RIDE JOURNAL for “Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand” orphan schools
VIDEO OVERVIEW OF COAST-to-COAST for HAND-in-HAND
DAILY RIDE JOURNAL (most current on top)
Day 42 August 30, 2020
Telford PA to Belmar Beach NJ 86 miles – We. Did. It! 3,681 miles coast to coast! With God’s help and the help of many, many people, Judi and I made it from the Pacific to the Atlantic to complete our epic Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand ride! And it was truly epic.
Saturday’s weather, which forced us to delay our ride to today (Sunday), was more than compensated for by the perfect late summer weather, with a sweet tailwind to boot!
Judi and I gathered with seven others from Penn Valley Church who wanted to ride all or part of this last ride with us. We love riding with others. The miles seem to tally up so quickly when riding with others! We each took a turn driving the support van for 10 miles, but the rest of the 86 miles we each traversed on bike.
Google maps pulled another fast one on us by taking us to a 1.4-mile sandy trail through a forest. Note that we are on road bikes with thin tires not well suited for sandy conditions. Video Clip1 Day42 Video Clip2 Day42 And if that’s not bad enough, with just .2 miles left, we arrived at a low gate that said, “Do not enter.” We’ll not tell you what we did, but note that it was a “low” gate. Video Clip-Atlantic Ocean Dip
Arriving at the beach we were greeted by over 30 friends and family who came to congratulate us and watch us complete our ride by dipping our front wheels (and then some!) into the ocean. Quite a few beach-goers not from our group came up to ask what was going on, and were impressed when they found out. One gentleman asked for our website so he could donate to our cause!
Afterwards we enjoyed a beach-side pizza party with Judi’s family – four children and spouses, 12 grandchildren, and a sister-in-law.
This is an accounting of the last day of our epic journey to the extent that we have been able to process an achievement which feels, at least for us, truly monumental. Judi and I are so grateful to the Lord for His watch-care over us through our almost 3,700-mile ride across this beautiful land, and we have been humbled every day to think that you would make joining us on this adventure a priority. Thank you!
Tomorrow: SLEEP IN!!
https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/project/hnh
Day 41 August 29, 2020
Delayed – Couldn’t ride today due to thunderstorm and lightning. Sunday’s forecast is perfect for our last Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand ride.
ON TO THE ATLANTIC!
Perkiomen Creek
Day 40 August 28, 2020
Lancaster PA to Telford PA 86 miles – Judi and I made it to our second-to-last stop on our way to the ocean, which also ends up being Judi’s home. The last stop, Lord willing, will be tomorrow (Saturday) as we complete the remaining 86 miles on our way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Arriving at Judi’s house we immediately jumped in her pool, shoes and all! It was a hot and humid day, so the cool splash was more than just a celebration. Video Clip1 Day40
The already turned foliage is a reminder of the soon-changing seasons, and that we’ve amazingly spent most of our summer training or riding this Hand in Hand adventure. So grateful for all who have joined us each step of the way. Judi and I will never forget the Summer of 2020!
About 100 folks came out for tonight’s Hand in Hand party at Penn Valley church! It was so wonderful to see so many dear friends. Tomorrow about 25 friends will either be traveling/riding with or meeting us at Belmar Beach for the last piece of our trail across this beautiful country! Video Clip2 Day40
Day 39 August 27, 2020
Tailwind, Baby!!
Gettysburg PA to Lancaster PA 85 miles – Judi and I had a fabulous day! Here are some of the highlights:
- We had a 15mph true tailwind! That helped us make it through our miles more quickly and easily, (not to mention more fun!)
- Judi found a bike shop that was willing to repair her back derailleur cable immediately.
- We made it to Lancaster in plenty of time before the Party this evening to go out for a ride and late lunch with my dad who lives here.
- The Hand in Hand Party at Lititz Grace (PA) this evening was well-attended and I saw some folks I’ve not seem for a while.
- We had a delightful dinner with the missions coordinator at Lititz Grace, Jessica Martin and her husband Jonathon.
- We are staying with Pastor Tim and Tami Boal tonight.
And now we have only two rides left! I’m already sad for this ride to be drawing to a close. Tomorrow we arrive at Judi’s home where her 4 kids and 12 grandkids await her return. We’re praying the large hurricane spares our region! Video Clip1 Day39 Video Clip2 Day39
Tomorrow is our last scheduled party. We’d love to see you if you’re in the area! Friday, 7pm, Penn Valley Church, 320 N 3rd St., Telford, PA
Day 38 August 26, 2020
Hancock MD to Gettysburg PA 90 miles – Wow! Judi and I are down to just three more rides before we complete our coast-to-coast ride by dipping our front wheels into the Atlantic Ocean. It seems like many months ago that we dipped our back wheels in the Pacific, but it has only been 38 days!
Not to get ahead of ourselves. Today Judi and I spent the morning completing the remainder of the C&O Trail. While the C&O is great, we were really pleased to learn that a new blacktop trail running parallel to the C&O had been added since the last time we were here, and it’s paved! Of course we opted for the blacktop trail (Western Maryland Rail Trail), which took us within 15 miles to Williamsport, Maryland. Video Clip Day38
From there on it was public roads for the rest of the day and a lots of them! Half a mile on this road, then turn left and bear right for .4 miles, then go straight for .3 miles before turning left on… You get the picture. I found this more frustrating than Judi did, but we both managed to really enjoy our rides today.
