DAILY BLOG

Today was the first of four rest days that we have interspersed throughout the cross-country trip. After four days of extreme heat and mountain climbs, all of us were glad to take a break from the riding.

Kim and Justy running errands

We have no idea what Justy was up to

I spoke at a men’s breakfast at Grace Community Church in Flagstaff, getting a chance to share about the tour and the message of my book, The Expeditionary Man. I deeply enjoyed getting a chance to meet many great brothers in Christ there and talking with them about fatherhood, manhood, and even cycling.

After that, Kim and I also had a chance to have brunch with Gary and Barb Oakenson, friends of my parents whom we had not seen since we were married 20 years ago. They live in the Phoenix area and were on their way north on vacation, so the timing worked to meet up with us.

Tomorrow morning, before we leave town for Tuba City, I speak at a second men’s breakfast at North Point Fellowship. After that, we have a relatively short day of 80 miles, as we head out of central Arizona and move towards native American country up in northeast Arizona. More triple digit temperatures are expected, but we are protesting that forecast. Once we hit Tuba City, we have a drive in the support vehicle up to Kayenta, where we are spending the night. (Kayenta is where we depart the following morning.)

Several people have been asking when Kim would be vocal on the blog. Since this is a rest day, we thought it would be a great time for her to share about how the trip has been going so far from her perspective.

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Kim writes: Many people thought the trip would be boring and monotonous for me in the support vehicle. I have actually kept quite busy so far, especially with the heat! We are constantly filling water bottles, making Hammer Nutrition’s Perpeteum (their Protein/Carb liquid nutrition drink), making sure they are keeping up with Electrolyte pills, getting riders going, and just getting out of the vehicle so that they can get in and cool off! During those breaks, I get the opportunity to explore and play around with the camera in the incredible scenery. Jared had one minor crash on Day #2, requiring and quick attention with the first aid kit. By God’s grace, it was nothing serious! I’m finally getting used to watching my family cruise down mountains, and watching semis and other cars speed by! I often tell them, “Slow down! My family is out there!!”

We’re slowly getting organized in our evening routine and packing technique.

It was great to have a rest day today. After brunch with the Oakenson’s and rousing the boys out of bed, we were interviewed by FlagNews, a local cable station. The guys spent a while in the pool and later in the afternoon we even had time to take in a movie—Get Smart. I am enjoying the pools and workout rooms…and laundry! Ok, maybe I don’t enjoy doing laundry but I am very thankful that most of the hotels have the facilities on site to get it done!

Read that Quality Inn sign closely

We are so grateful to be supported and prayed for by so many of you! It is truly a privilege to take this trip as a family. We certainly have occasional instances of getting on each other’s nerves but we are more united than ever as this adventure has progressed! We have each chosen a personal verse for the trip. Mine is simple but covers it all. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 We’ll share others in the coming days.

We’re off to Tuba City.

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