Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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"