Rescued

June 28, 2017

Was on the road at 5.30

Front light on.

Back flasher going.

Went through all the water bottles.

Let me be totally honest with whomever may be reading this blog.

I was scared today.

Frustrated.

Actually angry.

I saw the shoulder in a variety of ways today.

Non-existent.

Other times it was wide enough for a tight rope.

There were several stretches of road which would have been ideal for an upright, two wheel bike.

And to my pleasure, going up and over the pass, the shoulder was wonderfully kept.

What really scared me were some of the drivers.

Where there is no shoulder I am in the lane, as far to the right as is safe for me.

There were at least six times where I had to swerve off and down the small enbankment.

Before I started up the pass, I sat by the side of the road, next to an old trading post, trying to retrieve my courage.

My nerves.

These times today were the worst yet.

Whoever out there is praying for my safety, discernment and wisdom, keep it going!

It was nice to coast downhill for a bit after cresting the summit at 7264 feet.

Stopped in the driveway of a church and called Mark and Cyndi.

Needed a rescue mission.

So here I sit at Wendy's, waiting for Mark.

He is about an hour away.

And Art Hoag called me.

Most everyone is wondering where I am.

Flagstaff, Arizona.

I am safe.

Not sure about a sound body at the moment.

Pretty wiped out and a bit frazzled.

But so thankful for so many people keeping an eye out for me.

Not just an eye, but probably an ear as well.

Has the ride been hard at times?

Certainly.

I keep reminding myself that every mile ridden will help a bit more with missions in India and PNG.

Yes.

It is all worth the long days, tired legs, sore eyes.

Because all of it goes to glorify Jesus and show the power of His testimony in this life.

Shalom,

D.

Need to add to this post.

Mark arrived and as we were sitting at the table, there was a couple who walked in.

On their way to Albuquerque and eventually to Wisconsin for a reunion.

They noticed the recumbent and started asking questions.

Again, divine moments.

Believers in Christ.

Dale and Sharon thanks for your interest and your encouragement!

Continuing to find joy in so many unique areas of this trip and life.

Shalom,

D.

Gray Mountain

June 27, 2017

Trying to remember something of this day.

One specific incident does stand out.

I had pulled off into a little turnout.

Taking more stops, hydrating, stretching, moving around, are all just as important as getting miles in.

In some respects, even more important.

I must have been resting longer than I thought.

In pulls an Arizona State Patrol.

Wanted to make sure I was ok.

Had a number of calls about me being too still.

Did not know I would become famous in that way!

I am impressed that people were genuinely moved to call and make sure I was safe and well.

Thank you Arizonians!

Went through Cameron.

For a wide spot it gets quite busy with people and traffic.

A mile from the top of Grey Mountain I got a flat.

On the back tire.

The sun was just about ready to set so changed the tube out, got all put back on, pulled out the NeoAir mattress, the sleeping bag and went to sleep.

I was maybe forty feet from the road.

Did not make a difference.

When you are tired, you are tired.

I did go over Cedar Ridge.

5930 feet in elevation.

Had in my notes something about these two mile posts.

Not sure why now but maybe it will come back to me!

mp 522

mp 506

Bitter Springs

June 26, 2017,

Had breakfast across the road from Jacob Lake Campground.

There is a lady who does authentic rug weaving.

Was a bit early in the day to see her.

And I wanted to get some miles in.

The road down into the flat of the desert was filled with many sharp curves.

Glad I met only a handful of trucks!

What can I say about the road?

Bumpy.

Large potholes.

Could use a resurfacing.

Really, though, none of that matters.

The views were stunning and full of God's glory.

Storing pictures in my head, on the phone, and on the camera.

Lunch at Cliff Dwellers Cafe.

It all stayed down!

Met Jonathan and Felix as I was riding up the hill and they were headed down toward Marble Canyon to spend the night.

Theae two cyclists began their journey in Cancun.

They are headed to Calgary and then over to Vancouver.

Thought here may be a place to fill up water either at or nearby Bitter Springs.

Nada.

Just proves my point I have said before.

Bring plenty, more than you think you need, of water.

Otherwise you may be looking for a stagnant pond where you can lick up a bit of moisture like a dog!

So far a nice wide shoulder on 83.

Spent the night on the front veranda of Bitter Springs Bible Church.

What better place to lay my head than on the doorstep of a fellowship!

One hundred eleven miles to Flagstaff.

The next little town is Gap.

Will need to make sure all is filled up before leaving there.

And make sure you are filled with God so you can sparkle today!

Jacob Lake

June 25, 2017

I must have been more than tired as I did not get out of bed, out of the van, until 8.30 or so.

Ate a little piece of quiche and half a waffel.

Along with some great tasting tomato juice.

The fellowship was small, intimate, and biblically grounded.

Richard spoke on the "beginning."

There was a potluck afterwards with some delicious food served up.

Jerry drove me to just inside of Arizona.

Crossed over the state line about 1.45 in the afternoon.

He is an avid photographer and was taking one pic after another as I put everything back on the bike.

I am sure he drove me twenty-five, if not thirty miles, which I will take off the total miles in August.

A nice ride until mp 595.

From there, to 580, which is basically Jacob Lake, was all uphill.

I was told it would be a difficult climb, and it was.

The scenery, the surroundings, were worth each crank of the pedals.

I camped out at Jacob Lake.

Bing!

June 24, 2017

I woke up feeling so much better this morning.

No nose bleeding.

No sweating.

Refreshed.

Thankfully, hungry and thirsty as well.

