Day 56: Live Oak to GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA ** 3,512 miles!!

Day 56 It was finally here. The last day of a long, long bike ride. I woke up at 6:30am so I could pack up, eat some breakfast and start pedaling at 7:15am. As I was eating breakfast Ashton and Renee from Jackson, MS asked if I was riding in an event today. I shared with them that today was my final day of a UFCCH fundraising bike ride from Flagstaff, AZ to Gainesville, FL.

They were excited about the ride because they ride a Tandem bike and are Christians. They live in Jackson, MS and were on their way to Savannah, GA to move their son from Savannah to Lexington, KY so he could begin his first job after graduating from college. Renee asked God's blessings over me as I pedaled today. I was glad for that and glad that I met them.

I also got to meet SHERRIL at the front desk. She and Celeste had talked the day before so she went home after work and read some of my blog. She was looking forward to meeting me before I left. It was nice meeting and talking with her. I thanked her for the super room she gave me and then set off on 129 south to 90 east.

I got to downtown Live Oak and took a left on 90. The sign said I have 24 miles to Lake City. I knew that I needed to stay focused on the next town ahead instead of thinking about arriving in Gainesville by 3pm or else I would drive myself crazy and add undue stress to the ride. The road and weather were good so I arrived in Lake City one hour and forty five minutes later. I checked the maps program on my phone to make sure I located 441 south. I did. It was just past First Christian Church of Lake City.

I began my journey south to High Springs. I was especially excited about this stretch of road because I had biked it several times during training. When I got to the familiar store on the route I felt as though I now could think a bit more about home because I was only 8-10 miles out of High Springs and from there it was on to Alachua and then Gainesville.

The ride into High Springs passed quickly and the next thing I knew I was in Alachua. It was tempting to stop for some amazing food at Conestoga's but I wanted to press on to Gainesville even if I was a bit early. You never know what might happen along the way so I find it is best to get as close as possible to my next destination as soon as I can. I did get to Gainesville early so I pedaled down 43rd St. to the Starbucks on the corner of 43rd and Millhopper.

It was so great to be seeing familiar sights and riding familiar roads. I will admit that at times this past week and today I found myself quite emotional as I got closer and closer to home. It was emotional for me to enter Florida because I left on May 3rd. It was emotional for me to ride down 43rd to Millhopper because I was close to home and close to seeing Celeste and dear friends.

I pulled into Starbucks, parked my bike and took off my bike shoes. It felt so good to get those shoes off. I hope not to wear them many times more. I sat down outside to rest and take my Camelbak off before going inside to get an iced coffee.

Soon after sitting down Gloria Weber came my way. She saw me and said, "I know you". She welcomed me back and then we visited for a minute. She then went to Subway and I went to get my iced coffee. She came out of Subway and insisted on buying me lunch. I consented. What a blessing. She then left for Publix to meet back up with her husband Bob. I took my sandwich and iced coffee inside Starbucks. Shortly thereafter Gloria returned and said Bob wanted to come hang out some. It was great to spend time talking with Bob and Gloria. As we were talking Celeste called and said she was on her way to Starbucks. Just after Bob and Gloria left Celeste arrived. It was great to see her for the first time since June 9th in Kingsport, TN.

We visited for a bit then it was time for me to head to Harvest Christian Church for a Welcome Home Gathering that they had planned for me. It was great to see so many people that I care about deeply from UFCCH, Harvest Christian Church and FCC Lake Butler.

It was also a great surprise to see Bill and Barbara Dolamore who don't live far from HCC. Bill and I went to high school together and spend alot of time at Gator games and other stuff. He and Barb are great friends.

Brittany, a young lady from the local TV station was there to film me riding and then took a moment to interview me about the ride. After Randy DeShong offered a prayer of thanks for my safe return we went inside for some punch and cookies.

This time with so many who were diligent in lifting me up in prayer or dropping me an encouraging note or giving me a call was special. I couldn't thank them enough for all that they did during my ride to keep me encouraged and keep me going. Believe me, there were a few days and nights when I was ready to pack it in and catch the next flight home. It was so cool though how God used someones note or call to encourage me to go on.

