FCBA Day 23- Oklahoma territory

 

 

Last night Melissa granted me 24 hour pass to go see family. Jeff and his wife Leava picked me up at the church and I spent the night with them in El Reno, west of OKC after touring more tornado devastated areas. In El Reno I was able to visit with my Mother yesterday and today. Our path goes through El Reno on Tuesday as we make our way to Weatherford. I will take a side trip to the nursing home and visit again. While there a staff member wanted a FBCA shirt, and donated toward our cause in thanks.

I joined family at Southern Heights Baptist Church and after Sunday school was allowed to speak before the congregation on behalf of the Fuller Center for Housing. That is our mission: spread the word, and a seed was planted.

The Marriot in OKC has been so generous as to offer us rooms for tonight and tomorrow, so the Adventurers rode from the First Methodist Church to here today. They all are out enjoying the local fare and activities. I bicycled about to shop for dinner and a few items. I eventually arrived at a local park where the Arts Council of Oklahoma City hosted a free concert featuring many of their stage performing members, and around the perimeter other art venues were represented.

I must admit until the past few days I under-appreciated Oklahoma. This trip has shown me more than I imagined. It was once a wealthy state in the days of oil, but those wells have dried up and so many towns have gone into perpetual depression. The state is rebounding though, for the cost of living here is such that they are experiencing a reverse Grapes of Wrath where Californians, descended of dust bowl evacuees 80 years ago, are now migrating back. Oil technology has advanced as well, creating interest in squeezing a bit more from the old fields. Oklahoma is OK.

 

 

                                           Me and Mom

                                           OKC is bike friendly

                                           Fuzzy makes fish tacos.

                                                  The Arts Council of OKC put on a show

                                           Oklahoma Magic!

FCBA Day 21- Pauls Valley to OKC OK

 

I was exhausted yesterday and wrote a dismal blog. A good night’s sleep, a short/brisk 52 mile ride (Pauls Valley to OKC ride) that took us through the devastation of the worst tornados ever seen by man has put me back into perspective and I’m inspired to write more than I have time. Tonight I am separated from my cycling family to be with kin, so I’m on the front porch of my brother’s house in El Reno smoking a cigar sent by my friend Bob from home. Yes, life is good.

I have never seen anything close to what I saw today. Really, nobody has, outside of this place. Modern man has never seen storms worse than these. The Oklahoma Police Chaplain gave us a briefing and introduced us to local resource providers who will direct our efforts Monday. I only wish we could stay here and help, and can only hope our efforts down the road will send help this way.

They need help here. Tons of supplies have arrived and everyone is being cared for as best possible, but nothing more than just sweat can get this job done. You can imagine and see what needs to be done from what you’ve seen in media coverage, and assure you there is nothing like witnessing something like this in person to get a sense of the magnitude. There is the suburb with over 13,800 families displaced, but then there is the countryside. Those “amber waves of grain” we proudly sing of need harvesting or will be lost. The problem is the debris field includes the wheat fields and the machinery can be severely damaged by hidden obstructions. Before harvest every field must be searched by volunteers walking shoulder to shoulder to remove junk. These are really big wheat fields. To further compound the problem is the fact this has been an especially wet year so the crop is at further risk. I’ll say it again; they need help here- no skill or lack of it goes unappreciated.

“The children walk in silence” was something I heard a volunteer say today. Even after the last shard of glass is swept from this place damage will remain. These folk are working tirelessly and the day they have nothing left to do but sit with their thoughts another storm will blow. They are in shock. We’ve seen our share of devastation in Florida and other places on the Eastern and Southern coasts, so experience with such healing is needed too. There is no end to the needs wanting satisfaction, but these people aren’t playing the victim role- they are tired but keep working.

I look forward to working with them, and learning how they cope. Ride video

 

FCBA Day 20- Atoka to Pauls Valley Oklahoma

 

A fitful night’s sleep ended at 4am, on the road just after six. Yesterday was so hot; I think I had a hangover from the stress. The morning was cool and after a few miles with Tom Weber as my fellow sweep we were at a good pace to make our 80 miles. I’m not a morning person, but I’m really enjoying the sunrise as the day starts.

The heat was slow to build and though we had some headwind starting around 40 miles, it was cool. That’s when Kristi took over Tom’s sweep and we conquered hills through the rest of the day.

Early on some of the back roads we took were closed due to compromised bridges the support vehicle couldn’t traverse, but no real trouble for us once we got around the piles of dirt blocking them. These add to the adventure; so far that makes three such passages along the way. The best part is no traffic other than us.