I knew, from looking at the map, and talking with others, that getting over Hwy 14 East from Cedar City to where it meets 89 South at Long Valley Junction would make for a long day.

And I was not disappointed!

But first I ate.

More substantially than I had in a few days.

And all the food tasted good!

I saw Franklin again.

And then another man started talking with me.

Well, maybe I initiated the conversation.

Has been known to happen!

So there went my plans for leaving early.

My plans.

Realizing, they are just dust which vanishes in the wind.

The Lord, these last few days has really been teaching me.

Think I have said this before in an earlier post.

Forget your plan.

Focus on people.

That is God's plan.

So, I did.

We talked while I was getting the panniers, water bottles, and other items all back on the bike.

How I wish I had written this man's name down in my notes.

He rode around the parking lot.

If he reads this blog and comes across this post, I hope he adds a comment with his name!

Finally got on the road about eight.

Wanted to make sure the tires were set into the rims properly, so road around town a couple miles before getting onto 14 East.

One of the first signs I saw said this:

Eight percent grades

next fifteen miles.

Reduced speeds.

That sign was not lying.

It was completely uphill the first fifteen miles.

Maybe a bit more.

Oh, the most wonderful views as I got closer to the summit.

God's creation.

The earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea!

When I got to the top there is a scenic overview of the area.

That is where I met Santos and Annie.

They live north of Salt Lake City.

I love meeting new people and learning more about different ideas, values, and convictions.

There may be many different "gods" but there is only one "I AM."

They took pictures sitting on the bike, of Santos and I together, of the two of them...

A great time!

And then he slipped a twenty into my hand.

I know what it is for.

Will have to see if artistic Shanon can help me with a project while I am in Phoenix.

Once to the top the ride was almost all downhill.

I say that for there are a few little rises where you need to gear down and pedal.

Stopped at Long Valley Junction.

Filled up my water bottles, bought a Sobe drink and a corn dog.

Certainly not the healthiest of foods to fuel up the body.

At this point just needed something to keep me going.

Kanab was forty miles away.

Already this day I had gone forty-one.

I knew there would be some places along side the road where I could lay my head and sleep.

After talking with some of the local firemen about the Bryce fire, I got on the way.

Did not pedal more than a couple times in the next twenty miles.

I love downhills.

I also enjoy uphills.

The workout adds something to the journey.

There is a person walking across the road.

As I get closer, he takes the classic pose of a hitch-hiker.

Thumb out, a bit of a lean towards me and a smile on his face.

Gotta stop and talk to this guy!

Jerry turns out to be a man of many trades.

Jerry is quite a lively and strong follower of Christ.

What a joy to meet him!

Talk about divine appointments.

Just like the two from Cedar City!

Jerry invited me into their home, had a shower, fed me soup, bread and ice cream, then allowed me to sleep in his van.

Had a great conversation with him before closing my eyes for the night.

He used to help tours with Second Chapter of Acts and other groups from that era.

Their cat, Bing, is quite social.

Franklin Dale Tilley

June 23, 2013

Franklin Dale Tilley

A gentleman I actually met yesterday as I checked into where I could rest and start feeling better from the exhaustion and heat.

Ok.

Heat exhaustion.

It was so stinking hot in Panaca and over the two passes/summits to get to Cedar City.

Franklin helped to hold open the doors as I brought all my gear in.

He knew I was quite without and hoped I would get some good rest.

I also met two older ladies who had come up from Phoenix.

They were both happy to be in cooler weather.

I was happy to be in a cool room!

So there.

All silliness aside, the next morning while eating breakfast, I had a most delightful conversation with Franklin.

A wealth of info and knowledge. 

Not just about his profession but topics that were unique and interesting.

He actually invited/asked if I needed to go anywhere and he would drive me.

The offer was so thoughtful.

I was not feeling strong enough to want to do anything.

So after thanking him, and getting his contact info, I went back to bed.

Was what my body needed.

Anyone young who may be reading this - take care of yourself.

Take a rest if you are tired.

And do not think you are Superman or invincible in any way or form.

You are not.

Believe me, your body will thank you, for taking care of it, as God intended.

Back onto the main trail after that little chasing of the rabbit.

It was mid afternoon when there was a knock at the door.

The gentleman from the local bike shop was kind enough to bring me the two new tires.

If someone says this tire or that tire, especially on a bicycle, going cross country, will last so many miles, stick your fingers in your ears and do not believe them.

My rule of thumb.

Cut the distance they say a tire will last by half.

Maybe, and only maybe, if the terrain, the roads, the sidewalks, etc. were completely ideal, then possibly, the bike tires may last longer.

One needs to remember that on a cross country trip, if you are like me, you will be riding on everything from a newly sealed road, to a washboard gravel road to see a falls, two miles off the main road.

Or you may see a little side road that leads to a good sleeping spot.

Sweet!

But it is getting dark and you do not see that you ran over some glass.

The next morning you notice your tire is flat.

Remember.

Half the mileage for which the tire is rated.

I can usually change a tire fairly quickly.

Took me over an hour to change the two front tires on the recumbent.

Was pretty much washed out again.

There was a Subway next door so after it cooled off more I walked across and got a veggie sandwich.

And it all stayed down!

Yeah!

Not much time had passed after eating, I went to bed.

Not sure what was going on, but my internal thermometer must have been overworked the last few days.

Could not decide whether I was suppose to be hot or cold.

The long and short of the night - I woke up pretty much soaked from all the back and forth.

But now that I am awake, and it is a new day, I better start a new post.

To life!

Shalom, 

D.