Especially encouraging was Celeste. It seemed as though on the days I was down she was upbeat and encouraging and on the few days that she was down I was upbeat and encouraging. I was glad that we were never down together. That could have been an easy excuse for me to pack up my stuff and come home. I know it was a God thing. It is exciting to say that there were many more days that were so great that I couldn't wait for the next day to see what God was going to show me or what he was going to do or who he was going to introduce to me.

We finished up our time together at the church then I followed Jon Peine up 34th as he pulled his darling daughter, Rosemary in her kid trailer. We parted ways once we got to 53rd. They went straight and I turned right to go home. I was riding quick so I got home pretty fast.

Some neighbors of mine were on bikes were there to greet me. We rode down the street and back just so I could finish the day's ride at 77 miles. When we got back from riding down the street several others were there to welcome me back. We have great neighbors! They were so helpful to Celeste during the eight weeks I was gone. We finished talking then I went to the back to unload and see our cats, Runt, Fluff and meet a little black kitten who had recently adopted us.

Our home and neighborhood are so great that it took no time whatsoever to feel back at home. I got unpacked, threw my laundry in, then took a shower. After all that it was time for Sonny's! I had been craving it for weeks but purposefully planned to wait till I could eat at the original Sonny's on Waldo Road with Celeste. It was so good but we couldn't eat it all. We have lots of leftovers for this week.

During the trip I lost 24 pounds so I don't have the appetite I did before the trip. Nonetheless, the ribs were great!

Now it is time to get some rest so I can get up bright and early tomorrow and bike to Starbucks to read and then to the pool to swim for the first time in months. I will be competing in the Silverman Ironman distance triathlon in Henderson, NV in November. I also have to take Celeste's car to the shop, meet with Dan Ball at Coffee Culture, work at the Campus House, get on campus....

Please pray for me as I adjust to life after the Go the Distance bike ride. It will be much different. I am excited about it but I know it will take time for me to adjust to a faster way of life that includes so much work to get done at the Chrsitian Campus House and at home.

There will also be lots of meetings and appointments to go to. Each day during GTD it was wake up, pack up, ride, eat, ride, get there, set up, do e-mail and sleep. Alot to do but all this was done at a much slower pace.

Thanks for your prayers. I will let you know how things are going.

Blessings,

bob g

"FOR WITH GOD, NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE." Luke 1:37

STATS - Mileage Today 77, Pace 14, Riding time 5:22

GRAND TOTAL "GO THE DISTANCE" CUMULATIVE MILES: 3,512

B's Homecoming Photos by our Kyra Lincoln :)

Day 55: Tallahassee to Live Oak, FL

Day 55 The second half of yesterday's ride into Tallahassee did a number on me. I was so tired last night that I decided to sleep in a bit this morning. I finally departed just before 9am. The first 18 miles to Monticello were hot and hilly. After getting a cold drink I rode the next 16 miles to Greenville pretty quick. There I stopped for a snack and a drink. Lunch would be in Madison which was 14 miles away. The ride to Madison was mostly flat but there were a few hills mixed in. Once in Madison there was a decent climb to McDonald's. I ordered the Ranch BLT minus the T and an iced coffee. I did some computer work then noticed that outside the clouds had turned dark and the wind had picked up. The wind was blowing from the west so I went out and moved my bike to the east side of the building. By this time the storm was letting loose. All I could do was go inside and wait it out.

When it looked like the worst of the rain had passed and the lightening was done I set off. A short while later as I was feeling really good about the final 30 miles in cooler temperatures and a light rain my rear tire blew out. I took off my saddle bags, unloaded and unhooked my trailer and changed my tire and tube. It didn't take too long so I was back and going, just a bit wetter. The light rain continued through Ellaville and Falmouth Springs all the way to Live Oak. I was glad to get to the hotel so I could dry out my stuff (my saddle bags puddled up with water) and get a warm shower.

After getting cleaned up I made several phone calls, then John and Janet Good from Live Oak called me and wanted to have me over to eat and visit. I was excited to get to spend some time with them and two of their three kids. Their pastor stopped by as well so it was a great evening of talking about my bike journey, UFCCH and ministry in general. It was a good night.
Now it's time to get some rest before Day 56 of the Go the Distance journey. It's exciting and weird that tomorrow is the final day of the ride. This project was set in motion 2 years ago and it seemed like forever before we finally started riding. Then when we did it seemed as though it would be forever to make it back to Florida (if it was even possible) and now it is the night before the last day of riding. It is so hard to believe but as with all great journeys, they come to an a stopping point at some time.

