Day 76 - Aug 2 - Grantsville, PA to Clinton, NJ (102 mi)
Where to begin? How about we just skip the PA mtn climbs, Brenda sending us out onto the US22 expressway, the thrill of finally leaving PA and walking our bikes into New Jersey (bikes had to be walked across), Chris Leverette joining us at the 70 mile mark -- and just talk about the last mile into the Clinton.
We followed Google Maps and ended up in the middle of a women's prison, and surrounded by a dozen armed security guards! No kidding! Instead of hopping on the interstate, we decided to take an old abandoned school road that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere (going around two gates that were marked "No Tresspassing"). "We won't vandalize anything," I thought. We saw several old, and obviously vacant buildings. However, as we topped the rise -- there it was -- a prison, with barbed wire all kinds of security, and guns. We were quickly surrounded! (The motel we were headed for was just right out the front gate, and we had ridden down a road and thru their unguarded back gate.)
Anyway, fortunately, the security guards were cool, after they decided we weren't there to break our wives out of prison and use bicycles as getaway! We spent quite a while talking about the trip, the bikes and our final destination. They finally let us go; but it was certainly a scary moment! Note to self: 1) Don't trust Google Maps; 2) If you're faced with a moral dilemma of breaking the law (a traffic ticket vs. a felony), always choose the ticket, since seldom will guns be involved; 3) Don't ever try to break Brenda out of prison -- I'm horrible at it!
Thank you for your prayers -- all in all, the day ended well!
Dave, Luey and Andy
PS - Sorry, no pictures from our prison break!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Day 75 - Aug. 1 - Burnham to Grantville, PA
Day 75 - Aug. 1 - Burnham to Grantville, PA (80 mi)
The day could have been much, much worse! We were fortunate to only get pulled over once today on Rt 322, but we had already made it the 12 miles needed to reach Old US22. When we were really in a pickle -- not knowing which way to proceed (mtns to the L, mtns to the R, rivers with no bridges, highways than are NOT bike accessible, etc.) -- God sent Jim. Jim was a retired state trooper, and his directions were spot-on, and avoided all of the above! And, when I was really in a world of hurt, having left my wallet in the store along the highway -- God sent Bill. Bill was the shopkeeper, and drove out to find us and return my wallet! (I didn't know it was even missing!) Then, the views going around Harrisburg and along the Susquehanna River were spectacular! Best of all, we've made it through most of the mtns of PA! Lastly, we're finally pointed straight at NYC! One more lastly -- the motel we're staying at has a cork-screw slide into the pool, a putt-putt course and snow cones (This would be Noah's favorite part of the day!) As for Brenda, she did a great job navigating, coordinating logistics and finding the motel!
I'm going to back up a few days and add some photos to the blog entries. You might want to check them out!
Tomorrow, we may have an old friend, Chris, who taught at Morrison, in Taiwan, joining us for the 90 mile ride from Grantville to the NJ border. Our goal is to have 60 miles, or less on Saturday. Two days to NYC! Lord willing, Battery Park, 2:00 PM, Saturday! Please join us if you happen to be in the area! Free sweaty hugs for everyone! Sunday, we'll be sharing with the multiple campuses of Pastor George's evangelical church out at Heckscher State Park on the Atlantic Ocean. The church has rented a pavilion, and is planning a picnic! What a cool way to conclude Gloritrek!
The Lord has been so good to us! And, to top it all off -- the pizza just arrived!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (w/ Brenda and Noah too)
The day could have been much, much worse! We were fortunate to only get pulled over once today on Rt 322, but we had already made it the 12 miles needed to reach Old US22. When we were really in a pickle -- not knowing which way to proceed (mtns to the L, mtns to the R, rivers with no bridges, highways than are NOT bike accessible, etc.) -- God sent Jim. Jim was a retired state trooper, and his directions were spot-on, and avoided all of the above! And, when I was really in a world of hurt, having left my wallet in the store along the highway -- God sent Bill. Bill was the shopkeeper, and drove out to find us and return my wallet! (I didn't know it was even missing!) Then, the views going around Harrisburg and along the Susquehanna River were spectacular! Best of all, we've made it through most of the mtns of PA! Lastly, we're finally pointed straight at NYC! One more lastly -- the motel we're staying at has a cork-screw slide into the pool, a putt-putt course and snow cones (This would be Noah's favorite part of the day!) As for Brenda, she did a great job navigating, coordinating logistics and finding the motel!
