After a restful night at Randy and Sarah's house in Aberdeen, the guys took advantage of an overcast day, cool temperatures and a nice breeze from behind to help them pound out 135 miles today and into Minnesota. Daniel said it was an amazing sight and feeling to crossover the MN state line.
In all, they rode for about 8 hours and ended up in Appleton, MN. They checked into the Catholic church there but they were rejected and told to check with the police department. When they arrived at the police department, a man overheard their conversation and suggested they talk to his pastor. Well, this pastor referred them to another pastor who ended up buying them a night in a local hotel. See how God takes care of these guys. BTW - the police offerred the guys a free night stay at their local campground which was a nice gesture.
Tommorrow, they plan to ride to Buffalo Lake where they will join up with Vanessa, a friend from SPO. Getting closer...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sweet Aberdeen
The guys were truly blessed today! The weather was cold and wet; one of the coldest days yet with a high of 63. They left Eagle Butte and headed East to Gettysburg - a 65 mile day but God had other plans in mind. The guys managed to ride about 50 miles before reaching the Missouri River when a motorist stopped and offered them a ride in his pickup. Cold, wet, and tired, plus David was riding with one broken pedal, it was an easy decision. They loaded their bikes into the truck and hopped in. The man introduced himself as Grady from the Cheyenne Indian Tribe and he was headed towards Gettysburg on his way to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen just so happen be their next destination after Gettysburg. The guys stopped in Gettysburg to meet the priest at Sacred Heart where they were planning to stay for the night. The priest said he understood the guys would be moving on to Aberdeen and gave them some food for their truck ride. The guys called ahead to Randy and Sarah who graciously offered to take them in a day earlier than expected. They also prepared a nice welcoming meal for the guys. Daniel said it was a real blessing to meet Grady because it would have been a very difficult ride to Aberdeen, about 100 miles from Gettysburg, with a broken pedal. He also said they had a great conversation with Grady and believes God had truly arranged their paths to cross for both their benefits.
The guys got David's bike fixed and are set for their descent into St. Paul, MN. Daniel said they are planning on 4 more days of riding but you never know what God might have in store for them on this last leg of the trip. Stay tuned...
Aberdeen just so happen be their next destination after Gettysburg. The guys stopped in Gettysburg to meet the priest at Sacred Heart where they were planning to stay for the night. The priest said he understood the guys would be moving on to Aberdeen and gave them some food for their truck ride. The guys called ahead to Randy and Sarah who graciously offered to take them in a day earlier than expected. They also prepared a nice welcoming meal for the guys. Daniel said it was a real blessing to meet Grady because it would have been a very difficult ride to Aberdeen, about 100 miles from Gettysburg, with a broken pedal. He also said they had a great conversation with Grady and believes God had truly arranged their paths to cross for both their benefits.
The guys got David's bike fixed and are set for their descent into St. Paul, MN. Daniel said they are planning on 4 more days of riding but you never know what God might have in store for them on this last leg of the trip. Stay tuned...
Blessings & Challenges
The guys spoke after the Masses Saturday night and Sunday morning and received just over $600 in donations for SPO. Fortified and encouraged by the love, generosity, and support they had recieved at Corpus Christi in Newcastle, the guys set off for South Dakota. Their travels through the Black Hills took them by Jewel Cave, Crazy Horse Monument and Mt. Rushmore. I think most know what Mt. Rushmore is all about, but if not, here's a picture. I'm always amazed when I see a picture of this monument and it's surreal when you see it in person.
The guys passed through the Southern end of the Black Hills and spent a short night in Rapid City, SD. Awakening early, the guys set out on their biggest day so far - 130 miles to Faith, SD. This day would end up challenging their strength and faith. After a short ride on Interstate 90 with the big rigs, the guys started down some obscure roadways as they cut across to Route 34. It turns out that about 40 miles was paved and the last 8 miles was grated dirt and gravel but they made it through and pounded on. They made it to the junction of 34 & 73, where they turned North to Faith, and Daniel began to wonder how they would make their destination 30 miles away and it was 7pm and the sun was beginning to set. They had already travelled 101 miles and were pretty worn out so they decided to pray & hitch hike. It wasn't too long after a few "Jesus, I Trust in You" prayers that a man in a pickup truck stopped at the gas station. The guys asked him if they could pack into the back of his truck, and after gaining permission from his fiancee, he told them to load their bikes in back and climb in. He took them all the way to Faith where they had arrangements to stay at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
The guys had previously contacted Fr. Marcin about spending the night in Faith. He had graciously agreed even though he would be out of the country visiting his home town in Poland. He had given the guys specific instructions on where he left a key for them as well as pizzas and soda - just what they needed after one of their biggest days.