Something we can’t ignore along the route is road-kill. Most of the time we see armadillo, raccoon, turtle, squirrel, opossum, the occasional deer or coyote, and today someone counted 30 including two dogs. It is a sad enough sight and smell, but it breaks my heart to see pets killed. Cyclists have a love/hate relationship with dogs; I don’t have a problem with any of them for I just love seeing them having an especially thrilling day when we roll by, but I do worry about them running out into traffic in their excitement. There is also the risk of a cyclist hitting one, which could be disastrous. It is customary, though still irresponsible, in rural areas for some owners to allow them to run free. Still, it’s sad.

By the end of the ride at 1:30 the temperature rose to 100 but the heat here is drier, though it’s still hot. We go to Moore tomorrow, not to do any building, but simply assist with cleanup from last month’s tornados. It will be interesting to see the devastation wrecked for I’ve never experienced such a thing, and will better understand what my brother and family have to live with in this part of the country.

Today's ride video.

Today's ride map and stats.

FCBA Day 19- Idabel to Atoka OK- Sweep

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. [Ecclesiastes 9:11]

I didn’t entertain the notion of whether or not I could accomplish riding my bicycle across America; I always knew I could, and simply needed a plan. I’ve been blessed with the dream and physical ability, and have plenty of experience with these daily mileages. The plan was provided by the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure, and along with the help of my sponsors here I am in Atoka Oklahoma after 95 miles in heat topping over 100 degrees.

I’ve found my place amongst the riders and manage to hold my own. I like to ride relatively fast so have often found myself with the quick riders first to arrive at the day’s destination. That reduces time in the saddle, the place from which my greatest discomfort arises.

I don’t arrive last, nor won’t ride the support vehicle- my ego let me for it would rather see me die. Maybe I’ll lose that somewhere along the way. Perhaps while I sweep.

Nobody likes to sweep, except Kert, but then he seems to like flat tires too. Normal riders avoid Melissa’s “so who’s going to sweep?” that immediately follows the last “Oyee!” in the morning. The duty of the sweep is to be the last rider, encouraging others, helping with flat tires- generally ensuring the general welfare of all. The sweep should be confident they can finish the day’s ride. The sweep has the longest, slowest day, and on a long day perhaps up to two hours more than they would if at their own pace.

That’s where I found myself this morning. After Melissa’s request my hand shot in the air. Ok, more like there was dead silence- not even Kert (but then he’s been volunteering every day for over a week anyway) so I bemoaned my offer with great reluctance while reminding everyone of my extreme generosity. Kristi humbly joined me without fanfare.

 

The first third of the day was through rolling woodland on roads lacking traffic. As the day progressed the roads grew wider and gained cars while losing trees. The temperature rose. This is where I realized the relative immensity of this ride.

                                       

                                            In the shade. I didn't want to know the road temp.

As I stated above I didn’t undertake bicycling across America with any doubt I could do it. Others have greater challenges but still undertook this same adventure. There lies the difference. I’ve gone swiftly and I’ve gone slowly. I find the fast ride challenging in the tight pace-line, early miles going at 20 per hour, then keeping a high average through the day and being quite impressed with myself. In the back, as sweep, it’s a different ride where ego is a burden. Ego does not serve to change another’s flat, encourage another’s mile, sooth heat stress- it only steals from me and others. My pace is slowing, and though I know I will always be tempted to stomp my pedals in chase of those skilled at speed, I must nurture my skills at serving. I had a good ride, barely finishing with Kristi and Kert- my teachers.

Idabel to Atoka ride

FCBA Day 18- Light a shuck from Red Lick TX to Idabel OK

 

There are so many wonderful things about this trip, but one of my favorites is just meeting and sharing with the folks in the congregations we stop at. I wish I had time to tell about them all, but let me just tell you about Sherdon “Pete” Lewis.

Pete was born in Red Lick, went to fight in Korea, and then came back to Texas to lay brick in Dallas for 56 years. His strong but gnarled hands held two canes as he came sharing breakfast and his passion. He is a soldier from one of four Gideon camps in the Texarkana area, whose mission is familiar to anyone who has ever spent the night in a hotel room.

“Hi, I’m Pete. So you’re fixin’ to light a shuck this morning” he stated. My expression gave me away, and he asked “do you know what I mean? My daddy used to say that- it means to get away real fast.”

“Well, not that we really want to; you folks have been so hospitable that maybe if things don’t work out in Idabel we’ll just turn around and come back.” I replied.

“I have something for you” and pointed to a small paper sack, “do you need a Bible? You know, they say the Bible is a double-edged sword, but these are more like little double edged daggers” he continued as he pulled out a pocket sized New Testament and offered it.

 

“I’m embarrassed to admit I do need one”. Here I am on a Christian mission without a Bible- I suppose that says a lot about me, but it’s a fact. He gave it to me. I asked his name again, “Well, people call me Pete, but it’s really Sherdon, like the General, only without an ‘i’ and with an ‘o’”. Got it.