Tomorrow I will leave Live Oak early and pace myself to be at Harvest Christian Church by 3pm for a Welcome Home shindig. I look forward to this only because it will allow me to thank many people in person for diligently lifting me up in prayer or dropping me a note from time to time or giving me an encouraging phone call. Without all the prayers, notes and calls this trip would have been impossible. I know for sure that on my very tough days it was those prayers, notes and calls that kept me going instead of quitting.

Therefore, to GOD be the GLORY! See you tomorrow or soon. Keep praying till I arrive at Harvest CC then home.

His,

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 81, Pace 15, Riding Time 5:30

Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,435

Day 54: Panama City to Tallahassee, FL

Day 54 I woke up to a great smell in the house. Breakfast! Mom Maclean fixed an amazing breakfast of scrambled eggs, awesome sausage, biscuits, fruit and orange juice. Marc, Drew and I gave thanks for the bounty and enjoyed a great breakfast and time of sharing.

I packed everything up, refreshed my Camelbak, loaded up and began pedaling to Tallahassee. The plan was to make it to Bristol by lunch time to spend some time with Dan, Tammy and Elizabeth White. The first hour and a half was fairly fast but hot. I stopped at the 231 Plaza before turning on 20 east. I soaked up some AC, enjoyed a diet Dr. Pepper and refilled the ice in my Camelbak. I got rolling on 20 east and it was good. I did begin to notice some dark clouds ahead. From time to time the cloud would be over me and provide amazing shade. What a great break from the heat!

I arrived in Clarksville seventeen miles later and stopped for a Vanilla Coke and more ice. While inside the store it began to rain. I sat for a few minutes and the rain stopped so I got going. The next city I would ride through was Blountstown. The mileage sign said it was nine miles down the road but it seemed like I was there in no time. I rode through Blountstown and entered the EASTERN TIME ZONE ! I stopped to take a picture.

After the picture I began the ride up and over the bridge to Bristol. Dan let me know that he and Tammy were at Doobie Brothers Restaurant. After taking a picture of the Bristol sign I rode up to the restaurant. It was great to see Dan, Tammy, Elizabeth and Doobie.

Doobie treated me to lunch, THANKS! It was great to spend time with Dan and Tammy, they are awesome God people with servant's hearts. After an hour it was time to begin my assault on Tallahassee. As I was getting ready the rain picked up. There was a thunder crack but I didn't see any lightening, I put my phone in a zip lock bag and set off. I few minutes later I heard more thunder and did see some lightening so I pulled into the Piggly Wiggly and got out of the weather.

After a few minutes of quiet I decided to head on. Within a few minutes it seemed as though I got ahead of the rain. That seemed to be the case for the rest of the ride. The ride to Tallahassee seemed long and then riding through Tallahassee on 90 east was quite a challenge.

There was quite a bit of traffic and lots of hills. No problems with any of the cars or the hills PTL! I got excited as I realized where I was on 90 east in relation to Capital City Christian Church and the Best Western because I knew it was downhill past the church to the hotel. As I got to the hotel I called Celeste and gave her my stats for the day. 108 miles at a 15mph pace! It was a good but long day.

I got checked in and cleaned up so I could go out to dinner with Chip and Andrea. Andrea chose Famous Dave's BBQ and it was great. It was also great to visit with her and Chip. They blessed me with a great meal, I am so thankful for their friendship and encouragement. They dropped me off after dinner so I could get my blog message done, take some ibuprofen, put some icy hot on my knees and get to bed.

Tomorrow is the next to last day of the GTD 2008 ride! I will ride 90 east till I have to go into Live Oak. The ride should be in the 80 mile range. I am looking forward to slowing the pace a bit so the stress on my legs and knees will be lessened.

As always, your prayers are appreciated and THANKS for all your notes and calls as well.

