Pedal Day 16 - Century.

 

"It is so awesome when your dreams are bigger than your memories."

-Deborah Ingram, Pedal Day 15 comments.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

-Lucille Ball, texted to me by Ericka Warren.

Today was something else. I'm not sure I have room enough to share it all.

Jonathan and I rode our first century of the trip. A century, for those of you who do not pedal, is a one day hundred mile or more ride. We, even though we had to back-track to make up miles, pedaled 101.8 miles of Montana today. We are now 121 miles from North Dakota! Yipee! We pedaled through Dodson, Wagner, Malta, Saco, Hinsdale, and into Glasgow. The truck drivers once again get our "Good Bike-Keeping Seal of Approval." They have shown kindness, respect, and courtesy all along the road. Somewhere along the way I hope I find a way to personally thank some of them.

In Montana, the state erects white crosses at the site of every accident where lives have been lost. We pedaled by one site where seven white crosses were erected, wondering if an entire family went out into eternity from that one location. There are too many white crosses out here. It's a reminder!

In Dodson, Jonathan and I stopped at Raiders Quick Stop where we met Mrs. Linda Arnold. Linda is a delightful lady who talked with us as we sipped ice cold drinks in the Quick Stop. She told us about the abandoned Indian Catholic Church we passed yesterday, the almost complete dinosaur found near Malta, how she and her husband had moved to Dodson from the Chicago area almost forty years ago and stayed, about the town's high school track stars, and about Eugene's Pizza in Glasgow. She is another of God's blessings on this trip.

Eugene's Pizza! Remember Jim from Simms? He the guy who told us that Eugene's Pizza is the best in the world. Some people may disagree but even if it's not the best it's very close. One thing's for sure, you will not find a friendlier bunch of people anywhere. We met Sam Knodel, one of the owners. His brother, Jeff, is the other owner. Eugene's Pizza has been around since 1962, Sam and Jeff bought it from their parents, and they still run it in the same 1962 location in Glasgow! Their pizza is so good they even ship it to Alaska and who knows where else! Sam came to our table and talked with us like we were family. As we were leaving he gave us cup holders, note pads, and t-shirts from Eugene's Pizza. Of course, we had to get a photo so you could meet Sam (yellow t-shirt, back row) and his crew. More friendly blessings from the Father.

Thinking back over today I have an overwhelming sense of joy. Joy is based on what's inside a person while happiness is based on what's outside. We've experienced both today. I've had a whole day to hang out with the Father in the midst of some of his unbelievable creation. Jonathan and I pedaled 101 miles closer to Bar Harbor. I have met some wonderful new friends and I've been encouraged. I've also been encouraged by your comments. I have seen more of the greatest country on the face of the earth. I have laughed a lot and that's healthy (Proverbs 17:22). And . . . there are still numbers on my heart monitor!

The song in my mind almost all day has been "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength." "Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b).

Jan, the barns are for you! Enjoy!