Our conversation went on about him, and I find it interesting how folks sum up their lives in just a few paragraphs. How he used to wake up years ago every night at 11:11 for two years before his wife died on 11/11/88; how he had hip surgery on 9/11/2008; his current wife of 27 years, Catharine’s birthday was yesterday and he spent 99 cents on her card, his current passion working with Gideon, but they don’t let him do enough of that…just small talk buttered with the accent and colloquialisms unique to this region of America.

There were other gifts. One of the members makes parachute cord key-chains he wanted us to have, but someone else remarked the guy couldn’t give them away unless they had one of his pennies stamped with a crucifix attached; another member, Donna, crochets sleeping pads from used plastic bags for the homeless so gave Nadine one; individual lunch bags were made up for us to take along with us that included freshly baked muffins and other snacks- we are so humbled by the generosity of everyone we are guests of. We’re just out riding out bikes and for some reason folks are inspired. I don’t get it, but it sure makes me feel special, as it does everyone else.

 

To the road we took westward with wind from the south/southwest, relieved when we turned northwest. Within 40 miles, and before I knew it, we were in Oklahoma. I missed the photo op at the Red River. Red Lick to Idabel

Here at Idabel Bypass Church of Christ we were warmly welcomed and I don’t want to become accustomed to that. There is plenty of room to spread out, showers, full kitchen, air conditioning, and dinner provided by members tonight. I’ve fashioned a bed from heavily padded chairs, ready for a good night’s sleep to rise at 4am and breakfast at 5. Now that is something I will never be accustomed to- rising so early. This morning I really, really tried; I set my alarm for 5:30 and got up immediately, packing my gear and was first to have it ready, but the trailer wasn’t ready. We’re supposed to have it loaded before we eat, and after breakfast I was approached by another rider who pointed to my lonely bag on the gym floor saying “Mark, you’re bag isn’t on the trailer yet, and we’re all loaded”. Crap.

Tomorrow is another day and after being the first one loaded have 95 miles to Atoka OK. I have additional duties in writing the FBCA blog for the day- I don’t know how I’m going to manage that. Every day offers new inspiration though, so I’m sure I can come up with something.

 

FCBA Day 17- Shreveport LA to Red Lick TX via AR

 

A casual ride northward today along the sunflower bordered level fields of Louisiana, then through the mild hills of the southwest corner of Arkansas, and then we snuck into Texas. There wasn’t a sign at the Texas border, for we were way out on the back roads, and in reviewing my Strava map Shreveport to Red Lick ride were riding directly on the border while on State Line Rd, indicated on our route sheet as Co Rd 2425/ Co Rd 28. I don’t clearly recall that. We made it to where our itinerary indicates Texarkana, but we are actually in nearby Red Lick.

I stayed to the rear all day. At 60 miles “Special K”, one who has been generous enough to act as our sweep (rear most position riding) for well over a week, was having serious tire trouble. I waited at the rest area as the support vehicle retrieved him in the event I would take over sweep position, but he was able to fix it and continue with Nicki. This freed me to ride at my own pace so I picked up some speed going solo from there for all the other riders had gone ahead, but still it was almost an 8 hour day to travel 85 miles (I was over mileage for a wrong turn and back-track I made today).

Upon arrival at Red Lick First United Methodist Church we were greeted warmly and there were stacks of pizza and other snacks ready. We showered, and some napped while others just relaxed entertained with writing, sharing photos and such.

The generosity of this congregation and others along the way is amazing. We eat a lot for typically a day such as today requires around 3,000 calories to simply ride, making the typical calorie intake of each rider around 5,000. We have been provided most of that through their donations, and are well stocked at the moment as we head toward Oklahoma in the morning. This simply would not be possible without the support of the communities on our path.

Tomorrow will be a short day, around 60 miles. We will still be continuing northward and the winds are favorably to our backs. We are at 20 riders now, two having ended their adventure yesterday, and another joining us. We are becoming quite close and I look forward to many more miles with these folks.

FCBA Day 16- Shreveport LA workday

 

Though the Fuller Center for Housing home is Americus Georgia, the Fuller Center for Housing of NW Louisiana was the first project Millard Fuller started after leaving Habitat for Humanity. Hurricane Katrina displaced tens of thousands of New Orleans residents to Shreveport, many of whom found themselves in already distressed communities such as Allendale. Allendale was the result of 1960’s urban housing projects that typically failed due to numerous social factors exacerbated by concentrating those living in poverty. Allendale was a very sick place in 2005.

Millard Fuller partnered with community leaders and businesses to reform the neighborhood. Today this is a thriving community of over 100 owner occupied homes that is a prime example of how providing decent housing through partnership with potential owners along with comprehensive nurturing can change what seemed a hopeless situation. What was once a slum rife with the worst imaginable criminal activity is now safe for decent people to thrive, and outsiders to visit, as demonstrated by my curious wanderings through it when our group arrived. It may not be apparent to recent acquaintances but this middle-aged Caucasian has some experience in unsavory neighborhoods, so I am somewhat aware of criminal indicators, and here I see none, even when walking through at 11pm. This is a community well into recovery, but recovery is always fragile. Paint and plaster cure nothing; it takes inspiration and leadership provided by such a man as Lee A. Jeter, Sr. and his assistants.