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 108, Pace 15, Riding Time 7:13

Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,354

Day 53: Crestview to Panama City, FL

Day 53 The stay at the Walker's in Crestview was great. After some toast and juice I began to make my way to Panama City. The ride down 85 south was great but got even better as I got close to the Air Force Base. The temptation to stop and watch the planes was huge but I resisted because I needed to put a good dent in today's 90 mile ride before lunch.

I got into Niceville and enjoyed seeing familiar sights like the high school, Po Folks and the Niceville Christian Church. I got to the Mid Bay Bridge and paid a twenty five cent cyclist toll (they only requested ten cents but I was thankful for the bridge and scenery) and began the ride across the bridge to Destin. I was excited to get to Destin because Katie had given me a heads up that there was a Starbucks at Destin Commons. I found it and indulged in a Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino (I was treating myself to something more than an iced coffee). It was amazing but can only be ordered if one is exercising quite a bit because it has to be super fattening. I finished up and exited the Commons on to 98 east. The shoulder was good then bad then good then bad then good. They are doing alot of road work in this developing area.

When I got to 30A I decided to take it toward the ocean. It took me through many new planned thematic communities. The best thing about these new communities is that you can find a Starbucks. I used my gift card several times on an iced coffee. The Florida heat was intense. At one stop I met John and Lisa and their two kids. They are from Nashville, TN. John is a cyclist and has ridden the Natchez Trace Trail with his friends. They will be making three trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway to ride it in the coming year. We talked alot about my trip and I answered his questions. We also talked about college ministry and UFCCH. Lisa had been involved with Campus Crusade during her college years. They were a really sweet family.

Before leaving John said he wanted to treat me to an iced coffee, what a blessing! It was great!

I was glad that my time on 30A was coming to a close. It was nice to ride through these beach communities but it was a slow ride due to the bike trail or having to ride the white line in slow traffic. I got back on 98 east and enjoyed the nice shoulder. How exciting it was to see the Panama City Beach sign! I decided to ride down Beach Front road. I rode past the Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center where several of our Fall Beach Retreats were held. It was nice to see it again. From that point on I really didn't enjoy the ride down Beach Front because of the cracks in the shoulder, the pedestrians, the construction, etc.... When I was given the choice to continue on Alt. 98 or take the Express Route I jumped on the Express Route.

This was familiar to me so I knew I was getting close to the new bridge that would take me from Panama City Beach to Panama City. Just before the bridge it was time for a cold drink and snack. The heat had beat me up since the last stop. I found myself thirsty, hungry and a bit shaky.

After a cold drink, snack and some AC it was time to cross the bridge to PC and make my way to Drew and Marc's house in Lynn Haven. My iphone gave me great directions and they were right on. The ride there was good and my pace was up. I was so happy to see Cindy Lane and then Drew. I brought my stuff in and enjoyed some orange juice and conversation. A bit later mom arrived followed by dad and then Marc. I had a great time sharing with them about my trip and answering very good questions. Then it was time to get cleaned up so we could go out to dinner.

Marc and Drew took me to The Captain's Table. Drew's girlfriend Allison joined us as did Chris Fowler. We got to know Chris his Freshman year at UF and UFCCH. We were sad when Chris transferred but it was so great to see him again tonight. The dinner and time together was very enjoyable. After dinner I was treated to a viewing of the four headed palm tree, the only one of its kind, and a tour of Pier Place which was new to me. Tons of shops, stores, eating places and people. It is a happening Place!

After the Place it was time to get home. After some time visiting with the family and enjoying dessert it was time to call it a night because tomorrow's ride to the east side of Tallahassee looks to be long. I will need your prayers to make it through the ride! After tomorrow the rides to Live Oak and Gainesville shouldn't be too bad. Only two days of riding after tomorrow, WoW! Hard to believe but true PTL! \o/

Blessings,

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 90, Pace 14, Riding Time 6:16
Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,246

Day 52: Pensacola to Crestview, FL

Day 52 What a great night of sleep last night! Because I had a short ride to Crestview I slept till 7:15am. Andy and Eli had me to church by 8:05am so I was biking by 8:15am. Andy told me that I would see a Starbucks before I got to 90 east. I stopped for a slice of their reduced fat strawberries and creme coffee cake and an iced coffee. It was good. A short time later I was on 90 east leaving Pensacola. I love the water and bridges so this was a nice ride despite the semi rough road and shoulder. Before I knew it I was passing through Pace and not too far from Milton. There was a lot of energy on this stretch of road due to the amount of businesses and traffic. I was riding at a pretty good pace.

