The Ponderings of a Pedalling Pastor

The Ponderings of a Pedalling Pastor This is the blog for my Summer 2019 sabbatical from St. Luke’s Lutheran as I cross the USA by bicycle along the Trans-American Bicycle Route.

09/27/2022

Screaming down a hill

Day 11 (no 12 coming!) Chewelah, WA to Sandpoint, Idaho. 56 miles 2000 feet of climbing (for me). Well, we make the deci...
09/27/2022

Day 11 (no 12 coming!) Chewelah, WA to Sandpoint, Idaho. 56 miles 2000 feet of climbing (for me).

Well, we make the decision to “sag” and finish a day early. So Al and I took the first “sag” of the day, driving the van every 3-4 miles, parking and “waiting” for the others to arrive. The morning had the others climbing a pass of around 1400 feet in 9 miles. Al and I were basically cheerleaders to the others and would be there if they needed to get rid of layers of clothing. The beautiful part of today’s ride was nobody had to carry our heavy bags on our bikes! Anyway, when they got to the peak we swapped out and I got to enjoy the screaming decent down the other side. My max speed was 43 mph. It was a blast! The total for the day was 79 miles, but we split it up so that all of us got to ride around 55 miles. The route today was mostly short punchy rolling hills…not many flat miles. When we got back to the start we packed up the cars, said our goodbyes, and set off. Curt and I took an amazing scenic route to Missoula, Montana, so about 3 hours of driving. So we started the day in Washington, finished the ride in Idaho, and slept in Montana.

This journey checked a lot of boxes off…there were many firsts (like cycling in Canada and Washington, seeing a bear in the wild, and driving 2/3 of the US). It was challenging as well as humbling. It was rewarding and fun. I’m thankful I came, and thankful for the ability to be able to take something like this on. And I’m happy I was able to spend quality time with a fine group of men whom I call my friends!

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."Day 1...
09/26/2022

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Day 10 of 12…Beaver Lodge to Chewelah, WA. 47 miles and 1200 feet of climbing.

Last night was the coldest night by far on this trip. Our camp was located at the elevation of 3500 feet. All of us believe it must have been at least at 32•…when we started riding at 7:35 is was still only 37•! Bundling up and riding eventually warmed us up, and by the time we reached the mile long climb 8 miles into the ride we were shedding layers. We went through more open range today…had at least 6 cattle grazing along the road looking at us, passed one cattle that sadly met it’s end with a truck from the looks of it, and had a deer jump out in front of us. Eventually 25 miles in (post breakfast) we had shed most layers, finishing in shorts and a jersey. Today’s ride was a lot of downhill, so we were cruising in a single line for much of it. It was only when we’d arrive at a slight incline that out tired legs showed and separated us. Only 2 days left (it’s hard to believe). Rusty’s sister met us here at the campsite (she’s from Spokane). She had Gatorade and a smile waiting for us. Tonight she’s feeding us dinner (Pad Thai, salad, and peach crisp). And tomorrow she plans to ride with us. The plan right now is that Al & I will “sag” her truck up the hill in the morning, then Rusty will “sag” it down. There’s discussion that we may “push through” for a long day and finish tomorrow since camping is up in the air at our destination, so if we do that we all will get a turn driving. It’s been a good day, less taxing on the legs, and it’s supposed to only go down to 49 tonight!

1 Kings 19:11-12…11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” A very st...
09/25/2022

1 Kings 19:11-12…11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the Lord. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet.

Day 9 of 12….Salmo to Beaver Lodge (11 miles SW of Tiger). 47 miles and 3000 feet of climbing.

Started off early…it’s been super cold camping weather, so sleep is sporadic as we all struggle to stay warm. We’ve been getting up early and riding early just so our bodies can get warmed up. We had an 8-10 cold roll out and then it was a 2 mile climb up to the US border. The roads were pristine and we didn’t see a car for most of the day. There were a few short, punchy climbs as we wound our way around the mountains and through the valleys. The terrain has definitely changed to a little dryer and rocky terrain, but it’s still quite beautiful. Starting to see more open range as well. Most of the day we were in free/open range territories. What surprised me the most was how “quiet” it was. We would stop to rest and there was a stillness in places…no birds, no cars, nothing! It was so amazing! We finished the day with a 5 mile climb with around 1100 feet. It was a doozy! But we all made it to Beaver Lodge in good time, got showered up, had a nice dinner and a beer, and enjoyed another fire. It was an enjoyably challenging day!

