Elevation Gained

Cascade Mountains through screaming legs... The screaming wasn't as loud as it will be tomorrow.

We awoke in a high school wrestling room at 5:30 am West coast style. Sleepy eyes but excited hearts we began to stack bins and work on the routine that is sure to follow in the next couple of weeks. Jeff our host whose nick name is Santa...Guess why, brought us donuts and blessed us with the love that poured out of his jolly eyes.

We headed out at 7am after a prayer and smiles. 79.1 miles one of our hardest days to conquer for the entire ride. The majority of the ride would be up the Cascade mountains. Welcomed in at breaks with smiles and high spirits. You notice that I use smile a lot. It is true that again God has blessed me and knows my needs. These people I am blown away by how lovely they are. I am blown away by how beautiful they are and to see their hearts on this journey. with only 4 days into the trip.

The roads were gradual, we gained a total of a little over 5,000 ft in elevation. And our spirits soared higher as each snow capped mountain and water fall continued to steal our words and breathe. I am amazed each hour that passes with how God created these paths and knowing how much we would adore and be in awe of  these things built around us. perfectly shaped with His mighty hands, bursting with love and light.

I counted pedal strokes, 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10... I got to 1,000 and realized I was some place new. I realized that this summer would be more than just a ride. More than just seeing things from a different side, two wheels or states. There are things that we realize when growing up. A constant wondering of when we are going to feel older. When do we move into adult hood and out of this "I'm so young" Nonsense. Perhaps drastic things need to happen in order to properly move from one place to another. Perhaps this is that bridge.
These next few weeks will tell. But for now I have much to enjoy literally every moment not just to look forward to.

Things we can be looking forward to are the 86 miles to be blown through tomorrow and the 90-something on Wednesday.
I am so blessed and so so thankful that God has chosen me and these individuals perfectly. The dynamics, the stories, histories and hearts He has built. I am so blessed.

Please pray for continued strength, endurance and fire to be ignited in our hearts and to keep burning hard through the long hours and hard rides. The harder the more joyful.

Go Adventure...