After Milton it turned to country. The road and shoulder had gotten better after Pensacola so the ride in the country on a good road and shoulder was very pleasant. I got to Harold and found a small country store. By this time I was only 22 miles from Crestview so I was ready for a cold diet Mug Root beer. It was hot so the Mug was so good. I got going again and after a short bit I saw a cyclist up ahead coming my way.

I knew it was Patrick. Patrick is the Sr. Pastor at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Crestview. Chris Davy and Katie Walker met him when they stopped at Woodlawn and to talk with him about the possibility of having their wedding there next June. Somehow biking and my trip came up. Patrick has done a lot of biking and was interested in riding with me some if it worked out with his schedule. Fortunately it did. We had a great time riding and talking. He even shared a joke or two with me. It was a good time.

I asked him about Crestview having a Starbucks and he said it now did. Originally he planned to stop at the Funeral Home where his car was parked but he decided to ride into Crestview with me to Starbucks. I was glad he did. We got to exchange cards and talk a bit more about biking and ministry. A short time later Katie Walker showed up. What a surprise! I didn't know Katie was home. It was so great to see her. Patrick left for home so Katie and I visited for a bit before heading to her house. She drove off and I headed down the road. It wasn't far to her house but there was a good hill you had to go up to get there. I got up the hill and a few moments later I was at her house pulling into the garage. Her dad, Darrell came out and we got everything unloaded and unpacked. They got me moved in and then visited for awhile.

I got cleaned up and did some computer work. Katie took care of getting my laundry started. Then it was dinner time. They have a great restaurant in Crestview called Coach-n- Four, that is where we were headed. It was awesome as usual. Celeste was jealous that I got to eat there tonight...she loves it.

Now we are chilling out. My laundry is done and my eyes are tired. I look forward to a great night of sleep before tomorrow's ride to Panama City. I've already received a note from Marc Maclean, one of my UFCCH Students, with a whole list of restaurant options for dinner tomorrow night. They all look great so I'm not sure how were gonna figure it out.

One thing I have figured out is that your prayers are awesome and God hears them so please KEEP PRAYING even though I am only four days away from home. Almost Home...

God bless you! "I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 \o/

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 53, Pace 15, Riding Time: 3:38
Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,156

Day 51: Daphne, AL to Pensacola, FLORIDA

Day 51 It's always fun to begin riding again after a rest day. Whether it has been one day or more it seems like it takes a bit to get going again and get everything in sync. Until that time I always wonder, "wasn't that rest day suppose to refresh me?" "If so, how come my legs seem to be asleep?". After those thoughts and then analyzing how the bike feels, how it is shifting and how the trailer is pulling it all seems to come together and then I begin to focus on the next checkpoint.

Today that next checkpoint was the hour mark. At that time I would take a moment to call Celeste and let her know I was making my way to Gulf Shores and the OCEAN ! After that it was working my way over to Highway 59 which would take me straight to the beach. I rode country roads for awhile and then decided to turn east so I could get on 59. The morning traffic on the country roads was a bit more than I expected so I figured I would head east toward 59 and not stress out any more drivers who had to work their way around me.

I got to 59 and turned south. After my bike computer struck three hours I was in Gulf Shores with my feet in the Gulf. How awesome!

I didn't want to stay too long because I wanted to get to the Florida line and Pensacola. Crossing into FLORIDA was exciting! I had been gone from my home State since May 3rd. That is a very long time for me. It was really hot so I stopped to get a cold drink. While inside the store Julie Peine left me a voice message welcoming me back into Florida and wondering what time I would arrive at Harvest Christian Church on Sunday. I called her back to thank her for the call and tell her I would arrive at 3pm on Sunday, June 29th to see all.

Now it was time to push to Pensacola and Gulf Shores Christian Church so I could meet up with Andy. After awhile the heat encouraged me to stop at Sonic. There I met a really nice family who was enjoying lunch and interested in my ride. We talked a bit and then I got in line to order. That was taking longer than I had anticipated so I went across the street to the Tom Thumb convenience store.

