The blog for the 2017 Cross-Country Ride.
Written by: Rebecca Mitchell
For two insanely quick days, we traveled through Texas. I live in Texas but had no idea how nice it would be to be in the state again. While I do not consider myself a proud Texan, I do like my home state. I am a California girl at heart, but the big blue skies, sunrises and sunsets, and the people in Texas are dear to me as well. Even though we went nowhere near where I live, it felt like being home.
Written by: Mark Murphy
One of the most interesting and peculiar components of the FCBA experience is related to the human interaction and connectivity. I’m the kind of guy that is initially quite shy—I’m sure this will shock my fellow riders—and takes some time to warm up to be the full, loud-mouthed idiot that I am. This shyness had me pretty apprehensive about the trip, meeting 25 strangers and being stuck with them for nine and a half weeks.
Written by: Mike Wieser
Followers of the FCBA may not be familiar with the Fuller Center’s Greater Blessing repair program. Many Americans lack the physical ability, or funds, to keep their home in a state of minimum repair. Through an application process through a covenant partner, this is where the Fuller Center can help.
Written by: Henry Downes
Well today we are smack dab in the middle of week five–which is smack dab in the middle of summer–and we find ourselves almost exaclty halfway between San Francisco and Savannah. Earlier this afternoon we enjoyed a memorable rest stop at the “Midpoint Café” in Adrian, TX, known far and wide as the midpoint between Chicago and L.A. on Old Route 66. By all indications, we’re making some progress here.
Written by: Monica Busby
4:46am: I hear my name being called out, I jumped up out of my bed hearing Lou’s concerned voice, “Wake up Monica!” I got 14 minutes left to get my luggage ready for the trailer crew. I woke up two hours earlier with my head pounding and couldn’t go back to sleep til 3:30am; I had signs of altitude sickness along with my own cough and sore throat from the day before. I also had withdrawals not having my FCBA crew sleeping in the same room (we all had our own rooms at Las Vegas Highlands University).
Written by: Brenda Heathcoat
Today was an awesome day. Last year when I started the summer adventure I had the same problems with my bicycle and feet, though this year I was better prepared mentally. The ride this morning—I couldn’t have asked for a better day. While I did not sleep well and woke up with a headache, all those things that can ruin your day, I pressed in prayer this morning before anybody had gotten up. This helped me to prepare for the day because I knew it was going to be challenging.
Written by: Steve Maliszeski
Another week—week four—has come to an end and brings with it both a rest day in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the great month of July!
Every day of riding brings out both the good and bad in the world and ourselves. But this trip has shown me the determination of individuals and the resiliency of the human spirit.
Written by: Karen Powers
So much of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure is about dreams. During our orientation meetings way back at the beginning of June, I remember being struck by the number of fellow riders who said that it is their dream to ride their bike across our country. I admire the courage, determination, and grit they have shown these past four weeks in working to make their dreams come true. These riders’ dreams, in turn, help others’ dreams to come true: individuals and families who dream of owning their own home or making much-needed improvements upon the home they already own. I think it’s pretty cool when you can use the fulfillment of your own dreams to help others’ dreams come true.
Written by: Russ Schulz
I am not fond of writing, so I will ramble on with thoughts.
The last two days of gorgeous Colorado, with mountains, trees, snow and clouds, have been beautiful and inspiring. As I rode and got tired and worn out, I thought about how awesome God made our bodies. We push and punish ourselves, and the next day we mostly recover and go again.
Written by: Ruth Waite
It’s my turn to write again! We’ve been on the ride for nearly four weeks now. I am a lot stronger than when I began the journey, and I can do things I couldn’t do previously.
Two days ago, we rode along a bike path through Silverthorn, CO. The bike path ended at the Dillon reservoir—9,017 feet elevation. To get from the river level to the top of the dam required going up a bike path with lots of switchbacks. There was even a little sign to show that it was steep, just like the steep road signs.
Thanks for reaching out to us, we’ll be in touch with you soon!
