Today was one of my favorite days of the ride so far. It was actually my longest ride ever... to date. Not quite knowing what to expect and having pushed myself fairly well for the first couple days, I resolved to simply enjoy the moments as they came. So instead of hurrying along, monitoring my speed and pace, I stopped to take pictures. A field we passed had bales of hay wrapped in white plastic covering that looked like giant marshmallows... so naturally, we grabbed a graham cracker at the next rest stop and photographed “life-sized” s’mores at the next opportunity. It was a great first tough day-- 90 miles filled with laughs, hills, beautiful scenery, and time to lose oneself in thought. Off to Tillamook tomorrow... tally ho!
Tacoma, WA to Chehalis, WA
Staying at Faith Baptist Church
58.4 miles today, average pace 15.7 mph
A number of bumps (some are calling hills), really not just flat
We had a very nice day riding with cool temperatures all day, mostly cloudy and now sunny this afternoon as we get showers and relax. There is a Baskin Robbins 2.5 miles from the church, but too far to walk, and I do not want to ride and get sweaty again after my shower. Maybe we will head there after dinner that the church is providing for us. With this larger group it is more difficult to make excursions because it takes gas money and we have three van loads if everybody wants to go.
We did have another fall today, but nothing serious, (not serious means it was not me that fell). But Susan has a sore side, a sore hand, and some road rash. We spent about 10 miles on a very nice trail. Only a few bumps in the blacktop, and some intersections that we only had to slow down for, and we were able to ride side by side and get to know each other a little more. We rode with a very pleasant and a nice pace. Sarah got to ride with her aunt, Sher, for about 4 or 5 miles on this trail. I was riding with Jim a lot today, following him in a nice pace line, and then some on the trail. Turbo Tom was also with this pace line. I also got to ride a lot with Sarah today, because she was nice enough to slow down so I could keep up.
Today, we departed Fontleroy Church in Seattle, our host for the last two nights, as we started our adventure down toward San Diego--not before attending a rather interesting church service, though. We had the opportunity to worship with the Fontleroy congregation, as well as participate in a rousing mid-service rendition of the Hokey Pokey…. And no, that’s not a joke. Imagine 80 adults, roughly half of whom are senior citizens, dancing with joy in the middle of a church. I wish I had my camera.
My name is Susie. I pedaled into the last week of the Fuller Center ride with my 27-year-old bicycle ... naive but eager for an adventure. Having turned 50 this year, I thought a week of Fuller Center biking would be a great way to celebrate. My brother, Scott, and his wife, Heidi, were good sports and joined me.
I have enjoyed getting to know my interesting biking team members this week. I am grateful for the gracious ways they have been my instructors, guides, and cycling buddies.
This morning as I was riding, a couple spiritual images came to mind. We bikers rely on vast amounts of air and water throughout the journey. I huffed and puffed pedaling to the tops of bridges, sucking in as much air as my lungs could hold. My muscles craved the oxygen needed to carry on the unusual work load expected of them. In a greater way we need the breath of God blowing His Spirit in us. God's breath gives our lives strength, vitality and purpose for living.
Today was one of my favorite days of the ride so far. It was actually my longest ride ever... to date. Not quite knowing what to expect and having pushed myself fairly well for the first couple days, I resolved to simply enjoy the moments as they came. So instead of hurrying along, monitoring my speed and pace, I stopped to take pictures. A field we passed had bales of hay wrapped in white plastic covering that looked like giant marshmallows... so naturally, we grabbed a graham cracker at the next rest stop and photographed “life-sized” s’mores at the next opportunity. It was a great first tough day-- 90 miles filled with laughs, hills, beautiful scenery, and time to lose oneself in thought. Off to Tillamook tomorrow... tally ho!
ice day riding with cool temperatures all day, mostly cloudy and now sunny this afternoon as we get showers and relax. There is a Baskin Robbins 2.5 miles from the church, but too far to walk, and I do not want to ride and get sweaty again after my shower. Maybe we will head there after dinner that the church is providing for us. With this larger group it is more difficult to make excursions because it takes gas money and we have three van loads if everybody wants to go. 
Today, we departed Fontleroy Church in Seattle, our host for the last two nights, as we started our adventure down toward San Diego--not before attending a rather interesting church service, though. We had the opportunity to worship with the Fontleroy congregation, as well as participate in a rousing mid-service rendition of the Hokey Pokey…. And no, that’s not a joke. Imagine 80 adults, roughly half of whom are senior citizens, dancing with joy in the middle of a church. I wish I had my camera.
