The Big Ride 2008

Friday, June 27. 2008

2008-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday night Marvin and I stayed at the Ray's pretty good grocery store bar and grill in Walterville OR. Parking lot's in the middle of the night can become an interesting place to meet people in OR...that's not her story. Not bad accomodations, we were parked right by route 126 heading into Springfield and the traffic wasn't too bad zipping by our window most of the night. For being such an enviromentally concious people these Oregonians sure drive fast and like their SUV's and 4 wheel drive pick ups, reminded me a lot of downtown LaBelle on a Saturday night

Since we don't have a restroom in our RV that we use (water=weight=more=expense) we rely on the nearby church, gas stations, or in this case the local "watering hole"...I walked over to the place at around 8pm to do my business and the place was closed, I guess Tina the owner thought 8pm was a nice time to go home.

I told Marvin, "shoot Marv, a person couldn't get drunk in this town if they wanted to, who ever heard of a tavern closing at 8pm?" Long story short I walked over to Ray's pretty good groceries and Tracy the mgr. let us freshen up I went back to the RV and heated some water in the Mr. Coffee grabbed a bucket and along with two cups of cold water (cool the hot stuff down) took a sponge bath...it was good to =feel clean again.

Michael in the mean time was enjoying the good life with his family back at the hotel; we did link up with them the next day for showers. Anyway, early Friday morning after a very long ride the day before, we were in position to head to Florence, and the Pacific Ocean, and that's exactly what we did, Marvin was moving so fast I thought he had attached an electric motor to his bike, I could hardly keep up with the guy.

As I rode I kept replaying the places we had been, the people we had met, the challenges that we had overcome in the fabulous journey of a life time, and through it all, I was reminded time and time again of God's care and provision. I'll stop my preaching and stick to the story.

We made it through the low lands of Oregon's west coast and it's beautiful canal and hilly settings, finally pulling into the Florence city limits at 3pm, and after making our way to the Christian Church we then got directions to the nearest beach. After a 5 mile ride up hill and into thewind (very cool and brisk out of the North) we topped the hill over looking the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean, (say that with me...the PACIFIC OCEAN!!!) this Florida boy and his buddies were privy to a sight that made this old Rust Riders heart skip a beat, a beauty of a body of water, (one more time) the Pacific Ocean, my what Lewis and Clark must have felt when they first laid eyes on this mamoth body of water ANYWAY.

We made our way to a beach that was made up of dunes and dead wood, looking very much like the opening scene of the Planet of the Apes, a desert with large tree trunks in it that resembled fallen dinosaurs. The 1/4 mile beach with it's ups and downs of sand dunes didn't deter Michael, Marvin, or me, we picked up our bikes, took off our shoes and headed to water, I suppose on the east coast of Florida they may have mistaken us for Turtles (helmets in tact) trying to get back to the water, when in fact we were merely completing our journey of a life time. The wind was hard, the sand was blowing, the ocean was rough, our bodies were aching from the nearly 4,000 mile trip, and all of that faded when we touched the water.

Wish that all of you could have been with us, but in a sense you were, your prayers, your notes of encouragement, your donations made it possible. For me, I'm so grateful to Jeannie Simala, Tammy Farrell and the leadership team at New Day Christian Church, and for a church in general like the New Day Family.

Speaking for Marvin, a big thank you to Pam for letting him come out and ride with Scott. To Susan thanks for giving us time with Michael, and all the best in his retirement. And I'm especially grateful to the "Redhead" for letting her hubby go out and play! Thanks RJ you're one incrediable woman.

Marvin heads out to Baton Rouge on Monday afternoon, Michael and his family will take the RV and make their way home to Florida, and Lord willing I'll catch a plane to Florida late Monday night out of Portland, via Chicago and Charlotte and on to Fort Myers...I look forward to sharing a bit Sunday morning....I hope you'll join me, as we meet around the Lord's table and celebrate his goodness.

What has God taught me. A couple of things: That in life just like in a bike ride, we need each other, and secondly we must never give up, because one day we will stand before the Father and hear him say, "well done and all the world's cares and heart aches will fade away and then we shall realize, that it was worth it all...

From Florence OR with Love...Scott, Marvin, Michael "The Rust Riders"

2008-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 27, 2008

2008-06-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

THEY MADE IT!!!!

We are having a computer problem getting pictures from Oregon to Florida, so they are not available as of yet.

However our 3 awesome riders completed the journey - and arrived safely on the shores of Oregon.

Way to GO GUYS!!!!!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

2008-06-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mitchell to Redmon OR...It hardly seems possible that the trip is coming to an end, as it is we hope to be putting our front tires in the Pacific Ocean this Saturday at around 1Pm PT. In the mean time the ride continues...We stayed in Mitchell OR on Tuesday night (don't miss the announcement Sunday Morning) and thanks to the folks there we were well taken care of. Even met Henry, the local dog for the town, Henry weighs in a 800 pounds and is in fact a brown bear. We got to feed him frozen cookies and he put them away like M&M's one little bite at a time, no wonder he weighs so much.

