The blog for the 2017 Cross-Country Ride.
Written by: Grace Kyle
I just went on a quiet evening walk through Wells. I did what I do often when I’m in a new place. I imagine my life there. What would be my routine? How would I spend my time? Would I be a teacher at Wells High School? A gold miner in Carlin? Would I walk through the canyons along the Humboldt River regularly? Get my coffee at Cowboy Joe in Elko? Herd cattle near Fernley? Or be a blackjack dealer in Reno?
Written by: Bill Turner
Today was the best road ride of my life so far.
We covered a 104 miles. The last time I did a 100 mile ride was when I was 20 years old. I took a ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and then rode to my grandmother’s house, 126 miles.
Written by: Karen Powers
I am an English teacher, so please forgive me for starting off this blog entry by writing about a book. One of my favorite books is Annie Dillard’s “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.” In it, Dillard writes about growing up in Pittsburgh, where one of her most memorable childhood activities was to hide pennies somewhere along the sidewalk for strangers to find. She would write in chalk on the sidewalk “surprise ahead” or “money this way,” and then sit back and imagine the joy on passersby’s faces when they discovered the hidden treasure. Reading about this makes me think about the last time I bothered to stop to pick up a penny – or even a quarter, for that matter. How much money would I have to find on the sidewalk in order to not just stop to pick it up, but to actually be filled with joy?
Written by: Mike Wieser
This is my fourth cross-country ride with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure. I knew within the first couple of days of riding with the FCBA in 2014 that this organization was one that I wanted to have a lasting relationship with.
Written by: Steve Maliszeski
It has been an immense day of activities with many changes—both old and new.
Just over a week ago many of us cyclists met as strangers and have become friends through time riding, nights in churches, doing chores and sharing meals. Today we changed from the old to the new!
Written by: Meredith Fitzpatrick
Its been exactly a week since I arrived in San Francisco and met all of the incredible people I’m living alongside. The group is made up of individuals that range in age from 14 to 76 years old, from every corner of the country and from so many different backgrounds. Our one common denominator is that we love riding our bikes and we’ve all come together to take on this huge challenge together.
Written by: Lou Cooper
All I accomplished today was going out and fighting the hills and the weather.
The riders were excited for the ride to start. About half decided to get a ride to rest stop two. Meredith and I volunteered to be the sweeps for the day. I volunteered because of the mountain climbing required; I knew I would be slow and at the back of the pack. At the start of the ride I noted my back tire was somewhat flat, and I had to climb back up the steep hill of the church even before we started to ride.
Written by: John Busby
OK guys, day 4 is in the records books on this Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure, and boy was it challenging. A 72 mile ride with four thousand feet of elevation tested my strength and determination. As I reflect back on the day, I recall the times on the ride when my spirit was low as my legs ached. I guess there comes a moment when we all question why we choose to do something so physically and mentally demanding.
Written by: Kelley Westenhoff
Mike and I were sweeps today. Within a block or two of leaving the church, we ran into Henry whose chain had broken. He had already called Grace to bring the trailer back because there was an extra chain in it. In the meantime, Mike (the mechanic) had the necessary tool with him. Grace hadn’t gotten very far down the road either, so the trailer arrived quickly. Unfortunately, the chain in the trailer was the incorrect type. Fortunately, Mike had one in his bag in the trailer that would do. So, if Mike hadn’t been the mechanic, and Grace hadn’t been close enough to swing back, Henry would have had neither the correct part or the expertise to fix it. I call those coincidences God winks.
Written by: Ruth Waite
One of my favorite things on the bike adventure itself is the chance to attend different churches each Sunday for worship services. As a United Methodist pastor, I don’t often get the chance to simply be a part of worship without having to lead it or plan it.
Thanks for reaching out to us, we’ll be in touch with you soon!
