By Mark Hance
There is no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States than from the saddle of a bicycle, watching the heart of this incredible nation unfold mile by mile.
Today, on this monumental 250th Fourth of July Celebration, our Fuller Center Northern Tier team rolled out into a beautiful, misty Minnesota morning with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Reaching Duluth, MN today marks an incredible milestone for us: we are officially 1/2 way through our cross-country ride! Pedaling across the country on the Northern Tier route gives you a profoundly personal connection to America. You aren’t observing it from a plane at 35,000 feet, or rushing past it at 70 miles per hour on an interstate. You feel the texture of the pavement, breathe in the scent of the pine forests, cross the mighty Mississippi River right where it flows as a young, winding river near Jacobson and look into the eyes of the people who make this country great.
An example of the generocity we have experienced during this trip found us right in the middle of our 78.5-mile journey. We pulled off to set up a rest stop at the Lucky 7 General Store in Swan River. Seeing our jerseys and support van, the owner came out and donated three cases of water, wishing us well on our trek. It was a beautiful, spontaneous act of kindness that reminded us exactly why we do this.
Looking back at the thousands of miles behind us and the open road still leading us forward, we feel deeply proud and blessed to be part of this ride, this mission, and this country. We are building hope, sharing community, and experiencing the absolute best of the American spirit one pedal stroke at a time.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
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