Tuesday had us climbing even further, from around 4,000 feet to nearly 8,000 feet. Tuesday was a tough day for everybody. We started out with some small rolling hills, then hit a six-mile 6% grade before lunch. Jesse made the rest of the ride optional, and several people opted out. Opting out isn’t a bad thing because we have to know our bodies and what they are capable of and whether or not we are risking long-term injuries. But I opted in and was rewarded with many miles of downhill into a town called Show Low.
In Show Low, one of our team members, Matthew Williams got a call from home and found out his father had been diagnosed with Lukemia. Matthew decided to book a ticket back to Lousiana and left our group the next day. And we miss him. Please keep Matthew and his father, Scott, in your prayers. We are hoping Matthew will be back in the next couple weeks.
On Wednesday we rode from Show Low to Quemado New Mexico. I think Wednesday was the first day when my spirit was pretty low. I was just tired of being on the bike. My wrists were killing me and I’d developed Tennis Elbow. It isn’t the big pains, the muscles or energy level, it’s the little irritating pains that break you down. Eight and nine hours on a bike wear on you after several days. But I finished the day, and was thankful for a massive downhill into Quemado. In Quemado, we were greeted by a pastor named Ira, and he and some ladies in his congregation made us an amazing dinner. We felt like it was thanksgiving. I am salivating even thinking about it.
As we travel, we meet so many people and all the walls are immediately down. We lay around in the shade and take naps on porches of grocery stores and do thing we would never have done back home. Because of this, we meet remarkable and friendly people. Especially in smaller towns, where we immediately become the biggest thing that has happened in weeks. One of the more remarkable people we’ve met was Ira, the pastor from Quemado. He is a people person. He loves to serve and to provide for those in need. He pastors a small church and is also the fireman. He told me a story about how when Katrina hit the government sent hundreds of refugee’s to his small town. His church put out cots, 400 of them in the school gym. Then Ira asked his congregation to stand along a wall in the gym, and loudly announced to the refugees that if anybody wanted to feel the tangible love of God they could come up and hug a member of his congregation. Ira said the response was nothing short of a stampede, as all 400 people stood in line just to get a hug. God I almost started crying when he told me that story. I think part of the reason I was a little sentimental is because we were all so hungry and so tired, and he and his people had decided to feed us. He was showing us God’s love the whole time we were there. He even escorted us out of town the next morning with his fire-truck. Thanks Ira. We miss you already.
On Wednesday we got a much-needed break. It was a long day, over 100 miles, but much of it was downhill. It still took about eight hours, but we didn’t have to climb very much. And also, Jesse decided we’d stop at a town called Pie Town and eat at their only café, which serves pies. So at nine in the morning we invaded Pie Town, roughly tripling their population. And eating all the rest of their pies.
While in the Pie Town café we met a man named Paul Kates. Paul is hiking the continental divide. He’s 62 and a widower and since his wife died a few years ago he has hiked more than 7,000 miles. He talked about her so fondly, and he told us hiking was something they did together. You could tell that he walked all those miles as a way of being with her. And he even told me so. He said hiking was when he felt her presence the most, and found himself warmed by her memory.
On Wednesday night we slept in Socorro, New Mexico. We were hosted by a wonderful pastor named Raquelle. She’s a Navajo Native American who loves the lord and associates the Fathers goodness with His creation. When she prays, she lifts her hands and calls out to “Our Creator.” We had a wonderful, quiet conversation with her about Native-American spirituality and their fondness for nature. She gave us a great deal to think about as we continued pedaling through the beauty of New Mexico.
Thursday had us battling a headwind for 85 miles. It was, for me, the roughest day physically. Mentally it was challenging as well as it felt like the obstacles would never let up. But the day had a great ending. Perhaps the best ending to a day so far. I am going to post a blog about that specific day later in the week, so keep looking for that.
