well...we've made it...

[Jacob Childerson]

it’s hard to fathom exactly what’s transpired over the last two months…


it’s even harder to put into words…


and even harder than that to put down on paper…


We’ve finally made it, we crossed the whole of the U.S. on bicycles. We started riding down the Pacific Coast, hopped 4000 feet over mountains, rode miles and miles through what seemed like a never ending desert which turned into never ending Texas, climbed through the Appalachian Mountains, and coasted across Delaware to finish on the Atlantic.

There were the days we finished looking more like pretzels than people (baked and covered in salt) and the days we rode through flash flooding. There were hospital visits and trips to Sonic. There were times on the bike where I would’ve given anything for a seat in the van, and long days spent in the van wishing to only ride a few miles on my bike.

I came into this tour with a handful of questions, I’ll be leaving with no new answers and even more questions. I expected God to show up, God didn’t show up in the way I expected. I wanted to be able to leave this trip knowing where I’m going, I’ve maybe come to grips with knowing that I may never know.

It took seven weeks for me to realize that, as cliché as it may sound, it really is all about the journey and not the destination. I found God in the journey, now instead of being destination focused I hope to find myself journey focused. Finding God in the day-to-day not just the ‘way off and up ahead.’

So as we neared the Atlantic I took a huge breath, thanked God for bringing me this far and prayed for the strength to go even farther. I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I’m certainly ready to enjoy the time it takes to get there.

Thank you so much for your support, for your prayers and encouragement, and for your willingness to believe in not only myself but in this entire movement.

The following was added on 8/11/2009 at 10:40 pm:

As Cody and I neared the sacred shores of Illinois, a familiar melody flowed through the air. Sitting there in Cody’s S-10 we heard Miley Cyrus belting out how she was overcoming the challenges and trials of daily life. How she was encountering mountains and attempting to make them move. How she was fighting this uphill battle, longing to just reach the other side.

I had heard this song a million times before and often times listened to it on repeat while trying to fall asleep so many nights. But, I had never truly listened to what Miley was trying to teach me. Miley has learned that these trials and tribulations were what made her, her. She found that it “Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side; It’s the climb, yeah!” Miley's song has managed to capture what I've learned this year on the Ride:Well Tour, and I am ever so thankful for her, and the wisdom she continues to impart. I can not wait for the day when she and I will be married and have 19 children and our own TLC reality show.

So, I hope that Miley’s song can speak volumes into your life, and that you would enjoy The Climb:

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

[Jesse Olson]

Ohh... Miley. Next to Brianne your the stuff.

[Venture Expeditions]

19 children? wow!

[Erin White]

well I can't go to St. Louis...but I believe you have an amazing journey ahead...and hope maybe in some small way I can continue to be a part....this is a beautiful lessoned learned...one that often needs reminding...one you learn again and again

[Bethany Stallings]

i second erik.

[Erik Pelttari]

Any journey, any place, we'll all go with you....starting in St. Louis.

[Erin McDermott]

you are so right, jacob. focus on the journey. day to day, moment by moment walking with God. im so encouraged by this. and by you. thank you for being who you are. i hope i see you again one day.

[Lani Bruce]

Jacob, you fought through challenges and finished strong! God used you in ways that you alone were designed for! I can't wait to hear news of your continuing journey and know it will be amazing!
(Erin M mom)