Sabbath Oct 31--Brownwood, Tx and Santa Ana, TX

Dear Family and Friends,

Before I forget, I want to tell you how kind and helpful the Texans have been across the state. Several times while David and I have been stopped by the side of the road waiting for Dave
to come along on his bike someone will stop and ask if we are OK or do we need help. We appreciate their kindness.


Last Sabbath was another high day for us even though we had to drive one hour to the church in Brownwood. The members were very warm and happy to see us and we them. The pastor,Jerry Chastain and his wife Janet were a joy to meet. They are new Adventists only since 2005 and here they are in the ministry after taking Doug Batchelor's pastoral training program out in CA in 2005. The Texas conference called them in 2006 to be pastors for two struggling churches in the heart of TX. One church was down to two precious ladies keeping things going. They were given a stipend and no benefits, but they felt God was calling them and accepted the challenge. Two years later he was on full salary and benefits . The churches are growing and both are planning building programs. What an inspiration to us to see how God is using these faith filled pastors and willing congregations. We went to the second church in Santa Ana for potluck. That was a treat because after cooking in motel rooms all week someone elses cooking tasted good! Jerry changed his sermon because it was Halloween and the occult and Satanism is having a revival and sometimes Christians go along with it. Hundreds of years ago the Durids would come into a town and demand a virgin from the townspeople and if she pleased them they would leave a Jack-o-lantern.It is of evil originand God wants us to hate evil as He does and run from it.
Pastor Jerry was on the black list fro the Satanic church down the street years ago. One night he woke up to chanting of people who had surrounded his house out in the country. He got up and remembered the Bible text that says "Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world." claimed that text, fell asleep until morning. When he awoke th chanters were gone and no harm done. Neighbors began to notice their dogs, cats, horses even people were missing. He had proof regarding some of it and went to the police who refused to touch the case.


Normally after pot luck the pastor has a Bible study for the new members but this Sabbath he had change of pace and showed us all the DVD of Nick's testimony. Sorry I don't know his last name but you can find it on the internet. Nick was born without arms or legs to a Mother who was a nurse and wouldn't take any meds while carrying him. His dad is a minister and they and the whole church prayed that God would grow arms and legs for this child, but it wasn't part of God's plan. Today Nick is an inspiring motivational speaker with a great sense of humor and love for God. "Joy is happiness in spite of everything not going well for us." Whereever we're at God can use us. Only limits God has are the limits we put on Him. Nick is one of the biggest voices against abortion.


One of the pastor's favorite quotes is "Share Jesus Christ with everyone wherever you go and if necessary use words." I like that!


It's getting late so please overlook the mistakes. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

Love you all!