Left Mitchell and made our way toward Redmon, somewhere along the line Marvin and I went the wrong way, and Michael obviously never found us the last 20 miles of the ride, but as we've been shown time and time again, God was watching over us. We went through Butte Platte and saw a Christian Church (like New Day CC) and after talking to Chris Blair the preacher and telling him where we were going, he got on the phone to Redmon and helped us with our nightly accommodation. You guessed it, we were guest of the Christian church, and once again we had showers (hot) and restrooms, plus they even had a TV...color TV, it's been nearly 5 weeks since I've watched anything, so when it came on, I marvelled for 3 minutes at the commercials, heaven knows what I would have done if there was anything on of content.

We ate a nearby restaurant and we got there courtesy of the Redmon CC church van...they gave us the keys to get around. How cool is that?

Michael's wife comes in today at Portland and will drive down to meet us near Eugene...he's excited to see his family, actually Marvin and I are very envious. Well it's getting late and I need to hit the road, Marvin is waiting on me.

What has God taught me today? I believe he's reminding me about his abundant grace, that's another way of saying his pouring out of favor on my life, and this trip. But his favor doesn't mean you're on the mountain all the time during life's experiences it just means that in valley's or on peaks as a Christian we are daily living in God's grace. You think about that one, and thank God for it, after all his grace is truly amazing. The Rust Rider...Scott

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

2008-06-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

We started the day in John Day RV park located in John Day OR, near the John Day River, there’s even a Fossil center that’s a part of the National Park system…which is named??? You guessed it, John Day, now here’s the catch, John Day never came within a 100 miles of this place…it seems that he was able to get a river named after him along the Columbia river years ago and every thing down stream after that was named after him. Good thing his last name wasn’t boring. Can you imagine, “Welcome to the Boring Fossil Center!” or “Here at The Boring High School.” Enough about Mr. John Boring…I mean Day. Speaking of Day…

The ride today was another beautiful ride; this area of the world has many interesting rock formations and will truly cause any believer to sing “How Great Thou Art!” Speaking of great, we pulled into Mitchell OR today, a town of about 150 people, several wandering deer, a large cat that belongs to the town, and a bear in a cage called “dog.” We were looking for a place to hang our RV hats and were delighted to find free electric hook ups in a local park (5 trees, a mountain stream and a swing set). They have 3 plug-ins for RV’s and you can stay free for 3 days, so if you’re willing to drive a little out of your way, guess what? You can stay in Mitchell OR for nothing. This place is so small they have “welcome and good bye” all on the same street sign.

We also met Hugh and Skeeter the owners of a nearby B&B, we sat on their porch and had a nice visit. We ask about cleaning up and they offered their showers and tub in their B&B for free, how nice was that? We ate supper at the Little Green Café that sits next to the Oregon Hotel (Hugh and Skeeter’s place) the food was good and a bit pricey but when you’re the only eatery within 65 miles you can get the asking price.

The ride today was a little less than 80 miles with a great deal of up hill peddle pumping thrown in for good measure, however the last 9 miles was all down hill, and what a rush it was. 42 MPH down hill with a minimal cross wind, until the last 2 miles and then the winds picked up, then it was 52 MPH across the road side wise, the rush turned into panic. It was the only time in my biking life I wish I would have had a drag chute to slow me down...YIKES! Michael continues to drive and get us where we need to be, and Marvin keeps moving on down the road, I’m so blessed to have these guys with me, and the others who helped make this trip a success.

What did God teach me today? Black birds along the road would fly out of the cat tails when we would drive by, they would chirp, and swoop down on us. I guess they thought they were protecting their turf. Lesson? As we travel through life on the way to accomplishing our goals, we will have folks fly in out of no where, squawk, balk, and maybe even trying to dump on us, but we can’t let them detour from being more like Christ. We must keep our eyes fixed on the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus, and just because others are losing there head is no reason for us to join their ranks. Proverbs 3 comes to mind.

That’s it…on toward Redmon or Sisters OR for Wed. Keep us in your prayers as the Big Ride starts to wind down.

Scott “The Rust Rider”

Monday, June 23, 2008

2008-06-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Stayed in at very nice RV park in Meridian ID on Sunday, went to the 10 mile Christian Church, ate and then dropped Robert (our driver) off at Boise airport. We then made our way to our staging area for the final week of our journey which placed us in another RV park in Baker City, OR (Monday) where we began our ride to where I now write from, John Day, OR. This area looks like Wyoming spread out.

High lights of the last few days have been the on going scenery, and of course the people we meet along the way. Some of you asked about the fellow with the pug nose and hat in the picture on Saturday. His name is Jacob Kittleberger from Vienna Austria who now lives in OR. He was walking along the side of the road (going up hill) pushing his bike with a large cooler strapped down on the back of his "fat tire" bike. I stopped, got off and decided to walk up the hill and talk with the man, who seemed quite content to be out in the middle of nowhere with pajamas a broad brim hat and house slippers pushing his bike uphill. Come to find out he was riding his bike 24 miles to go to the world famous fiddle festive in Cambridge and then would return early the next morning at 3am to make his way back to his home in Council. Seems that Jacob had lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fl, and had brokered cars from America back to Austria, and some where along the line decided to move to Idaho and had been in the Northwest for the last 15 years.