There I met a young man who grew up in Orlando and went to Colonial High School. A couple of years ago he decided to get out of Orlando and move to Pensacola. He enjoyed working at the store. After hearing about my ride he said for me to go back in for a free refill since it was a fundraising ride. We talked a few more minutes then I said I had to go. He said be safe and shared with me a better way to get to Pace St. I took his suggestion and headed north on 173.The miles seemed more than my GPS indicated but I'm not sure if that truly was the case. The fact that it was hot and there was lots of traffic could have made the ride seem longer than I anticipate. It was fun though to follow my GPS directions and go from 173 to N. Pace to another street that starts with a P to Brent to Davis to Burgess.

There I would find Gulf Coast Christian Church and Senior Minister, Andy ! And I did!
I came into the church and Andy welcomed me. He was just voted in this past Sunday as GCCC's new Senior Minister so he was transitioning into his new office. That stopped once I arrived because we began to talk about the trip and check out the blog. After a bit I moved my bike and trailer in, grabbed the stuff I would need for the night and then headed to the beach to meet up with Camille, his wife and son, Eli for dinner.

Along the way Andy showed me a cool new housing project that was built between the Gulf and downtown. Very neat. Then we beelined it for the beach. Once there I took advantage of the outdoor showers to get cleaned up. That felt great! I got changed in the bathroom and then we walked out on the Pier.

There was awesome fishing action going on. We saw all kinds of bait fishing being pulled up three at a time. At the end of the Pier there were a bunch of people fishing for the big fish. We saw shark and dolphins come to the surface as the fish bait was moving across the water. It was frantic but cool.

After the Pier we went Bayside to meet up with Camille and Eli. We then decided to go to "Crab's" to eat. Great decision Camille and Andy! We ate out on the deck, very nice. The food was really good and we ended up with more than we could eat. Oh, I don't want to forget to mention that the sweet tea was great, it is so great to be back in the south!

After dinner we went back to the house to visit and watch a bit of tv. Before going to bed Eli walked around the living room a bit as he held on to Andy's hand. He seemed to like this form of getting around the house. Now that I am finishing up this post I will be going to bed.

Tomorrow I have a short ride on 90 to Crestview. There I will meet up with the Walker's and spend the night. I am looking forward to my visit with them before heading to Panama City on Thursday.

As always, I covet your prayers!

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 80, Pace 15, Riding Time 5:21

Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,103

Day 50: Daphne, AL

Day 50 TODAY my rest day was perfectly timed! My body was a bit achy from the high mileage over the past week. The morning was very relaxing. Some computer work, reading and breakfast. After that I took advantage of the massage chair before John and I set out on errands.

We dropped my bike off at the bike shop, checked out potential roads for tomorrow morning's ride, stopped by Belforest Christian Church to see the facilities, took some berries to one of the BCC members, visited the AT&T store, ate some crawfish and a shrimp Po Boy.

Picked up my bike and returned home. Wow! There are some bike issues that could not be addressed so I will have to wait until Gainesville. They shouldn't cause any trouble along the way.

Throughout the day I took time to make some phone calls for the week to come. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will ride to Pensacola, FL via Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL. It will be so awesome to see the beach once again and cross the state line into FLORIDA !! \o/

From late afternoon, early evening and night Leah, Holly and Noelle came in from work. We sat down for dinner after Leah and Holly were home. Noelle came in shortly thereafter. It was fun to be with them all.

I am looking forward to time with Andy, Camille and Eli tomorrow afternoon and evening.

After that the Walkers, Drew and Marc, Andrea and Chip and then Celeste and my Gainesville family.

Several encouraging calls came in this evening. I am so humbled that so many people will take a moment to call or write to encourage me. God is so good and so are his people.

The ride tomorrow to the beach and along it should be good. I am sure things will get hectic once I hit Pensacola and work my way to Gulf Coast Christian Church.

As always, prayers appreciated! Almost home...

bob g

Ephesians 3:20 !!
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us"

Day 49: Jackson to Daphne, AL ** Finished 3,000 miles today !