I'm going to back up a few days and add some photos to the blog entries. You might want to check them out!
Tomorrow, we may have an old friend, Chris, who taught at Morrison, in Taiwan, joining us for the 90 mile ride from Grantville to the NJ border. Our goal is to have 60 miles, or less on Saturday. Two days to NYC! Lord willing, Battery Park, 2:00 PM, Saturday! Please join us if you happen to be in the area! Free sweaty hugs for everyone! Sunday, we'll be sharing with the multiple campuses of Pastor George's evangelical church out at Heckscher State Park on the Atlantic Ocean. The church has rented a pavilion, and is planning a picnic! What a cool way to conclude Gloritrek!
The Lord has been so good to us! And, to top it all off -- the pizza just arrived!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (w/ Brenda and Noah too)
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Day 74 - July 31 - Clearfield to Burnham, PA
Day 74 - July 31 - Clearfield to Burnham, PA (72 mi)
The day began like many others -- foggy and cool (low 50's). We biked SE on HWY 322, a two lane highway that climbs and falls through the PA mountains. We were headed toward College Station, and Penn State University. The mountains of PA are long, both the ascents and descents; sometimes 5 or 6 miles up, and 5 or 6 miles down. Climbing at 8 MPH, and descending at 30 MPH. We went down one of these long hills -- more than 3 miles of descent, and all of a sudden we are on an interstate! Yikes!
For the second time we came upon a state trooper! Our second day, in CA, that didn't end well! "Did we miss a turn?" I asked. "Yes, but so do a lot of people!" So, he let us go on to College Station. We rode through College Station and Penn St., where Brenda and Noah caught up to us. It took forever to figure out where we could get back on HWY 322. (BTW, we have diverted from our original map, and are headed SE toward US 22, and hope to approach NYC from NJ and US22. We plan to cross over the Hudson on the ferry, rather than to bike over the GW bridge. This all came about from a couple of long-haul truckers along I-80.)
In the afternoon we climbed over the "7 Mountains" range, which included a 3 1/2 mile downhill! We hit speeds of 40 MPH, but don't tell Brenda! Shortly thereafter, we began seeing signs that said "Motorized Vehicles Only." So, just like that HWY 322 became four lane and off-limits! We rode on anyway, even through another construction zone. There really wasn't any other options! It was a little "close," even by Taiwan standards!
We ate supper this evening at the Original Italian Restaurant. We met the owner, Michael Bailey, who is also a church planter. Nice fellow! He even treated us to dinner -- even cheesecake! If you are ever in this area, check out this restaurant -- the food was great and fellowship terrific! God's people are truly amazing!
Three days to NYC! Tomorrow, Lord willing, we'll find Fredericksburg, PA!
Thanks for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (Brenda and Noah too)
The day began like many others -- foggy and cool (low 50's). We biked SE on HWY 322, a two lane highway that climbs and falls through the PA mountains. We were headed toward College Station, and Penn State University. The mountains of PA are long, both the ascents and descents; sometimes 5 or 6 miles up, and 5 or 6 miles down. Climbing at 8 MPH, and descending at 30 MPH. We went down one of these long hills -- more than 3 miles of descent, and all of a sudden we are on an interstate! Yikes!
For the second time we came upon a state trooper! Our second day, in CA, that didn't end well! "Did we miss a turn?" I asked. "Yes, but so do a lot of people!" So, he let us go on to College Station. We rode through College Station and Penn St., where Brenda and Noah caught up to us. It took forever to figure out where we could get back on HWY 322. (BTW, we have diverted from our original map, and are headed SE toward US 22, and hope to approach NYC from NJ and US22. We plan to cross over the Hudson on the ferry, rather than to bike over the GW bridge. This all came about from a couple of long-haul truckers along I-80.)