When I asked him "what's next" he responded "I'm going to visit China in the next couple of years." I asked, "Where's your home" he responded, "where ever I am." When I asked "how do you make ends meet" he simply responded, "God provides," and then he looked at me and said, "you should try it sometime." YIKES! I got a thousand sermons in that little statement...and with that I end with this blog and a reminder from my friend Jacob Kittleberger who some time some where today will be riding or pushing his bike into life..."God provides...you should try it sometime!" Forgive me Lord for always trying to figure it all out and simply be content that you keep your promises and I have to be in a position to experience them. That's it for now...drop us a note on the blog...The Rust Rider....Scott

Monday, June 23, 2008

2008-06-23T04:22:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to check out the riders album - lots of new pictures to see.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

2008-06-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

We finished our ride from New Meadows ID down to Weiser ID a total of about 75 miles. Wasn't too bad except we went from freezing cold in the last week to, almost a 100 degrees according to my little thermometer on my bike. Came through a little town by the name of Cambridge, a town of about 400 and believe it or not that had an Espresso house that served ice cold smoothies...the $4 for small cup of cold was a bargain. We went through a place called Hell's Canyon, and if that was a foretaste of Hell I've resolved that I don't want to go there...PERIOD!

Had one major 8 mile uphill ride yesterday south of Cambridge with a grade on the road that would make the steepest bridges in Florida look like a hump in the road...can you say "killer." The good news, we got to the top and away we went...downhill, 30-40 mph what a rush.

Michael continues to mend, and that's good because he'll have to drive the final leg (starting on Monday) into OR. Today (Sunday-June 22) we are taking Robert McCarthy to the Boise airport. We're gonna miss Robert, he's got a real good sense of humor, has worked hard, and he's a so-so driver. Just kidding, he's done a wonderful job of taking care of the riders, as all of our guys have done.

What has God taught me? When you're going up hill, tired and the wind is in your face, there's a mountain top waiting for you just up ahead and when you get there (and you will) the reward will be a great view, a different perspective, refreshment and a good ride down to catch your breath. Simply said, don't give up in your journey of faith, know that for every struggle there is a victory...(Ps 23)

Friday, June 20, 2008

2008-06-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

If you haven't guessed it by now: We haven't been sending anything because we're pretty much out of the communication loop. We're so far out in the woods that Smokey Bear can't even find his way out of here.

The week started in Montana and as I write, we're now sitting in another camp ground in New Meadows, Idaho. I've never been in this part of the world but I'm making myself a promise to get back up here with my family. If you have a map check out route 12 from LoLo Mt to Kooskia (KOOS-KA) Id. The route follows the Lochsa River and to say how beautiful it is would be a disservice. Every hill, every turn, is a postcard...plus our National Forest own it all, today I saw the Salmon River...Incredible.
Yesterday on our way into Kooskia we ran into a group of young people from Simpson College riding to Memphis raising funds for fresh water wells in Africa.

Michael continues to improve, but I think he jokes have gotten worse. Robert our driver leaves from Boise and heads back to Melbourne on Sunday, we'll surely miss him...this leaves Marvin and me to hit the payment with the old bikes.

Today was the first day that we rode without long sleeves and long pants. Started the morning in the Pacific time zone and really thought we were kicking it, until we came to a bridge in Idaho that reminded us that we were now going back to Mountain time...and we lost an hour.

What has God taught us today? Simply to trust him, and keep your eyes fixed on him...It looks like the completion of our journey is becoming more of a reality, and let me say in advance, thank you on behalf of the Rust Riders for your prayers, donations and words of encouragement for this life journey. I'll try to write more on Monday if possible.

Scott...aka "The Rust Rider"

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

2008-06-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

It's Tues night and we are in Missoula MT...staying at a KOA.

Last night we stayed at a RV park in Sula MT (pop 35) that was in a beautiful location, complete with a bear that raided the trash containers. What was cool about yesterday was the for real Cowboys who were herding cattle up the road and across SR 278 with no concern for traffic, and of course all traffic came to a stand still and waited until the cows got across, I think Marvin posted a picture of the drive. But along with the cattle came an immense attack of the fastest mosquitoes in the world, those suckers (no pun intended) were all over us, apparently they couldn't tell the difference between people and animals. Though the Red Cross didn't get our blood I think we should get credit for a pint donated anyway.

We topped out the 2nd to last highest peak yesterday, called Chief Joseph pass (Nez Perce Chief) elevation around 7k ft, in light of Hoosier pass in Colorado it didn't pack the same punch, but the Old Rust Rider was breathing hard.

What was really neat about getting to the top was coming down...hair pin turns, down hill straight aways, and some down hill elevation that was nothing but a rush. I think the last time I felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck was on one of those rides at Busch Gardens in Virginia...what a rush.

Marvin continually amazes me with his determination, he's battling some physical difficulties in his right side that almost makes him ride with one hand. A mere mortal man would have never even attempted this trip, but not Marvin...he's my hero.