Faith

Day 14-Fri. Oct. 30-Menard, TX-125 miles

What a wonderful day it was today! It started out with me getting up at 6:00 so we could be ready to leave by 7:30 to drive to where I left off the day before, some 50 miles up the interstate. Before I left Dr. George Grave called me to see how I was doing and to encourage me and to pray with me. Thanks Dr. George! By 8:30 I was ready to start riding. It was cold to start--36 degrees-- thus the way you see me dressed in the picture below. But at least it was sunny out and the wind was coming out of the west--at my back--praise the Lord! What a huge difference the wind makes. Not long into the ride I was ready to shed some layers because of all the exertion of energy. I rode 125 miles today, climbing over 3000 ft. I rode all day on US 190 through the towns of Iraan, and El Dorado, and finished just 20 miles west of Menard. Today was my highest full day mph average--18.6. At the end of the ride I felt like I could go another 40 miles. But I stopped early (4:40) so we could drive to the next town of Brady, TX, to get a motel for Fri. and Sabb. nights, as Menard was too small to have much. In just the short distance I rode today of 125 miles you could see a huge difference in the terrain and type of plants growing. Now the land is flatter and more trees growing, like live oaks. And you see more ranches with cattle, sheep, and goats. We also passed by several working oil rigs (pumps) and smell the pungent odor of the crude oil.
We are now staying in Brady, considered the "heart of Texas", as it is considered the middle of the state. So I guess I'm about halfway through Texas, and halfway through my trip. Sunday I hope to make it just to the north side of Austin, and hope to be through Texas by Wed. I am making better time than I thought, and may have to slow it down some, as Janine plans to drive down Tues., Nov. 17, to see me finish the last day of my trek.
We ate lunch along side the road, as the towns are so far apart in west Texas. David had the flashers on and when we got done and ready to go the car wouldn't start. (my battery is bad anyways and need to get a new one) Fortunately we have jumper cables, now just needed someone to stop and jump us off. We did not have to wait long. The people of Texas have been very friendly and helpful toward us.
Also, after lunch I went off the road a little ways to go pee. When I got back to the road I was covered with stickers all over my pant legs, shoes, and socks. They were difficult and painful to remove. Glad I haven't run over any of those with my bike, as they would definitely cause some damage.
Thanks to all who are praying for me. I continue to claim the promises of Zech. 4:6. Josh. 1:9, and Phil. 4:13 as I ride.
And Pastor Ryder, I sure do miss you! And NO , you weren't a boat anchor to me. Hope we can connect again in Florida. And anyone else who would like to come down and join me and ride with me the last leg of the trip, that would be awesome!
If any of you see my sons--Josh and Caleb--, and my wife, Janine, please say hello to them for me, and give them a hug and a kiss (if it's appropriate) for me!
I sure do miss home, but know it won't be long. I feel like it is all downhill from here.
God bless all of you!

Day 13-Thurs Oct. 29-Jct. 190 & I-10- 68 miles

Just when I thougth it couldn't get any worse, it did. Yesterday the wind was terrible. But today I woke up to 35 degrees, wind 20-30 mph from northwest, and sleeting mixed with rain. I decided to give it a try. So I rode 16.5 miles with Dave following me. I was getting wet and cold from the freezing rain and sleet, so decided to stop. Waited around in the motel room and then after lunch went out again. Still blowing hard and cold, it had warmed up to 45, but at least it wasn't raining, just a little bit of sleet every once in awhile. So again I set out to get at least 50 more miles in. I had to ride the interstate this time, so Dave went ahead of me about 5 miles at a time and waited till I caught up. I was able to get in a total of 68 miles in what would otherwise have been a wasted day. I actually worked up a sweat and had to shed some layers.
Today was the first cloudy day and the first rain we've seen on our trip, so I can't complain. Suppose to be sunny for the next week in Texas, but getting cold tonight--35.
I'm not able to download any pictures right now as my computer won't connect to their wifi, so am using the computer in the lobby. Will add more pictures later.
Speaking of everything being bigger in Texas, that also goes for the speed limit on the interstate--80 mph! Unfortunately, I'm not quite able to get up to that speed, but I'm trying. The best I can do is 48 mph (downhill).
Faith made a great lunch and supper today (as she always does), but even more so today because we had to stay in the same motel room for a second day, since the next town is 120 miles away. For lunch she made homemade tomato soup and sandwiches. For supper, homemade alfredo sauce with noodles, cooked carrots, and salad.
I sure do miss my boys!! Hi Josh and Caleb. Hope you are reading this. Would love to have done this trip with you. Maybe some other time we can do a shorter trip together.
My cyclocomputer stopped working today. Not sure why. Maybe it was the rain or the cold. I really rely on it alot as to how far I've gone, how fast I'm going, what is my average mph, my riding time, and my rpm or cadence. May have to get a new one when I come to a bike shop. Right now the town are small and far apart, so will probably have to wait awhile.
Well I need to say good night. God bless all of you.

