Bike4Christ Biking for charities

DAY 8 - Thursday, September 27 - DAILY QUOTES

Craig: It was great to see Dutch back on his bike today. He’s been so busy with bike repairs and support maintenance that he hasn’t had the opportunity to ride until today. We rode 98 miles into Port Orford, OR today. It’s hard to imagine we will be through Oregon by tomorrow night. It’s getting a little warmer as we travel South. Today was the first day we didn’t have to start our ride in 30 degree weather. Wes and Shirley whipped up an incredible breakfast this morning which gave us the strength to face the many hills we encountered today. Although we didn’t see much of the Oregon coastline today, there were many state park entrances to the Oregon Dunes. The team is working well together and everyone is pitching in to help with the many daily tasks. Thank you Kristi for your numerous tasks you fulfill every day. Josh rode another 20 miles today.

Jody - I find it very difficult and painful to ride when I’m cold so mornings haven’t been fun for me. I’m so grateful though that we had some sun and warmth later in the day. I had some good stretches of riding. Jesse and Jeff slowed down enough that I could draft them between breakfast and lunch. I was so excited to see my good friend Melody and her family at lunch so I rode as hard as I could and got into our stopping place for lunch well before anyone else. This was a first – maybe a last too. We’ll see. I just have to take one day at a time. It already feels like we’ve been doing this for a long time. I had a little scenic detour with Dave today too. Please keep praying – especially for my knees and endurance and for good weather.

Dave – Today we did 99 miles – a little more than I had thought. One of those miles was when I was temporarily disoriented, however, Jody and I got to see some things the rest of the group didn’t get to see. Jody was not impressed. It was the warmest day we’ve had thus far and I was able to get down to 2 layers. Other days I’ve had 4 layers since I left the border. Our total mileage; 588. We’re more than one third of the way to the Mexican border.

Brad - kinda boring today. No great scenery or great coasting. In fact one place I had to actually pedal down hill because of the wind. I didn’t do it on purpose but I left lunch about 5 minutes before everyone else assuming they would catch up. I was at the campground 46 miles later with 35 minutes between the next rider and me and two hours ahead of the last arrival. Jesse and Jeremy must have been dogging it! I am the only one riding in tee shirts and shorts by breakfast. I imagine when we get to CA everyone else will be comfortable and I will be hot. A rider from Vancouver joined me for a little while. He was only doing about 60 miles a day and getting in some sightseeing. He was headed for San Francisco. Eventually he got tired with my speed and took off. I used the Ipod to keep me company today. It worked great. Pedaling to Shostikovich was inspiring. We are eating very well and the support crew is astounding. All my parts and bike are still working great (except a fat sunburned lower lip), praise the Lord!

Steve – Rode very sluggishly today. Was very pleased to ride into breakfast stop, lunch stop, and finally, overnight camp stop. Unfortunately the scenery wasn’t too great, but it was good to see variety too. I guess the hard part is that we’ve really been spoilt with scenery in these days. Still we passed through some neat towns; they’re often fishing villages and so you can see the little boats go in and out and watch the fisherman at their work. Legs are quite stiff, but that’s to be expected after six days; the good news is that this particular campsite has biker friendly toilets – a little bit higher, with a bar on the side to help you get up (aka. Handicapped). You may not be impressed by that, but let me tell you what a treat it is for us. Best sign today was on the side of an old barn: “Swamp Root for sale. Remedy for kidneys and liver and stomach.” Very interesting. The best sign yesterday came while driving along properties on the oceanfront. One entrance to a little development read, “Surfland” and underneath, “No beach access”. I suppose it was true to its’ name.

Support crew has been unbelievable in keeping us fed with wonderful meals, snacks, water, and tweaking our bikes. I certainly could not do much without the support and encouragement of all of them. Once again I just thank Jesus for the strength and perseverance to continue each day. His strength is made perfect in weakness and it is totally sufficient.

Jeff Schwimer- Today was a great day. Thanks to Jeremy, I have a new seat. Can’t believe the difference. Now I don’t need a new butt. I still need a pair of new knees.

It is pretty cold out in the mornings and night. During the day it warms up. The hills are challenging and the days are long, but I am having the time of my life. It is expected to rain tomorrow. Until Then.

Mary Schwimer - Well I havn’t written in days so I will catch up (if I can, even my fingers are sore!!)

Sunday-9/23 Woke up SICK I couldn’t even talk, I decided not to ride thinking I might die if I did. I helped with support crew, which is more work than riding,(and I didn’t even do much!!) Don’t remember much of the day due to cold medicine.

Monday 9/24 I got started a little later this morning due to still being sick. Had a real hard time on the first leg. After breakfast I started out again but only got about 5 miles under my belt when I got too cold to keep riding. Our wonderful support people Diana & Joe picked me up on the side of the road and let me sleep in their beautiful motor home for a couple of hours and Diana made me tea and took care of me. Hopefully the sleep will help me get better.

Tues 9/25 Wow today was so much better, Craig suggested I wait till after lunch to ride when it had warmed up. I took off after lunch and was sure everyone would catch up and pass me. Rode with Kimberly, Jeff & Jesse for a while but when Jesse stopped to help Jim & Jan change a tire I pulled out in front and never looked back. Caught up to Jodi & Dave & Brad at the break and fond out that was the front, Sooo I stayed on my bike filled my water and off I went. Stayed with Brad for quite a while but lost him when puppy needed a potty break. I flew for a long time and then…..THE HILL….well I thought for sure it was all over but amazingly, only Dave & Jody passed me, at the very top Jeremy went flying by!!! But I still got in early and rode over 50 miles. I had a good day!!

Wed 9/26 Waited till lunch to ride again, seems like it works good for now. Had a wonderful lunch of sloppy jo’s that Naoma & her husband brought. They were GOOD! Rode thru the hills today. LOTS ups and downs, but it was beautiful!! Stopped to take a picture of a lighthouse!!!WOW!! A long flat road thru town a bridge and then we were there!! Some friends came from Roseberg with pulled pork, green beans, and potatoes sooo good. I’m sure Kristy enjoyed not having to cook for a day!!! Jeff’s sister Deb & her husband Frank came to see us at the campground. It was nice to see them!!!

Thursday 9/27 ½ day again, I still have a nasty cough but I seem to do OK in the afternoon. We rode along the beach for a while, The Oregon coastline is amazing!! Then we turned and went thru the country forever!!! Just when I thought we were almost there Christopher told us 13 more miles, I wanted to cry. But instead I sang silly songs, my husband must think I’m nuts!! Then again we’ve been married 3 years I think he knows!!!Speaking of my husband, he is wonderful, he has ridden so well!! I am so proud of him. He rides hard in the AM with Jesse and then stays back with me in the afternoon. He never complains and keeps telling me I’m doing great even when I am going up the hill so slow I feel like I am going backwards. Puppy is doing well. Happy to snuggle up and keep us warm at night and LOVES to ride!! Barks when she sees me in my bike clothes. Wants to make sure I don’t leave her behind!!