Michael Stephens rejoined us today...Steve one of the preachers at New Hope Christian in Landers drove Michael all the way to Casper Wy to get a rental car so he in turn catch up with us, a total of 600 miles for Michael to drive and a total of 250 for preacher Steve. The New Hope Church has now become one of my favorites, they demonstrated some unbelievable love to us. Robert is also trying to figure out the routine of the ride and he's doing super ride.

Tomorrow is a special day for the ride, we will go to the office of Cycling Adventure and get our names and pictures in their cycling history books for this ride. Pictures, a rah-rah, and maybe a piece of cake. We called them and they are expecting us. Sorry on the radio contact for Way FM this week and maybe even for Friday, it's called no connection.

Speaking of connecting....

Phone service? My sprint phone hasn't worked in 3 weeks, so guess what I'm going to do when I get home? Now that I have bars on my phone it now tells me "restricted service" That's so frustrating, but then that's kind of like our heavenly father with us and our time in his word, He's trying to talk with us, but for some reason we've put restricters on Him. If I've learned anything about this trip, God wants to talk with you, and he wants you to walk by faith. I hope your lines are open and available.

That's it for now...we're pushing toward the Idaho border. Continue to keep us in your prayers, and if by chance you've been thinking about making a donation, our drive shaft expense fund would really appreciate it.
Scott...aka "The Rust Rider"

Sunday, June 15, 2008

2008-06-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Biker Buddies...Greetings from Montana . Sorry about not sending something, but the ability to send a blog or sleep the choice is obvious. We've had some challenging days, but certainly God filled. As I write Michael is still in Lander Wy hospital possibly going to be released on Monday (16th of June). The bacteria he had is called Mursa and as I understand it, we all carry the bacteria but once in a while it can invade an open sore, such is the case. Anyway we're about 300+ miles north of Lander ( Dillon , MT ) and hopefully Michael can rejoin us in Missoula .

We rode through Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Forest ...talk about awesome! I can't begin to describe the beauty of it...how cool (really cool) to ride along with snow drifts along the rode that were 4-6 ft high. We even stopped by old faithful, saw buffalo and got a parking ticket in W.Yellowstone Village for $50 and when I went to the Police Dept an appealed they were kind of enough to say, "they would handle it." God is good...
Scott Dovey and Chris Stephens headed home today(Father's Day) and I truly hated to see them go...I think they really got into the journey. We welcomed as our new driver Robert McCarthy from Melbourne, Robert is a marshall arts teacher...so don't anybody mess with us!

Keep us in your prayers as we've done extra miles to get us back on schedule. God is good!
The Rust Rider! Scott

Friday, June 13, 2008

2008-06-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

I ate a $10 breakfast meal at McDonalds this morning and Golden Corral last night. I think those two meals has offset the calories burned this entire trip (20,000 calories), but I am not regretting a single bite. People are extremely nice and friendly in Lander, WY, however we are departing our ways this morning.

We said our good-byes to Michael Stephens last night and watched a little of the lakers game. Mike is receiving more medical treatment which may last until Saturday. We are hoping that he recovers quickly and can meet us in Dillon, MT on Saturday.

We have biked enough mitigation miles to get us to Old Faithful and West Yellowstone , WYOMING. Once we commute Northwest we are going to ride approximately 65 miles late afternoon. Old Betsy is attempting to climb the Togowotee ridge and offroad is covered with 6-8 inches of snow. I would not believe it myself in the middle of June to see this much snow. Apparently the temperatures are going to be below 22 degrees tonight. In the paper tomorrow look for the coldest temperatures in the U.S. And you will likely know exactly where we are. It is one thing to be in a warm car drinking coffee/tea, it is a completely different adventure on a bike seat. Continue to keep us in your prayers. The trip is far from over for Scott and I. We have seen God's blessing all over this trip.

Chris Stephens

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

2008-06-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in the RV eating cold pizza we purchased last night from Tony's Pizza in Lander, Wyoming. The weather conditions seem more favorable, however we were warned yesterday that any riding north would bring us into a snowstorm. We are close to Yellowstone National Park that had a 1' of snowfall yesterday. We did not ride much yesterday trying to get repairs to the RV completed. We made best of the situation.

Scott Cain and I were dropped off 30 miles north of Lander just to get some miles in. With prevailing winds and downhill terrain I got my bike up to 51 MPH. It was a rush!!! We are within the Wind River Indian Reservation, and stopped at the Indian trading post. A little known fact Sacajawea (Featured in a Night in Museum) was buried in Wind River, Wyoming . We past the burial place during our bike ride. After getting our miles in, we showered at Sleeping Bear RV park and went to go see IRON MAN (It was great).

The movie theater had only the one movie, and all Freemont County had a total of four different movies playing. People are very friendly and we have made our present known in this little town. We went into the pizza kitchen and helped with the making of our own pizza and did some dishes. It is still below 40 degrees and will only get colder tonight. The Rv is repaired and coffee just finished brewing. What a great country smell coffee has. The journey continues...until tomorrow.

Your friend,
Chris

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

2008-06-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

After many events - Chris Stephens and Scott Dovey have joined the Rust Rider and the gang.