Arriving in Gettysburg was really special, even solemn. History has daily been at the foreground of our minds as we have ridden throughout this great country, and this afternoon was especially so. One could almost imagine the battles that took place here, the ground, as President Lincoln said, being “hallowed” by the struggles of the brave men who fought here. More soldiers died during the Civil War than in any other war in which the USA has been involved. It is a sober reminder of the stewardship we as a nation have to maintain the perfect union this war was fought to restore and preserve.
Tonight’s Zoom meeting was fun and well-attended (we forgot to count). Many thanks to all who could make it! Two more parties are left. Feel free to message us with any questions you may have.
- Thursday at the Lititz Grace Church (501 W Lincoln Ave., Lititz, PA)
- Friday (8/28) at Penn Valley Church (320 N. Third St., Telford, PA).
Day 37 August 25, 2020
Markleton PA to Hancock MD 95 miles – Today’s ride included two different trails. Judi rode 52 miles on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), dodging a 1-1/2 hour deluge and thunderstorm by taking refuge in a diner (pancakes). Thanking God for letting me get there in the knick of time and only a little wet. I rode over two aquaduct bridges, and through four tunnels. There were two scenic places of interest: The Eastern Continental Divide and the Mason Dixon Line. Video Clip1 Day37
I rode 46 miles on the C & O Canal Bike Trail. It starts in Cumberland MD where the GAP ends. I, however, did not get so lucky to dodge the rain. Had to ride through a severe afternoon thunderstorm that blew in. Video Clip2 Day37
We sure hope you can join us for one of our upcoming Hand in Hand Celebrations:
- 7pm EST, Wednesday (8/26) on Zoom (contact Barb for the meeting link via email at bwooler@encompassworld.org OR via Facebook Messenger)
- 7pm EST Thursday (8/27) at Lititz Grace Church (501 W Lincoln Avenue, Lititz, PA)
- 7pm EST Friday (8/28) at Penn Valley Church (320 N 3rd Street, Telford, PA)
Day 36 August 24, 2020
Pittburgh PA to Markleton PA 89 miles – Zoom Party! Before we share the day’s journal, we’d like to remind you that on Wednesday at 7pm EST we’ll be doing a Hand in Hand Party via Zoom. So if you’re interested in knowing, for example, what the police officer said to Barb on Saturday, or about accidents we’ve both had, or about any other questions you may have, be sure to join this meeting! To register (gotta do this), please message me and send your email address. We’ll reply with the meeting’s Zoom link.
JOURNAL
Bruce & Karen Beck joined us for several miles and a picnic!
Today was another super-challenging day, like every day we have had in Pennsylvania. Though this is the state of my birth and the state where Judi presently lives, I get a feeling that this state is going to make us earn every foot of progress!
The morning started out with us both having two great rides – Judi along the river in Pittsburgh, and me picking up where she left off. Late in the morning our friends Bruce & Karen Beck from Ohio joined us on their tandem bike and the miles shared together with them were such a joy! By lunch time we all reached a pavilion where we would share a picnic lunch. That’s when the day’s fortunes shifted with first thunder and then cloudbursts for the next hour. As you can imagine, the Great Allegheny Passage we are traveling was pretty sloppy until the sun came out to dry it up. Video Clip1 Day36 Video Clip2 Day36
The hardest part about today, however, was not the rain or mud, but the limited cell coverage that made knowing where each other is, impossible. We’re rethinking our processes to accommodate this. Amazing that western PA has been more of a challenge than Montana or North Dakota!
Well, tomorrow is another day, and we’re excited to make up some miles we left out there today plus tomorrow’s miles. Hard to believe our last ride – the ride to Belmar Beach – is coming up on Saturday!
at Wildflower Reserve
Day 35 August 23, 2020
Steubenville OH to Connellsville PA 59 miles – Barb says: “Judi and I had another two-part day – the morning was on open roads and the afternoon was mostly spent riding in an urban setting. After our morning ride, we paid a brief visit to a Wildflower Reserve we came upon along the way.
Pittsburgh is quite a city, with bridges everywhere! And though I’m not a huge Steelers fan (don’t hate me), it was kind of special to look across the river and see Heinz Field and the Carnegie Center.
We spent most of our afternoon trying to pick our way around the city on a trail called the Great Allegheny Passage. Tomorrow we should be able to make excellent time since we already made it to the outskirts of town. We’ll be on this bike trail for the next couple of days. I got to ride through the first of several former train tunnels. Excited to get back on the trail tomorrow!” Video Clip Day35
Judi says, “Today we had rolling hills, with some tough climbs and fun descents (7% grade). What I noticed here in PA is all the roadkill! Are PA animals more dumb?”
HnH Parties This Week:
- Wednesday on Zoom
- Thursday at Lititz Grace (Lancaster PA)
- Friday at Penn Valley Church (Telford PA)
Sure hope you can join us at one of these events! Message us for details.
https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/project/hnh
Day 34 August 22, 2020
Dover OH to Steubenville OH 69 miles – Today was a day of unexpected twists and turns.