Lee is around my age, a mountain of a man with a fire within that ignites everyone he touches with his crushing handshake. Lee comes from this area of Louisiana and after serving in the Marines really hadn’t intended in making this his home or doing this work. He was “blessed” with a calling from a Higher Power he couldn’t deny- being blessed so isn’t easy, though. He works tirelessly every day with the help of his family, assistants James and Hannah and volunteers to attend to the minutest needs of this place. It isn’t charity, though- the Fuller Center isn’t giving anything away. These houses are built by the owners with volunteer help, and then paid for with interest-free mortgages. The owners are candidates that must undergo financial and social counseling to qualify, and if they falter, must participate in remedial programs to help them succeed. Their repayment on mortgages is 85%, which is above average (Millard Fuller said “If 100% of our mortgages are repaid then we are putting the wrong people into our houses.) This isn’t a standard business by any means, but a program built on sound business and Christian principles.

I’m on fire! There isn’t a grocery store for 5 miles, and that is a project in the works. They have the building where an experienced grocery store manager will live for free and operate the store below, being paid a stipend. Nobody gets rich in this work; staff members of the Fuller Center for Housing live at below poverty level by being provided free housing along with a stipend. They embrace the principles of Millard Fuller that require selflessness fitting a Saint. The rewards are very real, though, and I find myself wishing I had the experience to manage a grocery. I want to live in Allendale. I’m not good enough, but the Fuller Center is rebuilding me.

FCBA Day 15- Shreveport Day of Rest

While out on the town celebrating ChaCha Ala Mode’s birthday the Adventurers relaxed at a local pub. While some had drinks (mine was cranberry) it was remarked by Brother Alex what I observed about our accommodations; this place we are staying, though modest, is so comfortable! Everything is so thoughtfully provided down to the smallest details. Though 20 people share the two sinks in the room, on the little shelf overhead we found Q-Tips! I’ve never been so excited about toiletries. I shaved with real shave cream this morning, too! We live very simply these days so the value of what we normally take for granted is greatly enhanced.

We all have cell phones, most have computers and other electrical devices, and the bunk house we are sleeping in is somewhat limited in power. With the refrigerator, microwave, laundry the building is at maximum wattage, so we keep our electronics connected in the nearby parish hall. These things previously had immense importance prior, but as we go down the road shifting gears, my values are shifting. I left my computer and phone there as we made our city excursion. Before this would have caused separation anxiety, but now I am quite comfortable, even liberated, without. Upon our return we found the hall locked, and miraculously I was able to sleep quite peacefully.

My cycle computer is acting up and this too has caused me some angst, for I find myself riding most of the miles solo, without another rider in sight. The concise route instructions demand attention to tenths of miles so to stay on course, and though the lead riders make chalk marks at the turns, they aren’t always clear for the car traffic wears them away, or I simply fail to see them in my distraction. I rely on my odometer and magnetic compass to keep my bearings, with my cell phone as a backup with maps if needed. On the way into Shreveport yesterday I purchased a new computer for $70 and today consider that a luxury I might have better done without. I manage at sea with minimal electronics and there are no roads or signs out there, so what is my need in civilization? Well, there isn’t much of one, but I’m not going to back-track to return it so will install it, though will rely on my wits more.

We had a choice of churches today; this Catholic one where we are staying, or get into the van and see where it took me. Wanting to see more of Shreveport I chose the latter. At the Baptist church we attended Sunday-school class where we were able to share our adventure and inspiration, and then had a choice between traditional or contemporary worship. Again, I chose the latter for something different. This was another rather wealthy congregation and along this trip we’ve seen both modest and rich. I’ve found my prejudice growing toward the rich, but today my eyes were opened. I learned some time ago if I find a person, place, or thing objectionable the problem isn’t with them, but within me. It is not my place to judge, and in taking that attitude I saw the good and found inspiration. I still prefer the modest church, but others find what they need where it is available.

This evening we meet at a coffee shop with the locals and further share the mission of the Fuller Center for Housing. You can learn more at: FCBA-Check out the Blog! Let me assure you it is well worth your time, for after immersion in this philosophy of “Live Simply so others can Simply Live” I will never take a Q-Tip for granted. Excuse me as I go delight in ear canal hygiene.

Elvis palming the Sun!

