Day 5 Ellensburg to Yakima
"I missed the first tour!" I have heard that statement so many times from the 102 Canadians that are on this tour. The reference is to the 2005 Sea to Sea bicycle adventure across Canada.
Today was a short day, only 40 miles, mostly downhill, along the Yakima River. It was a day like every bicyclist would dream. The skies were clear, the wind moderate, the roads clear, and the down hills just great. The climbs were moderate and infrequent. It is a great day to be alive and that is not always true.
One of our bicyclist, Clarence had a brother pass away about a week ago. He was buried today. His brother made him promise to not miss this ride. We are now about 230 miles off the coast and just beginning to know other cyclists in a deeper way than just on a name basis. What I am finding and enjoying and embracing is the rich diversity of people and their commitment to living a life of deep purpose.
I was told a story of one man who had open heart surgery. He made a commitment to never enter into another argument ... ever and to never judge another person. He did this for his own piece of mind and to remove stress from his life. Whatever the reason, what a statement of purpose!
Today was a short day, only 40 miles, mostly downhill, along the Yakima River. It was a day like every bicyclist would dream. The skies were clear, the wind moderate, the roads clear, and the down hills just great. The climbs were moderate and infrequent. It is a great day to be alive and that is not always true.
One of our bicyclist, Clarence had a brother pass away about a week ago. He was buried today. His brother made him promise to not miss this ride. We are now about 230 miles off the coast and just beginning to know other cyclists in a deeper way than just on a name basis. What I am finding and enjoying and embracing is the rich diversity of people and their commitment to living a life of deep purpose.
I was told a story of one man who had open heart surgery. He made a commitment to never enter into another argument ... ever and to never judge another person. He did this for his own piece of mind and to remove stress from his life. Whatever the reason, what a statement of purpose!
Another man just told me briefly his faith journey. As we bicycle together we find ourselves thrown together from all stages of life. There are two reactions to this interaction. One is to be reserved. Another is to be transparent. When the walls of communication are broken open, the stories, the passions, the weaknesses, are laid bare, and we are blessed. I am glad I am not missing this opportunity - and if you are reading this, I hope you are not missing the opportunities in your life.
Lou
posted by Jan at
12:34 PM
5 Comments:
Happy 4th of July, Lou! Your new friend who has made it a new lifetime goal of never getting into an argument and stop judging sounds like something I am going to try to embrace. Your picture looks like you are embracing the joy of life. God is good! You also make me smile, because you are the same old lovable Lou...tummy and all. Jan, I can imagine your laughter too. :-) Karin
By
Anonymous, at July 04, 2008
Hi Lou, from Starbucks where we are doing email since we have been without electricity since the big storms of last Wednesday. It's good to read that you're doing well.
Go well, my tall friend and may my prayers on your behalf push you up the hills,
noname john
By
nonamejohn, at July 05, 2008
It looks like you are enjoying the ride. How are the tires holding up? Take car & may God Bless you on this journey.
By
Anonymous, at July 06, 2008
Kazi mzuri. Mungu akubariki!
By
Anonymous, at July 07, 2008
lou ..your distant cousin and wife who traveled with you in africa in the 80s sent their best and thanks for the updates and descriptions of experiences...
i can feel your pain as you travel...when who hit the wall....but that is when growth takes place:)
jim
By
jim haveman, at July 07, 2008
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