Day One of Bike Trip

Today (actually it was yesterday, but this is the first i've had to be on the computer) began my annual bike trip. Decided I would post to my blog day by day - well allmost. . . .

The day began by loading my belongings on the bike and securing them into place. As I was laboring, my brother David arrived on his bike. While he patiently waited I still had a few items left to process before I could pull out.

We then headed to Knead the Dough for breakfast together. Coffee, my brother, and great conversation -- it doesn't get any better than that! We had a tasty fair of steak, eggs, homefries, toast, and for desert, one of KTD's special cinamon rolls. Wow!

After breakfast we stopped to fuel up at Porter Country Mart, and then on to visit with George Bell before leaving town. When we arrived Miguel was there and they had been playing backgammon. If you know what the rules are for rolling doubles, please call George and give him the official scoop. After prayer we headed out to ride along Rte 18. We stopped at Brown's Berry Patch to unload some of the coffee and while there David sprang a leak -- his bike did rather! Bad spot on the gas tank and it was leaking pretty bad.

We headed for David's home rather than riding on. At the house we spent some time just talking and I suggested that David call a "bone yard" to find a used tank.

From there I launched back out and went south on Rte 98, and then connected with Rte 219. I decided that I knew where Rte 219 started, so let's see where it ends! I traveled down Rte 219 to Rte 6 and went into the Allegany National Forest and tried to hook up with my cousin Nancy Stolt who was to be camping in Cook's Forest. I never was able to find them, so I picked a camp site for the nite and set up the tent. Across for the camp there is a restaurant called "Trails End" where I had the most incredible burger! As I retired for the night, the first drops of rain began to gently fall.

On the whole it was quite an auspicious day for the first of this bike trip. The weather was great, and the scenery was exquisite.

As I reflected on the day, I was made aware of how many times we think we have a handle on the direction and effect of our day, but then we spring a leak, or we fall off a deck, or --- you fill in your blank ......................... The good news is, I don't have to completely understand, or be in control -- God is!

Can you simply today "be still, and know that I am God"?

Keepin' the shinney side up!