Then on Friday we pedaled into the mountains, and on Saturday we made it to Roswell, visiting the Alien Museum and then moving out of town into the desert about fifteen miles to cut out fifteen miles on Monday. So that was our week in words. Here is the week in pictures:
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Wade said,
June 25, 2008 @ 9:51 am
Don-
Man, loved hearing about your time in New Mexico…where I spend the first 19 years of my life. The people and the culture are amazing. And, miss you a great deal, friend. I confess that I passed by your house two nights ago and my eyes were wet as i crossed the sellwood bridge. Rubber side down.
AKG said,
June 25, 2008 @ 10:40 am
It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle. ~Ernest Hemingway
*When you are weary….just take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one beautiful moment at a time. You can do it Louie!!
Carole Turner said,
June 25, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Love your stories. Thanks for sharing it with us who can’t meet up with you on your ride. We are with you in spirit, prayer and suuport.
Sherry Smith said,
June 25, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Don: Ask Greg if he’s gonna sing his song about Pie Town for us observers. From Aaron’s Mom, Sherry
natalie said,
June 25, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
I love reading about the trip… It’s pretty freakin inspiring guys. Great Job
Sean Riley said,
June 26, 2008 @ 4:44 am
Isn’t it amazing, the people we meet when we slow down our lives just a little. Keep on riding.
-Sean
Marsha Pursley said,
June 26, 2008 @ 4:50 am
I am loving reading about this journey. I will be out of town when you come through Nashville on a bike trip of my own in Wisconsin. Of course it will be nothing like yours. I am praying for you guys this morning and may God continue to bless you with strength and energy to keeping pedaling. May He also bring you more wonderful, Godly people to feed you physically and spiritually with food and stories. The stories show God working in the lives of others. Please continue to share.
Wendy said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:43 am
Love these updates. Ira’s story made me cry. Not sure if you’ll get this while biking, but here’s a pie quote for ya’
“When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if not…mmmmm, boy!”
Wendy
Jack Gannon said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:46 am
Don,
Given the physical and mental challenges you are facing, i’m not sure exactly how to encourage you except to say if it wasn’t for you doing this, i wouldn’t be aware of the issues in Africa and wouldn’t have donated to this worthy cause. Your books and this trip have been an encouragement to me. Thanks
Emily Taylor said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:57 am
I am so very impressed by what you all are doing. My name is Emily, I am a Masters of Social Work student from Michigan (I go to Mars Hill), and I just returned from interning for two months in El Salvador. Going to third world countries is such a wake up call- I am so impressed that you all are doing something. I have been trying to come up with fund raising ideas as well, and this is the best idea I’ve heard yet! So thank you so much!
Also, I was a bike instructor at a Young Life camp for a summer and I know what you all must look and feel like you’ve gotten beaten in the crotches with a bat. I will be praying for your aching bodies!
Peace and safety, Emily
Jordan said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:59 am
Don, It’s amazing to hear about your trip! In college, our church went on a trip called Challenge at the end of every year. I only went twice but in those two times we biked from Gettysburg, PA to Philedelphia, PA and then from Canton, OH to Niagra Falls, Canada. Each trip was a little over 300 miles and we’d bike it in 4 days. At the end of each day a local church would usually feed us and we’d put on a service for them. It was a huge Challenge - but so much fun. Hearing your stories reminds me of being on the bike for hours - singing songs and being silly to pass the time - even though we didn’t do anything close to pedaling across america! Anyway, what you’re doing is awesome. Keep it up!
Levi Shultz said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:05 am
You guys have an amazing passion for God. I have been keeping up with your journey ever since you started. It’s amazing how much God can give us the strength to persevere through physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. It is a hard journey but the reward will be great. I am 18 years old and I suffered many physical challenges. One big one was my heart. I have a weak heart condition and because of that I am limited to doing physical challenges. On Spring Break I broke that chain when I went rockclimbing. I felt God’s strength in me. Nothing can hold me back now. You have encouraged me through your faith. I encourage you to push on. No matter what challenges you may face further on, God has you in His hands.