FCBA Day 14- Ruston to Shreveport LA

 

My phone and computer were locked in another building last night so I wasn’t able to post this on Saturday:

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church has provided us with a bunk house. It is two rooms with 5 bunk beds each, three showers, three toilets, washer and dryer, 2 refrigerators and a pantry fully stocked with food. Each bunk had a goodie-bag with some hard candies, pen, carpenter’s pencil, and drinking cup, with logos of the Fuller Center for Housing and the First Methodist Church of Shreveport. This is a modest and working mission in an area of town that is blossoming for the effort

Today’s ride was more casual for me. I think I did some minor damage riding so hard in the heat yesterday, or maybe it is the accumulative mileage of 6 days of riding. Nothing a day of recuperation can’t remedy, and Monday is a build day so we won’t stress riding muscles. Right now it feels good to be off the bike, knowing we will be in actual beds for three nights. I’m sure come Tuesday we’ll eagerly hit the road again.

Back to the ride: It was another hot Louisiana day on bad Louisiana roads, but one was particularly enjoyable. It was a diversion that included Grover Jones Road between Parish Rd. 260 and then back on Hwy 80; an even stone surfaced road in good condition, until the bridge. The bridge wasn’t there, but under reconstruction. We managed to get through though, and Speedy Pete went back to warn the van driver not to come that way, for with a trailer it would have been impossible to cross and very difficult to turn around.

It just feels so good to have showered and be sitting in a bed at 4:30 in the afternoon. We’re unpacked and settled already- the window a/c is humming, many are napping, laundry is tumbling, and I just don’t know what to do with myself. I have a lot of video to go through for I’ve continued doing time-lapse of every minute from the morning devotional through the day to arrival. Maybe I should get busy. Better I should simply relax, maybe even nap.

Ruston to Shreveport LA

FCBA Day 13- Tallulah LA to Ruston LA

 

I’ve never ridden my bicycle on the interstate before. It’s not legal, first of all, nor prudent. It’s just that the Hwy 80 Bridge was closed, and the detour signs instructed traffic to take Interstate 20, so we did. Fortunately I had my safety vest I use at work with me, so it was ok. I wouldn’t recommend it even with a vest, though.

Hot! We woke at 4am and the ride started out on the flood plain of the Mississippi; flat and fast, for I paired up with Speedy Pete, a strong rider. We did about 40 miles before splitting up, and I hooked up with three more casual riders. That was ok for the next 20, but I like to keep a higher average and this wasn’t helping my day’s overall speed. At that point all the riders had bunched up on the east side of the Ouachita River in Monroe as we were trying to figure how to get across. Taking I-20 we boldly proceeded where no bicycle should, and fortunately avoided disaster. Once on the less mean streets on the west of the river we took a break and calmed our nerves; from there I headed out alone. Along the way I hooked up with the previous casual riders and pulled Esteban away with me at over 20 mph through the hills, eventually catching the lead riders by the 80 mile mark. By then the temperature was 104 degrees and I was exhausted so let the other riders go on while I rested. I finished the day’s ride solo at the casual pace of around 15 mph, stopping to take a few pictures along the way.

We are at the Ruskin Temple Baptist Church, a massive facility with all of the comforts- well, most, for we take to mats on the floor to sleep. They provided dinner, and best of all, have a washer and dryer. We schedule laundry to be done every three riding days, and that is a putrid mess by the time we get to it so I volunteer whenever the opportunity presents itself. I’m really getting to appreciate the simple things I’ve taken for granted for so long. Now if I can just find a carpeted floor to put my sleeping mat on…Goodnight.

Tallulah La to Ruskin LA

 

FBCA Day 12- Brandon MS to Tallulah LA

Well, that was fun! We started with a home cooked breakfast provided by Meadow Grove Baptist Church. Traditional Southern style of bacon, grits, biscuits, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee, but what I found to be a special treat was the home made jellies one of the women brought for us. We used to pick blackberries and jelly them when I was a teenager in Greenwich NY, so it has been that many years since I’ve enjoyed them.

Well fueled, I had a good ride, as did everyone else. It was a brisk 60 miles to Vicksburg where we all assembled before crossing the Vicksburg Bridge. The bridge was built in 1947 and decommissioned to auto traffic in 1997, but still handles freight trains and is opened for special events, such as ours. We were led out by bridge security and allowed to stop to take photos in the middle of the Mississippi River on the Mississippi/Louisiana border. It so happened a freight train was crossing as we were there to add to the experience, and of course down in the river there is endless barge traffic.

It was a good break and I felt my energy renewed so kept a high average speed across the floodplains as we approached our destination. Our schedule indicates Tallulah LA as our destination, but it was made very clear to by our hosts that we are in fact in Richmond, and Tallulah is “over there”. I guess it matters, but we’re not particular. We had a light meal, where many enjoyed ViSalus shakes I made for them. We also have the luxury of a washer and dryer, so we can get some laundry done. Little things like air conditioning, showers, and clean clothes make all the difference.

We are assigned chores, but all help where we can, regardless. The group is getting closer all the time as we share living together day and night. This evening we are providing our own dinner, and the dinner crew is in the kitchen as I write getting that ready. I’m looking forward to an early night. Goodnight.