In the afternoon we climbed over the "7 Mountains" range, which included a 3 1/2 mile downhill! We hit speeds of 40 MPH, but don't tell Brenda! Shortly thereafter, we began seeing signs that said "Motorized Vehicles Only." So, just like that HWY 322 became four lane and off-limits! We rode on anyway, even through another construction zone. There really wasn't any other options! It was a little "close," even by Taiwan standards!
We ate supper this evening at the Original Italian Restaurant. We met the owner, Michael Bailey, who is also a church planter. Nice fellow! He even treated us to dinner -- even cheesecake! If you are ever in this area, check out this restaurant -- the food was great and fellowship terrific! God's people are truly amazing!
Three days to NYC! Tomorrow, Lord willing, we'll find Fredericksburg, PA!
Thanks for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (Brenda and Noah too)
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Day 73 - July 30 - Barkeyville to Clearfield, PA
Day 73 - July 30 - Barkeyville to Clearfield, PA (99 mi / 3167 total mi)
Long, long day! Detoured -- tight rope walked a bridge on I-80, with bikes, in fog! Beautiful country! Mountains, mountains and more mountains! Thank you, Kevin and Cindy Grindstaff -- you guys are the best! Four days to NYC!
The Lord delivered us again! A cool day and a much appreciated tail-breeze! With UPG's there will always be mountains to climb; but our God is able to deliver in ways we never could! To Him be all praise!
Tired and going to bed!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (w/ Cindy, Kevin, Brenda and Noah)
Long, long day! Detoured -- tight rope walked a bridge on I-80, with bikes, in fog! Beautiful country! Mountains, mountains and more mountains! Thank you, Kevin and Cindy Grindstaff -- you guys are the best! Four days to NYC!
The Lord delivered us again! A cool day and a much appreciated tail-breeze! With UPG's there will always be mountains to climb; but our God is able to deliver in ways we never could! To Him be all praise!
Tired and going to bed!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (w/ Cindy, Kevin, Brenda and Noah)
Monday, July 29, 2013
Day 72 - July 29 - Alliance, OH to Barkeyville, PA
Day 72 - July 29 - Alliance, OH to Barkeyville, PA (78 mi)
After breakfast with the Hoover's, we went to the church where Kevin and Cindy were waiting to join us for the next couple days. Mark Black joined us for prayer, and we set out on a very chilly morning -- in the low 50's. Cindy drove ahead and helped us navigate the country highways. Great to have Kevin riding with us too! The weather was cool today, with a slight tail-breeze! Thank you, Lord!
Before 10 AM, we had said good-bye to Ohio and hello to Pennsylvania! We had a wonderful time sharing with churches in my home state! Except for one evening, we were booked solid each day, and the message of Gloritrek was well received! PTL! UNfortunately, through PA, we have not one opportunity to share! We had several folks trying hard -- but the door seems closed to us and the Gloritrek message. Hmmm.....
Meanwhile, Leslie Stobel took Brenda to the Akron/Canton Airport to pick up our van for the week. Brenda and Noah arrived at our final destination today about the same time we did!
Almost immediately, as we rode into PA, the hills began to get a little longer and a little steeper. Altogether we did more than 3,500 ft of climbing today! Our average speed stayed fairly high, though, at 13.7 MPH. We took a couple breaks, especially in Amish country at a cheese factory. I really wanted to buy some fudge. Didn't though! In addition to dodging potholes, we now also need to watch out for horse manure on the road! :-) We rode a little farther than we had planned -- to Barkeyville, PA; arriving by 2 PM.
We hope to do a little farther tomorrow, maybe evening going beyond DuBois; maybe even to Clearfield, PA -- a distance of 92 miles. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey, Andy and Kevin (Brenda, Cindy and Noah too)
After breakfast with the Hoover's, we went to the church where Kevin and Cindy were waiting to join us for the next couple days. Mark Black joined us for prayer, and we set out on a very chilly morning -- in the low 50's. Cindy drove ahead and helped us navigate the country highways. Great to have Kevin riding with us too! The weather was cool today, with a slight tail-breeze! Thank you, Lord!
Before 10 AM, we had said good-bye to Ohio and hello to Pennsylvania! We had a wonderful time sharing with churches in my home state! Except for one evening, we were booked solid each day, and the message of Gloritrek was well received! PTL! UNfortunately, through PA, we have not one opportunity to share! We had several folks trying hard -- but the door seems closed to us and the Gloritrek message. Hmmm.....
