Today was one of that most difficult days on the ride:well tour so far. We had to ride 129 miles through the desert known as Arizona. The day started when we woke up at 3 am! Yes, the sun was not out. We all got up and hit the road as the sun was coming up. That was beautiful!
I started the ride with the group of guys that usually ride really fast, because I knew I had to keep a pace of 15 miles an hour in order to finish. This was incredibly difficult! They definitely encouraged me to keep going, and I was able to draft off of them, which definitely helped! I know at about mile 55 I was very tired and wanted to stop, but they would not let me! So thanks guys for encouraging me and letting me draft off all of you!
Thing I learned today:
You just can’t stop because its difficult. Just have to keep going. It will be worth it in the end.
Finished in 12 hours!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Week one...
Wow it’s almost been a week that I have met these amazing people!! I have finally found a group of crazy people like me. They love Jesus, life, and adventure!! For example, we all enjoy eating healthy, some more than others. When given the option of taking 4 flights of stairs or the elevator we take the stairs! Wow I cannot believe it has only been a week! Crazy!
Since we have gotten here I have not been able to blog. Too busy meeting each other, biking along the ocean, over mountains, and through the desert. I would like to share with you some thoughts and things that I heard during the past week.
I can’t spend my life for self. Just can’t. I know that much!!
God has given me a lot of crazy dreams; I am excited to see where this one takes me, and to discover what the next one will be.
If you come here to save us you will fail. If you come here because you think your salvation is some how tied up in yours, then let’s work together. – Ubuntu Proverb.
Since we have gotten here I have not been able to blog. Too busy meeting each other, biking along the ocean, over mountains, and through the desert. I would like to share with you some thoughts and things that I heard during the past week.
I can’t spend my life for self. Just can’t. I know that much!!
God has given me a lot of crazy dreams; I am excited to see where this one takes me, and to discover what the next one will be.
If you come here to save us you will fail. If you come here because you think your salvation is some how tied up in yours, then let’s work together. – Ubuntu Proverb.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Ocean!!
Yes I have seen the Pacific Ocean!! We took photos today, hopefully they will be up soon.
Friday, April 24, 2009
So today I accidentally road my bike 20 miles!?!
Today was beautiful!! Really it was. 55°, sunny, blue skies, and hardly any wind. That is an amazing day in Maine!!
After the first half of my 11-mile loop, I decided to take a right instead of a left to see where the road went. This road twisted and turned through the trees till it hit the Atlantic Ocean!! I found my self at Jaspers Beach. It’s sort of a big deal up here in Maine.
After this.. as I was trying to get back to school. My chain fell off and I fell over trying to get up a hill. It took some time to figure out how to put the chain back on with my bare hands. This turns out to be good practice for the second time my chain fell off. I put it on faster the second time. I am defiantly looking forward to having our very own mechanic to show us the ropes. Tyler I hope you are able to make it!
Eventually I made it back to school.
Over all it was a great day! I love being outside. I even saw a bald eagle at the beach!
After the first half of my 11-mile loop, I decided to take a right instead of a left to see where the road went. This road twisted and turned through the trees till it hit the Atlantic Ocean!! I found my self at Jaspers Beach. It’s sort of a big deal up here in Maine.
After this.. as I was trying to get back to school. My chain fell off and I fell over trying to get up a hill. It took some time to figure out how to put the chain back on with my bare hands. This turns out to be good practice for the second time my chain fell off. I put it on faster the second time. I am defiantly looking forward to having our very own mechanic to show us the ropes. Tyler I hope you are able to make it!
Eventually I made it back to school.
Over all it was a great day! I love being outside. I even saw a bald eagle at the beach!
Monday, April 20, 2009
here comes the sun
I bought a bike last Friday!! It’s a Specialized Allez!! I am wicked excited about this. When I rode it at the store I felt like I was flying. It was a bit out of my price range but I figured I should get something that I felt good about. I know God will supply.
