| 
| 
| 
| 
|
Finished:Well
The tour is over, we biked well our last day, our longest day. It was anywhere from 140 miles to 153 miles depending on who made wrong turns. It was a long, hard day of biking and we were tired at the end but I'll tell you the truth, the last thirty miles through Delaware to the coast were the best miles of the entire tour. I'm not entirely sure how it happened but somehow thirteen of us managed to group into our own little peleton for that last thirty miles, we were only missing two riders and they were too fast for us to catch. It was strange and perfect because during our entire 3570 mile trip this we had never biking for so long in such a large group. Those last thirty miles were not easy by any means, we had one flat tire and a bike with a broken spoke during that time, our hands, feet and butts were sore, we were hungry, thirsty, and tired but, we were also living in the knowledge that our team and the love of our teammates would pull, push and carry us to the end. We were fed with generosity by a fruit stand, the owner of which let us eat all that we wanted. We saw half of a sunken pirate ship, we saw the sun begin to set, we saw signs for the beaches, we made a last turn with maybe four miles to go, Bethany and I were in front and we looked over our shoulders and began to feel tears in our eyes staring at our beautiful team. Then we saw the two sights we had been searching for all day long; the first glimpse of open water and Aaron Smith riding on the Sea Star. The end from that point was a blur. Hugs, tears, laughter, photos, swimming, shaving, sand, waves, bikes, pizza, elation, exhaustion, euphoria, joy, sweet joy, and love....
Right now, a day an a half later, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Baltimore typing. We've taken five teammates to the airport so far, or six at this point I suppose. The rest of us will be leaving momentarily and returning to homes, moving to new cities, starting new jobs, looking for jobs, moving into the next phases of our lives. It's sad to end a trip like this because over the past two months the nineteen of us have learned to trust and carry and encourage, cry with, inspire, and rejoice together. That level of commitment makes it difficult to let go. At the same time, Criselda shared one morning that our purpose is not to remain together forever in our small group of nineteen but to spread out and carry the things God has taught us this summer (Love, joy, the good work of pain, hope, courage, and perseverance) to all those who will receive. And so we go, not knowing where God will call us next, or what life we will live but knowing that life is best lived with people, working on something worthwhile. Let us live and follow You God.
Right now, a day an a half later, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Baltimore typing. We've taken five teammates to the airport so far, or six at this point I suppose. The rest of us will be leaving momentarily and returning to homes, moving to new cities, starting new jobs, looking for jobs, moving into the next phases of our lives. It's sad to end a trip like this because over the past two months the nineteen of us have learned to trust and carry and encourage, cry with, inspire, and rejoice together. That level of commitment makes it difficult to let go. At the same time, Criselda shared one morning that our purpose is not to remain together forever in our small group of nineteen but to spread out and carry the things God has taught us this summer (Love, joy, the good work of pain, hope, courage, and perseverance) to all those who will receive. And so we go, not knowing where God will call us next, or what life we will live but knowing that life is best lived with people, working on something worthwhile. Let us live and follow You God.
Comment
-
Comment by Brianne Olson on August 11, 2009 at 11:33pm - mmm... belly smile (that's when you're so happy that you are about to giggle. You can feel it working it's way up behind your ribs & your eyes well up with tears) I am so so proud of you guys!
-
Comment by Jesse Olson on August 11, 2009 at 11:06pm - Well said my friend. So great job. Really great job. So glad you have been a part of this journey.
-
Comment by Erin McDermott on August 10, 2009 at 6:57pm - erik. this is so well said. i have goosbumps and tears in my eyes.
-
Comment by Lani Bruce on August 10, 2009 at 1:13pm - Erik, I just had the privilege of lunch with my daughter at her favorite spot...fresh off the plane in Nashville....wishing I could have the whole day off for more stories....will have to wait until tonight. She told us just a little of her favorite things about each team mate, and she , like everyone on your team, loves you so much! I want you to bring your mandolin back to Music City one day...promise? Thank you for these awesome, inspired words....such a blessing....just like you.
-
Comment by Mike Barrow on August 10, 2009 at 12:55pm - B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L ! ...."And so we go, not knowing where God will call us next, or what life we will live but knowing that life is best lived with people, working on something worthwhile. Let us live and follow You God." so well said...
-
Comment by Michelle on August 10, 2009 at 12:15pm - Erik...this made me cry...just thinking of the times in my life when a team has gotten through things I could never have accomplished alone... congratulations on a job well done... You all "Rode Well"...Michelle
Sign in
B:WM Website
© 2009 Powered by Venture Expeditions
You need to be a member of Ride:Well Tour to add comments!
Join this Ning Network