We started the day thinking it would be a light, easy day, and the first few hours of riding seemed to bear that out. But then we started running into one obstacle after another. First was a major road detour that forced us on a road we’d rather not have had to travel. That’s when Barb got pulled over by a state trooper! Uhh… apparently you’re not supposed to ride on a four-lane highway when the speed limit is 70-mph! Did you know Southeastern Ohio is very hilly?!! Like, West Virginia hilly! The photo does not even begin to capture the challenge of Judi’s 2-1/2 mile steep climb up a hilly gravel road. Not fun.
Unlikely that Ohio is giving North Dakota real competition on the sunflower seed market, but they sure were beautiful. Amazing how many mid-west counties have such beautiful courthouses.
But, the blessing of the day was a gentleman named Lance that we met at a restaurant when we finally made it to dinner. He was truly interested in our trip and mission. We had a friendly chat. Later, when we went to pay for our meal, we discovered that he had already paid for it! Thank you, Lance, for bringing a perfect ending to our not-so-perfect day.
https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/project/hnh
Lunch with Steve & Celeste Kern
Kevin Smith rode with us for a few miles
Dan & Rachel Jackson hosted us for the night.
Day 33 August 21, 2020
Ashland OH to Dover OH 58 miles – Amazingly, after a fun and restful stay at Pastor Dan & Rachel Jackson’s home in Ashland, Ohio, Judi and I managed to leave their home without even ONE PHOTO of us together to share with you! Truly an oversight, which probably speaks more to how chill we felt with these dear friends. (Ugh! However, here’s a recent photo of them.)
Another good friend from Ashland, Kevin Smith, rode on with us on to our next town, Wooster, OH, where we met Pastor Steve and Celeste Kern for a late lunch. Video Clip Day33
Judi and I then headed off to Ohio’s Amish region. Seeing Amish farms and buggies on our afternoon ride was a strong reminder of Lancaster County, where we will be having a party next Thursday evening at Lititz Grace church. (Details to come.)
Today and for the next two days Judi and I enjoy lighter days of riding as we continue to recover from 21 straight days of intense riding. We are loving these easier rides and are savoring the feeling that home is not so far away! Indeed, this time next week at Penn Valley Church next Friday evening, we’ll celebrate with the Penn Valley Church family (320 N. 3rd St., Telford, PA @ 7pm). The next day (Saturday, 8/29) we’ll be joined by others on our final ride to the Atlantic Ocean!
Day 32 August 20, 2020
Ada OH to Ashland OH 91 miles – This ride was one of our most relaxing, I think. We spent most of ride on Lincoln Highway (“Old 30”), which felt quite like home since this road has figured large in my life story since my earliest childhood even to today. (I live 2 miles off this road in Indiana.) The ride was “unexceptional” except that it feels so much like home – more lazy, chocolate milk-colored streams, more corn fields waiting to be harvested, more deep blue skies and red barns, and more quaint midwestern towns, and a ton more Trump/Pence signs (not a political statement). The ride was super chill, and we arrived in Ashland with plenty of time to shower and rest before our HnH party.
We spent a delightful evening at our second Hand-in-Hand (HnH) party, this one was in Ashland, Ohio. Over 30 people came out, some from as far away as Delaware and Columbus, Ohio! Giana, Michaela, and Micah were the perfect students during the first part of the evening, the HnH literacy school re-enactment. (Thanks for being such good sports, guys!) And the second part was pretty much carried by the questions from the room about our 40-day coast-to-coast bike ride. All in all, I think most of “the rest of the story” – the parts that didn’t make it in our posts – came out last night (including the stories behind our bruises ).
We are asked almost every day about how to financially support HnH kids/literacy schools, so we will start including the link to our webpage from here to the end of our 40-day ride. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your support in prayers, and for those who can, in giving. https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/project/hnh
Day 31 August 19, 2020
Winona Lake IN to Ada OH 115 miles – Our day of rest ended too soon, but Judi and I felt really good back in the saddle today. We were sent off by dear friends from Winona Lake Grace Church, Leesburg Grace Church, and 2nd Mile Ministries, who rode the first 10 miles with us. After thousands of miles riding alone, riding in a group was a real pleasure. Leaving my hometown again after all these miles felt a little strange, but I’ll be back in just a couple more weeks.
Riding through Indiana I was struck by the color of the slow-moving streams: one looked the color of hot caramel, a second looked like split pea soup! Arriving in Ohio the wind picked up and turned into a headwind. In spite of this challenge, we felt really good and enjoyed our miles. We even rode 14 miles beyond our goal of Lima to Ada. Amazing what a little rest can do!
Day 30 August 18, 2020
Winona Lake IN REST Day and Party – Wow. What a day. Yes, Judi and I easily met our goal of not riding our bikes (🥴), and we also managed to sleep in, eat too much, and make it to the Hand-in-Hand party with half our wits about us!
Many thanks to:
- Winona Lake Grace Church for hosting our party
- to Lola Yoder, Miriam Pacheco, and Becky Dick for pulling everything together with the Leesburg Grace Church, too
- to John & Cathy Miller for setting up their own sound system for the evening’s festivities
- to Pam Baucom for real hugs (!) and fun balloons
- to 91 folks who gave of their precious time to show interest in both the Hand-in-Hand orphan literacy school ministry and in our ride. We had prepared a program but in the end your questions pretty much carried the time.