Sunday I went on my first real ride around the 11.5-mile loop by my school. It goes through a few blueberry fields, then near the ocean, with a few hills through out. It’s a wonderful little ride. It took about 50 min. Not bad for the first ride. I hope…
Today, as I was riding I noticed a bald eagle soaring above me. I love seeing these amazing creatures! It reminded me at how difficult this trip will be for me. Back in the 90’s the bald eagle was on the endangered species list. But, with help, they came back. Now they’re off the list and have a rather large population here in Maine. As I do not have a lot of experience biking I am relying on God to get me through.
I think it’s rather cool that while I am training to ride accost the US, I am able to see our nations bird!
Sunday I went on my first real ride around the 11.5-mile loop by my school. It goes through a few blueberry fields, then near the ocean, with a few hills through out. It’s a wonderful little ride. It took about 50 min. Not bad for the first ride. I hope…
Today, as I was riding I noticed a bald eagle soaring above me. I love seeing these amazing creatures! It reminded me at how difficult this trip will be for me. Back in the 90’s the bald eagle was on the endangered species list. But, with help, they came back. Now they’re off the list and have a rather large population here in Maine. As I do not have a lot of experience biking I am relying on God to get me through.
I think it’s rather cool that while I am training to ride accost the US, I am able to see our nations bird!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
kid
Today at church, as the environmentally friendly confide fell from the sky (aka snow) to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, I sat behind a woman with a very small child. The kid spent the entire time jumping, laughing, and eventually sleeping during the sermon. The mom sat there trying to keep him from falling off her lap. Watching this I thought: this is how I am supposed to be.
This kid does not worry about falling on the floor or what he is going to eat today, or tomorrow for that matter. He probably does not understand the concept of tomorrow yet. He spends his time loving his mom, jumping, and laughing. He trusts his mom to keep him safe. Do I trust God like this small child?
I began to think how often I am not a child. I want to be a rebel teen, wanting to do things my way. It surprised me how often I think I know what is best for me and that my plan is better. Like my plans ever work out.
Even better when I seem to think I am an adult. I have to be responsible with the resources that God has given me. Put money away for later use. Don’t do anything too radical, controversial, or socially unacceptable. Think within the box. Start telling God what He can and cannot do.
God calls us His children. He will take care of us. Do not worry. There’s a song that says worrying is doubting God.
It’s crazy to think how often I don’t act like his child.
I know it’s the opposite of what the world expects from me.
I want to trust and love like that kid.
Love God
Love People
Be who God wants you to be
Don’t be afraid!
Run head long into it…
This kid does not worry about falling on the floor or what he is going to eat today, or tomorrow for that matter. He probably does not understand the concept of tomorrow yet. He spends his time loving his mom, jumping, and laughing. He trusts his mom to keep him safe. Do I trust God like this small child?
I began to think how often I am not a child. I want to be a rebel teen, wanting to do things my way. It surprised me how often I think I know what is best for me and that my plan is better. Like my plans ever work out.
Even better when I seem to think I am an adult. I have to be responsible with the resources that God has given me. Put money away for later use. Don’t do anything too radical, controversial, or socially unacceptable. Think within the box. Start telling God what He can and cannot do.
God calls us His children. He will take care of us. Do not worry. There’s a song that says worrying is doubting God.
It’s crazy to think how often I don’t act like his child.
I know it’s the opposite of what the world expects from me.
I want to trust and love like that kid.
Love God
Love People
Be who God wants you to be
Don’t be afraid!
Run head long into it…
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
dirt, cement, and water
Today my boss asked me how my training was going. I told her that since I ride the stationary bike at the gym its rather boring. So she volunteered to come down to the gym and throw dirt, cement, and water at me. You know, to make the stationary bike more realistic. This may or may not be helpful. We both agreed that this might work. Who knows what the R:WL team 09 will encounter.
Now that I think about it. Is it a good thing that my boss wants to throw things at me?