Monday, June 9, 2008

2008-06-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? Chris Stephens and Scott Dovey joined us on Sunday after noon arriving in Denver via Dulles airport in Washington DC. As I understand it, they missed their connection into Washington due to weather and ended up sleeping on the baggage carousel and then nearly missed their 6am flight because they were both flagged as suspect flyers that demanded further scrutiny. With 2 minutes to spare they made their flight into Denver, rented a car and drove to Laramie, Wy where preacher Dave from the Nazarene church in Rawlings and I picked them up.

I was concerned about the long drive to Laramie but the 100 mile drive didn't seem to bother Dave in light of the closest Walmart being a 100 miles away, not a big deal, finally Chris & Scott join our biking family in Rawlings.

Sunday (prior to picking up the guys) Marvin, Michael and I went to church, and once again I was reminded me how good I have it at New Day CC. Pastor Dave taught the Bible School class, made announcements, lead the song service, preached (good message) did communion devotion, and closed with final prayer, and then headed to a VBS meeting of about 4 people...I really admire him and Lori (his wife) they are really into seeing folks become more like Christ.

Sunday night we took the new guys along with the preacher and his wife out to eat to the Flying J Truck stop, I love those kind of places...big buffet with plenty of sweet ice tea, the fellowship and laughter was contagious. Sunday night the wind started blowing and continued into Monday for our ride. From Lamont (north of Rawlings) the prevailing winds were about 20-30 mph behind us out of the SW unfortunately most of our ride turned west and for the next 40 miles it was 5+ mph into the wind. Every time I say I haven't seen anything like this, or that yesterday was the toughest day, then something else comes along. The distances are so great in this area, the Mothership can park literally 5-6 miles down the road, and you think you're almost there and you peddle and peddle seemingly never making any progress especially with the wind in your face.

Fortunately the temp hovered in between 50-65 degrees...off came the outer jackets. Even going down these mammoth hills we had to peddle to maintain speed, wind gust between 45-50 mph- and don't forget the trucks...But there's more...

The RV has been having generator problems, allowing exhaust to come up into the cabin (that's not good-choke-hack-cough) so I told Marvin to go into Landers with the vehicle and work on fixing the problem. In the mean time Michael (never say die-I got a picture of that) Stephens started to run a fever so he wisely trailered his bike and went called it a day, laying down to get a rest. Chris and I continued to labor against the wind, only after a few miles we spotted the mothership sitting on the top of the mountain, when we arrived at the RV, Marvin and Scott D were standing outside the vehicle looking at the drive shaft laying off to the side of the pavement choking the wheels so it wouldn't roll down the hill. That's right the entire drive shaft decided to drop out on us...

Marv called the towing company and after about an hour or two waiting by the road, the wrecker got there hooked up and took us back to Lander, AND because only one person could ride in the cab the rest of us stayed in the RV and road back to Lander via the wrecker.

Riding in the RV pointing up to the sky on the back of the wrecker and going through the mountains might be an idea for a new Disney ride --- quite a rush being pulled with that much give and take in your vehicle and having no control what so ever.

Finally made it to Jim's auto repair and in the meantime called Pastor Dan at the New Hope Christian Church of Lander who came to our rescue...he arrived within 15 min of pulling into the repair shop...he offered their small church to house us for our lay over, plus he was able to take Michael to ER at the hospital, seemed he had developed some kind of bug that needed medical attention, the hospital gave him fluids dealt with the problem gave him some stuff to sleep and today Scott D is going to run him to Riverton, Wy to get his prescription filled (25 miles away).

Pastor Dan also gave us his Toyota Pickup to do our running since our RV was out of commission, (what a blessing) with that we went out to get a bite to eat and then found out about an RV park that actually had showers, we went over there and found a wonderful Christian couple that invited us in and allowed us to shower (warm water-YEA!). Since the little truck will only handle two people, Marvin and I scrunched behind the seats...we also found out Chris really doesn't know much about driving a stick shift in the floor...anyone need to GRIND a pound of meat? lol

As it is we're sitting in a repair lot with junk cars all around us this morning waiting on the mechanic to open up. I wouldn't have wished any of our circumstances on anybody, but in every instance God has provided through difficult situations...even here at the repair shop, it looks like we will be able to get our generators fixed, push back the rear bumper that we pulled out in a minor mishap back in Pueblo, plus the mechanic is going to put back a stronger drive shaft than the present unit, AND Michael during this down time can recoup and get feeling better.

What's really neat about this whole experience is...most of yesterday had to do with relying on others (as most of our lives do) and asking. It just so happened that our Oswald Chamber's Devotional (MUFHH) for the day (June 9th) was based on Lk 11:10 "For everyone that asks receives" We totally have been seeing this throughout the Big Ride...Pray for us as we make adjustments and hope to be back on the road either today or tomorrow...and on our way to Dubois and then on to the Grand Tetons. Sorry for being so wordy, but I thought you might be interested.
God's best as you ask and go forward by faith.

