It seemed a good idea at the time...

When the opportunity to join the FCBA 2014 was announced last year incentives were offered for signing up before October 1st. The warm afterglow of that summer's ride was still with me, so I jumped at the offer, for the premium of another cycling jersey was just too tempting to pass up. That's the best I can figure, anyway.

I wasn't thinking about the cold showers, just like I took last Friday evening after arriving. I had forgotten about these rambunctious "kids" with boundless energy, given a basketball will think nothing of dribbling it all around you while you're in bed, for we sleep on gym floors. There is the construction work with too many people with far more enthusiasm than skill. Though I'm not often at a loss for words, I write better than I speak (self-editing all the time), so am not eager to speak before a congregation, which I was asked to do Sunday...

Actually, all of that is a lot of fun, and I love it. Okay, maybe not a cold shower, but showers, whatever temperature, never are so refreshing as they are here. We are hosted quite well, too- treated like rock-stars most everywhere we go. It's just that I didn't prepare very well at all, and around 70 miles into today's 92 mile ride, I was really starting to doubt I can do this.

It wasn't very hilly leaving Lake Michigan and heading west. We went for miles along the state line border between Illinois and Wisconsin, eventually turning north into the dairy land. The wind was pretty strong out of the SW, so made work for the majority of our miles. It wasn't long before the pounding road started bruising me, and I really was looking forward to the 20 mile break. The second break I was getting pretty tired, and by the third I was starting to feel the tell-tale symptoms of cramping in my legs. Though I was conscientiously hydrating I started loading up on the electrolyte drink, and as I did was able to keep my legs from locking up.

Riding with others helps ease the work, too. I rode with a variety of people, sometimes pulling ahead, or falling behind; sometimes "pulling" (first rider into the wind), other times "grabbing a wheel" (drafting). This worked, for by 2pm we had arrived at our church hosts.

I keep pretty busy from then to now; bedtime. I wish I had more time to write. Going for showers can be time consuming, and then I've made a habit of video editing (uploading as I write but not available to publish tonight), sharing ride experiences with other riders, dining, tending to gear...we keep busy. Now I must sleep, for I am on breakfast crew, and that starts too soon. There's no telling what tomorrow will bring in the 80 miles we ride. I hope I can do this.

Back to where I started

"Four-Seventy-Three Pine Court, Lake Bluff, Illinois" is the first address I remember being taught to memorize. I don't know exactly when we moved there, but I'm pretty sure my Dad had the house built, since I recall lots of other houses being built during that time. It had to be around 1959, for that is the year my brother was born, and that was our address (I was born in Hartford, CT. in 1957).

That is where my life's memories started. My Mom yelling at my older brothers as I lay in my crib, the two of them arguing whose turn it was to change my diaper. A baby came home. Kittens being born in the closet by the front door. A massive ice storm that caused our power to go out for days. Dad dug a hole along the front walk, filling it with manure over which to grow his prized roses (this little boy was fascinated by poop projects). His smoker he built from terracotta pipe. The garden along the back line where he grew 10' sunflowers (more poop). A tree-house built in the corner of the backyard. The stick of a weeping willow tree we bought at Roger's Nursery (planted in poop) that grew next to our sandbox (where the cats would poop). It still stands, massively shading everything along with all these other trees that have grown. It has been a half-century since we lived there.

Three riders uniformly dressed circling in front of 473 Pine Court probably will be a memory for at least on of the children who I suspect called an alarm in to the now-Dad of the house. As I approached on foot I was met by him, and children ranging from 4 to 9 years, and Mom. I introduced myself, explaining my history and intent. Mom graciously invited me in and the flood came over me. It was as I remembered, but smaller. I was allowed in the backyard, upstairs to my "nursery" and other bedrooms, downstairs, split-level...memories. It's funny how the small part of our lives seems so big in our consciousness- so much in such a short period of time.

Before leaving I posed with Charley, 4 years old, who is learning how to ride without training wheels. We stood together at the spot my ride started the day Dad took mine off. I was hurled down the driveway, so excited I forgot how to stop that first time. It has been a long road since, and hopefully as many miles before I forget to stop for the last time. God speed Charley; may your road be smooth and the wind following. Remember where you started.

