Thank You!

This is long overdue but I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me in the Ride For Refuge during October.  With your help I raised over $500 and rode nearly 200 miles.  While I didn't reach my goals completely I am very happy with the results.  And what is even more exciting eMi Canada raised almost $25,000 with the combined efforts of 8 teams.  That is 155% over their goal.  http://rideforrefuge.org/partner/emicanada  Thank you so much for your support and encouragement!

2 more days!

I'm reminded of Isaiah 40:31 as I finish my challenge to complete 200 miles in the month of October: "...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  This month has been full of activities for me and completing the 200 miles has not been easy especially with the poor weather.  (I have decided to finish the mile indoors on a stationary bike since 37 degree weather with 40 mph winds just doesn't sound like a good idea for my safety or health).  Needless to say I will put my hope in the LORD and I will finish stronger than I started just like the many volunteers who are tirelessly working to help the helpless, to give hope to the widows and children.  It is for them I am riding and it is for them I am asking you to donate a few dollars.  There are still 2 days left to donate.  Help me finish strong.  Just $10 from 10 people will help me finish at $500.  Will you be one of those 10?

One more week!

 I've got one more week left to finish my 200 miles and raise some more money.  I've had a minor set back this week when I woke up Tuesday morning with a sore throat.  Luckily I'm feeling better today and hopefully after a good night sleep tonight I can continue riding tomorrow.  Here are some pictures from my previous rides.  Can you guess where they were taken?

Road Trip!

This past weekend I took a road trip for a friends wedding in Wisconsin.  I stopped to see people in 4 states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin)  It was a great trip as I got to see a lot of family and friends that I haven't seen for a while and are all very special to me.  And of course I brought my bike along.  Unfortunately I was only able to ride once in Naperville, IL my hometown.  It was a very nice ride as I explored some of the bike trails I never knew existed despite living there for 14 years of my life.  And when I returned home my mom had a wonderful breakfast all ready for me to enjoy.  I am very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends! 

Now to catch up with my riding...  Today I rode to work again and plan to ride tomorrow.  Then perhaps a birthday ride with some family on Friday. (My family will be visiting from Illinois and Tennessee just to celebrate my birthday)  It should be a great weekend.  Hope to get past the 100 mile mark this weekend.  You can also help me reach my goals by donating a few dollars!  Every little bit helps.

I'm officially a bicycle commuter

I rode my bike to work from my apartment for the first time today!  I'm exhausted but I will do it again.  It was nice to have a purpose for riding my bike rather than just for pleasure or exercise.  The best part about it is I saved money on gas and I was friendly to the environment.  The ride was only about 6 miles each way but the cold (37 degrees) foggy morning made it tough.  I don't remember October always being this cold.  Anyway, I'm up to 52 miles now!  Keep posted to find out the next place I ride.  I'm going on a road trip this weekend.

Cold and Rainy!

I completed a long 30 mile ride today in the cold and rain to catch up on my miles.  As I rode I longed for a cup of hot chocolate and my warm bed I would go home to and then I remembered why I was riding, for the children who don't have a place to call home and the families that don't even have clean water to drink.  With the money I raise, EMI will be able to send more teams to design orphanages for the children and bring clean water to countries suffering from disaster.  It was a tough ride for me but I knew why I was riding and I knew my suffering was miniscule when compared with those suffering around the world.  Please consider donating some money to help out.  And if you want to ride with me please let me know.

I biked the entire Olentangy trail.  My bike is pictured here at the trail head in Worthington.

Slow Start

October has proven to be a busy eventful month for me.  Between traveling for fun to Seattle and for work to Connecticut and some rainy evenings this past week I have not gotten in as many miles as I would have liked.  However I will persevere.  I have plans for a long bike ride tomorrow and I plan to start riding to work this week.  Hopefully the weather cooperates.  You can help me on my way by donating money to my cause and encouraging me to keep riding!