Yesterday, Tues., 7/28, the guys woke after a good night rest and decided to scale back their riding plans. Daniel called me early in the morning to see if I could find a Catholic church in Eagle Butte, SD, which is in the middle of the Cheyenne Indian Reservation; he had no access to the internet and kids today don't know how to use phone directories or Directory Assistance. A quick Google search found All Saints Catholic Church and Daniel made a call and was welcomed to spend the night. So, after a lazy morning, the guys pushed out from Faith on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation and made it to All Saints in about 3 hours of riding - probably their shortest day riding so far.
However, David's pedal has broken which made it a bit more difficult. He will have to ride maybe the next 170 miles with a broken pedal before they get to a town with a bike shop. It will be interesting to learn how they "jerry-rig" the pedal. Today, they head to Gettysburg, about 60 miles away.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Goodbye Wyoming
The guys are on their way out of Wyoming after touring much of the State by bicycle.
From the last blog, the guys rode from Sheridan to Gillette, WY, 114 miles, and stayed at St. Matthew's - this was their longest ride yet with lots of wind against them. Yesterday (Friday, 7/24) they rode 80 miles from Gillette to Newcastle, which is located on the Eastern side of Wyoming and at the foot of the Black Hills. They called ahead to the parish in Newcastle and Fr. Phil said that he would put the guys up in a nearby hotel. After meeting Fr. Phil, he offered the guys a chance to speak after the Sat. night vigil Mass and Sunday Masses so the guys decided to stay an extra day in Newcastle. So today was a day of rest and a chance to get to know Fr. Phil and a Bishop, visiting from the Phillipines, better. The guys were even invited out for a steak dinner tonight w/ Fr. Bill and the Bishop.
Tomorrow, they head into the Black Hills of South Dakota and will be seeing Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore. The Black Hills can be fairly dangerous on a bicycle since there are no shoulders or bike paths and lots of tourists.
Please keep praying for their safety. The guys believe they only have 6 -7 nights left on the road before reaching St. Paul, MN.
From the last blog, the guys rode from Sheridan to Gillette, WY, 114 miles, and stayed at St. Matthew's - this was their longest ride yet with lots of wind against them. Yesterday (Friday, 7/24) they rode 80 miles from Gillette to Newcastle, which is located on the Eastern side of Wyoming and at the foot of the Black Hills. They called ahead to the parish in Newcastle and Fr. Phil said that he would put the guys up in a nearby hotel. After meeting Fr. Phil, he offered the guys a chance to speak after the Sat. night vigil Mass and Sunday Masses so the guys decided to stay an extra day in Newcastle. So today was a day of rest and a chance to get to know Fr. Phil and a Bishop, visiting from the Phillipines, better. The guys were even invited out for a steak dinner tonight w/ Fr. Bill and the Bishop.
Tomorrow, they head into the Black Hills of South Dakota and will be seeing Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore. The Black Hills can be fairly dangerous on a bicycle since there are no shoulders or bike paths and lots of tourists.
Please keep praying for their safety. The guys believe they only have 6 -7 nights left on the road before reaching St. Paul, MN.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Giardia Revenge
During their stay in Cody, Daniel began to feel ill and his symptoms worsened. Fortunately, the guys had met a surgeon, Dr. Bill Evans, who was a close friend of Fr. Clark's at St. Anthony's. Given Daniel's symptoms and the fact he had swam in various lakes, streams, etc., Dr. Evans thought Daniel had likely contacted the Giardiasis parasite, which causes severe GI distress, and prescribed some medicine. This illness caused the guys to lay over in Cody an extra day longer than originally planned. However, God provided the guys an opportunity to attend a Carmelite Rite Latin Mass at a Carmelite Monastery with a bunch of young cloistered monks. Daniel said there were 14 young men who were living at this monastery. In addition, Daniel and David were able to get to know Fr. Clark and Dr. Evans much better. They really enjoyed their stay at St. Anthony's in Cody.