Scott...aka The Rust Rider.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

2008-06-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

I know it seems hard to believe but we've been freezing our tails off the last few days...Ever since Silverthorne, Co we have been looking winter directly in the face. This morning we left Saratoga Camp ground in Wyoming, the temp held in at 41 degrees and then as we moved north toward Rawlins the temperatures dipped to 36 degrees and head winds of 20+ miles per hour. Along with the wind came the rain and the sleet that soaked us to the core, now add the speed of the bike at 15mph and you've got a recipe for a biker slushy, I haven't been that cold for some time, I started to sing Christmas songs...and it's June!

Made our way up I-80 and the truckers really worked in our favor breaking the wind and allowing us to make better times through this big hilly, windy, and beautiful state. It was so cold that I put on two pairs of riding gloves, and extra set of leggings and I even put a pair of socks over (not under) my riding shoes, our feet were like ice cubes.
We rode up to Lamont but came back south to Rawlins and are guest of a little Nazarene church today. We called them about 4 hours before arrival and they took us in, even let us use their own shower and rest room in their house .Pastor Dave and his wife Lori minister at this small church, but they seem very content in their ministry.

Well that's about it, Chris Stephens and Scott Dovey join us tonight, they;re flying into Denver and will make the 3+ hour trip to Rawlins, I'm looking forward to seeing them, even at 3-4 in the morning. I started the day as I always do reading Oswald Chambers daily Devotional, the one for today was entitled, "Don't Slack Off" boy was that one ever timely, and it's not only when you're riding a bike, it's also most pointed at the Christian life. We haven't gotten this far on our bikes by riding when we felt like it, and we don't make a lasting impact on others in our life or the life of the church by being obedient only when we feel like it, so here's the word, "Don't Slack Off" serve the Lord with gladness, until next time.
Scott ...aka...The Rust Rider

Michael Stephens and Marvin Tallent are a blessing to have on this trip...word for the day from Michael..."You shouldn't have to peddle down hill, it's not fair." (head winds)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

2008-06-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a week full of ups and downs, high winds, moutains, cold temperatures and a few snow flurries thrown in for good measure. Started the week at Royal Gorge near Canon City, Co, and then pressed on into the Rockies. The hardest climb came early on in the week, Hoosier Pass, nearly 4 miles to the top and 12,000 ft in elevation. The shoulder going up to the summit had next to no shoulder, and the trucks really didn't care much about cutting some slack as much as they wanted to get to the top. The was thin, the nausea was there, and the headaches came in sharp and hard, but it was worth it all to stand at this continental divide and realize that you had made it. Both Marvin and Michael have assumed exchanging driving for riding this week because we have no driver, and it's seemed to work out nicely.

We went through Breckenridge on our way to Silverthorne this week and what a lovely area this is, I didn't see any stars but the place sure exuded a fancy lifestyle, needless to say, we kept moving on. We stay at Abundant life Church on Wed, were fed a meal and attended their Bible Study with about 12 other people, Pastor Rick was a really good host, we had to go down to the local YMCA to shower.

Today is Thursday and we made our way up Rt 9 toward Walden Co. The day was long, and the weather started cold and got colder. In the mean time about 4 days ago we ran into Dave and Forest who were biking from Mexico to Canada and camping out everynight, and we kind of formed a riding bond with them. It was interesting because after that we ran into them another 4 or 5 times...they were riding fat tire bikes and pulling all there equipment behind them. I was hoping to get them to do the intro for Sunday but it didn't work out.

A couple of Texas boys enjoying their graduation from college by doing this bike ride before joining the working class. Had prayer with them today in a roadside resturant, they looked really beat after sleeping out all night.

This trip is so much like life in general, every day has it's challenges, and everyday has it's rewards. Maybe the apostel Paul was a bike rider, because he commented about not giving up or grow weary in doing good, for in a season we would reap a reward. I've yet to get to a scenic breath taking view without first struggling up a mountain. What's your mountain? Don't give up, press on. That it's for today, and if we have internet tomorrow we'll write again.
The Rust Rider---Scott

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

2008-06-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

We had a short ride today (55 miles) and ended up in a KOA shadowed by the Rockies, some even had snow on them! We had the opportunity ride through Canon City, Co, and ride out to Royal Gorge. I'm not sure why the Royal Gorge bridge was built, but boy is it high, spanning 1800 ft above the canyon floor over looking the Arkansas river. Simply reminded me of how big and awesome God is and how weak and puny I am. I have a tendency to turn that around some time and get myself in trouble.

Today was the first actual mountain roads I experienced, nothing overwhelming but they just kept going on and on and up and up. YIkes! Keeps us in your prayers as we continue north toward Fairplay and hope to stay at our Christian Camp at Cumo on Tuesday night. The Rust Rider

Sunday, June 1, 2008

2008-06-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

We made our way across Kansas this week and it was a hard and discouraging ride. Not because Kansas was a bad state, actually it was quite beautiful, it was the wind. Did I say wind? It never stopped blowing, in fact I stopped by a marker noting the Santa Fe Trail and read a statement made in September of 1825, the statement said, "This is a big territory, but the winds are driving us insane." It was really neat to see the trail of literally thousands of horse and wagons made hundreds of years ago that can still be seen, the Trail was active up until the late 1860's. Plus Kansas is an open plain and very erid with very little change in scenery...I started counting telephone poles. In fact Michael Stephens and I got off of our bikes to walk over to a telephone pole with those green insulators on and in the process a fellow pulled up to my bike and started to throw it in his truck. I yelled at him and off he went, how embarrasing would that have been.