Psalm 8:4 What are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?Day 8 of 12 … Castlegar to Sla...
09/24/2022

Psalm 8:4 What are humans that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

Day 8 of 12 … Castlegar to Slamo. 47 miles and 2500 feet of climbing. It was a good but challenging day today. The legs felt strong, so I felt obliged to lead the pace line and cut through some of the headwind we were riding into. We had a 620 foot climb at a solid 7-8%…as Todd likes to say, “That was a good one!” The mountains, although still everywhere, seem less majestic and lush as we get closer to the state of Washington. The region looks dryer and more brown. Still beautiful. The people in Canada have been super nice and friendly this whole time. Nobody has honked, drivers have been courteous at intersections, and the roadsides and curbs have been super clear of debris. That being said, Al got the first flat tire yesterday from a little metal shred. Fortunately it was a slow leak so we just kept pumping up the tire until we reached camp. We had a brief stop in Trail for breakfast and were able to get in to see the ice rink. Very cool stop!

The stars have been absolutely amazing on this trip. It’s never been so easy to see the Milky Way streaking across the sky. Surrounded by all of this beauty and the magnitude of it all, it brings Psalm 8 to mind for me. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and awesome to think about the perspective of it all, and yet be told by God that we each matter and are loved.

Set up our camp at the city park, had a decent meal at the Salmo Pub which was a part of the Hotel, and sampled a beer at the little microbrewery. Slept well, which was good, as tomorrow looks to be one of the more challenging days we’ve had.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.Day 7 of 12…Nelson to Castelgar. 2...
09/23/2022

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Day 7 of 12…Nelson to Castelgar. 26 miles and 748 feet of climbing.

I had a relaxing morning while I awaited the arrival of the boys as they rolled through Nelson again. They passed right by the hotel around 11:30 (perfect timing…only 30 min wait after checkout). All of us were happy to reconnect after 2 days apart. The guys said I missed some amazing scenery, but they also believed I made the right decision. I knew as soon as I turned the first rotation of the crank that I’d made the right choice too! My legs had snap in them again, and the 26 miles flew by. Granted the guys did 60 miles today and had tired legs, so I felt obliged to try to lead as much as I could into the head wind.

Tomorrow will be our last full day in Canada. The next day we cross back over into the US. We have a great campsite here in Castlegar next to the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. We walked 20 mins to a great little pub and had a nice meal and a beer. Tonight it’s sitting around the fire, laughing, and sharing stories. Oh, and when we were walking back from dinner there was a black bear in someone’s yard looking at us. Curt yelled at it and it ran away, so by the time I took the picture it wasn’t as close…sleeping with the bear spray tonight!!

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge ...
09/22/2022

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.

Day 6 of 12…What a couple days of rest! My legs feel fresh and strong. My mind is clear. And my spirit is full! Slept in…the warm bed was amazing after camping the last 4 nights in the low 40’s. I spent the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, exploring more of the town, went to the grocery to pick up some food items for me and the boys, had a wonderful stir-fry lunch in the sun on a patio looking at the mountains, sampled some beer at another brewery, and enjoyed all the hotel had to offer. Dinner had me “carbing” up with Wednesday wings at one of the pubs.

Having been ”alone” for lengths at a time when I crossed the US in 2019, I found the 2 days here rewarding and good for my soul as I reflected on life, the first half of this trip, and on the days ahead. I’m excited for the next six days of riding and look forward to the challenges that may come, as well as the wondrous beauty of the area, as well as the friendships and memories created and shared. I appreciate all the words of affirmation and support...and yes, God’s plan for me was here! Rest was indeed what I needed. Sometimes it’s difficult to discern what’s best for us…but God has a way of making what’s best happen, even when we aren’t able to see it for ourselves. God provided me with a way and a place to be still, and because of that I was able to connect with God without all the busy-ness and distractions. Today and yesterday were true blessings!

Exodus 20:8-108 “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10 But the ...
09/21/2022

Exodus 20:8-10

8 “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10 But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns.

Day 5 of 12. Nelson, Canada. 0 miles.

The last couple days I struggled with a decision…should I continue to press on and push myself in hopes that I’d continue to gain strength, or would I listen to what my body was telling me and give it a couple days off. My heart told me to keep going, to share this journey with the others and not “miss out” on shared experiences. But my legs and logic told me to rest up for the remainder of the trip. The “shock” to my body, of riding day after day on a fully-loaded bicycle when I’d ridden very little in the past 7 months (and without bags on the bike, which makes it doubly more difficult) in preparation has taken its toll. I’m here to ride, but I’m certain that with a little rest my legs will have a chance to recuperate/heal from the exertion and hopefully gain strength from rest. So I made the decision to stay here in Nelson. It made sense to rest here and not somewhere else, not only because it’s a great town, but because the next two days are a loop that brings the others back through Nelson.