Meanwhile, Leslie Stobel took Brenda to the Akron/Canton Airport to pick up our van for the week. Brenda and Noah arrived at our final destination today about the same time we did!
Almost immediately, as we rode into PA, the hills began to get a little longer and a little steeper. Altogether we did more than 3,500 ft of climbing today! Our average speed stayed fairly high, though, at 13.7 MPH. We took a couple breaks, especially in Amish country at a cheese factory. I really wanted to buy some fudge. Didn't though! In addition to dodging potholes, we now also need to watch out for horse manure on the road! :-) We rode a little farther than we had planned -- to Barkeyville, PA; arriving by 2 PM.
We hope to do a little farther tomorrow, maybe evening going beyond DuBois; maybe even to Clearfield, PA -- a distance of 92 miles. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey, Andy and Kevin (Brenda, Cindy and Noah too)
Day 70 - July 27 - East Canton to Canton, OH
Day 70 - July 27 - East Canton to Canton, OH (15 mi)
We set out on our 70th day late this morning to ride from Indian Run Christian Church (south of East Canton), to the north-side First Christian Church, in Canton. I put it that way because we rode a whopping 15 fairly hilly miles, all in a light rain. Oh, that all days were as ching-song as the last couple days! "Ching-song" means "easy, relaxing," in Chinese. Did I mention that we actually had a refreshment station mid-way between Malvern and Indian Run yesterday evening? What a blessing!
Now, we are so use to refreshment stations, we had to make our own on the way to FCC -- we stopped at Taco Bell! Leslie Strobel, on the missions team met us there. Dan Stoffer, FCC's interim minister and a Timothy, met us at the church building. Greg and Vicki Rush, members of FCC were also there, and are hosting Luey and Andy, as well as entertaining us all for dinner.
We are looking forward to tomorrow -- to worship with FCC! Like Malvern and Indian Run, FCC, here in Canton, has been with us since the beginning, since we went to Taiwan 15 years ago! Why is FCC one of our partners in ministry? That's truly one of the ironies of the family of God! Why? Paper airplanes!
When I was just a lad, I enjoyed creating and flying paper airplanes. The balcony to the baptistry of the old FCC church building, here in Canton, presented a unique challenge. Could a paper airplane glide 250 feet, and land in the drink? I made it my mission to find out! Let's just say -- I GOT BUSTED -- it wasn't pretty! Years later, however, the FCC brethren, full of grace, pardoned this lad who still likes paper airplanes! They even decided to partner with us in Taiwan! They even helped pay for more than a one-way ticket! :-)
If only the 7,162 UPG's could one day experience the grace of God that we have experienced over and over again! To this end we ride! Lord willing, one week from today -- see you in NYC!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
We set out on our 70th day late this morning to ride from Indian Run Christian Church (south of East Canton), to the north-side First Christian Church, in Canton. I put it that way because we rode a whopping 15 fairly hilly miles, all in a light rain. Oh, that all days were as ching-song as the last couple days! "Ching-song" means "easy, relaxing," in Chinese. Did I mention that we actually had a refreshment station mid-way between Malvern and Indian Run yesterday evening? What a blessing!
Now, we are so use to refreshment stations, we had to make our own on the way to FCC -- we stopped at Taco Bell! Leslie Strobel, on the missions team met us there. Dan Stoffer, FCC's interim minister and a Timothy, met us at the church building. Greg and Vicki Rush, members of FCC were also there, and are hosting Luey and Andy, as well as entertaining us all for dinner.
We are looking forward to tomorrow -- to worship with FCC! Like Malvern and Indian Run, FCC, here in Canton, has been with us since the beginning, since we went to Taiwan 15 years ago! Why is FCC one of our partners in ministry? That's truly one of the ironies of the family of God! Why? Paper airplanes!
