Lord....
Everyday.
This is the morning of the 22.
Been invited to stay another day by the proprietor of this establishment.
Taking him up on the offer.
Soak in the hot springs again.
Do some more study in the Word.
Talk.
As if I do not do enough of that already.
It will mean a bit more of a push through Wyoming.
That is ok.
This whole trip/ride/journey has come down to one point.
People.
Relationships.
I am so humbled by the many people who have shown so much hospitality and encouragement to me.
And all from obedience to the Lord.
Thought I would be sharing into lives.
And I am.
But also have had many words spoken into my life.
Faithful.
Obedient.
Caring.
Compassionate.
Strong.
Bold.
Integrity.
They are words spoken in love to me.
Always be careful to never let words of encouragement become idols.
Accept them and take them captive for the glory of Christ.
And let Him use them as He will.
One of the young men I have met here last night is backpacking with his two friends.
He graduated from uni in 2006.
Called me an inspiration.
Well, I guess....
My inspiration is from the Lord.
Plain and simple.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Continuing to joy in the journey,
D.
No comments:
Post a Comment