Day 12-Wed. Oct. 28, Exit 229 I-10, 93 miles

Today has been the windiest day yet. All day long I had to fight crosswinds from 20-30 mph and gusting to over 40 mph. Quite dangerous, especially when riding on the interstate, as I was for nearly 80 miles on I-10. You'll see a stretch of it in the picture below. You will also see Dave Kneller doing pushups in the desert while waiting for me to catch up with him. Then for lunch we stopped at a rest area, but the wind so terrible, we had to move the van so the back was away from the wind.
I also had another flat today, because the road I was riding on was so rough. I hoped to go farther today, but the wind just wore me out from trying to fight it all day long. The wind would actually move you 1-2 ft. while riding, and many times I was had to lean about 20 degrees into the wind to keep from falling over. And when going down a long hill that I could normally do 30-35 mph, I couldn't go any faster than 15mph because of the wind pushing against me.
Tomorrow I will be off the interstate after about 50 miles and then head east on US 190 towards Austin, TX.
Quite a warm day today-85 degrees and sunny. Haven't seen any rain yet on our trip. I'm sure I'll run in to it once I get into eastern Texas. Looking forward to seeing some trees and greenery. Tired of all the desert and arid lands.
Well, need to go to bed. Hope to leave by 7:30 in the morning and get in over 100 miles.
Thanks to all you who are following this blog. Appreciate your comments and prayers.
Good night.

Mesilla, NM --Guest Blogger- Faith Kneller

Hello Family and Friends,



About noon on Monday 10-26 we joined David Fries and David Ryder in Mesilla, NMwhich is a very historic town dating back to the 1500's. It long was the capital for NM and AZ.Many of the same old adobe buildings are still standing around the town square.The court house where famous outlaws met up with the law is now filled with fascinating shops. Since the next day was my 70th birthday David and Janine had decided they wanted to treat David and myself to a special meal. David Fries wanted David Ryder to share in the fun too before he flew home on Tues. David and David scouted out a great restaurant that is well known from all around, La Posta. Originally this building was an inn, restaurant, blacksmith shop and jail. Billy the Kid spent his last night in jail there before he was hanged in the morning. The jail where he stayed is now part of the restaurant. One shop keeper told us people love working in that historic old place. Some worked there into their 80's. One lady owned and operated LaPosta for 40 years. The restaurant was celebrating their 70th anniversary so they were offering a wonderful combination plate for $7.00. The salsa was so hot it left your lips burning so the friendly waitress brought us some mild green chili sauce that was wonderful. The food and atmosphere were great and made my 70th memorable.

There was a very large toucan cage in the lobby with several toucans who were very sleepy and quiet when we went in. After our meal I checked out the gift shop and when I rejoined my David in the lobby the birds were making a horrendous ruckus and talking. The host was astounded. "They never talk or make noise this time of day," he said.There was my David standing calmly looking at the birds in a very innocent manner. I wasn't surprised for he loves to whistle softly and wake up animals. He really did it that time!

I even had some leisure time to investigate the little shops in the town square so that was a birthday treat for me. Faith

Day 11-Tues. Oct. 27-Van Horn, TX-129 miles

No pictures today so will just write. Today I rode the most miles to date--129. Also, went over the 1000 mile mark. I forgot to mention yesterday Dave and I saw two roadrunners (birds) running across and along side the road in NM. And today a coyote came out in the road in front of me about 50 ft, then ran off into the desert, stopped and looked at me for awhile.
While riding through El Paso I was withing a stone's throw of the US-Mexico border for several miles. Once out of El Paso, I rode through many fields of cotton and lots of pecan orchards.
I also had two rear flats today. The second time I had replace the tire as well.
The day started out at 38 degrees and warmed up to 75. But the wind was in my face most of the time. I got in to Van Horn, TX just after sunset, and Faith was too tired to cook so we ate out at a Mexican rest. The food was very hot!!!
Missing Dave Ryder. He was such an inspiration to me to keep going and setting a good pace. Riding is a lot harder mentally than physically. Especially here in Texas where there is mile after boring mile of wide open ranges and towns far apart. But I have plenty of time to reflect, think, and pray while I ride. It has been a good experience for me. But am longing to go home. I know, I know. I have three more weeks to go. Once I get through Texas it will all seem like downhill from there.