This is what it's all about

Three weeks ago the 2014 Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure congregated in New Jersey. There was a slight difference this year in that they started the Adventure with a build day in Atlantic City (see "Train wreck and spilled paint") For me this is a great way to start the ride, as we did today in North Chicago. The Brown family's story is of a loving commitment in need of affordable housing. Providence brought this opportunity to them, and Fuller Center for Housing- HeroProjectLakeCounty. This is yet another story of miracles that could be an entire blog within itself- and respect for privacy and time do not allow me to provide details. Let me just say, regardless of your beliefs, if you expose yourself to what is called "God's work", you cannot avoid seeing the work of God. Coincidence is one thing, but coincidence so precisely timed and ordered as is involved in this occurrence (and so many others) lends itself to belief in something. Well, this is how it has worked for me.

A little over a year ago you would have a hard time convincing me people can be this good. I was just going for a bike ride. To date I can easily say I've slept more hours in church than I have hours attending services (due to how we are sheltered on these rides). I had a short gig as a choir boy in the 60's and then a period of desperation that let me to salvation in the 80's, but never really got enough structure in my life, or held true to faith consistently enough to attend regularly. Let's just say I've struggled through life. I've taken to hanging around with "right folk" and some of it has rubbed off of them, and onto me. It feels right.

Studies have shown a key to happiness is to help other people. Science and statistics are good, but this isn't anything new and has been attested to and proven throughout mankind's history. As much as it isn't the reason any of us should help another, it can't be avoided that it improves my life more than I can ever improve another's. As everyone else, I did what I could today- a tiny contribution to a young family that makes little difference in this world, but a world of difference in them, and me. I can't suggest it strongly enough; give of yourself, share your abundance, and I assure you will find deeper meaning in your life. Volunteer. Donate. You'll like it.

Waukegan Ill Reunion

When I arrived at Waukegan Community Church I was the first "rider". I started in Orlando, my flight leaving at 10 am, and gaining an hour with travel arrived at Midway Airport before noon. There I was met by Rachel, the fiance of Steven Szafranski. Steven was a rider from last year who lives in the area and had joined the group for the day's ride from Gary, Indiana. Immediately in FCBA mode I took advantage of the opportunity to do some quick reconnaissance of the church and nab my sleeping quarters for the weekend. For me, prime sleeping includes carpeting and an outlet, and if at all possible a room other than the gymnasium. I found just the spot, and invited A.J. and Mihai in on the deluxe accommodations. I know A.J. from his participation for a week of last year's ride, and just met Mihai. 

Yvette Ewing, with the help of her husband Ronnel is the inspiration and driving force of one of FCH's newer covenant partners Hero Project of Lake County, Ill. Yvette has been involved with community service for years, and recently has further answered the call through providing for the core needs locals, through employment, diet, and now housing. She's turned vacant lots into urban farms, bringing all faiths to productive gardens, employs some at her call center for a national company, and now with the Fuller Center for Housing can offer affordable housing. This partnership has already resulted in one home provided, and tomorrow we will be working on their second home. This is the first of arrangements made with local congregations to acquire 30 homes for renovation and purchase by area families with non-interest bearing mortgages. This is a holistic approach toward community development that will show results in perpetuity. An entire blog could, and should, be written on this project alone, but is not the purpose of this one; the best I can do is introduce you.

Riders started to arrive in mid-afternoon. These strangers today will be like brothers and sisters by the end of six weeks. Just as my brothers and sisters I was reunited with today who were strangers but a year ago: Melissa, Brett, Tom, Kert, Steven, Nicole, Susan and within the next couple of days more family from FCBA 2013 will join this 2014 team. I don't know how many are with us right now, but it is over twice the number of last year. 

Tomorrow we build. God, thank you for bringing me back.

I wish I were there

A year ago we were assembling at Tybee Island. As strangers we shared nervous introductory small talk. Most of us hadn't ever done anything like this, but there were a few veterans, partial and full way riders from previous FCBAdventures. They were the cool kids. Wide eyed, we newbies listened intently to these veterans as they shared advice and experience, and we had safety briefings, and "team-building" activities. I think back to my first impressions of those strangers, then, who are my family, now.

I look at today's picture of some of the riders and see family I know, and those I look forward to knowing. I wish I was in Atlantic City with you today, but I'll be watching and praying from here. Three weeks from now, after you have all become very well acquainted I will be the stranger amongst you, but I know I will feel at home. Before long we'll form a bond that will take us to Oregon, and life beyond.

My best adventures are ill prepared for. This one should be a doozy. I haven't ridden since mid-April. My bicycle is still in pieces, frame finally stripped of paint, just today. I'll paint it tomorrow, and assemble it- I don't know when. Not next weekend, for an urgent family matter is taking me to Oklahoma. I'm feeling especially anxious now. My bike, my physical condition, my fundraising- not where they should be. I should be there, with you now. God speed, Adventures.

Oyee!

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