Feeling somwhat better, they rode to Greybull, WY, the next day which was about 55 miles East. They were able to stay at Sacred Heart and met up with Fr. Michael, a Nigerian priest. He was very welcoming to the guys and treated them to dinner. Daniel said that it was difficult day on the bike due to the illness but he detected a slight improvement over the previous day.
Today, Wed., 7/22, the guys woke early and rode to Sheridan, WY, a 98 mile day and the longest yet given the terrain and heat. In all, the were on and off the bikes for about 12 hours and climbed over 5,000 ft elevation in a single grade. Daniel said the first 40-50 miles were all uphill. They arrived in Sheridan tonight around 7pm after experiencing several flat tires and enduring blistering sun with temperatures in the high 90's Daniel thought. The plains of Wyoming can get hot. However, they were greeted by some parishioners who were waiting to host them for the night. Daniel said the lady had previously owned a catering business and had made the guys a gourmet meal and they each had their own bedrooms tonight. Thank you Bob and Donna for your graciousness and hospitality. And thank you God for your steadfast love and care over the guys.
Tomorrow, they head to Gillette, WY - Google maps shows it is 109 miles.
Feeling somwhat better, they rode to Greybull, WY, the next day which was about 55 miles East. They were able to stay at Sacred Heart and met up with Fr. Michael, a Nigerian priest. He was very welcoming to the guys and treated them to dinner. Daniel said that it was difficult day on the bike due to the illness but he detected a slight improvement over the previous day.
Today, Wed., 7/22, the guys woke early and rode to Sheridan, WY, a 98 mile day and the longest yet given the terrain and heat. In all, the were on and off the bikes for about 12 hours and climbed over 5,000 ft elevation in a single grade. Daniel said the first 40-50 miles were all uphill. They arrived in Sheridan tonight around 7pm after experiencing several flat tires and enduring blistering sun with temperatures in the high 90's Daniel thought. The plains of Wyoming can get hot. However, they were greeted by some parishioners who were waiting to host them for the night. Daniel said the lady had previously owned a catering business and had made the guys a gourmet meal and they each had their own bedrooms tonight. Thank you Bob and Donna for your graciousness and hospitality. And thank you God for your steadfast love and care over the guys.
Tomorrow, they head to Gillette, WY - Google maps shows it is 109 miles.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
2000 Mile Marker
After departure from Yellowstone, and a fast-paced 80 mile ride, we arrived at St. Anthony's in Cody yesterday just in time for 5:00 Mass. Fr. Clark welcomed us into the rectory, and we decided to take a day off here, mainly because everyone we talked to told us we should spend two days in the Buffalo Bill Museum. We definitely aren't spending two days there, but we did check it out today, and it was pretty sweet. However, we both agreed that neither of us are huge museum fans, as we find it difficult to simply walk around and stare at cool objects. Cody is a beautiful town with beautiful people. Fr. Clark is an extremely hospitable and knowledgeable priest, and was happy to offer an extra day of hospitality to us. Daniel and I have both learned so much already, just from the few conversations we have had with him. We also had the opportunity to attend a Carmelite Rite Latin mass today, which was an incredible experience.
I'm going to get a little more personal here, besides just spitting out the facts. I've been thinking a lot about how God works, and giving Him thanks for all the things he throws at us. We both set off on this trip because we wanted to serve: to serve the God who made us, as well as the people who are our brethren. Oftentimes, however, when you set out to serve and minister to others, you find that you yourself are the one who is being ministered to the most. Sometimes when you try to change others, you yourself become changed. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, but in our case, this summer, it has been good. Almost every place we stay, people are going out of their way to serve us. At first, it was difficult for me to accept that service, and it still is at times. But I have learned that in order to honor others, you sometimes have to let them serve you. There is a time to serve, and a time to be served. And when you are staying with people who are as holy and loving as the people we have been staying with, you really have to learn to be served. One thing we do know, however, is that experiencing the love and generosity of these people we have come into contact with has inspired and motivated both of us to become better servants ourselves, and that gratitude and inspiration will stay with us forever.
On a final note, I want to comment on how God has shaped our brotherhood these past five weeks. I think Daniel and I have both seen each other at our lowest points, as well as our highest points. We have seen each other at times of extreme spiritual highs, as well as times when we are struggling in sin and conflict. However, out of the internal conflict we have within ourselves, and especially the external conflict between each other, our brotherhood grows. Metaphor: riding a bike over a mountain pass. Getting there is difficult. You have to fight your way up, but upon reaching the top, we can celebrate, and the going gets a lot easier (for a while). You can figure out the rest of the metaphor (you can ride your bike your entire life, and you will never stop going over mountain passes). I've written enough (probably too much!), so go in peace, and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you, forever.