We were able to catch up with Ken & Judy Claar in Garden City, Ks, and had a wonderful time just seeing a familiar face being so far away from home. After our brief visit we headed on to Scott City, were we stayed at a Baptist Church and found a shower down at the community center. On Saturday we made our way to Eads Colorado. It was really cool to cross from the central time zone into the Mountain Time Zone, and gain an hour, it made the day go a little bit easier. When we finally came to the "welcome to Colorado" sign we had enough time to sit under it with our New Day lawn chairs, and eat lunch, along with a stiff Co, breeze. While in Eads we worshipped with Alvin Clamp and even took showers over at his house. Alvin was a pretty colorful fellow, and a testimony of God's saving grace, his wife Margaret was in the early stages of alzheimers and was a delight to be around, another testimony of a couples commitment to the covenant of marriage. Worship with them and then hit the road over to Pueblo Co (where I write this evening). We had to get to Pueblo in order that our driver Dan Mokris could catch a shuttle to Colorado Springs and a flight back to Georgia, we're gonna miss him. The Rockies now lay before us, and as with all challenges we're praying that we're up to the task.

Some of you have commented that I look like I'm losing weight...I suppose a little here and there, but then I'm burning 6-8k calories a day, so I have no problem eating cheese burgers guilt free. Okay that's it for now, drop us a note on the blog and stay in touch, you're words of encouragement and prayer mean so much.

wSc "The Rust Rider"

Friday, May 30, 2008

2008-05-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a tough week...we left the friendly confines of Coalgate Ok and push on to Ponca City a little town of about 25k out in the northern end of Ok. We stayed at a fairly large FBC there but had to shower at a nearby YMCA...because this church had no facilities. But as the Lord provides we went over to the Y and they gave us towels, and showers for nothing after they learned of our mission.

From Ponca City we pressed on to Medicine Lodge Ks, the winds shifted and made the 127 mile ride quite a challenge. North of Blackwater Ok we encountered our a river that was out of it's banks and running across a nearby road...to go around we would have had to ride another 25 miles so I'm made the call to go across...water on the road and full speed ahead...the water was never more than 10 inches deep so it wasn't too bad. What intrigued me was the thousands of night crawlers all over the road trying to find high ground...a fisherman's paradise.

While at Medicine Lodge we stayed with the FCC there and enjoyed not only showers, but they had supper ready for us as well. Since our clothes were all in need of a wash we walked down to the local laundry mat (5 blocks away) only to find out the place had closed down a week earlier. Dan Mokris our bus driver however was able to throw in a acouple of loads today (Thur) while we rode north. We were up and at it by 6am (normal wake up) and made our way to Dodge City (Boot Hill) Ks today.

107 miles and without a doubt one of the toughest rides I've ever encourntered...hills, distance and 20-25 mph winds in our face all day...we should have been done with the ride in a little over 7 hours, but 11 hours later we arrived...as I write I am very tired, but mindful that our ride much like life has it's ups and downs and just because things slow you down or get tough is no reason to quit especially if your life is being lived to please Jesus.

Okay on to Scott City (I kind of like that name) continue to keep us on your prayers, we hope to see Ken & Judy Claar in Garden City...wSc "The Rust Rider"

Thursday, May 29, 2008

2008-05-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Followers of the BIG RIDE -

We have not recieved any updates from the riders since Monday, they are working hard at getting to their daily destinations, averaging 100 miles a day this week.

Check out the riders album spot for new pictures that we have recieved this week. Please click on the album day to see each day of the Big Ride Adventure.

Our riders will be ending this week on May 31st - the 20th day of the journey in Eads Colorado, completing 1865 miles- and have hit their half way mark. Only 1831 miles to go on the 3696 mile journey.

GREAT JOB GUYS!!

Monday, May 26, 2008

2008-05-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Meeker Ok after departing Coalgate Ok this morning at around 7:15am...the ride to Meeker (a few miles from Ok City) was about 98 miles in distance and with a wind coming out of the south behind us, we made the trip in fairly good time. Roger our first driver headed on back to Fl yesterday and we were joined by my old friend and brother in Christ Dan Mokris. Dan flew 707 in the AF and is confused by all the instruments in our RV "The Mothership." No showers at FBC of Meeker so a good old sponge bath is the call for the day...and I think a trip down to the Shell station for our supper.

Yummy...Tornadoes have been on our mind of late, so everytime the wind picks up and the skies start to darken I'm always on the look out for a low spot to hide out in along the road, so far so good. Yesterday a Tornado touched down to the north of us but we were well out of harms way.

