Written By: Steve and Sara Dobbs

We’ve had the pleasure of doing the FCBA 2015 Spring Ride on a tandem. For the most part, our experience is the same as the rest of the group, but riding the Natchez Trace on a tandem is different in a few key ways: First of all, the uphills can definitely be a little more challenging (extra weight) and the downhills fly by a little more quickly. And even if you haven’t been on a tandem before, you can imagine that it takes some extra communication, coordination, and trust in each other to ensure a smooth ride. Here’s a sampling of conversations during our ride this week:

“Nice job on that hill, Babe! What did you eat for breakfast?” (Positive encouragement from the Captain always pays off with extra effort by the Stoker!)

“When I’m 87, I want to be biking like Jack!” Jack, our 87 year-old “youngster” on the trip has inspired us and the entire group as well. The two of us hope to be snowboarding and skiing into our 70s, and now, we think our new goal should be to participate in a biking/mission trip when we’re well into our 80s like Jack.

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Written By: Renee McCullough

We began today’s ride after hearing the story of the Rag Man for our morning devotional.  In this story, a man trading “old rags” for “new rags” takes on himself the sorrows, physical wounds, and addictions of others in order to give them hope, healing, and freedom – and eventually dies as a result.  This is a simple but moving analogy of what Jesus did for us by taking our sins on himself so that we might have new life in Him.  It was also a good reminder on this mid-point of the ride of our main purpose – to give of ourselves to others as we serve in Jesus’ name.

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Written By: Macy Holsinger and Paul Richards

Riding somewhere between 90 and 100 miles gives you plenty of time to think, unless you have the opportunity to spend that time talking with wonderful cycling companions. One of the highlights of Fuller Center’s spring ride down the Natchez trace is the chance to re-kindle old friendships and build new ones. Riders and support volunteers have traveled from all over the United States to participate in this ride. Alaska, Florida, and Ohio are just a portion of the states represented. The unique format of the trip, indoor camping and breaking into chore teams, allows participants to get to know one another on a deeper level and solidify friendships early on in the week. Then, extra-long, strenuous rides provide the opportunity to put those friendships to the test. Thankfully we can report that today the friendships passed with flying colors.

Today’s ride began considerably earlier than the previous day and was considerably wetter. Shortly after leaving Collinwood, TN the rain began to fall rather steadily, thoroughly soaking all of the riders. Thankfully, this dark cloud had two silver linings. The first 25 miles were almost all downhill and the rain stopped within a few hours. In fact, several riders made the comment that it turned out to be perfect weather for cycling: not too hot and not too cold.Continue reading→

Written By: Diane Bies

Today was another beautiful day on the Trace.  No, we didn’t really have sunshine; in fact it drizzled a little off and on today.  But the real rain held off until all the riders were in and settled at the church for the most part.  The temperature was a warm 70 degrees or so which is about perfect on the rolling terrain we are riding.  No rain gear was necessary although I did carry mine in my back pocket all day thus protecting all the other riders and myself.

The day started with a wonderful breakfast provided by the generous people of Shady Grove United Methodist Church.  They came in early to make us biscuits and sausage and scrambled eggs.  It is so heartwarming to be with these fine people who “enter the mission field” each time they leave their church building.  They inspire each of us to truly live God’s way.

As we pedaled down the Trace today we were greeted by the sound of birds in the trees, squirrels running across the road and playing on the side, some wild turkeys strutting along the roadway, and cows that “mooed” as we rode past.  As to wildlife, the highlight of the day, if you will, was seeing an armadillo lying in the road.  Not that a roadkill armadillo is good to see, but seeing an armadillo in Tennessee is an interesting phenomenon.   I am used to opossums but not armadillos.  Continue reading→

Our Sunday morning wake up call came about 7am and we packed up gear, pumped tires and sat down to a continental style breakfast.  We then joined the church’s congregation for their morning worship service where the theme was “The ripple effects of the resurrection”.The sermon was a perfect send off for the Fuller Center riders, each of whom is hoping to create a ripple by having raised a minimum of $750 to participate in this ride with the money going to help build and repair homes both in the US and internationally.

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