Day 49 Yesterday's ride was suppose to be in the 70's but it exceeded that so once again I did the ibuprofen and icy hot before going to bed. Woke up today feeling good. I got my stuff together, filled my Camelbak with ice and had some toast before setting off. Just down the road I saw a McDonald's so I pulled in for an iced coffee, a great way to start a ride. There I met Atchley and Bentley. They were really nice and very interested in my ride. We talked a bit and then I began my ride to Daphne.

The first two hours were cool, flat and fast. Since I was making good time and expending little energy I zipped through a couple of small towns. When I got to Calvert I stopped to use their restroom facilities and get a cold diet Mug Root beer. Several of the locals wanted to talk about my ride and help me get around Mobile to Daphne. I thanked them and then resumed riding.

Just north of Mobile I got a call from Chad Cowart. Chad and his wife Jenni were students at the Christian Campus House when Celeste and I arrived almost nine years ago. They now live in Orlando and are an awesome God loving couple. Chad asked me where I was and how it was going. I shared with him that the day was going well due to great temperatures and terrain. At that point I was averaging 15.7mph and had ridden about 45 miles. We chatted for a few minutes about the week to come and pulling into Gainesville next Sunday afternoon. It was great to hear from and talk with Chad.

When I got to Satsuma it was lunch time so I stopped at McDonald's to order off the Dollar Menu and get an iced coffee. Jim introduced himself to me and asked about my ride. He used to ride a lot and then unfortunately lost his bike in a divorce settlement. I told him I hoped he would be able to get back in the position to purchase another bike. He had ridden quite a bit in Europe when he was in the service. I could tell he missed it.

After Satsuma it was on to Daphne. I stayed on 43 South till it ended then I got on 90/98 East. I had to ride over the Bay Bridge, it was a great view but the shoulder was very trashy so I had to watch out for nails and glass and rocks. This was not the most flattering way to go around Mobile, very industry looking.

I came upon Battleship Memorial Park and stopped to take a picture of the plane out front and look at the battleship from a distance. By this time the skies ahead looked like rain. I pedaled a bit more and just as I passed Felix's Fish Camp I felt the rain coming. Across from Felix's was an overhang from a gas station that use to be there. I along with a few others sought shelter there. The rain came down and the thunder cracked. I talked with Celeste about the forecast and it looked like this would be a quick moving storm. After about 30 minutes it was very wet on the roads but the rain had almost quit so I got going again.

I got into Daphne and found Starbucks. I had to use my gift card since it hadn't been used since Springfield, MO. I was glad I stopped. Not only did I get a free sample of the new lemonade freeze that Starbucks has out but I met Ovie and Ben. They are young pastors at a church in Fair Hope call The Union. Ben helped me with directions to John and Holly's house and then we all talked about ministry. I shared with them about UFCCH and they shared with me about The Union. We exchanged contact info that I said I had to move on. They said they would check out my ride and keep me in prayer as I finish up.

The ride to John and Holly's was hilly and a bit wet. I had about 5 miles to go to get to their neighborhood. I found Holly Ct. and then spotted the GATOR truck so I knew I was there. John was working out in the garage so he greeted me. He helped me get things undone and unloaded so I could move my stuff in. Holly and their girls were there as well so it was great to see them.
I cleaned up, we talked a bit then John took me to see his birthday present, a massage chair! It was amazing! After the massage we talked a bit then had a great dinner.

After dinner they took me to Fair Hope and the Pier. We got there just as the sun was going down so it was beautiful. Also beautiful were all the roses that surrounded the fountain in the Pier parking area. We enjoyed the Pier for a bit and then returned home for some computer time and dessert. Strawberries, whipped cream over pound cake! What a great day and ending to it. After the news was over at 10:30pm we said goodnight. It had been both a good day and night PTL! I read Proverbs 22 and fell off to sleep.

Tomorrow is John's day off so he is going to take me and my bike to the bike shop for some gear adjustments. This will help with the ride home. We are also going to go scout out the best way for me to get from Daphne to Gulf Shores. It sounds like John, Holly and I will be eating crawfish before Holly goes to work. Should be a great day. On Tuesday I will enter into Florida, Lord willing, and meet up with Andy Pauwels, Minister at Gulf Shores Christian Church. I am looking forward to time with Andy and Camille.

As always, your prayers and notes and calls are so appreciated!