Day 10- Mon. Oct. 26, El Paso, TX 83 miles

Today was Ryder's last day of riding with me. We started out from Hatch, NM (chile capital of the world) and rode 83 miles to El Paso, TX. Today marks the end of the first third of my trip across America. Now riding through the widest part of Texas will take up the second third part of the trip. So far we have ridden 890 miles. Dave R. would like to have ridden 900, but we ran out of daylight, since we got a late start and took a couple hours to eat out and do some sightseeing for lunch. But Dave says he plans to get the extra miles in when he goes home.
In order to ride across the country in five weeks I will need to average 100 miles a day. There have been a couple days we haven't got a hundred miles in, so will have to do some 120 miles days to get caught up.
Todays high was only 60, but sunny. But we also had the wind in our faces most of the day, which makes it extra cold, too.
For lunch I took David, Faith, and Dave out to eat at an old Mexican restaurant in the old historic town of Mesilla, NM (near Las Cruces). I'm going to let Faith write about that experience later in this blog.
We finished our ride today in downtown El Paso, and the picture of Dave and I by the car with the bikes on it shows the end of Dave R. journey with me. He will be greatly missed and have appreciated him riding with me for nearly two weeks.
Then we drove to a Hampton Inn near the airport so Dave could get a shuttle in the morning and not have to get up so early. It is our nicest room yet, a suite (all they had), with full kitchen, separate bedroom, and living room. You see a picture of Dave and I relaxing in the room.
I praise God for giving us strength and safety so far on our journey, as we continue to claim the promise in Zech. 4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."

Day 9--Sun. Oct. 25--Hatch, NM 101 miles

Today was a day Dave Ryder has been dreading. Biking up to over 8200 ft. We and many others were praying that God would strengthen us for this task. And it turned out to be Ryder's best day biking yet. He was in the lead for most of the day and all the way up the mountain. God surely must have put some wings on his feet. We rode for 101 miles from Silver City, NM to Hatch, NM--the Chile capital of the World.
Our ride from Silver City to the top of Emory Pass, 8228 ft. was 40 miles and took us 3 hours and 20 minutes. Almost all uphill. We left at 7 am when it was barely light out and cold, 40 degrees. We wanted to finish by 3:30 so we could check in to a motel, take a shower, and change, as we had plans to eat out in the old part of Las Cruces with my first foster family--Dennis and Loretta Worthington. They live in Alamorgordo, NM about 70 miles away.
We were able to finish by 3:30, and had a lovely time with the Worthington's. They treated us out to a very fine Italian restaurant. Then after the meal, Loretta gave all us a massage with her "happy hearts", which she always carries with her. It really felt good after a long, hard day of cycling.
After cycling down the mountain into the valley, we rode through many fields of red chile peppers, cotton, alfalfa, lettuce, pumpkin, and pecan orchards.
The second half of the bike ride we had the wind against us most of the time, which really made it hard to keep up a good pace. But despite that we were able to finish in our earliest time yet--PTL!
Well, tomorrow we head to El Paso, TX. This will be Dave Ryder's last day of biking with me. He will surely be missed. He helps to challenge me and sets a good pace. He will fly home from El Paso on Tues. morning. But he plans join me to finish the last 3 days of my trip across America when I bike across Florida and end in St. Augustine sometime the middle of Nov.
Well, it is getting late and need to get to bed. Got to get up early and drive back to Hatch where we left off, some 30 miles away, since there was no motel there, we are staying in Las Cruces tonight.
Good night everyone and God bless!

