Category Archives: 2019 Parks & Peaks

Follow along with the Parks & Peaks riders as they traverse the western US in the summer of 2019!

You Can Go Home Again

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By Fred Smoak

In 2015, I had the once in a lifetime experience of riding my bike down the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was am wonderful experience of just pedaling to the South Gate, and then  coasting for miles as the ground fell away. For awhile you saw little other than scrub, but then going over a small rise, the vista opened up. I could see for miles across the Canyon. Of course the fun couldn’t last forever. Around 40 miles we reached the desert floor, and it just as hot and desolate as a desert is supposed to be.

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A Grand Weekend

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A number of riders have faced some personal challenges this week.  One was felled by an intense headache.  Another fainted (not while riding the bike).  And another got word that his 100 year-old mother had passed away.  In each case, this community of bikers mobilized to help.  For most riders, the “non-cycling” aspects of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure are the most impactful, not only for the riders, but also for the support staff.

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Uphill Climb

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By Mike Rutherford

Today we ventured out of the Arizona Desert and up to Williams, AZ, the gateway to the Grand Canyon. We were looking at 60 miles of headwinds leaving Peach Springs and the group wasn’t thrilled with dealing with the headwinds yet again. Thankfully, the route was a little more forgiving with less climbing, calm traffic, and it seemed the wind wasn’t quite in our faces. After the 65 miles of headwinds we turned east and joined I-40 to climb to Williams. 
 

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Fuller Family

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By Beth Batchelor

It’s been just about a year since my last Fuller Center Bike Adventure ride. After joining Parks and Peaks for the beginning of segment 5, I am quickly reminded of what makes this such an unique experience. Yes, we are raising funds to provide affordable housing to those in need. Yes, we are riding our bikes through some incredible places. But the most unique experience, one which isn’t found in every day life, is this community.

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First Day Back After a Two Year Absence

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By John Johnson

I really missed this group. Sometimes when you’re away, you get so busy with life that you forge tto breathe. From the day you see familiar faces and start seeing new ones, the FCBA renews your soul. It’s easy to start being a part of the group, even if you’ve been away.

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A Note on Servanthood

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By Courtney Fields

Today is our last riding day with Dave and Diane Maidts, and I’m thankful that I was able to experience two weeks with this awesome couple. Not only did they share their love story with me, but they showed me servant leadership. Diane is a veteran rider, and she has the best listening ear. If we’re having dinner with a church, she is the first person you’ll find chatting away with someone she just met like they were lifelong friends. And Dave, he may seem quiet, but he’s playful, insanely smart, and incredibly helpful. After a long day of supporting, Dave goes above and beyond by working until every single thing is unloaded into the church.

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Hi! This is Dan!

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By Dan Zassick

Everyday I get on my bike saddle, and everyday I am reminded of the previous 1000 some odd miles my legs have slugged me though to get from Portland, OR all the way on down here to Las Vegas.  It hurts.  My butt hurts.  My shoulders ache.  And usually somewhere between 35 and 40 miles my knee reminds me that it didn’t want to be left out of the party and starts to hurt too.  And yet we persist.  Every day we get right back on that bike and we press on. 

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