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.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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.
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