Sabbath Oct 24--Gila Cliff Dwellings

Sabbath we decided we would take an excursion out to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It is a two and half hour drive one way. The view of the mountains in the Gila National Forest of NM was breathtaking on the way to the national monument. There are series of seven caves in the side of this mountain. We were able to go in to three. They were once home to the Mogollon Indians back in the 1200's. Faith packed a picnic of fajitas. We shared from the Bible and enjoyed the beauty of God's handiwork. Was nice to be able to relax. For tomorrow will be one of our hardest days of riding, climbing up to our highest point of the trip.

Day 8-Fri. Oct. 23--Silver City, NM-47 miles

I sure hope you enjoyed that thrilling story by Dave Ryder in yesterday's post. God surely has been guiding, protecting, and strengthening us in all our travels.
This morning we woke up to 37 degrees. Silver City is at 6000 ft. so gets quite cold here. But seeing that we were not going to ride as far today we took our time in getting going. David Kneller had to drive us back 47 miles to where we left off the night before. It was 10:00 by the time we started and about 50 degrees, but sunny. But when you're riding and the wind is in your face it gets to feeling much colder, so we bundled up warmer for our morning ride. Dave and Faith didn't have to go driving ahead of us this time. We let them stay at the motel and go get groceries while we biked, since we are staying in the same motel tonight as well.
After lunch, we headed out to see the Gila Cliff Dwellings, but on our way it said the park closes at 4pm and it was already 3 pm and we had two hours still to drive, so Dave Ryder suggested we go to the park tomorrow for the day on Sabbath instead of going to the local church, and just have our own worship outdoors. So we headed back. On the way we stopped at an unique gift shop and museum in Pinos Altos, where we were able to buy some local souveniers and gifts.
Once back at the motel Faith made us a wonderful supper of gluten patties, baked sweet potatoes, steamed asparagus, and a wonder garden salad. We all sure do appreciate her culinary talents.
And David Kneller is doing a great job driving the support vehicle and packing up and unloading the van each day.
On our bike ride today we passed the continental divide--6230 ft. Only one more day before we get to Texas. The ride through Texas is so long it comprises about a third of the total mileage of the journey across country.
Well it is Sabbath now, and Dave and I have really looked forward to this Sabbath. What a welcome rest!! Praise the Lord for the Sabbath! Happy Sabbath to all of you.

Day 7-Oct. 22, Jct. 180, NM--102 miles

Yesterday marked the end of our first week of biking across the country. And today was our fourth day in a row of 100+ miles ridden. So tomorrow we plan to do a shorter ride so we can do some sight seeing and have a little rest. Today we biked from Bylas, AZ to Jct. 180, about 15 miles into New Mexico. We had two passes to climb over. One was a 4500' elev. and the other was 6250' elev. Fortunately, it got cooler as we biked higher, which kept us from overheating. Once on top of the pass, it got quite chilly, about 60 degrees, so I decided I needed to put on my arm and leg warmers. Because when you go down hill fast and you're sweaty you get chilled quite easily. It was a fun ride down hill until Ryder came upon two cattle grates crossing the road. Praise the Lord there was no accidents. After getting down the mountain it started getting dark. So Dave and Faith rode behind us in the van with their lights shining on the road for us so we could finish our ride. We wanted to go at least 100 miles. We did 102. Was probably our second hardest day of riding so far. The hardest day for Ryder was the first day when we left from San Diego, climbing over 7300 ft. Today we climbed 5700 ft.
You'll notice a picture of a cotton field. There were lots of huge cotton fields in the Pima, Thatcher, Safford area of AZ.
We are spending the night in Silver City, NM, but have to drive back 47 miles to where we left off tonight. Will ride to Silver City tomorrow and spend the Sabbath there and go see the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Where ancient indians once lived in the side of the mountains.
Dave is flying out from El Paso Tues am. So we will need to do 100 miles on Sun and Mon to get to El Paso. And Sunday is going to be one of our hardest rides yet I believe. We have to climb to over 8200 ft.
My goal is to reach the Atlantic Ocean in St. Augustine, FL by Nov. 18, crossing the country in 5 weeks. To do that I will need to do an average of 100 miles six days a week. And after we reach El Paso, the hardest part of the journey should be past.
I am also missing Janine very much. I don't think I've ever been apart from for more than a week since we've been married. I love you and miss you Sweetheart!
Since we got in late tonight, we ate out at a Chinese place.
Now we are in an Econolodge for the next 3 nights.