Brandon to Tallulah, part 1

Brandon to Tallulah, part 2

 

 

 

 

 

FCBA Day 11- Meridian to Brandon MS

Today was a great ride- 80 miles with a 17.3 mph average speed. We’re at Meadow Grove Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Tonight they provided Sony’s BBQ and we attended Wednesday services where we spoke before the congregation. Tomorrow morning they are providing a hot breakfast.

 The Fuller Center for Housing isn’t a household name, so we’re getting a lot of interest and enthusiasm wherever we go by groups interested in forming new Covenant Partners. The Fuller Center Covenant Partners provide toward the mission of the foundation while maintaining autonomy; each is associated with the parent foundation and is free to provide as they deem necessary in their communities with minimal supervision from the home office.

Tomorrow we cross from Vicksburg Mississippi into Tallulah Louisiana via the old Hwy 80 Bridge. It’s a decommissioned bridge and we have to sign a release to use it. Just another day of adventure.

Meridian to Brandon MS

FCBA Day 10- Demopolis to Meridian

 

I was ready for a short run; today’s ride was only 52 miles. I was boasting to the youngsters how I was going to skip breaks and shoot for a three hour time in an underhanded attempt to recruit some to pull draft for me. I opted to remove my rear carrier so as to travel lighter without some luxuries, and inflated my rear tire to the high end rated 140 psi to reduce rolling resistance. Not two minutes on the road and I had a flat tire. It may have been a gash I got in it prior to today that couldn’t take the additional pressure. I had assistance from other riders with replacing it, for I’ve never used my CO2 inflator before today. It worked great, and blew the new tube right out of the side for the tire wasn’t properly seated. I decided to call for the van for assistance, but there was no answer. I patched the tube and gashed tire and rode under-inflated all day in the rain and into headwinds. The Strava app on my phone quit working at around 10 miles so I had to restart recording, and now I see when reviewing the data online that my heart rate monitor didn’t register all day for I failed to turn on Bluetooth. This trip is getting real. Today was hard day, but we have nice facilities here at the First Baptist Church of Meridian. There is plenty of room, showers, and they had all kinds of snacks set out for us when we arrived and will be providing dinner this evening.

We’re losing another rider tonight for health reasons. Like I said, this is getting real. None of us knows what the next mile will bring, and though riders are getting stronger the road is always hard.

 

FCBA Day 9- Montgomery to Demopolis

 

Today was another 100 mile day, with 83 miles of it on Alabama Highway 14-80. Much of that road is four lanes, but here were periods of just two lanes and no shoulder. On this road much of the trucking is logs headed to the mill, and cattle headed to slaughter. The truck drivers don’t care to abide bicyclists, and understandably so. This is when we are particularly careful to yield as much as possible, but then still we find ourselves going uphill at 10 mph with said freight growling at our backs waiting for their first chance to get around. Nobody was hurt, thank God.

I had a pretty good ride.  I ended with an average speed of 17 mph which is above my regular average for long distance. I was doing well up to 75 miles, averaging over 18 mph travel speed, but then when approaching Uniontown we were told to pair up with other riders to make the passage through for it is notorious for high crime. I had a slower rider to accompany, so lost my average for the day to that point. Once on the other side the remaining miles were accompanied by our fastest, so I was able to regain some lost time.

We are in a church family activity center and it is more than adequate. We have showers, a washer/dryer, and kitchen facilities so were able to make individual pizzas and salad for ourselves. It is nice when the local community provides dinner for us, but when we ride this distance it is just as well we make our own and not have to give a presentation. This gives me and others so inclined an opportunity to write. From here I have to go to “Jack’s” where I will order a shake and have internet access.

FCBA Day 8- Lanett to Montgomery

 

So ends the first week of riding. The Vaughn Park Church of Christ provided dinner and shelter for us to take a day of rest. It is bittersweet, since for a number of riders this was the end of their trip. We pick up more riders soon.

It’s amazing how perspective changes with the miles. So many seemed to suffer our first long day of riding, and then we did the century and today’s 83 miles were just another day on the road. Two other riders and I were discussing next week over an afternoon snack, remarking how it will be easy since we don’t have construction, only 6 continuous days of riding around 80+ miles a day.

I gave my camera a real test: 20+ mph from handlebars to ground and then under my wheel. It continued photographing so I just remounted it though upon inspection see that it had blurred vision for the rest of the ride. It wasn’t the only casualty of today’s ride- we have had 3 riders taken to the hospital this week.