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 85, Pace 15, Riding Time 5:43
Total GTD cumulative miles: 3,023

Day 48: Demopolis to Jackson, AL

Day 48 Before I went to bed last night I took some ibuprofen (THANKS Spencer and 6:8 Ministries!) and rubbed some icy hot on my knees. The Ozarks followed up by many days of high mileage had my knees aching. Today was a 76 mile day with some good hills so I will repeat the process before going to bed.

The night of sleep at the hotel was great. Since today's ride was only going to be in the 70's I slept in till 7am. I got up and enjoyed the hotel breakfast and computer. At 8:30am I started pedaling toward Jackson, AL. As I was riding out of town I heard a motorcycle come up behind me slowly. Next thing I knew he was riding beside me and began to talk with me about my where I had been and where I was heading. After a minute he said, "just remember that God loves you." I said I know then I told him why I was doing the ride. He got excited and said that he would pray for me daily. Then he took off. It was neat to meet Motorcycle Man at the beginning of my ride today. It set a good tone.

Once again today there were lots of rolling hills and some good flat stretches. Because of this I pushed on through Providence and Linden before stopping just outside of Dixons Mills at a tiny, old time looking convenience store called Agee's. I had to use the restroom and get a diet drink. The inside of the store was dimly lit with plywood floors. There were two really sweet African American ladies working. One was especially excited that this ride had spiritual implications. We talked about Campus House for a bit then I said goodbye.

From Dixons Mills it was 10 miles to Thomasville. It was a bigger city with many banks and restaurants in the words of the girls at Agee's. They were right. The first billboard I saw before Thomasville advertised a bank. Once in Thomasville I saw other banks and then Pizza Hut. Because of the heat and hills I seem to find myself very hungry by lunch time.

I enjoyed some strawberry lemonade, a salad and their oven baked spaghetti. I took my time eating and then took some time to do some internet work re: the days to come. From Thomasville I only had 30-32 more miles to Jackson so I enjoyed the Pizza Hut AC for a bit longer. After lunch it cooled down some but was still muggy. I did see the clouds darken a bit so I wondered if I would get rained on on the way to Jackson. Half way to Jackson was the small town of Grove Hill.

After Thomasville 43 south turned into a four lane so to go into Grove Hill you had to get off the four lane and go into the Business District. I did and didn't see much until I spotted Tiger Food Grocery Store. There wasn't much going on in Grove Hill or Tiger Food but the people were really friendly and a couple of the girls wanted to hear all about my ride. I filled my Camelbak with ice and enjoyed two glasses of their very own sweet tea. Finally, sweet tea like I am use to! So good.

As I was paying I told the checker it was off to Jackson. He laughed and said he wouldn't want to go there. That made me curious so I asked why? He gave several reasons. One was, he just didn't want to go there. Another was, the big hills you have to go up to get to Jackson. I would have been happy if he had stopped at one but I guess the warning was good.

I left Tiger Food for the four lane. Downhill to start, that's good. Gentle rolling hills for bit, that's good. Listening to Bleach and Seven Day Jesus, that's very good as well as motivational and distracting. As I listen to music I don't look at my computer as much as I keep an eye on my mirror. Just for fun I took a peak at my computer. Wow, 10 miles down and 20-22 to go. The next 15 miles went as well then all of sudden a headwind. The first noticeable one since Kansas and Missouri.

Then out of nowhere came two really good climbs before Jackson. Because of the climbs out west and in the Ozarks my legs are fine for these climbs, they just slow down my progress and cause me to sweat alot. At the top of the second climb I saw the Jackson sign PTL! \o/ Since I am on 43 south and not the back roads on my map it is very hard to find a place to camp so tonight I stopped at the Econo Lodge in Jackson.

After tonight I will spend a couple of nights with John and Holly Peterson in Daphne, AL, one with Andy Pauwels in Pensacola/Milton, one with Katie Walker's parents in Crestview, one at a Campground in Marianna, one with a CCH alum in Tallahassee and a final one somewhere in Live Oak. After that it's HOME to Gainesville!

As always, your prayers are appreciated!

bob g

STATS - Mileage Today 76, Pace 14, Riding Time 5:33
Total GTD cumulative miles: 2,938