By Henry Downes
As we get to the end of another FCBA summer, and think of returning home to our normal lives, I’ve been reflecting on those things which make the Bike Adventure such a unique and special experience.
Category Archives: 2019 Parks & Peaks
Follow along with the Parks & Peaks riders as they traverse the western US in the summer of 2019!
A Very Just Peachy- Fcba.pnpupdate.2019.217.53.47
By Ed Vander Pol
Today is best summed up as a very just peachy ride! We started the day by making a left turn onto N Pines Road on our way out of Spokane Valley, WA and ended up in Ritzville; a ride of slightly less than two times forty-seven miles minus two times four point seven miles! The ride went slightly up or down throughout the day with an ascent of approximately four thousand seven hundred feet divided by two.
Best Summer Ever
By Brandon Gotha
I have been deprived of the FCBA ride for the last week due to the fact that I hopped off in Glacier.
The Last Week
By Bruce Perry
Going from Spokane Falls towards Oregon, I’m almost sad leaving our gracious host of last 2 days in Bonners Ferry. It will be exciting to watch the website for the house recipients taking possession of the home in next few months. This is especially true as we had been so closely involved working with the family on the home.
Compassion
By Jennifer Wells
Indeed we call blessed those who’ve persevered .You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful”.
First, but not Last
By Daryl Olson
This was my first bike adventure with the Fuller Center, but I suspect it won’t be my last, especially because of an unexpected ending, more on that later. To be honest, riding with the Fuller Center was in my initial vision an inexpensive way to undertake a supported bike tour of our great country. At the same time there is the satisfying aspect that 89% of the entry fee is going to build housing for those who cannot afford decent, safe, or sanitary housing. In order to accomplish the goal of raising substantial funds, the bike adventure is described as a “minimalist” journey. Indeed at times that is the case and one undertaking a Fuller bike adventure must be prepared to be resourceful, tough, and not expect a chocolate on your pillow! But having said that, wow, some of the dinners put on by the local churches are fantastic. Sleeping on mats within churches works well and we had a shower available every night.
Going-To-The-Sun-Road
By Fred Smoak
Last Friday we had a day off after reaching Glacier National Park. It had taken several grueling days to get there, and the question arose, ‘What should we do?’ The answer, of course, was ride our bikes up the Going-to-the-Sun Road!
Amazing Glacier
By Nick Bietz
Woweewawa!!! What an amazing stay in Polson, Montana on Flathead Lake. The Rodrique family was so gracious in allowing us to stay at their place. Everyone in the group wanted to take an off day at this location instead of riding in to Glacier National Park. (That says something!). Alas, however, we bucked up and got on our bikes in the morning and rode on. The ride along Flathead Lake gifted us with breathtaking views for 45 miles before we headed off the lakeshore en route to Glacier.
Headwind
By Alicia Bietz
As a new rider I have experienced many wonderful events on the ride from Bozeman, Montana towards Glacier; wonderful welcomes and hosts, fabulous scenery, awesome riders, challenging mileage, fun conversations, terrific food, and much much more. I have never, however, experienced headwinds like we experienced on the ride from Deer Lodge, MO to Missoula, MO. Our day was supposed to be a breeze (no pun intended) with the majority of our 85 miles being a gentle downhill descent towards Missoula. It ended up being one of the most difficult rides of the trip.
A Wonderful Week
By Alice Little Caldwell
Although I have participated in previous Fuller Center Bike Adventures, this is my first week back – for the segment from Bozeman, Montana to Glacier National Park. As I flew into Bozeman, I was awed by the beauty of the mountains. I have become more acquainted with them from the seat of a bicycle. On Tuesday, we left from Whitehall, Montana, where we stayed in a very hospitable United Methodist Church. The members served us dinner and a hot breakfast the next morning. We had explored the town the day before and found the best ice cream deal – a heaping cup of Montana ice cream for a small town price.
