Written by: Meredith Fitzpatrick
Its been exactly a week since I arrived in San Francisco and met all of the incredible people I’m living alongside. The group is made up of individuals that range in age from 14 to 76 years old, from every corner of the country and from so many different backgrounds. Our one common denominator is that we love riding our bikes and we’ve all come together to take on this huge challenge together.
Written by: Lou Cooper
All I accomplished today was going out and fighting the hills and the weather.
The riders were excited for the ride to start. About half decided to get a ride to rest stop two. Meredith and I volunteered to be the sweeps for the day. I volunteered because of the mountain climbing required; I knew I would be slow and at the back of the pack. At the start of the ride I noted my back tire was somewhat flat, and I had to climb back up the steep hill of the church even before we started to ride.
Written by: John Busby
OK guys, day 4 is in the records books on this Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure, and boy was it challenging. A 72 mile ride with four thousand feet of elevation tested my strength and determination. As I reflect back on the day, I recall the times on the ride when my spirit was low as my legs ached. I guess there comes a moment when we all question why we choose to do something so physically and mentally demanding.
Written by: Bill Black
Our first day was, by Fuller Center standards, a relatively short ride, only 40 miles. There was an extended climb leaving Seattle, but that only served to get the blood flowing. Once we got that out of the way, it was pretty flat….until we got to St. Leo’s Church in Tacoma.
Written by: Kelley Westenhoff
Mike and I were sweeps today. Within a block or two of leaving the church, we ran into Henry whose chain had broken. He had already called Grace to bring the trailer back because there was an extra chain in it. In the meantime, Mike (the mechanic) had the necessary tool with him. Grace hadn’t gotten very far down the road either, so the trailer arrived quickly. Unfortunately, the chain in the trailer was the incorrect type. Fortunately, Mike had one in his bag in the trailer that would do. So, if Mike hadn’t been the mechanic, and Grace hadn’t been close enough to swing back, Henry would have had neither the correct part or the expertise to fix it. I call those coincidences God winks.
Written by: Ruth Waite
One of my favorite things on the bike adventure itself is the chance to attend different churches each Sunday for worship services. As a United Methodist pastor, I don’t often get the chance to simply be a part of worship without having to lead it or plan it.
Written by: Fred Smoak
FCBA left Seattle today to begin our trip to San Diego. For the past few days we have been catching up with old, returning friends, getting to know our new friends, and preparing for the journey. Packing up, cleaning the church, stuffing the van… that means we’re on our way!
Written by: David Johnson
Like most I found out about the Fuller Center Bike Ride through the internet. I looked at the costs and the mission statement and thought it would be a good way to attempt to ride my bike across the country. I found out that through my previous employer I already had a strong relationship with their sister non-profit. Based on that fact, two years ago I decided to try the ride for two weeks — just to see what the ride and the mission was like. After two weeks of riding, I was amazed with the spiritual nature of the group. This was a group that put “substance over words” to real use. We all would like to do good and make a difference, but sometimes you have to find the right vehicle.
Thanks for reaching out to us, we’ll be in touch with you soon!
