republic, washington

Curlew Lake, Republic, Washington

 Fiasco! That’s the word for today. The dictionary defines fiasco as a complete failure that ends in a ludicrous or humiliating way. We didn’t have a complete failure or any humiliation but this morning seemed like the day could go that way real fast. First, I had a flat three miles out of Tonasket. Second, we got on the wrong road and didn’t realize it until Margaret called and said, Gale and I are three miles from Canada.” The wrong road added, maybe, a little over fourteen miles to our ride. Third, the last twenty miles of the ride was without any pedal assist.

The flat tire. New bike with new tires and I get a flat. We were headed directly into the wind and the front of my bike started a little wobble that progressively got wobblier. (Is that a word?) Sure enough. I had nothing with me to fix a flat so Margaret came to the rescue and took me back into town where we found the Tonasket Tire Co. Dan and Ronnie met me and when I asked them if they could fix the flat they were more than ready to tackle the project. I was wondering whether or not I was at the right place when Don said, “I ain’t never seen a valve stem like that before.” But . . . he was determined to take care of the problem, and he did. Minutes later, I paid $12.00, thanked Dan and Ronnie, hopped into the Explorer, and headed back to get rolling again. 

We did get rolling but on the wrong road! We were on route 97 and should have been on route 20 east. After Margaret’s call, Phil and I turned around and headed back to Tonasket until Margaret and Gale arrived and we loaded the bikes into and onto the Snackwagon until we got to route 20 back in town. At this point, we had used much of our power on the bikes but headed up route 20 east anyway. And I do mean UP! And up! And UP! We thought it would never end. Not only did it never end but we experienced a day of about twenty-six miles of climbing in the cold with rain and sleet and wind. Wild day to say the least, but we did arrive safely at Tiffanys Resort right on Curlew Lake, showered, ate supper, and will be hitting the hay real soon.

While we were pedaling, today, the rain and sleet stung as it hit our faces, the wind kept hitting us head-on, it was a bit chilly, and we were still climbing. Then the pedal assist was gone for the duration of the ride up Wauconda Pass. In all this, I was warmed and happy about the ride because I knew we were headed to days of riding on flat roads, in shorts and short-sleeved jerseys, warmed by the sunshine of the plains. Today was just part of getting there.

Our pastor, Josh Smith, is preaching in Hebrews right now. He said last Sunday that he may get to chapter 11 by 2023. (I don’t doubt that!) Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as God’s Hall of Faith. It includes a Who’s Who of faithful followers who lived and died for their faith. After being recognized for their faithfulness, verses 4 through 12, we read these words,

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. . . . But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (v.v. 13-14,16)

They were not there yet but they saw where they were going and that kept them going. 

I know we certainly did not suffer as they did. Nobody was trying to kill us either. But the thought of better riding in the days ahead sure had a way to keep us pedaling. Fiascos are part of life. We get them whether we want them or not. The key? Don’t focus on the fiascos. Focus on the smooth roads warmed by the sunshine. Focus on a land that is better. Focus on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Today was an absolutely great day! Even with all the mess and mix-up, it was simply a fun ride. Sure, I wish we did not have the fiascos but we did. Will I get over them? I have. Am I ready to pedal Sherman Pass tomorrow? I am. And why? I know there are smoother roads ahead.

Focus.