When I was just a lad, I enjoyed creating and flying paper airplanes. The balcony to the baptistry of the old FCC church building, here in Canton, presented a unique challenge. Could a paper airplane glide 250 feet, and land in the drink? I made it my mission to find out! Let's just say -- I GOT BUSTED -- it wasn't pretty! Years later, however, the FCC brethren, full of grace, pardoned this lad who still likes paper airplanes! They even decided to partner with us in Taiwan! They even helped pay for more than a one-way ticket! :-)
If only the 7,162 UPG's could one day experience the grace of God that we have experienced over and over again! To this end we ride! Lord willing, one week from today -- see you in NYC!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Day 71 - July 28 - Worship Day
Day 71 - July 28 - Worship Day (12 mi)
First Christian, in Canton, hosted us on this Lord's Day morning. Andy and Luey had stayed with a couple in the church, Greg and Vicki Bush. Wonderful people! We were in a hotel, because there was five of us (us and Brenda's folks). FCC's building and especially their sanctuary, is state-of-the-art. Many, many folks put in many, many hours to insure that the worship services are the best for the best -- the King of Kings!
During the first service, Brenda and Noah spoke to the youth in an adjacent building. I think Noah mostly did his Chinese yo-yo and Brenda did most of the speaking. In the second service, Noah came up on stage with me and did his yo-yo during the intro to my message. Noah did great, and the message was well received. Several people came forward during the decision time. After the service, a young lady came and asked me to pray with her. She has been battling depression, and the Holy Spirit really ministered to her heart during the message. PTL!
We had a great lunch with the missions team following the two services. It was great seeing Ryan Wolfe and his family, and to hear how FCC is ministering to people with disabilities. What a blessing they are to many -- a real model to be emulated! And, the missions team is really on the ball -- a fine bunch of folks! Thanks, Leslie Stobel, for coordinating our weekend with you!
Did I mention that I drove a 'Vette today!?! Greg Bush has an '02 Corvette convertible which is amazing! He took us for a spin in it, and also let me drive it! Wow! We finally tore ourselves away from Canton, and rode the 12 miles to Beechwood Christian Church, in Alliance. Mark Black, who use to bin Malvern, is the minister here. They were hosting Marvin Whiteman, a Christian musician who happens to be blind -- but, he sees more than most! He is an amazing pianist and vocalist! What a powerful testimony he shared! We also shared for about 10 minutes about UPG's.
It was a great night, which ended at Larry and Bonnie Hoover's home. A late supper and a tour of Larry's workshop were the perfect end to our day! One week left to NYC -- through the mountains of PA!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
First Christian, in Canton, hosted us on this Lord's Day morning. Andy and Luey had stayed with a couple in the church, Greg and Vicki Bush. Wonderful people! We were in a hotel, because there was five of us (us and Brenda's folks). FCC's building and especially their sanctuary, is state-of-the-art. Many, many folks put in many, many hours to insure that the worship services are the best for the best -- the King of Kings!
During the first service, Brenda and Noah spoke to the youth in an adjacent building. I think Noah mostly did his Chinese yo-yo and Brenda did most of the speaking. In the second service, Noah came up on stage with me and did his yo-yo during the intro to my message. Noah did great, and the message was well received. Several people came forward during the decision time. After the service, a young lady came and asked me to pray with her. She has been battling depression, and the Holy Spirit really ministered to her heart during the message. PTL!
We had a great lunch with the missions team following the two services. It was great seeing Ryan Wolfe and his family, and to hear how FCC is ministering to people with disabilities. What a blessing they are to many -- a real model to be emulated! And, the missions team is really on the ball -- a fine bunch of folks! Thanks, Leslie Stobel, for coordinating our weekend with you!
Did I mention that I drove a 'Vette today!?! Greg Bush has an '02 Corvette convertible which is amazing! He took us for a spin in it, and also let me drive it! Wow! We finally tore ourselves away from Canton, and rode the 12 miles to Beechwood Christian Church, in Alliance. Mark Black, who use to bin Malvern, is the minister here. They were hosting Marvin Whiteman, a Christian musician who happens to be blind -- but, he sees more than most! He is an amazing pianist and vocalist! What a powerful testimony he shared! We also shared for about 10 minutes about UPG's.
It was a great night, which ended at Larry and Bonnie Hoover's home. A late supper and a tour of Larry's workshop were the perfect end to our day! One week left to NYC -- through the mountains of PA!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
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