- And thanks, too, for so many who are giving!!
Barb explains what Hand in Hands orphan literacy schools are and why they were started
Judi explains standard biking equipment: compression socks, biking shorts, lock-in biking cleats, & essential nutrition
Barb probably telling one of the many, The rest of the story” stories. (Not everything that happens makes it in our posts!)
All our pictures are from this evening’s party, except for the one of the bazzilion Turkey Vultures in the tree. (Gotta give this birder that one. Couldn’t resist. If you live in Winona you’ll find these birds many afternoons in the tree at the top of Mineral Springs road.)
We hope to see you Buckeyes at the next party, which will be hosted by Ashland Grace in Ohio on Thursday, August 20 at 7pm. For more info contact Dan at 717-304-7785.
Day 29 August 17, 2020
Our hosts for the next 36 hours, Dan & Miriam Pacheco
Mill at Roann IN
Rensselear IN to Roann IN 75 miles – Judi: “Today was an enjoyable ride for several reasons. The miles were lighter, the route was straightforward, we felt good, the weather was cooler (tho’ wet for Barb), and we knew by the end of the ride we’d be in Winona Lake for a rest day tomorrow!”
Barb: “The bike leaning against the stop sign says it all. We were so ready for a rest day. We finished our ride by 2pm and spent the rest of the day being totally spoiled rotten (and LOVING IT) by our Winona Lake hosts Miriam and Dan Pacheco.
But we didn’t just blow through our ride through Indiana this morning, which included some rain, a couple dog stories, and our first 100% true tailwind. It was another good ride with some beautiful sites along the way.
“Chillin'” in a hot tub overlooking Winona Lake (Thank you Maria Tucker!)
For the next 36 hours we have one rule: NO BIKING! 😉
“If you’re in the region, we’d love to see you Tuesday evening (6:30pm) at Winona Lake Grace Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN. Video Clip Day29 We’ll talk about the Coast to Coast ride and about Hand in Hand. Email Miriam for more info at mkayp43@gmail.com.
Day 28 August 16, 2020
Rod & Lola Yoder treated us to dinner.
Odell IL to Rensselear IN 90 miles – 🎼 Back Home Again in Indiana! 🎼 And a delightful dinner with dear friends Lola and Rod Yoder from Winona Lake was a strong reminder that I am indeed only about 80 miles from home.
Our ride today was strong, helped at times by the wind, but bothered by it at others. We stopped for a late lunch to get down more protein to take us the rest of the way to our destination. Walking in that family diner felt like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting. Food was good, plenty, and cheap.
Riding under Illinois and Indiana’s vast spaces feels expansive to the soul – not like soul-stretching but freeing. The wide, lazy rivers – so different from the fast-running rivers of the west, the miles and miles of fields of corn and soy beans, the grid of roads that run long and straight to a tiny point on the horizon. What a beautiful part of the country this is!
Tomorrow (Monday, August 16) we arrive in Winona Lake and the following day will be our first day of rest in three weeks and a day!! Judi and I and our four legs are all looking forward to it! 😉
Day 27 August 15, 2020
Illinois River
Cambridge IL to Odell IL 114 miles – Today is three full weeks of days since Judi and I have had a day off. Together we have ridden 100+ miles each day, many of those days in a heatwave and all but one day with a headwind. Not complaining, just setting the backdrop for our happy news: we had a much-needed TAILWIND today! It wasn’t strong, but it helped. A lot! We made incredible time through our route today and arrived at our hotel not feeling spent. Thank you, Lord (and for all who prayed for an easier day today)! The other part of our story today was that rain clouds were everywhere around us, but instead of raining on us, they provided shelter from the sun’s full heat. Today was a perfect ride, and we are grateful.
As we crossed today another amazing river – the Illinois River – I couldn’t help but recall the story of Naaman, who at first was offended when Elisha told him to go wash in the Jordan River (I believe that was it) to be cleansed of his leprosy, but he was like, “Doesn’t my country have better rivers than this one in Israel?” I just thought, “Wow, our country is so, sooo blessed with incredibly beautiful rivers,” many of which Judi and I have had the privilege of crossing on this amazing adventure.
Completing our route, we drove on Historic Route 66 to our hotel where we enjoyed a dip in the pool before showering and heading to dinner at a local restaurant. Thank you @davidsfoodandspirits.
We’re excited that we are just two rides/days away from a much-needed day off of the saddle AND the days away from our first Hand-in-Hand party at Winona Lake Grace Church in Indiana on Tuesday, August 18! (Find out more about the party by writing Miriam at mkayp43@gmail.com)
Day 26 August 14, 2020
Wyoming IA to Cambridge IL 115 miles – We’re in Illinois! How did that happen? But let’s start at the dawning of the day…
We camped last night in Cascade, Iowa. We enjoyed roasted corn as we sat around the fire and listened to the babbling brook next to our campsite. After a restful night of sleep, we started the morning out right: with a coffee press and set of binoculars (for watching birds by the river). Packed up, we hit the trail. We battled a modest headwind and heat all day. Our route took us through some areas hard-hit in Iowa by the recent straight-line wind event that has left many communities in Eastern Iowa without electricity. One woman Judi spoke with had a tree fall on her house, and another on her garage.
Crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois was as magnificent as it was two days ago, but this time with a twinge of sadness, like we were leaving behind a lot we had missed. We did at least spot 3 Bald Eagles yesterday morning.
And now here we are in Illinois, the land of soy beans and corn (like Iowa). We made it to map 8 of 8 to take us into Winona Lake, Indiana where we’ll have our first Hand in Hand party at Winona Lake Grace Church on Tuesday, August 18.
On the 19th we’ll continue our route east with a new set of maps that will take us to Ashland, Ohio (on 8/20) for a party, and eventually to Belmar, NJ in a total of 10 days (by August 29)! So there’s still plenty of riding to do before we complete our Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand ride at the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 25 August 13, 2020
Marquette IA to Wyoming IA 115 miles – Today felt more like two days, the dividing of the two parts being a successful trip into Dubuque to get Judi’s derailleur fixed!
We started in Marquette IA and were able to complete 3/4 of our 115 miles by the time we ended part 1 of our day in a very special place: Dyersville IA, the home of the actual field where the movie (starring Kevin Costner) Field of Dreams was filmed. While I (Barb) saw the movie long ago, this was an especially meaningful side trip for Judi, a lifelong softball player, who can quote lines from the film. Video Clip1 Day25
Off to Dubuque to get Judi’s bike repaired. When bike repair guys know you are going cross-country they make you their number one priority, so we were in and out of there within 45 minutes and they only charged Judi $24! Thank you for all who prayed about this important need.
We were impressed by the small towns we went through today. Though they are small, they seem alive and the homes generally well kept. How could the small town of Cascade (population 2,300) have such a big cathedral? It was interesting how many towns bore names of European cities, such as Guttenberg, Luxemburg, and New Vienna among others. Video Clip2 Day25
Day 24 August 12, 2020
Cochrane WI to Marquette IA 110 miles – Two out of two people on this bike adventure agree that today’s ride required as much strength of mind and spirit as it did strength of muscle.
It started with a light but growing and persistent headwind that stayed with us all day. But it was manageable. Reaching La Crosse WI, as I drove through the city, I noticed something surreal. It was the very hotel we stayed in on our way out west. That was miles and MILES ago, and we returned to this point on two wheels. Every now and again the vastness of the spaces Judi and I have spanned on our bikes really hits us, and either makes us laugh or be silent.
Now for the hole in our day: the dreaded detour. It took over 90 min. to get to the other side. Ugh. We finally reached the bridge that took us across the Mississippi River and into Iowa. Video Clip Day24 Continuing our route on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, we were surprised by the long hilly ascents! But breeching the tops of the long hills we climbed, we felt we were on the top of the world – or at least of the region.
The proverbial last straw was when Judi’s derailleur cable went bad. Hoping we can find a Bike shop that’s open tomorrow so she can get her bike back to 100%.
Day 23 August 11, 2020
Lake Pipen
Osceola WI to Cochrane WI 120 Miles – One out of two people on this biking adventure agree that this was not an easy ride day, but I, I mean, SHE is very grateful we made it just the same to our destination.
After breaking camp and packing up this morning, we spent half our ride in Minnesota and then crossed the Saint Croix river into Wisconsin for the rest of our ride. We’ll be in Wisconsin for just part of our ride tomorrow and then cross into Iowa for three days.
I stopped in Stillwater MN to pick up cappuccinos for Judi and me (while she rode) and discovered that this former logging town is famous for several films you’d recognize, including, ironically enough, the movie Fargo. You can google it to find out the other movies filmed there.
Pipen–Birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Wisconsin’s ride took us along Lake Pipen (which spans 22 miles in length) to the west and a high rocky wall to the east. We found out that Pipen was the birthplace of Laura Engle Wilder. The museum bearing her name was probably not open, but we read that there is a replica of the house she and her family lived in, which inspired the Little House on the Prairie books.
Lining our route in both states were wildflowers galore – yellows and pinks and orange.
No roughing it tonight! We are staying in a cabin for a change, but it has a shower, AC, and a fridge.
Day 22 August 10, 2020
Royalton MN to Osceola WI 113 Miles – Two out of two people on this biking adventure agree that today was our easiest day so far. No rain. Warm but not hot or cold temps. We decided last night to sleep in this morning till 7:30am. I enjoyed a first cup of coffee on the front porch (note the cool hair style). After packing up we went out for breakfast – the first time we did such a thing on this trip, but sometimes you just gotta stop pushing. The good Lord blessed us with a modest tailwind that helped us make up the time.
The roads today were mostly quiet country roads, although Judi had one incidence with a yapping dog that she was able to leave in the dust when he gave pursuit. We also came upon a sign that would indicate another area where Amish have settled?
Tonight we are camping at William O’Brian State Park in Minnesota, just back across the border from today’s destination (Osceola WI) and enjoyed franks on the fire under the starlit skies. Tomorrow we bid adieu to the great state of Minnesota, which, however, was not so great to us weather-wise. But we did enjoy our time here and are glad we got at least one night of camping in on our way through.
Day 21 August 9, 2020
Walker MN to Royalton MN 115 miles – If “lumpy” was Judi’s and my word for North Dakota, “wet” is definitely our word for Minnesota. We’ve done 3 days of rides here and have gotten wet each day, and this after staying completely dry since the beginning of our ride on July 20. We’re beginning to think that this “land of 10,000 lakes” generates its own weather fronts from all that evaporation!
