Determination

Other bike trips: I have been riding bikes as long as I can remember. At first, cycling was just a pastime. But, as I got older, cycling became a good mode of transportation. In 2009 I completed a 750 mile cycling trip around the state of North Dakota (with portions consisting of both supported and unsupported sections). This trip whetted my appetite for life on the road. Over the course of the North Dakota journey, I learned how my body reacts to long distance cycling; for example caloric intake, clothing and inclement weather apparel,appropriate bike tools and parts, eliminating superfluous gear for weight savings, and packing systems for easy access and weight distribution. Now that I have the logistics out of the way, let's look at finishing power. There were many times on the North Dakota trip I was not sure if I would be able to pedal another mile (like when you've been fighting a head wind for the last 35 miles in 95 degree weather). But this is the time when you summon the inner strength of your soul. This upcoming mission will assuredly have numerous trying moments. A trip of this length will requires heart, soul, and determination. Determination is a nice word for stubbornness and I have a lot of that. Determination is an aspect of my life that has allowed me to be successful in new and exciting ventures. This does not mean determination takes the place of planning, so stay tuned to see more about mission planning, the training regiment, and its progress.

Mission

Everyone faces struggles: it is not your abilities, rather it is your choices that constitutes one's being. So I have chosen to make a cycle trip from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf my mission. The mission objectives are: 1) to meet others with  mental and physical  disabilities, and 2) to use this medium as a ministry ( to be an inspiration, to be inspired and share the gospel). Through my short comings, it has left room for empathy and compassion which has given me the desire to push myself and others to their best. I hope to utilize my love of stories and the people whom the stories belong to enter their lives and affect a tangible improvement. I cannot estimate the amount or type of change, but I do know we all are looking for more joy and fulfillment that I believe only the Lord can provide.

When: August 20, 2011 -  October 21, 2011 (60 days on the road)

Where: The headwaters of the Mississippi River (Lake Itasca, MN) to New Orleans, LA ( 1,912 miles)


View my route on Google and see if I will be passing through your town. Minor change will occur.

First Post, Details to Follow

Mississippi River

I am the heart of many long lost souls.  

I am a river with heart ache and joy.

I am a blur from the highway.

I am berries in the fall.

I am rocks beneath the rushing, cascading water.

I am a river.

I am a comfort to someone having a bad day.

Where the water never stops flowing between the jagged rocks.

I am memories and kindness.

I am lonely in old age.

I am grasping to my ways.

I am a river.

I am Nick’s trophy fish.

I am hidden behind the Pennys store.

I am an old barge under the misty water.

I am hope.

I am a river…. 
South bound.

I wrote this poem in middle school with no foresight of the trip.