Dave Ryder typing:
Imagine just crossing a high mountain pass (which took me a long period of time to make it up) and having the sun start setting in the western sky! These western sunsets are beautiful and automatically brings forth a response to praise the LORD. Well, it was now time to descend down the other side of the mountain into New Mexico. Now the sun is hid behind the mountain top and the road is getting more difficult to see. I was the first down (the guinea pig) and noticed something ahead in the road. Oh no, not another cattle grate! Sure enough, yet the LORD was faithful and gave me enough time to respond and stop. I walled my bike across (these cattle grates will cause a bicycle to wreck) then continued my descent down into NM. As I was flying down the moutain side wiith less sun light, all of a sudden another cattle grate!! I had to skid to a stop to keep from slamming into the grate! Thank the LORD, I was able to stop just before the grate. I waited for David Fries because I knew it would be too dark for him to see it in time. We had our picture taken at the NM border and continued our ride toward our goal for the day (at least 100 miles). Yet the sun was still going down and the road looked less invitiing. Dave F. and I were very determined though and decided to go for our goal. We were still on a gentle descent through the Gila National Forest. The sunset behind our right shoulders was gorgeous! The glorious colors from God's throne illluminated the sky and reflected off the few clouds that were present. No time for that now, we had a goal to acccomplish, 100 mile mark for this day. I turned my attentiion to the road, which DID NOT HAVE A CENTER LINE AND DID NOT HAVE ANY WHITE SIDE LINES. It was freshly paved and pitch black. The sun went down and I was in darkness. The Knellers were following behind Dave Fries with their lights on and I was ahead a little ways pedddling in the dark trying to reach our goal. When I ccouldn't see their headlights behind me, I started thinking about the BIG elk that my friend John Sulllivan likes to hunt in this same area. I remembered the elk warning signs that we passed earlier when we had some daylight. As a result of all this thinking that I was doing as I was struggling to hold on to the handlle bars (the road was just tar and graveled so it was rough), I concluded that I needed to make some kind of noise so the BIG elks would not jump out in the dark in front of me as I was flying down this mountain side. OOEW, OOEW, OOEW started coming out of my mouth. Then I got to thinking again, what if this was some kind of elk mating call! Maybe I was callling the elks towaard me instead of scaring them away! Then a car came from the opposite direction. You would think this was a good thing since we were flying down the mountaiin on a road we have never seen before in the dark, but NO! I could not see the road at all. I mean at all!! I totally lost the road as I was flying down this mountain vibrating my torso from the little rocks in the newly paved road. I wasn't afraid of the elk anymore, a more immediate danger was before me. Where was the road! Thank the LORD, a verse came to me from the Bible, Psalm 23, "Yea though I walk through the vallley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me". God reminded me in a real way that He is able to guide us when we don't know which way to go. He will help us when we cannot see where to travel. I thank the LORD for getting brother Dave and I down that dark road to our destination, the accoomplishment of the goal for the day, at least 100 miles. We did 102! God Bless, DR