For me (Barb), Minnesota has been a little sweetly-sad: sweet because it looks and sounds (birds) and smells so like my home in Indiana; sad because it seems so like home that I have to wonder if the most extraordinary beauty we came to see on this northern route across America may be behind us. Sweetly-sad.
Today rain menaced in the beginning and end of our ride, but by afternoon the sun came out and acted as though she’d been on the job all along! We are proving the old saying, “what’s dry gets wet and what’s wet gets dry”.
We spent 85% of our day riding on a bike trail called Paul Bunyan’s state trail and even got to snap a photo of the big guy. Video Clip Day21 Also caught some wild asters and other wildflowers along the trail. We arrived at our destination with 20 minutes to spare before a huge storm was to hit. NOT CAMPING TONIGHT.
BTW, we’re over halfway (54%) across the distance and over halfway through our 40 rides!
Day 20 August 8, 2020
Hitterdal MN to Walker MN 95 miles – WHAT. A. DAY! A close look at the head of wheat reveals a clue to why. In a word RAIN! It started out like a heavy mist but got wetter and wetter till it was all-out rain! But we kept riding and eventually the rain stopped and sun came out. So “voilà” our welcome to the great state of Minnesota! We’ll be here for 3 days and wouldn’t mind at all if this was the last rain we were served while here.
Early afternoon we stopped in a small store/restaurant where we changed our wet clothes, got warmed up, and got some warm food in us. Saw a plaque on the wall with a meaningful (to Judi and me) saying on it. We were treated to an afternoon on a proper bike trail, nearly 30 miles Heartland State Trail. Loved it! Then we completed the day at the Piggy BBQ in Walker, MN.
There’s a reason they call Minnesota the land of ten-thousand lakes. (In reality there are 11,000 lakes, but who’s counting?)
Day 19 August 7, 2020
Litchville ND to Hitterdal MN 108 miles – Judi and I did battle today with the elements! Thankfully, after 14+ days of heat, that was not an issue today. It was the WIND and the RAIN that challenged us. Once fully wet, we ducked into a restaurant, changed out of our wet clothes, ordered some hot food and waited for the storm to pass.
As the video shows, we got pretty creative when it came to conquering the strong headwind. Video Clip1 Day19
If you feed birds, it’s likely that you’ve feed them sunflower seeds grown in North Dakota. No other state produces more! Video Clip2 Day19 A real highlight was meeting Scott, Garett, and Dawn in our hotel pool. They were very interested in our ride and even gave a donation!
Amazingly we are on map 5 of 8 and have fully crossed North Dakota! We’re in Minnesota for three nights.
Day 18 August 6, 2020
Hazelton ND to Litchville ND 110 miles – Today Judi and I both had close encounters with North Dakota wildlife – I with a badger who was running right at me, but just before reaching me disappeared into his burrow! And Judi was dive bombed by an osprey she surprised as she rounded a bend in the road.
Today was a day of many lakes, our road spanned across lakes several times. As a birder, I was thrilled to see the breeding grounds of birds I’ve only ever seen over-wintering in Florida. And I saw another life bird (first time I’ve seen it): a Prairie Falcon. Road construction and wind were a bit bothersome today, but our tires didn’t melt on the newly laid road surface and in spite of the wind we were able to make it to our destination in Litchville, ND. Hard to believe tomorrow we’ll enter Minnesota!!
Two flowers of note: 1) can anyone identify the flower in the video? Video Clip Day18 It looks like it was planted as a crop. Judi wondered if it was planned to provide nectar for the bees in the region.
2) doesn’t it look like that mini sunflower is waving?
Day 17 August 5, 2020
New Salem ND to Hazelton ND 101 miles – Today Judi and I rode 101 miles, ending our ride in a small town called Hazelton, North Dakota. While the scenery was pretty common, some pretty interesting things happened:
1) We crossed the Missouri River, the longest river in these United States;
2) We rode through the area where, of all things, Lawrence Welk was born! His parents immigrated here from the German/French region of France called Alsace. They spoke German in their home, so he didn’t learn English till his early 20s (thus his accent).
SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FIRST 17 DAYS…
Judi: “The reward of a tough climb is getting to go fast down the other side of the mountain descents in Washington state.”
Barb: “The beauty and the aromas. While the photos are amazing, they leave so much beauty behind.”
Day 16 August 4, 2020
Beach ND to New Salem ND 132 miles – Judi and I were wowed by our short but amazing visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which was on our plotted course for the day. Breath-taking! Somehow this National Park didn’t make it on our radar screen till we were actually passing it by! What a pleasant surprise, and the 4th National park we’ve seen on this trip: Badlands (South Dakota on initial trip West), Yellowstone, Glacier, and Theodore Roosevelt national parks.
Judi’s initial word for North Dakota was “lumpy.” That’s a good start for sure. We spent much of the rest of the day pedaling on “Old Highway 10,” where we saw deep colors in sky and field, some “interesting” yard art, and miles and miles and miles of fields of sunflowers. Early in the day I saw some mule deer and snapped a quick picture which makes it clear how they earned their name.