-One of us.
I'm going to get a little more personal here, besides just spitting out the facts. I've been thinking a lot about how God works, and giving Him thanks for all the things he throws at us. We both set off on this trip because we wanted to serve: to serve the God who made us, as well as the people who are our brethren. Oftentimes, however, when you set out to serve and minister to others, you find that you yourself are the one who is being ministered to the most. Sometimes when you try to change others, you yourself become changed. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, but in our case, this summer, it has been good. Almost every place we stay, people are going out of their way to serve us. At first, it was difficult for me to accept that service, and it still is at times. But I have learned that in order to honor others, you sometimes have to let them serve you. There is a time to serve, and a time to be served. And when you are staying with people who are as holy and loving as the people we have been staying with, you really have to learn to be served. One thing we do know, however, is that experiencing the love and generosity of these people we have come into contact with has inspired and motivated both of us to become better servants ourselves, and that gratitude and inspiration will stay with us forever.
On a final note, I want to comment on how God has shaped our brotherhood these past five weeks. I think Daniel and I have both seen each other at our lowest points, as well as our highest points. We have seen each other at times of extreme spiritual highs, as well as times when we are struggling in sin and conflict. However, out of the internal conflict we have within ourselves, and especially the external conflict between each other, our brotherhood grows. Metaphor: riding a bike over a mountain pass. Getting there is difficult. You have to fight your way up, but upon reaching the top, we can celebrate, and the going gets a lot easier (for a while). You can figure out the rest of the metaphor (you can ride your bike your entire life, and you will never stop going over mountain passes). I've written enough (probably too much!), so go in peace, and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you, forever.
-One of us.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Grizzly Bear to Boot
Yellowstone delivers on Daniel's wish - to see a bear, but not just any bear, a grizzly bear on the North side of the park. He said people were stopping their cars in the middle of the road and jumping out to see this amazing creature in the wild. Daniel said it was in an open area probably within 100 yards and he has pictures and video to prove it. (not the above)
They said their stay in the park has been amazing. They have met several foreigners and enjoyed staying up late talking about the different cultures and customs. They said they shared their camp last night with a German family and was also met up with a 20 yr. old Frenchman that was backpacking and hitchhiking in the US.
The guys have also seen lots of elk, beautiful scenery and waterfalls, and have swam in freezing cold rivers. They are camped at the Eastern entrance tonight (Friday, 7/19) and will be leaving the park tomorrow for Cody, WY - about 80 miles East.
Goodbye Yellowstone and thank you.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Beautiful Yellowstone - 1,856 miles
The guys have arrived in beautiful Yellowstone and have logged 1,856 miles so far. Daniel called me today (Wed., 7/15) from Old Faithful geyser; he says it is one of the only cell spots in the whole park - maybe it will earn a new reputation in the modern era of cell phones.
They spent last night camping at Lewis Lake on the South end. Today, they are working up the West side and maybe camping at Madison or Norris tonight as they head North. They plan to ride the outer perimeter of the park taking in the sights and do not seem to in a hurry - which is a good way to experience Yellowstone. Actually, bicycling Yellowstone is probably the best way to see the park.
They will be exiting the park on the East end and will head towards Cody. Daniel said they are feeling strong and doing well. He also said they found David's camera stuffed way down in one of their saddle bags - that's a prayer answered.
Side Note: I took the family to Yellowstone 7 years ago when Daniel was just entering 8th grade. I would have never imagined then that he would ride his bicycle back here 7 years later and retrace some of our steps.
They spent last night camping at Lewis Lake on the South end. Today, they are working up the West side and maybe camping at Madison or Norris tonight as they head North. They plan to ride the outer perimeter of the park taking in the sights and do not seem to in a hurry - which is a good way to experience Yellowstone. Actually, bicycling Yellowstone is probably the best way to see the park.
They will be exiting the park on the East end and will head towards Cody. Daniel said they are feeling strong and doing well. He also said they found David's camera stuffed way down in one of their saddle bags - that's a prayer answered.