I would love to hear stories from past ride:well’rs about the strangest things you have encountered.
Now that I think about it. Is it a good thing that my boss wants to throw things at me?
I would love to hear stories from past ride:well’rs about the strangest things you have encountered.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bike Across the Universe
During the past few weeks I have been able to tell a lot of people about the R:WT and have gotten interesting responses. Most people look at me like I am crazy, but some are vary supportive. I am very thankful for all of you!
A few days ago my boss asked me what I was most afraid of regarding the Ride: Well Tour. I told him the riding my bike part. Then we both laughed. I don’t have a lot of experience road biking. However, I love riding my bike around town and to the ocean. That is at most 20 miles at a time. I also love challenging myself to complete new adventures like climbing mountains. So I am quite excited about this new challenge.
Also a good friend of mine asked me “Lisa are you excited to ride across the universe!”. I think she was just a little confused but I told her “Yes, yes I am!”. This has become a little inside joke with a few of my friends. So now, among a small group of people up here in Maine the Ride:Well Tour is biking across the universe. Thought I would let the rest of the riders know. You may have to increase training!
A few days ago my boss asked me what I was most afraid of regarding the Ride: Well Tour. I told him the riding my bike part. Then we both laughed. I don’t have a lot of experience road biking. However, I love riding my bike around town and to the ocean. That is at most 20 miles at a time. I also love challenging myself to complete new adventures like climbing mountains. So I am quite excited about this new challenge.
Also a good friend of mine asked me “Lisa are you excited to ride across the universe!”. I think she was just a little confused but I told her “Yes, yes I am!”. This has become a little inside joke with a few of my friends. So now, among a small group of people up here in Maine the Ride:Well Tour is biking across the universe. Thought I would let the rest of the riders know. You may have to increase training!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Winter Storm Warning…
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CARIBOU ME
1127 PM EST SUN FEB 22 2009
...A STRONG NOREASTER WILL AFFECT THE AREA TONIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY...
.INTENSIFYING LOW PRESSURE WILL LIFT ACROSS THE GULF OF MAINE
OVERNIGHT...THEN EXIT ACROSS NEW BRUNSWICK MONDAY.
YAY.. It’s snowing!!! There should be about 20 inches tonight on top of the foot we already have. It will be a beautiful morning. This much snow does not make for good road bike conditions. It does, however, make for good sliding, snowshoeing, and fort making, skiing, snowboarding, or just run around in amazement. I love seeing everything so white and new! I hope to have a lot of fun in the snow.
Colleen T and Lisa R
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CARIBOU ME
1127 PM EST SUN FEB 22 2009
...A STRONG NOREASTER WILL AFFECT THE AREA TONIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY...
.INTENSIFYING LOW PRESSURE WILL LIFT ACROSS THE GULF OF MAINE
OVERNIGHT...THEN EXIT ACROSS NEW BRUNSWICK MONDAY.
YAY.. It’s snowing!!! There should be about 20 inches tonight on top of the foot we already have. It will be a beautiful morning. This much snow does not make for good road bike conditions. It does, however, make for good sliding, snowshoeing, and fort making, skiing, snowboarding, or just run around in amazement. I love seeing everything so white and new! I hope to have a lot of fun in the snow.
Colleen T and Lisa R
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Carbon, Gears, Alloy, Oh My!!…
Being wicked excited about the Ride:Well Tour 09, today I ventured into two bike shops in Bangor, Maine. This is unexplored territory for me since I bought my current hybrid bike used from a local tour company. I love riding this bike over the hills and threw the trees of Maine! Only in summer though. In the winter I ride the LifeFitness stationary bike at the gym. Not as fun. And for as fast as I go, I never seem to pass the women beside me. These bikes just won’t work for this summer. So as I am exploring these bike shops I am learning so much about bikes. I never knew there were so many options. So if seasoned veterans want to impart any knowledge onto me, it would be greatly appreciated.
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