About two months ago I approached my pastor and friend David Ryder with a challenge and goal I've had since I was a teen--to bike across America. Needless to say, David being an avid biker, was all too eager to take me up on the offer to go with me. We have been planning and training since that day.
Why now? Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer and after major surgery, radiation, and many chemo treatments since then I am more determined than ever to not let this stop me from reaching my goal. So, by the grace of God and in His strength, I along with Dave Ryder will set out on this quest around Oct. 12, 2009.
At first I began training on my Giant 21 speed mountain bike. It worked fine, but I knew I couldn't keep up with Dave riding that heavy bike. So I purchased a Scott Addict road bike two months ago and love it. It's amazing how light it is.
Our plan is to drive out to San Diego, CA and ride to St. Augustine, Fl. About 3000 miles. My wife's parents, David and Faith Kneller, will be joining us as our support team, to drive my Honda Odyssey ahead of us. They will also help feed us along the way. Faith is a great cook!
So with only our water to carry, we hope to average about 120 miles per day, taking about a month to finish the trip.
We have been blessed to have some sponsors from our church, family, and friends that will help to fund our trip. We still have about $2000 to reach our goal.
I will be keeping a journal along the way as well as taking many pictures, so we can share with all of you when we get back. I will do my best to keep the blog up to date of our progress. But if you miss it, we hope to put on a program of our journey at our church when we get back.
Please pray for us as we prepare and take on this challenging adventure. I know God will have many things to teach us along the way, and I want always to be willing to be led by Him.
