Summer 2016 blog from the Blue Ride.
Written by: Joel Derksen, Blue Ride
Day 41 and we’re rolling on through Iowa. Today had us riding 75 miles from Osceola to Ottumwa. Not that anyone knows where either of those places are. The ride was calm and relaxed, as we continued up and down the rolling hills, and finished off the day with a lovely 15 mile stretch down an empty country road.Continue reading
Written by: Lauryn Kostopoulos, Blue Ride
If you had a dream, would you follow it? I once had the silly dream of biking across the country with a college friend. One day that dream turned into a reality. We found the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure and ever since that day I have never looked back. This is now my third time crossing this amazing country by way of my bicycle, but that’s not what it is to me anymore. It’s much more than just a ride. To me it is more about this thrill of riding my back to a city or town with a local Fuller Center so that I can be an ambassador for them. It is now my turn to get my hands and clothes dirty to help someone in need of a safe and decent place to live. While we are not giving them people mansions, we are giving them a place that they call home and a place they look forward going home to every day.Continue reading
Written by: Ericka Scott, Blue Ride
The last 4 weeks have gone by so quickly. I cant’t believe the trip is half finished! Sometimes days, dates, and time has no beginning or end, and towns seem to blend together.
Written by: Mike Weiser, Blue Ride
After yesterday’s 102+ miles and riding up Rabbit Ears Pass, today’s 62 mile ride from Walden, CO to Laramie, WY was a breeze. As of today, we have reached the midway point as far as riding days go. We will surpass the halfway point as far as distance goes this coming Monday. Monday is also a special day for me as I will surpass the 10,000 mile mark riding with the FCBA.Continue reading
Written by: Diane Buckley-Maidt, Blue Ride
Today was a tough century day biking over 100 miles from Craig, CO to Walden, CO over the 9426 foot Rabbit Ears Pass. The day was made tougher by a series of mishaps occurring during the day. The day started out with a flat before the group ever got out of the church parking lot and two more flats within the first couple of hours. One rider’s chain broke and after trying unsuccessfully to fix it found a spare chain and was able to replace it. In trying to take a picture another rider ended up having their bicycle wheels caked with dog poop. All of us had to deal with about 11 miles of construction in our journey over the pass. We had to wait 3 separate times for 15- 20 minutes each waiting for all the cars to pass until they would let us go. During one of our waits we had a nice chat with one of the construction worker flaggers.Continue reading
Written by: Macy Holsinger, Blue Ride Trip Leader
Change: it’s a word most people fear and stirs the souls of others. And it’s one that the town of Craig, CO is working to embrace. Does the town not change and slowly wither away, or does it take risk of changing and learn to thrive again. Neil Fultz, the director of the local Fuller Center in Craig, is working hard to promote the sort of change that creates growth. Being in his late seventies has not stopped him from petitioning local political members, making sure that the local Fuller Center has a presence in the community, and knowing what’s going on in the school system. His multiple connections allowed several of us to speak at a county planning meeting while other riders were out actively serving the community. Having ridden through a large portion of the county and establishing relationships with members in two communities provided us with a unique perspective on the wide possibilities for growth that the area contains, but also gave us a glimpse into possible points of opposition to idea of change. After all, change involves change.Continue reading
Written by: Elisabeth Sherwood, Blue Ride
Act One:
Farewell, small, sad town.
Hello beautiful sunshine
And jagged landscape.
Rocky outcroppings.
Muted desert colors are
Perfect for mornings.
Written by: Rosemary Lensing, Blue Ride
We have a day off in Salt Lake City on July 8. This is also the birthday of my late husband. I have been doing this bike and build experience as a tribute to him as he was an excellent carpenter.
This day also gives the riders a chance to recover and to reflect on their accomplishments. I have been given so much support and encouragement from my fellow riders. Everyone is willing to help and we work together as a team whether riding or working on project sites or doing our chores. It truly warms my heart. God bless this fantastic group of people.
Macy, our leader, does a wonderful job of keeping us going and organizing routes, food, chores, our health, our work projects, and more!
The Fuller Bike Adventure is such an experience. The country side beauty at bike level is glorious to see what nature gives us. So much to soak in all at once as we ride. Wish we could turn it into water, bottle it up and take it all home. … and then sip it slowly.
Written by: Kelley Westenhoff, Blue Ride
Today’s Blue Ride from Roosevelt to Dinosaur was perfect. Light breeze, beautiful sunshine, just enough tailwind to make it memorable. Short miles and gentle grade changes. What more could anyone ask for? How about a place to sleep, food to eat, and a fun place to visit?Continue reading
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