Your brother in Christ,
Levi
Wes Roberts said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:07 am
Don…
…Judy and I are so dang proud of you, and the rest of your team!!! We are following faithfully…and praying for all of you daily. Just wish you had come through Denver so we could have taken care of you for a day!
…thankful for you, dude, to the max!
Wes
Jean Marlowe said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:08 am
Great Job, just wanted you to know that I am praying for you as you bike for your safety and good contributions to the cause also.
Lani Wilson said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:22 am
Our prayers are with the team that you will express the true Father in all your ways. Stay strong!!
Gary Davidson said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:22 am
I really enjoyed your email today. I can tell you are really connecting to people in a special way that you and they will never forget. I love how God blesses us when we connect on a real level with other people. It’s what we were meant to do
God Bless and stay safe out there. Here’s to shade!
Mandy Mullinix said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:39 am
Hey Don-
We’re all cheering for you here at Nelson! Hang in there when it’s tough and the little injuries start to nag at you. You can do all things through Him…
You and the team are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yours,
Mandy Mullinix
Kim said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:52 am
I hate headwind. It’s not something to conquor, like mountains, it’s an unending reminder that you can bike all you want, but how fast you go is up to the wind. Annoying. Usually if it’s really bad, I begin to yell at it out loud.
“Come ON! Really?” And repeat.
Justin said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:57 am
This is all great news. It would appear, by the absence of it, there are no doping concerns this week. Whew [sweat from brow wiped].
I was getting worried that the team may have been whittled down to where you’d have to start picking up people off the street as you go.
Love the updates!
Thanks!
-Justin
Gayle Hansen said,
June 26, 2008 @ 7:10 am
OH, wow…Don…your stories of the outpouring of love from people simply devoted to loving like Jesus are moving beyond description. My heart leaps to be able to picture you experiencing that love…like Jesus’ hands and arms reaching right out to you tangibly. Amazing…I’m in awe. Your descriptions of the scenery and even the actual biking experience with its fatigues, injuries, etc are necessary…but I’ll be honest and say that it is your sharing of the encounters with human souls and their stories that is exciting all the way down to the bone.
I’m praying for you..for safety, for meeting good honest people that will bless your needs, for strength and endurance when you feel weak physically and at heart. Oh, may God bless your time on the road even more than He already has.
Blessings..Gayle Hansen
If you head north at all and ride on M57 in Michigan, pull into Grow Road, 8675…we’ve got lots of room, lots of food and plenty of shade trees for you. We’d fill your bellies and hopefully your souls.
Sean Stephens said,
June 26, 2008 @ 7:16 am
Don,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share what God is doing on the tour. As always, your words encourage me, challenge me and cause me to think about God in a bigger, deeper and more practical way. I am writing from Tyler, Texas and am looking forward to your arrival here!
Ride well,
Sean Stephens
melanie said,
June 26, 2008 @ 7:42 am
Dang, Don. You’re looking good! Love to hear your weight loss story sometime.
Jon Burkhart said,
June 26, 2008 @ 8:04 am
Love what you guys are doing and your posts to let us keep up with where you are. I’m a huge fan and love your work and how God uses you in peoples lives.
God bless and know we are all praying for you during this event and always,
Josh Parsons said,
June 26, 2008 @ 8:07 am
you guys are awesome, i’m proud to say i’ve met you, Don, and if it’s cool for one dude to say to another dude, you look great. i admire all of you guys (and girls) for making this trip and wish i could ride along part of the way. i’m praying for you all, and i can’t wait to hear more updates about the rest of the trip! Take care!
April said,
June 26, 2008 @ 9:03 am
What an amazing story! It’s just amazing to me how far you all are biking, talk about stamina! I hope that you guys are continually encouraged on your trip!
cneil said,
June 26, 2008 @ 10:24 am
Riding upwind for 85 miles sounds painful, but it looks like you are having an incredible journey!