This is a group of Christians riding but at times I have difficulty maintaining such demeanor. When nearing our destination we were severely harassed by a motorist and I forgot myself and acted as if I was home, and started the chase. It was a good one, too, for I caught up with him not only at the light, but then the next, almost getting him at the third when he decided to change course in order to avoid more pestering. I really have to stop doing that. Bad enough someone might get severely hurt (most likely me) but I’m representing the Fuller Center for Housing and I don’t recall chasing cars like a rabid dog as part of their mission. In church today we sang "God reign in me"; I sang it "God rein me in".

Tomorrow is another chance to get it right.

 

 

Follow this link to see a map of our route.

FCBA Day 7- Lanett build day

 

 

 

Morning:

Ah, a great night’s sleep. It stormed heavily in the first part of the night and then cleared apparently, for this morning is bright and in the low 70’s. The west wind we cursed yesterday for holding us from here we are blessed with again today to cool us as we work.

Camaraderie is strong and growing. This is what comes when you immerse a group in hardship, as in the military. We are not a disciplined lot though, instead relying entirely on cooperation and the natural attraction of personality types. I feel some particularly strong bonds with a few- a love for another that seems it always was waiting for the other to simply show up.

Evening:

Today we completed finishing touches on a home renovated for a veteran. Home Depot has a charitable arm dedicated to this specifically, partnering with the Fuller Center for Housing in order to help accomplish it. It was touching to witness the gentleman enter his home with all his family present. This was the result of the effort of so many more than us before we arrived, and it was an honor to represent those who couldn’t be there.

At this writing I just can’t give proper justice to the appreciation I feel for our hosts along our way. Every stop offers such kindness, generosity, and love- personally I feel as if I’m some sort of celebrity, as if I’m doing something extraordinary, when really, I’m just riding my bike and doing some work. It really isn’t that big of a deal for any of us. Ok, maybe it’s a little tough at times, but we are having a blast. Thank you all who have supported me and my friends along the way.

 

FCBA Day 6- Americus GA to Lanett AL

Not posted Thursday night due to power outage due to storm-

Spirits are very high today after completing over 100 miles of ride from Americus GA to Lanett AL, just over the Georgia state line. For a few it was their first century, and for a few, incomplete. There comes a point for almost everyone who commits to a century under such conditions of heat and headwind that they consider that perhaps it’s not in them to give, and it is the wise decision.

We arrived at the Lanett recreational center for showers, a great dinner, and COTS! Almost real beds! Usually we sleep on the floor with camping mats which are adequate, but if on carpeted floor they are better, and we always have extra so I use two. We will be in Lanett for two nights so maybe I can catch up on some sleep. Breakfast tomorrow is at 8 and we start working on three separate homes at 9.

Everywhere we go we are treated as celebrities. It is very humbling. Folks want to share the best of their hometowns and homes with us and I really wish I had the time to enjoy it more, but this isn’t a leisurely tour. I am falling in love with every place we visit, and my bucket list keeps getting longer, for I want to come back to these towns and these people to get to know them better.

FCBA Day 5- Americus build

I think today started at 6 but I don’t remember, it was so long ago. We had breakfast here in the First Presbyterian Church of Americus and then went to the jobsite. The house was built early in the Habitat for Humanity history, with President Carter driving nails in this particular one. The owner has been living in it for 28 years but it became uninhabitable for the roof was damaged. We took care of that today.

Millard Fuller started Habitat for Humanity and then after leaving that started the Fuller Center for Housing. Linda Fuller, his wife, was equally involved in the growth of that organization from the beginning. Today she provided lunch for us and gave us some background regarding that. Afterward we toured the Habitat Village, which showcases individual homes typical of what Habitat has built in various regions, for a greater appreciation of the work.

Afterward we walked back to the worksite and continued. The sun was blazing and the air temperature was 97 degrees, with the surface temperature of the roof 140 degrees. Inside there was drywall work and painting completed as well. What really is amazing is that this team that met only days ago were able to accomplish this with such enthusiasm and cooperation. I’ve never experienced anything like this.

There simply isn’t enough time to share the inspiration that comes from this, nor do I have the energy. There was more to this day, but there is nothing left in me. Please excuse this rough draft- I haven’t the time to do any editing.

Into Americus

FCBA Day 3- Claxton to McRae, GA

Today I volunteered to be “sweep”. There are two riders who remain last, making sure all are accounted for. Riders carry a piece of chalk to mark the road if they leave the route for whatever reason, and the sweeps make sure they rejoined the ride. That also means the sweep can’t go any faster than the slowest rider, and the other sweep with me volunteered today for she figured she would be in the rear anyway. I normally like to maintain a traveling speed around 16-18 mph, but as a sweep the speed averaged 12mph, making for a long day. Taking it slow was a good experience for me.

FCBA Day 4- McRae to Americus

I can’t keep up with this blog as I’d like. The days are incredibly long, and so full. We were up at 4:30 this morning for a 90 mile ride, and I made up for the lack of speed yesterday. I’ve been filming as much as I can so was the last rider out before the sweeps today, but before ending the day caught up with the front. It was a tough day; first getting up that early, then hills, hot, and headwind. I’m looking forward to the day off the bicycle tomorrow. Instead we will be re-roofing one of the early homes Millard Fuller built with the help of Jimmy Carter in the 70’s.

