Close Call!

Today I had a Dr.'s appt. in Dunlap at 8 am, so decided to get my bike ride in while going to my appt., killing two birds with one stone. After my appt. I continued by bike ride in the valley going along 127N and East Valley Rd., looping back to 111 and back up the mountain to home. It was 36 miles.
Now along the way I had two close calls. First, I was riding north on 127 approaching a crossroad near SVEC. I noticed a white car pulling up to the stop sign, and I was actually thinking whether they would notice me or pull right out in front of me. I was going 20 mph and was approaching the intersection just as the car came to the sign. But instead of coming to a full stop and looking carefully, the car pulled right out in front of me! I quickly had to brake, the driver saw me just as it was pulling out into the hwy. and slammed its brakes on just as I was able to swerve around the front of the car. I did not have enough time to stop without running into the side of the car. That's the closest I've come to being hit by a car when on a bike. I definitely believe my angel was there to protect me from a serious accident.
Then on the way home I was riding fast down a hill on McCarver Loop (the road I live on), less than a mile from my home, going about 32 mph, when all of a sudden I hit something in the road with both of my tires. Within 2-3 seconds I noticed I had two flat tires and had to quickly come to a stop. You lose air very quickly with these skinny, high pressure tires. Fortunately I was not far from home, so just put my cleat covers on and walked the bike the rest of the way home. I always carry a spare tube and pump with me, but that would do no good with two flat tires. Once I got home I wanted to see what I hit, so took the car and drove back to the site where the incident occured. I had hit a hand-size piece of sharp concrete that was in the road.
Then after lunch and replacing both of my tubes with new ones, I was ready to take off again, this time for a shorter more relaxed bike ride. I rode 15 miles up 111 to hwy 8 and back. It felt good.
A few months ago I sprained my right big toe, and my left ankle. They hurt while I walk or try to run, but fortunately when I'm biking they don't bother me at all. Although my neck is still sore and stiff during and after riding. And my lower back has been hurting me, but not that bad when I'm on the bike. But I have been going to see the Chiropractor for the past couple of weeks to see if I can get any relief before I leave. It has helped some.
I sure do wish Janine, Josh, and Caleb could come with me on this trip. Maybe someday we can all do a bike ride together, like the Blue Ridge Parkway--about 450 miles.
But David Kneller is planning on riding some with us. He took his bike in to the bike shop to get some repairs and a tune-up.
Even though this is a huge challenge ahead of us, I believe God's promise in Phil 4:13 applies to this situation as well: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I know He will give me strength, determination, and perseverence to accomplish this goal!--one pedal stoke at a time.

Riding in the Rain

Well it is only 3 and half weeks before we leave to San Diego. I am getting excited and feel I will be ready.
It has been raining a lot this week so have not had much opportunity to ride. But I did ride Tuesday to Spencer and back to my house, about 32 miles. Then today I was looking forward to a nice long bike ride to Powells Crossroads and back. When I woke up it wasn't raining, but then about 8 it started to rain. I waited to 9 to see if it would let up but it didn't. So I decided to just go ahead and bike in the rain anyways, because I really needed to get some miles in. Also, I wanted to see what it would be like to bike in the rain, as I knew I would definitely have to do some biking in the rain on the trip, so I might as well get used to it. At first it wasn't bad. But then going down 111 into Dunlap it really poured. I was a little worried going down the mountain in the rain and those curves. And I didn't know how my brakes would respond in with wet rims. But I was able to coast down between 15-20 mph, whereas I normally zip along at 40-45 mph. But I didn't want to risk losing control and having an accident. The brakes did relatively well. Although it was hard to hold the bike back on the steepest parts. I thank the Lord for keeping me safe.
I biked to Powells Crossroads, using East Valley Rd. on the way there and Hwy 28 on the way back. It was 60 miles exactly, and it took me 3 hours and 47 min, with an elevation gain of 2200'.
I was completely soaked from head to toe. I just bought a Brooks leather "swift" saddle, as I heard they were one of the most comfortable, and even though they are heavier, it is worth the extra weight when riding day after day. I do have to break it in though. And you not suppose to let them get wet. So I put a plastic Wal-mart bag over it, and it worked well keeping it dry.
I hope to bike 50 miles tomorrow, probably to Sparta and back home.
Then sometime before we leave I want to get in a couple of centuries (100 mile rides), back to back.
I praise God He is giving me the strength to train for this trip and look forward to going.

Training for the big day!

We have a little over a month before we leave on our trip, and I know I need to pick up the intensity and frequency of training. This past week I have ridden four times. Sunday I rode from my house to a little past Kneller's house and back--about 40 miles. That was up and down the mountain twice. Then I decided I would go a little further on Monday. So I rode from my house to where 111 joins 27 in Soddy Daisy and back. That was up and down the mountains three times, going 55 miles. Quite a workout. I felt good, but my wrist and neck began to hurt toward the end. Then I rode after I worked on Thursday for only 26 miles, but pushing myself to ride faster, especially up the hills, going from my house down Hwy 8 toward McMinnville and back. I like that road because there is not much traffic as compared to Hwy 111. Now today is Friday, I have been invited to give a talk at Laurelbrook for vespers. So, wanting to get in a ride today, I plan to ride to Laurelbrook, about 45-50 miles. Janine will come later with my clothes and we'll eat supper at Zollinger's. I am looking forward to Sabbath--a day of rest in more ways than one.