SEA to SEA
Bicycling Together To Leave Hunger Behind

Today, Wednesday - are we toughened up yet - after three days? We climbed just a little over 3,000 feet to a total elevation of 4,002 (58.3 miles). The best part is the downhills. It is totally scary, out of control speed, and filled with faith that there are no unseen potholes up ahead. These are inclines at 6-7%. Climbing I use the granny gear as low as I can go. Speeding down, I try to keep the speed to about 35 mph. I only apply the brakes intermittently so as not to overheat the rims and to maximize the distances. It must be an intimidating sight seeing this 265 pound man come barreling down the mountain.

All distances are in both kilometers and miles. Kilometers go so much faster says Julia. She is from Canada. I think I will use them in the future.

Leanne, a staff member of CRWRC, and I rode together yesterday and today. We both ran out of bicycle energy yesterday so we walked together the last two miles and were able to make conversation. This is unlike when people greet you as you have sweat pouring over your face and you can hardly take another breath. I learned they have one son who is searching for meaning and purpose and doesn't have faith. Meanwhile she and her husband are committed to working in Christian community development and church planting in Central America.

I am sitting in the High School corridor of Ellensburg, Washington with my laptop plugged into an outlet. I am sitting next to a lady from Sioux Center, Iowa. Her name is Barb. That is all I know about her except that I sat up my tent in the neighborhood of hers last evening and she wanted to make sure I did not snore. She told me this was a no snoring tent zone. She told me this morning I was cool. She didn't hear me all night.

Arnie is a guy that clicks with me. He and his family live north of Grand Rapids. He is 70 and a bit over weight - like someone else I know. He says he and I are a pair of Clydesdales. He says between he and I we will show everyone something. I am not sure what we are showing - yet - except a lot of huffing and puffing.

Then there is Frank. He and his wife have eight children, two have worked for CRWRC. He has been in Ghana and Uganda. He has his own driving school. They are looking. Partners staff take note! They live north of Ottawa about 45 minutes. Are we expanding in Canada yet?

P.S. It is 105 in the shade today.
Lou