Kirsten said,
June 26, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Enjoy hearing the details - hang in there team!
Kirsten
AB said,
June 26, 2008 @ 10:46 am
Believe in God like you believe in the sunrise. Not because you can see it, but because you can see all it touches. -C.S. Lewis
Tanya Walker said,
June 26, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Great story!! Imagine if all Christians were more like Pastor Ira… No religion (or lack of one) would stand a chance… people would be begging to know what is up with our Jesus
Tony Sobota said,
June 26, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
Thanks for keeping us updated with words & photos - it must be difficult to get down to work after these long days. Keep it up! I hope to join up with you guys for the Nashville city ride, by then I’m sure all your legs will be the width of my torso.
God bless.
Hayne Begley said,
June 26, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Don,
It is amazing to hear about the people you are meeting, not to mention the determination of the team to overcome. I recently began bike commuting and have found it to be a catalyst for change in almost every area of my life. You all are inspiring all of us who aren’t with you, especially those of us who have ridden a bike into a head-wind.
grace and peace,
hayne begley
donmilleris said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
thank you thank you thank you. your comments keep us going. i haven’t had internet in a long time, and was shocked to see 30 comments. and the quotes, the hemmingway quote. thanks. and the personal stuff. man, i wish i was home and i am glad i am not all at the same time. week three has been terrific. we are in better shape and the hills are getting stronger and we are bounding up them. and the people of texas are beautiful. thanks thanks thanks. talk to you again, soon.
don
Lenny Van Buskirk said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
Whoa! You have a VanBuskirk riding with you, and I thought Don was a celebrity! Can someone tell me where Dave VanBuskirk is from? You know he has to rock! Keep it going guys!
YBBAM,
Lenny
Lenny Van Buskirk said,
June 26, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
OH ya forgot! Ira rocks too!
Makeda Pennycooke said,
June 26, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Thanks for the update. I continue to be inspired by the entire team and what you guys are doing out there. My prayers remain with you.
Dustin Stamper said,
June 26, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
Thank you not only for narrative about Paul Kates, but the picture that completed this beautiful story in my mind and choked me up. God Bless and His Speed!
Penny said,
June 26, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
Know that we’ve been thinking of you and reading about all that you’ve done and praying for strength of all kinds to get you through. Wish we could be there with you!! much love. Quinn sends kisses (she blows them now — and kisses your legs, or whatever’s close…even if it’s the dog’s behinder..but not the icky part.)
Tricia Langaker said,
June 26, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
Unfortunately your journey didn’t take you through Montana where I would be happy to make you pie. I think you’re a beautiful person and always love hearing your take on things. Thanks for giving a hoot about the rest of us. Don’t forget to stretch. -Trish
Steffani Taylor said,
June 27, 2008 @ 6:36 am
What I wouldn’t give to meet more people like Pastor Ira…hang in there everyone, I’m praying God will continue to provide physical strength and mental perseverance. Grace and Peace-
Karin said,
June 27, 2008 @ 9:09 pm
Don,
Are you coming by Austin? You and the whole team can stay in my house.
Derrick said,
June 29, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
It is so awesome to hear what your doing. i’ve been riding a bike all summer because of an internship and I love it. There is nothing i enjoy more in my life than spending time on mybike with me and god and the open road. cheers to biking.
Emily Arseneau said,
July 2, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
Love the updates, Don! Your passion and endurance is inspiring! I agree with those above - this definitely raises the profile of wells in Africa and makes me think. Keep on being the inspiring protagonist of your story and many more in Africa!
Tami said,
July 5, 2008 @ 4:59 am
I’ve been keeping up with your ride well tour while in India. Thanks for sharing the story about Ira and the hugs his congregation shared with the Hurricane Katrina refugees. That seems to be what the children here need, too!