Side Note: I took the family to Yellowstone 7 years ago when Daniel was just entering 8th grade. I would have never imagined then that he would ride his bicycle back here 7 years later and retrace some of our steps.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Jackson Wyoming & the Grand Tetons
After two long, hard riding days in southern Wyoming, the guys arrived yesterday (Friday) in Jackson, WY, and are staying at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. The guys rode 103 miles from Rock Springs to Pinedale, WY, with some mountains, and then, 80 miles from Pinedale to Jackson with more mountains but also a nice overall decline in elevation. They rode both these days with the Bike and Build group mentioned in previous blogs. The Bike and Build group has been very hospitable to the guys and shared meals with them.
In Jackson, Fr. Joe has been showing the guys around town, treating them to pizza, a re-enactment of a gun fight, and even a whitewater, rafting trip down the Snake River. It has been a a fun day off the bikes and a much needed rest after riding 7 consecutive days.
However, they won't be resting too long. Just for kicks, the guys plan to ride over Teton Pass tomorrow morning (without gear) at sunrise. When I asked why, Daniel said because he heard it was a tough climb with 10-12% grade and they wanted to take in the challenge. He said the grade is so steep that they closed this road to cars and built a new pass; now the old route is just used by bicyclists. I guess the guys are missing the Colorado high mountain passes already.
After their sunrise ride, Daniel said they hoped to speak after the morning Masses to promote SPO. They will then bid farewell to Fr. Joe and the Bike and Build group and head North to camp at the Grand Tetons National Park, then on to Yellowstone National Park for more camping.
PS. Say a prayer that Daniel's wallet is found and returned (lost in Denver) and David's camera (lost somewhere around Vernal and the Flaming Gorge). Also, please continue to pray for their safety daily. The National Parks ahead are very busy and motorists are easily distracted by the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thanks.
In Jackson, Fr. Joe has been showing the guys around town, treating them to pizza, a re-enactment of a gun fight, and even a whitewater, rafting trip down the Snake River. It has been a a fun day off the bikes and a much needed rest after riding 7 consecutive days.
However, they won't be resting too long. Just for kicks, the guys plan to ride over Teton Pass tomorrow morning (without gear) at sunrise. When I asked why, Daniel said because he heard it was a tough climb with 10-12% grade and they wanted to take in the challenge. He said the grade is so steep that they closed this road to cars and built a new pass; now the old route is just used by bicyclists. I guess the guys are missing the Colorado high mountain passes already.
After their sunrise ride, Daniel said they hoped to speak after the morning Masses to promote SPO. They will then bid farewell to Fr. Joe and the Bike and Build group and head North to camp at the Grand Tetons National Park, then on to Yellowstone National Park for more camping.
PS. Say a prayer that Daniel's wallet is found and returned (lost in Denver) and David's camera (lost somewhere around Vernal and the Flaming Gorge). Also, please continue to pray for their safety daily. The National Parks ahead are very busy and motorists are easily distracted by the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hello Wyoming!
Yes, it was a short trip through Utah. We entered it yesterday afternoon, and left at about 9:00 this morning. Today was about a seventy mile day, with some steep climbing right in the beginning. We actually have a picture of a 9% grade sign. I didn't even know they made those! We're having a good time riding with the bike and build crew. I think it's good for both of us to be able to talk with some other people for a couple of days. However, we definitely will be ready to get back on our own track, just the two of us, pretty soon here.
Flaming Gorge National Park was such a beautiful area. We had a tailwind for the first part, and it was just incredible having the wind at our back, helping us ride up those big mountains. I know it helped me enjoy the view a little better. Tomorrow will be a HUGE day, we'll be riding over 100 miles. I don't even need to ask for prayers anymore, because we know you are praying for us. Thank you! We also want to extend a few thank you's that we forgot to mention before. In addition to the care package we recieved from Mike Hershauer at Focus Cyclery (which is in Gilbert, not Phoenix!), we also recieved some powerbars and fast food gift cards from the Marfe family, as well as some delicious snickerdoodles from Danielle Marfe (which were baked with love). Thanks guys!
-One of us
Flaming Gorge National Park was such a beautiful area. We had a tailwind for the first part, and it was just incredible having the wind at our back, helping us ride up those big mountains. I know it helped me enjoy the view a little better. Tomorrow will be a HUGE day, we'll be riding over 100 miles. I don't even need to ask for prayers anymore, because we know you are praying for us. Thank you! We also want to extend a few thank you's that we forgot to mention before. In addition to the care package we recieved from Mike Hershauer at Focus Cyclery (which is in Gilbert, not Phoenix!), we also recieved some powerbars and fast food gift cards from the Marfe family, as well as some delicious snickerdoodles from Danielle Marfe (which were baked with love). Thanks guys!
