Summer 2016 blog from the Orange Ride.
Written by: Audrey Nugent, Orange Ride
The ride today was one of our shortest—forty-two brief miles. Most of the riders stopped halfway to play a few rounds of paintball, which looked liked a blast! Afterwards, we were all able to ride on a smooth, quiet bike path into town. It seems like it is getting cooler outside, as well, or it may be that we are becoming immune to this humidity.Continue reading
Written by: Scott Harrison, Orange Ride
“Blessed”—that is the word that would sum up this day, this week, and this organization. Monday, the boys surprised me with their work throughout the day: scraping, cleaning, and painting at a local community center. The last two days, the boys continued to impress me with their heart to cycle a total of twenty-three miles each, over the last two days. I am proud of them. As Psalms 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord….”Continue reading
Written by: Bob Hibma, Orange Ride
I joined the 2016 Fuller Bike Adventure from Seattle Washington to Washington DC riding two segments between Lincoln Nebraska and Peoria Illinois, and then on to Indianapolis. During the first segment we were treated to a good old-fashioned Iowa thunderstorm with heavy rain, strong winds and small hail thrown in for good measure. Most of the riders were able to find shelter but I was with John who had never experienced a thunderstorm before as he lives in California. We were out in the open and by the time we had dropped our bikes and grabbed our rain jackets we were soaked to the skin. I knew that we needed get off the high road so we would have less chance of being hit by lightning so John & I got down in the south ditch which provided a “little” protection from the north wind. Thankfully two line men came by with their pickup and gave us a ride for the last 5 miles to our host church.Continue reading
Written by: Eldon Eigsti, Orange Ride
This is my second Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure. Last year, I rode the whole route from California to Maine, along with our fearless leader, Connor. This year, I joined the “Week 6 Segment,” from Lincoln to Peoria. I thought I would compare the experience of being a full-time rider versus joining for part of the ride.Continue reading
Written by: Brenda Heathcoat, Orange Ride
Sometimes, I can hardly believe I’m on this journey. Every day, my heart is filled with awe at the thought of the places I’ve seen, the people I’m getting to know, the situations I’ve encountered, and the sheer physical output my body is experiencing. Today was no exception; I woke up this morning eager to get going, to beat the heat (yes), and we were heading to Peoria, IL, very close to my husband’s family.
Their coming to pick me up was great motivation to try and keep up with the lead pack and get in early, so we could begin our short reunion. Today, nothing was going to hold me back from giving my best and making great time; well, that was my plan anyway.
It’s funny how all my expectations really do trip up my days. Instead of making great time, I received a great time. Here’s my list for the day: I survived a minor misstep (because of my slick new cleats) and saved my bike from a crash, or at least a tumble. I got to ride 2.5-ish extra miles, because I missed a turn. I got to free a bee from my jersey, all while not gaining one sting from that little bugger, or crashing while trying to stop my bicycle. I got to ride with my jersey completely zipped, so the previous bee or any of his relatives could not find their way back into my jersey. (By the way, it was very hot and humid). I got to learn how to pedal free-handedly—I will forever remember that moment, and the ladies who shared it with me. I hammered a couple of really steep hills and had to walk my bike a little bit up others—I only had to remove my shoes four times to relieve the pain. I found my way alone (probably one of my least favorite things to do). I got to approach a fire truck with its lights on, fearing a terrible situation, only to find it was there to welcome me and the rest of my team to our final destination. I got to pull into a cheering parking lot to see my family waiting for me to give me hugs, even though I was saturated with sweat.
I am getting to write this blog from a place of familiarity and peace, while listening to a thunderstorm that I’m not riding in. This journey has challenged me in so many ways, and I am learning to let go of all those “expectations ” and embrace the moments and people around me. Sometimes, it takes me a minute, but I’m coming around to completely wring every ounce of goodness I can. I’m learning to really trust God, that He holds my very life in His hands in every situation, and the only things that truly matter are how I love Him and how I love others.
Written by: Kristin Lillie, Blue Ride
Let the good times roll, literally. As we venture through Iowa, the fields of corn are abundant and the hills are forever rolling. It is an exciting week in Iowa as it is the annual RAGBRAI (bike ride across Iowa) and our route happens to overlap with parts of it. Today, I was pedaling along and was focusing on the small bit of shoulder I had while listening for the sound of a school bus rolling up on the road beside me. The RAGBRAI team buses are painted and decorated with the team name and have a deck on top where the bikes are stored. It’s the little things that got me through the ride today, such as laughing at the different team names and even being invited to hop onto the back of the pace line of“ Team Awesomeness”, who was decked out in an array of neon colors. It proved to be quite difficult to maintain their pace but it was nonetheless entertaining while it lasted. Along the RAGBRAI route, I also spotted a sign that said: “monster cookies are awaiting your arrival”. I was desperately searching for an address or an arrow but unfortunately didn’t have luck there.Continue reading
Written by: Lesly Jones, Blue Ride
Week 5 is COMPLETE!
What an amazing experience this has been. Today we arrived in Lincoln, NE, and this signaled the end of our fifth week. I would love to say that each week has gotten easier, but the truth is each week has come with its own challenges.Continue reading
Written by: Pui-Sun Lee, Blue Ride
I enjoy the rides we’ve been through, and the work we’ve done for the communities. Yet more, I love mingling with the local people, talking to them and find out about their lives even more. In the heartland of America, I find friendliness and hospitality everywhere. In the last couple of days we were hosted by Mick Young’s family in Lincoln Nebraska. We ate, we chatted and we worked on the barn. We are so welcome and it is like we are a family. This is truly a wonderful experience to me.
Written by: Cathy Cryvoff, Orange Ride
There is an uncanny way that you are given exactly what you need at just the right moment. Some call it luck. Some call it coincidence. Some call it divine providence. Frankly, you can call it whatever you wish. There is no right or wrong answer. But it’s important for me to come back this understanding over and over in my life.Continue reading
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