The Longest Day

Half way has come and gone. We have shown perseverance through all weather, from triple digit heat to snow "the bike team" has left its mark on many towns along the way from our starting point in Seaside, Oregon. Although it is hard to see, 2,000 miles inland, we have come to realize we are an inspiration to many of the people we have met along the way. Amidst accomplishing this feat, we have received many blessings from friendly and generous people along the way. The experiences have led us to say, "if only we could give back what we have received", knowing we could not. However, we can pay it forward. That's one thing we've learned to share with all of our hosts this far. 

Though we were not able to give back in the moment, after what I consider to be "the longest day" (at least one of them),  we were able to share our stories and lessons about the trip so far with an energetic Minnesota youth group. It so happens that a host we connected with long before the trip was having youth group at their house the night we came in. After riding 110 miles starting at 7:00 AM, we arrived nine hours (on the bike) later to be welcomed by many smiling, young faces, cooking hot dogs and s'mores around a campfire. However, the night was still young (at least for them). After visiting until almost midnight, we all wandered up to bed only to be woken by a hail storm just after 5:00 AM. All but one person in the house woke to the sound of the ice pounding on the windows. Later on before breakfast, and during our conversation about the night, the young man (about 9 years old) who slept through the storm, continued to boast in his ability to remain in a deep sleep to everyone as they gathered around the breakfast table. 

As we made our way from the Sahlstrom's, I experienced Tim's bad luck with flat tires and changed a third tire that afternoon before we finally had some decent mileage under us. We made it to the town of New Ulm late in the evening and found a nice place to sleep by the Minnesota River. It did rain a little at night but not enough to move us inside, like the night prior to "the longest day" which I can explain more about later if you ask. 

As I recall all that happened in the last week, it's too much to write, riding over 300 miles is impressive enough to end our weekly "push" (as Joanna calls it) with a warm house and hospitality. We are currently one day away from our first full rest day in a while and we are all starting to see a glimpse of the east coast we call home as we come closer and closer to meeting more eastern family and friends beyond the half way point.

Our journey so far has made us appreciate the simple rewards that life has to offer after giving a little extra effort at the end of the day.

-Chaz