Day 6-Oct. 21 Bylas, AZ 104 miles

Today we headed from Apache Junction and rode through Superior, Miami, Globe, Peridot, and then stopped in Bylas. Miami is said to be the copper mining capital of the world. Peridot and Bylas are in the Apache Indian reservation. At the end in Bylas, we stopped at a gas station to wait for David Kneller to pick us up. A group of young indian men drove up to get gas. Dave Ryder, who is always looking for opportunies to witness for the Lord, went over to the men and talked to them about God, the Bible and end-time prophecy, and then prayed with them, all holding hands in a circle by the pump. Earlier we had a chance to pray with a fellow cyclist we met up with, whose name is Shawn. He is also head cross country and ending up in the same place as I am, in St. Augustine, FL. Faith also gave him a Steps to Christ.
Saw a beautiful sunset while bicycling. I'm always amazed at the beauty of God's creation, and we have seen so much of it while riding.
There was no place to stay in Bylas, so Dave and Faith went ahead and got a room 35 miles ahead in Safford, AZ. We'll go back to where we left off in the morning.
The weather was wonderful today, sunny and 70-75. We did a total climbing of 5800 feet and had fun riding down about 12 miles on the other side.
Ryder had rear flat to repair early in the ride. Dave K. was a big holding his bike (see picture)
For lunch we stopped at a Safeway in Globe. Faith made us some great hot dog sandwiches and some cool grapes. Ryder was really pooped out and so took a nap on the bench in front of the store (see picture)

Day 5-Oct.20 Apache Junction, AZ 101 miles

Today we rode 101 miles from Wickenberg, AZ to Apache Junction, AZ. We spent most of our time going through one town after another. Here are some of the towns we went through: Suprise, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tempe. There was a lot of stopping and starting at traffic lights and stop signs, which not only takes longer, but wears you out faster. Dave & Faith went ahead to get a room in Apache Junction, while we continued to bike well past sunset in the dark. Fortunately I have a rear blinking red light which helps, but is still dangerous. Toward the end it was hard to see the road and so hit some sharp rocks, which gave me a flat tire at the end of our day's journey with just a half mile to go.
Earlier in the morning we stopped at a bike shop in Suprise. Ryder needed to get a new cyclo computer as his broke and also need some new bike gloves as he wore his out. I needed to change out my stem, so got a shorter stem with a little rise to it so I would not have to lean over so far and down. This would help my neck not to hurt so bad.
For ten miles we biked on the Arizona Canal Bike Path, which was pretty cool--no traffic! (see picture).
By the time we finished around 7:45pm we were so tired and Dave and Faith hadn't gotten a room yet, so we decided to just eat out.
Then when we got to the room, Ryder noticed he also had a flat on his rear tire. Lots of sharp things growing here in Arizona.
Oh, the sunsets are just gorgeous here in Arizona. And the weather is getting better each day.
Only 80 today.

Day4-Oct. 19 Wickenberg, AZ 111 miles

Praise the Lord, it was a lot cooler today! Only 85 instead of 100. But plenty of sunshine. Today was our longests riding day. We went 111 miles to Wickenberg, AZ, about 50 miles northwest of Phoenix.
We had to ride about 25 miles on interstate 10. Then about 15 miles into the ride Dave Ryder saw this used car lot with all these really old cars. He was so excited. Then Dave and Faith came along and David Kneller had a blast looking at all the old cars. You'll see Ryder standing by one of his favorite cars on the lot. He tried to get us to buy it for him.
Then we rode on Hwy 60 the rest of the way to Wickenburg. It is the straightest, flattest rode we've seen. It was nice riding on it.
At lunch time we couldn't get a hold of Dave & Faith (their phone was on mute), to have them come bring lunch to us. So we stopped at this small cafe in the middle of the desert and Ryder had six dollars on him which he used to buy us lunch--ice cream cone, and french fries. It hit the spot.
We climbed over 3600' today, but not very steep.
We also saw all sort of cactus. Especially liked the huge saguaro cactus, probably over 15' tall. Then there were these huge melon fields that had just been picked--cantaloupe mostly.
Very tired at the end of today's ride. Ryder is doing really well. Leaving me in the dust today. My neck and butt got really sore after about 50 miles.
Dave Ryder is wanting to go out into the desert tonight and look at the stars and have worship, which should be great with the clear sky and low humidity out here, and no city lights around.