This past Lord's day we worshiped with the Cornerstone Church folks in Coalgate Ok...a small church with a big heart for God. What I noticed about them was their generosity in the midst of their poverty, and their desire to reach Coalgate for Christ. While we were there, they took up a love offering for us (though we didn't ask for one) and then this morning before riding to Meeker as I was getting my riding gear on, I heard a lady say "Pastor Scott," and I went out into the hall way of the church to check it out. A lady in the church who was also their custodian came down the hall and said, "Pastor Scott the Lord woke me up this morning at 3am and told me to give you this, I was afraid you'd be gone"...she handed me 4 $100 dollars bills. I was taken back, and totally overwhelmed by her unexpected gift. I wanted to say "No, you need this more than we do," but then I realized I would be denying her the blessing of giving, and in the process telling God we didn't need what he had provided.

Call it coincidental, but in my Oswald Chambers devotion for the day, I was reminded of God's timely provisions in our life, and how he uses other people to bless and to be a blessing. All day long I've simply been riding and praising God for reminding me, that I don't have all the answers but I serve a God who does and that I can trust him to meet all of my needs.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

2008-05-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hey troops...we're in Coalgate Ok today, about a 100 miles south of Ok City.

Very hot and humid the last few days. Can't seem to get enough fluids and food, though I'm cramming it in. Averaging about 5500-7000 calories burned a day...

The church we're in today was very friendly and had a heavy lean into the holy spirit...the preacher gave us the keys to the church and his truck, and said use it...it's been nice to leave the RV in one spot to do our running.

wSc - The Rust Rider

Bye From Rog -May 24, 2008

2008-05-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Short, fat, bald, guy? You obviously haven't seen these guys! It's a tough life sitting in the air conditioned RV while those clowns are riding their bikes.

My two week sentence (of service) is over and I'll miss the old guys. I'll write from Fl.

Good luck, rog

Snake - May 24, 2008

2008-05-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew and Susan:
I forgot to tell you that I ran over a snake in the road today. It wiggled off into the bushes and I peddled away as fast as I could go.
Dad

Saturday, May 24, 2008

2008-05-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

MCS-RUSTY RIDER said...

Matthew and Susan:
Responding from the offices of Cornerstone Praise and Worship Center, Coalgate, Oklahoma, on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Glad to hear that Baseball and Scouts are going well. Good luck with your next baseball playoff game. We rode 100 miles from Paris, Texas to Coalgate, Oklahoma, today. It was pretty hot, probably our hottest day yet. We just ate at a restaurant downtown and are back at the church getting ready for tomorrow. We spend two more nights in Oklahoma before we move into Kansas. When we came back from dinner there was a red fox running around in front of the church.

We have a day off tomorrow to go to church and rest up. Talk to you soon.
Daddy

Thursday, May 22, 2008

2008-05-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I listened to some bad directions the other day. I had the opportunity to make amends yesterday evening. When coming in to Coushatta, LA, I asked a man at a store, where is the First Baptist Church ? His reply - I am not real sure. I know there are several downtown, but I don't know which was first!

I found it on my on !!!

Marv

Tuesday May 21, 2008

2008-05-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's been very hot the last few days. Road temp around 108 today...yesterday about the same except the wind was in our face most of the day. Keep us in your prayers. The Rust Rider

Monday, May 19, 2008

2008-05-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

We hate to leave Mrs. Watson’s, but we are off to Norwood, LA.

THE REASON MEN DON’T ASK FOR DIRECTIONS

Where’s Marvin????????

Seems he asked a local and he sent him down the wrong road. Did I mention Marvin has GPS? After a short Mothership (the RV) chase, I found him and took him home.

We had dinner from a gas station, life is great.

rog

Saturday, May 17, 2008

2008-05-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining and we are off to Poplarville, MS. Just a few miles out, we encounter a group of local riders that we stop and chat with.

Arrival in Poplarville is no small matter. Our host, Toby, takes us to a plantation-like home on 60 acres in these rolling hills. The place is great and we are introduced to the homes owner, Mrs. Ruth Watson, a gracious lady who has truly opened her home to us.

On Sunday, we are welcomed at Toby’s church. They ask Scott to bring the message and he does.

Friday, May 16, 2008

2008-05-20T10:46:00.002-07:00

Weather was bad all day and we decided to take the RV to Grand Bay, AL due to lightning, etc.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

2008-05-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

Weather threatens as we head to Milton. Conveniently, we ducked into a restaurant along the way during the worst rainfall, but still got a little wet.

Stayed at First Baptist in Milton. Great facility and great hosts.

Scott’s taping of announcements with “Junior” from Texas Roadhouse was here.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

2008-05-20T10:45:00.001-07:00

Off to Mariana. The highlight of this trip should have been the journey thru “Indian territory” for Marvin, accompanied by Michael. However, the generator breaking down on the RV stole the show.

Monday, May 12, 2008

2008-05-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Big Day, for The Big Ride. After starting with our tires in the Atlantic, at Anastasia Beach in St Augustine, FL, we are off to our first days destination, High Springs, FL.

Weather was good except for headwinds. Our host for the night, Pastor Hull, was great and opened his church building to us.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

2008-05-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

We head to Monticello, no not that one, the one in FL. We wind thru several small towns with some interesting old buildings. Our stay at First Baptist was strange. The music minister said he would take us out for showers, then he left and we wound up showering at a local pizza restaurant.

Great weather again.