Community and Family

By Sam Vandenheede

Today was another incredible day on the bike adventure. We rode a fast-paced, mostly downhill 90.4 miles through a gorgeous valley along the Gallatin River. Mountains overlooked the road the whole way, we saw many deer, Fred claims to have seen a bear. The ride took us from West Yellowstone to Bozeman.

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This Isn’t My First Rodeo, or Is It?

By Kert Emperado

I rejoined the bike adventure this weekend in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where I attended my first live rodeo. It was the National High School Finals Rodeo which had participants from USA, Canada, Mexico, and Australia and we were fortunate to be in town at this time. The majority of the audience were themselves also cowboys and cowgirls, sporting big metal belts, jeans, long-sleeve button-down shirts, boots, and of course cowboy hats. It was a totally new experience for me. I was amazed at the skill and
courage of these young students.

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Today.

By Ky Griffin

Today is Dan Zassick’s birthday. We are privileged to be hosted in The First Congregational Church of Christ in Rock Springs, WY. 

Yesterday, we road 77 miles from Wamsutter, WY to Rock Springs with a strong head wind greeting us for the last 12 miles of the trip. We were able to shower in the nice facilities provided by the Rock Springs City Civic Center. 

I took a minor fall on my bike yesterday, resulting in a play out of my right index finger. The local Bike and Trike shop owned and operated by Jason Medler repaired my bike at no charge. 

The church provided supper and cinnamon rolls for today’s breakfast. We will be attending this mornings 10:30 service which I’m told is the local Wyoming LGBT+ Pride service. The theme of today’s service is “Love Wins.” indeed love does win. The Bible tells us so. There is nothing greater than love.

The service today preached that yes we should love all people but behaviors “sin” should be rebuked. LGBTQ’s agenda was not far in my mind. Sadly, I sat and listened to a twisting of God’s word. I am thankful for the hospitality I have experienced by this church. I pray that they will see the error of their outreach and take an approach that loves the sinner but hates the sin. 

I spent the afternoon riding my bike around Rock Springs. I enjoyed a beer and salad at Wendy’s and a taco salad provided by the church. I love this ride. 

Whoa, We’re Halfway There

By Ana Pridgen

It’s so hard to believe that we are already past the halfway mark. Thinking back onto week 1, it seems like it was just yesterday. However, thinking to week 5 is a struggle for me. Amazing how time works like that. 

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The Rustle

By Fred Smoak

Sometimes seemingly insignificant things can define a place or time. On these rides, every day begins with a sound I have named The Rustle. 

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Uphill Climb

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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First Day Back After a Two Year Absence

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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Hi! This is Dan!

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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Friends and Family

By Brandon Gotha

I am a first time full trip rider with the Fuller Center. Go figure the first ride I sign up for is the longest and most elevation the group has ever organized. I was introduced to the group by my buddy Dan Zassick. Many of the Fuller Center followers might already know him because, he has attended 3 previous rides and this summers Parks and Peaks ride makes number 4 for him.

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