Entering Americus today we assembled on the outskirts of town and had a police escort to the Fuller Center headquarters for a reception. I wish we could spend more time here, for the place is like a museum to the incredible accomplishments of Millard Fuller with his first organization, Habitat for Humanity, and then the Fuller Center for Housing. From there we rode to the First Presbyterian Church of Americus, and were shuttled to the athletic facility of Georgia Southern College for showers, and then to dinner provided by another local parish. I’m beat.

Tybee Island to Savannah

Already this is unlike any bicycle ride I’ve been on. In the past I’ve been on tours where you just show up, get briefed on the route, safety, and ride services- and off we’d go. Not so with the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure. At dinner last night at Unity Methodist Church on Tybee Island we introduced ourselves and shared a bit of information, and then afterward was a documentary “Briars in the Cotton Patch” (http://briarsdocumentary.com/tag/millard-fuller/ ) to offer more background regarding Millard Fuller’s inspiration. This morning was a meeting at 7am starting with prayer and then into three hours of team building exercises and job assignments. It is important for this mission’s success to have everyone involved understanding it and how it is to be carried to fruition.

After loading our gear, “Oyee!” practice (that’s going to be another blog) and local television interviews the thirty riders headed to the beach for the wheel dipping ceremony photographs, some inspirational readings, and prayer. Spirits were high and faces were bright with innocence, but if life’s experiences have taught me anything we will look back on these photos with kind eyes the veteran offers the naïve. We will not be the same for the miles to be shared.

The ride was short and into the wind across the tidal lowlands with roadside offerings of peaches, peanuts, shrimp and something called “low country boil” ( it may sound like a bicyclist’s nightmare, but it’s a local seafood dish). When all were accounted for after arriving at the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah we unloaded our gear and riders were shuttled to a local YMCA for showers. Group riding is different than what I’m used to so the short ride with a debriefing afterward to discuss safety was useful. We then went on to discuss some of the philosophy of Simple Living http://fullercenter.org/sites/default/files/file/Ryan/Bike%20Adventure%202010/Simple%20Living.pdf

Tomorrow is breakfast, church services with our Host, and then a 57 mile ride to Claxton, Georgia. I wish I could write all my impressions of the day, but things are hectic, it’s late, and sleep awaits.

This American Adventure begins

THIS AMERICAN ADVENTURE

This is my record of experiences bicycling across America with the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure.

Though we are on the eve of meeting for the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure, this seed of an idea took root over 30 years ago for me, after finishing 6 years of active duty in the Navy. Unemployed and trying to find my way in life I took up bicycling. During that time, somewhere along the back roads of Florida in 1981, I had the grandiose idea of just riding off into the sunset to find my fate. That idea vaporized with my sudden employment, uninterrupted to this day, chasing the American dream with the help of Walt Disney World.

I work at "The American Adventure", an attraction at Epcot. This is where my dream came back to life- at first just the notion it was before, but within the past 7 months with an urgency compelling me to abandon prudence. I've witnessed men crushed under the weight of years, old men I shared youth with building Epcot. As another Christmas passed I was plotting to do whatever necessary to live my dream. My wife Leslie and I would quit our jobs, sell the house, and live on the road from the fat of the land. Yeah, I had a plan that wasn’t much more than a route to follow from Florida to Washington State, where we could arrive impoverished to burden our daughter.

December 30th someone in Facebook asked “do you ever look at those ads to the right of your page?” I never do, but at this prompting did, and seeing “Bicycle across America” clicked on it. There I discovered the Fuller Center for Housing and their Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure. They would provide food and shelter and a route that fell right over what I had imagined!  I hadn’t prayed about any of this, but if I had, this would have been its answer. I could bicycle across America for $150? Sign me up!

If I had looked more closely I would have realized there was far more involved. Once I had committed my credit card  I learned they wanted me to raise funds for their charity and build houses along the way. Well, I can drive a nail, but a fund drive? There was no way I could raise the $3,700 they asked! I was about to abandon hope and write the registration fee off as a donation when for the first time in my life I recognized the work of Providence, and decided to let Him take me the rest of the way. I’ve given God lip-service over the years, but now I absolutely had to rely on Him to make this happen, for I knew I couldn’t. “God, if this is to be it’s up to you” was my prayer and I didn’t worry from then on, for enough of you took up my cause. One week prior to the start of the trip the last donation came in bringing my total to $3,715. I’m amazed at how incredibly easy it was, and I’ve been told this is the hardest part of the experience. Yup, now I can figure on sunny skies and following winds as I pedal my merry way from Savannah to Vancouver. Thank You God!