The ongoing blog for the Natchez Trace Ride.
By Neil Mullikin
Hooray!! We made it to Natchez! It was a huge success after both storms and COVID had put forth so many hurdles over the last 3 years. Natchez was such a welcome site to all of us.
By Diane Bies
Today is Thursday. We have to keep reminding ourselves what day it is as time is definitely standing still and yet flying by at the same time.
We had a cold start today although it warmed up quickly and turned into a beautiful blue sky day. Our route today took us from beautiful Houston, MS to Kosciusko, MS. On this section of the Trace we pass a few areas that are memorable to me as I travel through for the 8th time.
Editor’s Note: Today’s Build Day Blog Features Reflections from Two of our Riders
By Gary Schroeder
It’s midweek on the Fuller Center Bike Adventure bike ride down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The cycling has been amazing, with beautiful scenery, blue skies, and moderate temperatures, but it was our day off the bike today to do our schedule BUILD DAY that will be the highlight of the trip. Although our group is small because of COVID restrictions, we were able to work on two houses and make a major impact on the home owners.
At one house, the resident has difficulty walking and the existing ramp that he used to avoid stairs was too steep for him to navigate easily or safely. Repairs to the deck and a ramp with a reduced incline will allow him much greater mobility.
At the second house, the wheelchair-bound resident required a larger wheelchair and as a result, his existing ramp was too small. Our small army of riders was able to remove one side of the existing ramp and expand it to fit the new wider chair.
It is an amazing feeling when you realize that one day out of our life can be such a life-changing experience. Ease of getting around we take for granted is a luxury for some and to be able provide that ability today is very rewarding. Seeing their reaction when they see the transformation to their homes is well worth the effort we expended doing the renovation. We have learned to smile and nod when the homeowners thank us for what we’ve done but deep down inside, we know we have received much more than we gave.
By Cathy Eastman
Today was cool and breezy with plenty of sunshine. Four of us were led by Deacon Rogers in rebuilding a wheelchair ramp for Dan, a military veteran with some hardships. He had atrial fibrillation problems recently, and last week fell off the ramp, breaking two ribs.
Work went well, with Dan quietly observing and occasionally offering a suggestion. We were finished by early afternoon. We were blessed in having the opportunity to serve both Dan, and Taz.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
By Gary Schroeder
It’s midweek on the Fuller Center Bike Adventure bike ride down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The cycling has been amazing, with beautiful scenery, blue skies, and moderate temperatures, but it was our day off the bike today to do our schedule BUILD DAY that will be the highlight of the trip. Although our group is small because of COVID restrictions, we were able to work on two houses and make a major impact on the home owners.
By Cathy Eastman
Today was cool and breezy with plenty of sunshine.
Four of us were led by Deacon Rogers in rebuilding a wheelchair ramp for Dan, a military veteran with some hardships. He had atrial fibrillation problems recently, and last week fell off the ramp, breaking two ribs.
By Chuck Snavely
On Tuesday, we rode 83 miles from Dennis to Houston, MS, our longest ride so far and our 4th day riding together. Weather continues to be spectacular, cool to start the day and warming to the mid 70s.
By John Nugent
Day 3: Collinwood, Tennessee to Dennis, Mississippi. 58 miles with 1,811 ft of elevation gain.
Today was an absolutely perfect day for cycling. The pastor of Collinwood Freewill Baptist Church generously bought the group breakfast at the local restaurant.
Written by: Diane Bies
Fields of yellow, white, lavender, and red flowers. Dogwood and Redbuds in bloom. Sunny skies with puffs of white clouds providing some shade along with the many trees. What a beautiful show of God’s glory!
Continue readingWritten by: Melissa Safran
I’m writing this afternoon with a perfect view of the beautiful Mississippi mountains … of laundry. Laundry day is such a special time on the bike adventure; everyone’s opportunity to fully give into the adventure and throw their smelly bike clothes into a pile with everyone else’s smelly bike clothes and trust it all comes back a little cleaner. And the Bike Adventure’s true saints shine – the laundry team, who hauls it all to the laundromat (extra heavy today – everything is soaked from two rainy days in a row) and loads it into the machines with their bare, saintly hands.
Continue readingWritten by: Pat Heck
I love listening to others tell stories. Sometimes those stories are about something fun or adventurous. Sometimes it may be a tale of accomplishment and– at my age – it is often the accomplishment of a child. If I classified all the stories I’ve told and heard, the category with the most stories is the one with stories that are about overcoming adversity. But there is another category that I particularly love; stories about Amazing Service. Things such as a time when someone came to our aid unexpectedly or maybe a call to customer service where the company went above and beyond to take care of us. And for the riders today we’ll be sharing about this day for many years to come because we experienced both on our ride from Duck River, Tennessee to Collinwood, Tennessee. We received amazing hospitality from two different churches and we rode on a day when almost all experienced riders would have just said, “Nope!”
Continue readingWritten by: Brian Niedert
It was hard to believe the ride was coming to a close as we made our way to Tougaloo College today in gusty head winds – the kind that make me wish I were back in West Texas.
This morning’s pre-ride devotional was particularly moving… the story of “the ragman.” The story is an illustration of what Christ has accomplished and continues to accomplish through his people. The ragman goes about, giving of himself, until there is nothing left to give but his own life. Death in this case is not the end of the story. This ‘ragman’ is brought back to life and offers the opportunity for those who would follow him and his way to experience the same victory over the grave. His offer is to surrender one’s own life and prerogative for his purposes; to give of oneself for the sake of the world.
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