marblemount, washington

 The tradition tire-dip and we're off!

71.82 miles today from Anacortes to Marblemount, Washington. It was a good day and it was a tough day. I don’t remember all those climbs! Did they add them since 2009? I’m sure they were there and I thought they were tough then, too. But . . . we did make it and after cleaning up we ate a great supper at the Marblemount Diner next door. This was the Diner's first weekend open this year and they must have had many customers. By the time we arrived, the menu had been shortened considerably, but what we ordered  was still very good. The Marblemount Diner is one of those hole-in-the-wall eateries you’ll be hearing about as we pedal. After fish and chips, pie of all sorts, huckleberry ice cream, and root beer, we are all back in our homes for the night and tomorrow night. Every one is tired and most of us will be in bed and asleep real soon.

Our trek today took us through Fredonia, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Lyman, Hamilton, Concrete, and Rockport. Of course, we started in Anacortes with the traditional rear tire dip in the ocean. It’s one of those cyclist things. You dip the rear tire of your bike  in the ocean you leave behind and you dip the front tire in the ocean on the other side of America when you arrive! In this case, we will go from the Pacific to the Atlantic with about 4,000 miles in between. 

Riding a bike across America is certainly a real challenge. Some days it’s good, some days it’s rough, some days it’s sunshine, and tomorrow there’s a 40 percent chance of snow here. You just never know what will be thrown at you from day to day. But you persevere and finally arrive at your destination. I’ve learned that riding my bike is also a lot like life: somedays you just want to throw in the towel and quit. But when you keep going, you’re blessed beyond belief. 

I’ve heard, “When things get tough, the tough keep going.” I don’t know who said that but it’s one of those Finish Challenges. My dad always said, “When you start something, finish it.” So there’s no talk of anything other than, “We’re going to Maine.” That, in itself stirs up excitement in me and I’m ready to head east.

Above all, today’s been an encouraging day. I’m encouraged simply because we are doing this, we’re headed across America. There’s a whole lot to see, great people to meet, and countryside that’s just plain

incredible. I’m encouraged because I love challenges and this is a good one. I’m encouraged because of the crazy crew I’m traveling with. I’m encouraged because this is a God-thing for me. The Bible says, this is a Barry paraphrase, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of the Lord.” 

Before we left Georgia, Sarah and Carey gave us the going-away goodies that you may have seen in another blog. Among the goodies was a ziplock bag filled with notes. My instructions were, “Read one or two each morning before you ride.” This morning I cheated. I read three. The first one I selected was from Maddie, one of our grandkids. She misses us, encouraged us, and also reminded us that she didn’t have anyone to go to Chick-fil-A with while we’re gone. The other two were from folks in Georgia and Florida, encouraging us as we pedal. 

I am encouraged. I’m happy, too. I’ve done this before and I know what lies ahead in many ways. One of my favorite things is the time I have to think on my bike. It's a mobile quiet time. I think about creation and the beauty through which we’re riding. I think about things I want to do. I think songs and do mini-concerts that keep my pedals turning at a certain pace. I talk with the Lord about everything and anything. Ultimately, He’s my source of all encouragement. 

I’m encouraged. We're goin' ta Maine!