June 27, 2011

Today's report from my Ride for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska

Started at 7:15 am in Fairbury and finished at 3:00 pm in Tecumseh.

Covered 97 miles, 14.2 mph ave speed, 29.7 - max speed

Riding time - 6 hrs, 51 minutes

Wind - Hurt at the beginning of the day, helped a lot in the middle and hit from the side for the last 32 miles. 

"Hurt/Help" Wind scale - +1.0.

The "Hurt/Help" Wind Scale is my way of saying "this is how much the wind hurt/helped me over the course of the day". It can Hurt me up to a -5, or help me up to a +5.

About today:

looking into the Swan Creek valley from the turn to Tobias

Today was great!!  I had a bit of a headwind going north out of Fairbury, but it wasn't bad.  Then later that same north wind really helped me!  Before turning east on Hwy 41, I went past the turns to Daykin, Western and Tobias.  I was a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School just outside of Tobias from 1992 - 1999.  LOTS of good friends in the area.  I hope you are all doing well.  (-:)

 

Wilber - Czech Capital USA

      Arriving in Wilber is a little like going back in time.  They claim to be the Czech Capital of the USA.  As you drive down mainstreet you hear polka music being played over loudspeakers.  It's different, that's for sure.










Well, the rest of the day took me through Beatrice, and then east to Tecumseh.  I enjoyed riding today, which I did not really enjoy the last two.  It was a good day.  

Thank-yous for today:

Doug and Carolyn

     Thank yous are in order for my sag drivers today and tomorrow, Doug and Carolyn Wetzel, friends from Grand Island.  They are a LOT of fun!  I really appreciate your help.   

Marsha and John Diener

roast beef, potatoes and carrots!!!!

      Thank you also to my host family in Tecumseh, Pastor John 
      and Marsha Diener.  John is from Michigan and has the Michigan fight song as his ring tone (you'd enjoy visiting with him Jason!).  In spite of this challenging trait, I still enjoyed his company.  

    Marsha is originally from Kenesaw.  Her maiden name was Kimle.  She fixed a scrumptious supper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  When she lifted the lid off the skillet (with a dramatic flair that would've made a French chef proud) I nearly fainted!  I was instantly transported back to my childhood, to Sundays and my Mom making roast beef, potatoes, carrots and gravy.  I received to important phone calls while we ate.  The first was from Kiley at MAW in Omaha.  When it vibrated, I looked at it, said "Naww!" and kept chewing.  The second phone call was from Char, my wife.  I looked at it, said "Naww!" and kept chewing.  I stopped at three helpings because I didn't want to make a pig of myself.  Thank you Marsha!!  Ice cream is to follow as we watch the movie "Adjustment Bureau" with Matt Damon.

Bible verses dealing with Jesus and “wishes”.  A WISH…

     To make eternal life possible – Luke 24:1-18

Quote of the Day:
“The bicycle is a curious vehicle.  Its passenger is its engine.” - John Howard

 “When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn’t work that way.  So I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.” - John Howard

Closing thoughts for the day: 

Lots of hills and a few more miles tomorrow.  Warmer temps.  Hmmm....  I think it will go well though.  Staying with good friends tomorrow night, Todd and Susan Benton, who live west of Nebraska City. They used to live in GI and worship at Peace.  I look forward to seeing them again!! 



Forecast for the next day:

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Route/Towns for the next day:

June 28 - Tecumseh to Pawnee City to Salem to Falls City toward Verdon to Hwy 67

(north) to Hwy 136 to Auburn to Julian to Nebraska City