OH, AND WE GRADUATED TO MAP #4 (OF 8)! Video Clip Day16
Day 15 August 3, 2020
Another surprise visit! Andrew Essex treated us to dinner.
Brockway MT to Beach ND 113 miles – We closed our day with another surprise visit from home! Andrew Essex from Winona Lake Grace Church caught up with us and treated us to a delightful dinner at the only restaurant in town. Great fellowship, good food, and a genuine cultural experience.
We started our day getting warmed up after a very windy, cool night of camping. Believe it or not, Judi secured this FREE campsite by calling the sheriff of the town of Circle (MT), who then offered for us to camp in their version of Central Park. We loved it!
Biking to today’s destination, Beach, North Dakota, we passed a line of train cars at last 15 miles long. (We wondered if they might be parked there in advance of the wheat harvest.) There was also a bovine traffic jam at one of the exits – they literally walk around like they own the place.
Montana gave us a few more breathtaking vistas before giving us over to North Dakota this afternoon. Goodbye, Montana! You’ll always be one of our favs.
Day 14 August 2, 2020
Friends from home, the Sterns, visiting Yellowstone, drove up to treat us to dinner!
Winnett MT to Brockway MT 125 miles – At the end of our longest mileage day yet was the welcome sight of friends from home. Eddie & Lori Stern and daughter Sarah traveled up from where they were visiting in Yellowstone to treat us to dinner and lighten our hearts with laughter. What a treat!
Today – our last day in Montana – was a unique ride, comprised almost completely of ascents and descents. The verse from the Christmas hymn, “Joy to the World” came to me throughout the morning. “While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy…joy…JOY!” I stand in awe of God’s creative genius and am so grateful for the privilege of enjoying this slice of it firsthand.
Judi says: “at one place on the long stretch of prairie brush It occurred to me that as far as I could see, all directions, here was nothing else besides me and the landscape”.
We are camping tonight in Circle, Montana. We included a fun clip from inside our tent, of Judi practicing her Italian lesson. Video Clip Day14
Day 13 August 1, 2020
Stanford MT to Winnett MT 110 miles – We spent much of the day being pelted by grasshoppers. (Sounds oukie-er than it was.) This is hay and cow country, and we followed the trail taken by Lewis & Clark. We were surprised to discover that the Amish are homesteading here!
Judi says: “I’m amazed by the different landscapes we have seen in this part of the state! People are really friendly and willing to share the road.” 😊
Barb says, “I’m so thankful that Judi was willing to join me on this adventure! She’s a delight and also rough and tumble, an important quality to have on such an adventure.
Day 12 July 31, 2020
Wheat, wheat… everywhere!
Conrad MT to Lewiston MT 108 miles – Judi and I are recovering from a disastrous day. It started out as a beautiful ride, as you can see in the footage. Then I came upon a rattlesnake, which was awesome. But by noon we ran into every bikers nemesis: WIND! We were riding east and the winds were coming from the east at 15 mph. We did make it to our goal for the day, but if the forecast is accurate, we have several days of this miserable wind! Praying God has other ideas about it. Sure would love a tailwind! Video Clip1 Day12 Video Clip2 Day 12
Day 11 July 30, 2020
Oh beautiful for spacious skies; for amber waves of grain…
Lewis and Clark roadside historical point of interest
Moved to map 3 (of 8)
East Glacier MT to Conrad MT 125 miles – The phrase “fruited plains” kept coming to mind today. When I mentioned that to Judi, she said she had been thinking about a phrase in that same song, the title, “O beautiful for spacious skies.” Looking at our photos, it’s obvious why. We’re glad we have three more days of riding in Montana. The highlights for me from today:
1) Moving to map 3 of the 8 that are guiding us to Belmar, New Jersey.
2) Seeing a yellow-headed blackbird, a bird I actually had placed on my “must-see list” for this summer, but had put aside when “Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand” became a real thing. God didn’t forget.
3) Coming upon a roadside monument recounting Lewis and Clark’s expedition that took them across this region 215 years ago (the now Blackfeet Indian Reservation). Few stories outside of the Bible have more captured my imagination than that of the Lewis and Clark expedition!
Video Clip 1 Day 11 Video Clip 2 Day 11
Day 10 July 29, 2020
Whitefish MT to East Glacier MT 108 miles – Judi and I had an extremely LARGE day. We started with 25 miles to Glacier National Park. That’s when the majesty really began! Lake McDonald overwhelmed the senses, was just too too much! Too many mountains and too little time. We could only take 2-1/2 hours because we had 51 miles (and climbing) to go to reach our goal today: East Glacier. We had hoped to camp here but campsites have closed down for the season because the park closed the East Glacier entrance.
Two highlights of today were 1) Lake McDonald with its beautiful rocks and 2) making it over Maria’s Pass (continental divide).
Video Clip 1 Day 10 Video Clip 2 Day 10
Day 9 July 28, 2020
Libby MT to Whitefish MT 112 miles – Today Judi and I started out early again due to the forecast of major heat coming our way. It was 57 degrees when we started out and in the upper 90’s by the end of our ride. The morning was nothing less than spectacular as we road along Lake Kooncanusa, our path often lined by sheer walls of rock. By noon we decided to stop for a break in the town of Eureke MT. After an ice cold beverage and a snack, we hit the road again. By 3:30 we arrived at our goal: Whitefish MT. Video Clip 1 Day 9 Video Clip 2 Day 9
Day 8 July 27, 2020
Hope ID to Libby MT 100 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 ft –This morning Judi and I started Week #2, Day #8 which started in Hope ID and has us sleeping in Libby MT. Grateful for your prayers. This is going to be a LARGE week!