-One of us
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Crossed into Utah, Colorado=Conquered.
We had a good stay in Rangely and had a lot of fun with Fr. Jim as we got to follow him around and spend time with him for 3 days (Craig, Meeker, and Rangely). Rangely was an extremely small town and Fr. Jim bought us some dinner from the grocery, because it is the only place in town to get food! We headed towards Dinosaur, where we stopped at the gas station to have a big lunch and get out of the hot sun for a while.
Once we got back on the rode we ran into one of the riders from the Bike and Build, Dana Humbert (http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/2900) and got to ride the last 30 miles into Vernal with her. It is amazing how much faster the time goes by when you have someone interesting to talk to. It's not that David isn't interesting...you just run out of things to talk about after a while! :) Dana said that we could stay with the Bike and Build group at the church tonight and I think we'll be joining them as we ride through the Flaming Gorge NP tomorrow!
It feels good to have Colorado behind us, but it is also kind of sad. We had an incredible experience taking in all of God's beauty and meeting so many amazing people. I know that I am going to be coming back again and again in the future. Utah for tonight, and then we'll be in Wyoming!
-Daniel
Once we got back on the rode we ran into one of the riders from the Bike and Build, Dana Humbert (http://bikeandbuild.org/rider/2900) and got to ride the last 30 miles into Vernal with her. It is amazing how much faster the time goes by when you have someone interesting to talk to. It's not that David isn't interesting...you just run out of things to talk about after a while! :) Dana said that we could stay with the Bike and Build group at the church tonight and I think we'll be joining them as we ride through the Flaming Gorge NP tomorrow!
It feels good to have Colorado behind us, but it is also kind of sad. We had an incredible experience taking in all of God's beauty and meeting so many amazing people. I know that I am going to be coming back again and again in the future. Utah for tonight, and then we'll be in Wyoming!
-Daniel
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Northwest Colorado
Cell coverage finally. Since leaving Steamboat Springs, the guys rode to the town of Craig where they met up with Fr. Jim from St. Michael's. Daniel said Fr. Jim was really cool and wears cowboy boots. After they settled in, Fr. Jim took the guys out for some burritos and then to a pig roast at a nearby ranch. When they arrived, they found the pig hanging in the barn letting the blood drain out; it had just been selected from the ranch herd. The spent the rest of the evening on the ranch just hanging out with some of the parishioners from St. Michael's.
On Saturday, July 4th, the guys returned to the ranch for a big party. Afterwards, Fr. Jim loaded their bikes in his truck and took them to Meekers, about 50 miles South of Craig for evening festivities. Daniel said Meeker's only has about 3,000 people but they really get into the 4th of July with a town parade and a hugh firewooks display over the White River. He said the guy who organized the firework show has done the Washington DC display in the past. They spent the night at the local Catholic Church, Holy Family, in Meeker with Fr. Jim because he also covers this parish. Daniel said they attended an all Spanish Saturday vigil mass.
Today, the guys rode to Rangely near the Western border of Colorado and Utah. Daniel said they faced a fairly stiff head wind most of the day and ran out of water about 10 miles out of town. Fortunately, they found a local homestead that offerred them water out of a large potable container on a pickup truck. Daniel said there was nothing out here in this part of Colorado.
Luckily, they are spending the night again with Fr. Jim at St. Ingnatius in Rangely. Fr. Jim also covers this town and it just so happened the guys caught him at the right time in his weekend Mass rotation. The blessing continue.
Tomorrow, the guys leave Colorado and the Rockies and head into Utah, but only for one day, as they cut through the NE corner and head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
On Saturday, July 4th, the guys returned to the ranch for a big party. Afterwards, Fr. Jim loaded their bikes in his truck and took them to Meekers, about 50 miles South of Craig for evening festivities. Daniel said Meeker's only has about 3,000 people but they really get into the 4th of July with a town parade and a hugh firewooks display over the White River. He said the guy who organized the firework show has done the Washington DC display in the past. They spent the night at the local Catholic Church, Holy Family, in Meeker with Fr. Jim because he also covers this parish. Daniel said they attended an all Spanish Saturday vigil mass.