I am at peace with my decision, but it took this passage from Exodus to remind me and “get me over the hurdle” that God not only GIVES us rest, but encourages us to take it. We aren’t meant to work all of the time, and when we do we aren’t the “best” version of ourselves.

So this morning I took my time breaking camp, rode a mile to a little cafe for breakfast, took my bicycle to a shop to get a squeaky brake adjusted, and did a little laundry. Turns out both the front and rear disc brakes were significantly rubbing, which explains why it felt like I was having to peddle harder at times.

During the afternoon I explored the town a little and checked into a hotel room (it’s supposed to get down to 34 degrees tonight!). I went out around dinner time and tried out some beer at a local brewery and had a burger and poutine, a Canadian specialty left here by the French explorers. It was a nice day and exactly what I needed. And I’m looking forward to the next six days left for bicycle riding through this amazing part of the world!!

A special word of thanks to my sister, Julie Crow, for finding me a nice hotel to rest up at…great find!

Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come?2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven ...
09/20/2022

Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Day 4 of 12… Crawford Bay to Nelson. 24 miles and 1375 feet of climbing. Today was the shortest day so far. We climbed a 450 foot hill straight out of camp and dropped down the other side the the ferry crossing. I felt much stronger climbing, but my legs are tired from the lack of preparation leading into this. I got to see (and take a pic) of the glacial mountain!! The mountains here are everywhere the eye can see…absolutely amazing and so majestic! We had a 35 minute ferry ride to the other side of the lake, then a pastry from an old world bakery. Finished out the ride to Nelson with lots of ups and downs again beside the lake. Nelson is a trendy town built on the side of a mountain. Lots of tourism I’m sure both during the summer and winter. Had a nice meal in the downtown at a Mexican restaurant. It’s supposed to be 41 degrees tonight, so we are bundling up since this camp doesn’t allow fires. Another beautiful day!

Job 12:7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to t...
09/18/2022

Job 12:7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

Day 3 of 12… Creston to Crawford Bay. 49 miles with 2462 feet of climbing. Beautiful day today along Lake Kootenay. Most of the climbs were rollers, so up and down all day. I felt strong up until the last 10-12 miles…lost the “snap” in my legs to get me up the short punchy climbs…but I gutted it out at my own pace. Having fun with the guys and marveling in the surrounding beauty. The mountains are everywhere you look, and today there were lots of streams and falls (apparently drinkable straight from the source). Highlight of the day was seeing a glacial ice-capped mountain (sorry I didn’t get a picture).

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.(Proverbs 17:17)Day 2 of 12 bicycling the Selkirk Loop....
09/17/2022

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.(Proverbs 17:17)

Day 2 of 12 bicycling the Selkirk Loop. Started the tour in Sandpoint, Idaho and rode with Curt from Marietta, Al, Todd & Rusty from Bend Oregon. First day was 62 miles with 2545 feet of climbing. This was the first time all year I’d ridden with fully loaded bags…and it was brutal! At least for me. There were 2 climbs of 500 and 600 feet, which aren’t bad compared to climbing up and over a pass…but they just about broke me. The others were true friends, urging me forward. I went very deep and dark in the suffering, but I made it to the camp 7 miles from the border into Canada. Day 2 had us traveling through customs and to camp in Creston. I felt stronger today, with only 1000 feet of climbing, and no major hills. I’m hopeful the trend continues of gaining leg strength. The Canadian Rockies are beautiful! We stopped off at a fruit orchard as we rolled into town today…who knew “pit fruits” love the climate here!? Had one of the best peaches I’ve ever had. Glad to have some cell service after none yesterday. Headed out for some fish and chips and hopefully some IPAs .

St. Francis de Sales“Take care of your health, that it may serve you to serve God.”Loveland to Cincinnati. 25 miles and ...
10/22/2021

St. Francis de Sales
“Take care of your health, that it may serve you to serve God.”

Loveland to Cincinnati. 25 miles and ….. feet of climbing.

Started the morning in cool, damp weather. Thankful Curt felt up to finishing the Ohio To Erie Trail with me! We decided it best to not “push” a return trip back to Massillon and cause possible lasting damage to his undercarriage. It still felt like a complete ride, making it all the way one way. Had a nice lunch before departing Cincinnati and driving back to Canton to pick up my car for the drive home. Thankful to have had the time to take this small journey across Ohio and enjoy it with a good friend! And thankful to have been able to share it with all of you. Until the next journey!!

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