We crossed into Montana early into our ride. Pristine streams and beautiful mountain views all along our ride to Libby. At the end of our ride we cooled down by standing in the Kootenai River We’re staying in a rustic motel in Libby. Headed out for dinner now; one of the restaurant options: The Antler Restaurant. Video Clip Day 8
Day 7 July 26, 2020
Coeur d’Alene ID — Recoup
Day 6 July 25, 2020
Newport WA to Sandpoint ID 51 miles — Last night (7/24) we camped at a primitive campsite and enjoyed corn and brats on the fire. As a bird watcher, I (Barb) would have loved to have had more time there, but we needed to hit the trail again if we hoped to reach our goal of NO RIDING on Sunday.
Day 5 Friday, July 24, 2020
Colville WA to Newport WA 76 miles — We left this morning for our last ride in Washington State! We will never forget the beauty we experienced there. A highlight for life! But we will be happy to have a break from the steep 20+ mile mountain climbs. We’ll surely have more hills and climbs, but the major mountain climbs should be behind us as we leave Washington state. (The descents, however, were epic!)
Tonight we camp near Newport, WA. Fresh corn on the cob and brats on the fire this evening, then we head out for our last ride this week to Kootenai, ID where we’ll take Sunday to rest and recoup. Next week will be super challenging as we work our way through Montana with daily long 100+ mile rides. Not thinking about that now, just savoring our victories over each mountain pass of the past four days.
Day 4 Thursday, July 23, 2020
Republic WA to Colville WA 70 miles — Today Judi and I climbed and climbed! We conquered two passes: Wauconda (4,310′) and Sherman, which at 5,575′ is our highest mountain. We were told that week one of this 6-week ride is both the most challenging and spectacular; hard to imagine we won’t see it that way when we get through this amazing adventure. Thanks for praying us along our way! Video Clip Day 4
Day 3 Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Okanogan WA to Republic WA 95 miles with elevation gain of 4,900 ft — Day #3 came with its share of challenges. First we had to make up about 25 miles from day #2 due to crazy high heat. Then Barb was chased by a dog, and both of us got flat tires. Camped at an amazingly beautiful campsite ($12!) and were serenaded to sleep by loons. Awoke this morning to the call of eagles and the song of thrushes. Had to make up some miles this morning, but by 9³⁰am were back on schedule. (Zero reception for either of us for the last 18 hours, thus the delay on this day’s posts.) Video Clip Day 3
Day 2 Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Diablo WA to Okanogan WA 75 miles — We spent the night last night at a beautiful campsite. As much as we’d like to see a bear, we were happy we did not receive a visitation last night. Today we climbed to over 5,500 feet to conquer Washington Pass. Then the heat went crazy (100 degrees), so we stopped our ride 15 miles early. We’ll have to pick that mileage up in the next couple of days. Grateful for your prayers as we have another crazy altitude gain day tomorrow. Video Clip Day 2
Day 1 Monday, July 20, 2020
Anacortes WA to Diablo WA 90 miles — Started the day dipping our back wheels in the Pacific Ocean. Had an amazing and intense day 1 ride. Started some climbing but tomorrow and Wednesday will be crazy in terms of climbing! The beautiful scenery is beyond anything we could have imagined! Every corner today revealed a picture calendar-type vista that took your breath away! (Or was that the 1,500′ altitude gain?) Video Clip Day 1
Sunday, July 19, 2020
On the eve of ride #1 of 40, after some time organizing and prepping for tomorrow’s start, we traversed the Puget Sound on a ferry to Lopez island for a little cycling and dinner. Caught a beautiful view of Mount Baker.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Montana-Idaho-Washington State! Coast to Coast for Hand in Hand’s ride #1 is Monday. Find out how you can join our 40-day bike-across-America epic ride at www.encompasscrisisresponse.org/ride
Friday, July 17, 2020
Can you guess where Judi and I stopped today on our way west? Besides the beauty, spending several hours at 8,000 feet can only help us acclimate to the altitudes we’ll be climbing next week through the Cascades and the Rockies. WE ARRIVE IN ANACORTES, WA TOMORROW!
Ride #1 Monday
Thursday, July 16, 2020
16.5 hours driving yesterday (Wednesday) and we’ll end up with at least that many today, but we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit Badlands National Park, which was right along our route. Spent a little time riding at 3,200 feet – helping us get acclimated to the altitude.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Our coast-to-coast van headed out at 5:30AM this morning to start our journey west. Judi did most of the driving as Barb worked on ride details still needing to be nailed down. 16+ hours of driving
Heading west to go east
and we arrived at La Crosse, WI. Tomorrow we will head to higher altitude, where we will spend the day Friday getting acclimated to higher altitude. We will thank ourselves for investing this time to get acclimated when we start climbing on Day 2, 3, and 4 of our ride (Tuesday, Wed., and Thursday).