It's been almost a month since my last post and it is almost a month from the start of my "Go the Distance" fundraising bike ride. Alot has happened over the past month.
March 8-15, 2008 was spent in Alajuelita, Costa Rica with 12 others from UFCCH. There we taught English in an Elementary school, served at a Feeding Center for kids, participated in Children's Church in Juan Pablo, served and shared with "the least of these" in the Park several days, took a day to climb to the cross and spent the afternoon in downtown San Jose. It was an action pack week that changed many hearts and lives.
March 20 began a 2 day practice ride to Tampa, FL. The first day I rode 75 miles to a friend's house in Lecanto, FL. There I set up camp and spent the night in my new 1person tent. It was great. The only problem I incurred the first day was at 50 miles. The spokes loosened on my new rear wheel. After obtaining information on the nearest bike shop (Inverness) I determined it was too late to get there so I rode easy to my friend's house. The next day began with an easy 10 mile ride to Inverness. Within an hour Steve had my rear wheel trued up. Steve also pointed me in the right direction so I could get back on course. At mile 46 I met my wife in Brooksville for lunch. It was hot so I was craving a large, cold sweet tea. It hit the spot! At mile 56 I reached the Suncoast Trail which runs alongside the Suncoast Parkway. With 12 miles to go on the trail I realized that I would be at 85 miles for the day when I reached the end. That was my goal for the day so I called my brother in law and he met me at the end of the trail. It was a good 2 day trip that helped me further prepare to "Go the Distance".
On March 26 I embarked on a 75 mile ride to Tavares, FL to attend Board Meetings for the Christianville Mission in Haiti. What a tough day! I got a late start, had a headwind off and on, had a flat just as I pulled into the Marion County Humane Society and endured warm temperatures. As evening set in I was happy upon happy to see the Holiday Inn Express sign lighting up the night. After a shower and Cracker Barrel chef salad I was all good. Two days later I had a good 40 mile to the Holiday Inn Express in Ocala. I met my wife there. Sunday morning we worshipped at Ocala Christian Church.
Before and after the mission trip and in between the long rides there was alot to do and alot going on at the Campus House. This cut down my time to ride but since gas prices are so high and Gainesville is very biker friendly I ride my bike to and from the Campus House. This allows me seat and training time each day, even if it is only 10-15 miles.
What did I learn in March? I learned that Costa Rica is amazing and 6:8 Ministries is doing amazing ministry among the poor. I learned that communication is a must when times of trouble occur along the way. I learned that you have to keep your spirits up when the elements beat you down. I learned that there are lots of good people who don't mind lending a hand to someone in need.
I look forward to learning more as I pedal from Flagstaff, AZ to Gainesville, FL.
To God be the glory, bob g.
March 8-15, 2008 was spent in Alajuelita, Costa Rica with 12 others from UFCCH. There we taught English in an Elementary school, served at a Feeding Center for kids, participated in Children's Church in Juan Pablo, served and shared with "the least of these" in the Park several days, took a day to climb to the cross and spent the afternoon in downtown San Jose. It was an action pack week that changed many hearts and lives.
March 20 began a 2 day practice ride to Tampa, FL. The first day I rode 75 miles to a friend's house in Lecanto, FL. There I set up camp and spent the night in my new 1person tent. It was great. The only problem I incurred the first day was at 50 miles. The spokes loosened on my new rear wheel. After obtaining information on the nearest bike shop (Inverness) I determined it was too late to get there so I rode easy to my friend's house. The next day began with an easy 10 mile ride to Inverness. Within an hour Steve had my rear wheel trued up. Steve also pointed me in the right direction so I could get back on course. At mile 46 I met my wife in Brooksville for lunch. It was hot so I was craving a large, cold sweet tea. It hit the spot! At mile 56 I reached the Suncoast Trail which runs alongside the Suncoast Parkway. With 12 miles to go on the trail I realized that I would be at 85 miles for the day when I reached the end. That was my goal for the day so I called my brother in law and he met me at the end of the trail. It was a good 2 day trip that helped me further prepare to "Go the Distance".
On March 26 I embarked on a 75 mile ride to Tavares, FL to attend Board Meetings for the Christianville Mission in Haiti. What a tough day! I got a late start, had a headwind off and on, had a flat just as I pulled into the Marion County Humane Society and endured warm temperatures. As evening set in I was happy upon happy to see the Holiday Inn Express sign lighting up the night. After a shower and Cracker Barrel chef salad I was all good. Two days later I had a good 40 mile to the Holiday Inn Express in Ocala. I met my wife there. Sunday morning we worshipped at Ocala Christian Church.
Before and after the mission trip and in between the long rides there was alot to do and alot going on at the Campus House. This cut down my time to ride but since gas prices are so high and Gainesville is very biker friendly I ride my bike to and from the Campus House. This allows me seat and training time each day, even if it is only 10-15 miles.
What did I learn in March? I learned that Costa Rica is amazing and 6:8 Ministries is doing amazing ministry among the poor. I learned that communication is a must when times of trouble occur along the way. I learned that you have to keep your spirits up when the elements beat you down. I learned that there are lots of good people who don't mind lending a hand to someone in need.
I look forward to learning more as I pedal from Flagstaff, AZ to Gainesville, FL.
To God be the glory, bob g.