Today, the guys rode to Rangely near the Western border of Colorado and Utah. Daniel said they faced a fairly stiff head wind most of the day and ran out of water about 10 miles out of town. Fortunately, they found a local homestead that offerred them water out of a large potable container on a pickup truck. Daniel said there was nothing out here in this part of Colorado.
Luckily, they are spending the night again with Fr. Jim at St. Ingnatius in Rangely. Fr. Jim also covers this town and it just so happened the guys caught him at the right time in his weekend Mass rotation. The blessing continue.
Tomorrow, the guys leave Colorado and the Rockies and head into Utah, but only for one day, as they cut through the NE corner and head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Biggest Day Yet (Grand Lake to Steamboat Springs)
Yesterday was the guys' biggest day yet, undeniedably. After a big breakfast their host family graciously made for them, the guys set off for Steamboat Springs 90+ miles West of Grand Lake. Daniel said they got off to a good start and stopped at Hot Sulpher Springs for lunch after about 40 miles. It was there they ran into some other touring cyclist going cross country on the Trans Continental Route. The guys had fun exchanging stories and contact info and off they went. They rode the next 55 miles without stopping except for a few pictures and vistas. The record books show they rode 97 miles in about 7.5 hours (in the saddle) - not sure why they don't say "on" the saddle, but it's biker talk.
They guys found lodging at Holy Name Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs with Fr. Tom. Fr. Tom is retired and helping out Fr. Ernest who was out of town. Fr. Tom gave the guys a $25 gift card to a favorite local Mexican restraurant. The guys decided to take off today to recover from their 3 big days in the Rockies after leaving Denver. Daniel said that he had just recently developed some pain behind his right knee and was finding it difficult to even straighten his leg so a day's rest will help. They also have 3 relatively "light" days ahead as they make their way out the NW corner of Colorado and into Wyoming - this also should help. And then there is also Advil...
Stay Posted !!!
They guys found lodging at Holy Name Catholic Church in Steamboat Springs with Fr. Tom. Fr. Tom is retired and helping out Fr. Ernest who was out of town. Fr. Tom gave the guys a $25 gift card to a favorite local Mexican restraurant. The guys decided to take off today to recover from their 3 big days in the Rockies after leaving Denver. Daniel said that he had just recently developed some pain behind his right knee and was finding it difficult to even straighten his leg so a day's rest will help. They also have 3 relatively "light" days ahead as they make their way out the NW corner of Colorado and into Wyoming - this also should help. And then there is also Advil...
Stay Posted !!!
Over the Top
The guys have gone back over the Continental Divide - twice. Just outside Estes Park, the guys entered Rocky Mountain National Park and headed up Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous roadway in the US reaching a top elevation of 12,183 ft and has more than 8 miles of road above 11,000 ft. This road is above treeline and Daniel said it was the most beautiful countryside he had ever seen. He said there snow covered peaks all around and bull elk with full racks were just walking alongside the road. He also said that lots of people asked him and David what they were doing and they handed out lots of Tour de CROSS cards.
Today was a shorter day in terms of mileage - only about 50, but about 30 miles was climbing uphill and then down the back side to Grand Lake - their destination. Unfortunately, the road was under construction and the guys had to ride 10+ miles downhill on a dirt road. Daniel said this was very difficult and he had a headache when they reached their destination.
Thankfully, there was Kevin and Rosalind, their host family, waiting for them on their porch. The guys had called ahead to the Catholic Church and Fr. Michael arranged for the guys to stay w/ Kevin and Rosalind since he didn't live in town full-time. Daniel said they were warmly greeted and then treated to a feast with gourmet burgers, chicken and pasta. It is amazing to see how God is blessing the guys along the way with people like Kevin and Rosalind.
Today was a shorter day in terms of mileage - only about 50, but about 30 miles was climbing uphill and then down the back side to Grand Lake - their destination. Unfortunately, the road was under construction and the guys had to ride 10+ miles downhill on a dirt road. Daniel said this was very difficult and he had a headache when they reached their destination.
Thankfully, there was Kevin and Rosalind, their host family, waiting for them on their porch. The guys had called ahead to the Catholic Church and Fr. Michael arranged for the guys to stay w/ Kevin and Rosalind since he didn't live in town full-time. Daniel said they were warmly greeted and then treated to a feast with gourmet burgers, chicken and pasta. It is amazing to see how God is blessing the guys along the way with people like Kevin and Rosalind.
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