Pedal Day 49 - VERMONT!

"Before you criticize someone, walk a while in his shoes. That way if he gets angry, he'll be a mile away and barefoot."

-Anonymous, from the home of Doug, Cindy, Keith, and cousin Matthew

We are now at the home of Doug, Cindy, and Keith Dunkelberger in Bradford, Vermont. Their home is 220 years old and was used as part of The Underground Railroad. They have completely restored the house to something that belongs in Northern Living magazine. We are staying here for the evening and right now (11:10 P.M.) we are sitting around the kitchen table talking. I am being somewhat unsociable doing this post but know that it has to be done or I'll be in big trouble. Tomorrow I will put photos of this house on the blog. You'll enjoy them. By the way, Cindy is the sister of Kathy who works with Sarah in Dr. George's office in Athens.

Bradford, Vermont is, for you geographically in tune folks, the home of the first world globe! Also, Vermont is the only state in the union that has no billboards! Let's hear it for Vermont!

Our ride today totaled 76.11 miles. The wind was the same as always but we've only got three more days to put up with it. Wind wasn't the only challenge though . . . let me tell you something you probably already know . . . Vermont is not flat. We knew that the Adirondacks would be a challenge but . . . welcome to The Green Mountain State of Vermont! Whew! We are finished with them now and the only mountains between us and the Atlantic are the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We'll be in New Hampshire tomorrow and I'll give you a White Mountain report then.

Right now I feel like we are in some kind of a space mission program. In Washington we had Chris and Debby Weldon giving us instructions and directions. They handed us off to Beavercreek Central to be guided by Jim, Margaret's brother. He still keeps an eye on our progress and route. Now we are under the directions of our son-in-law, Barry Milliner, who is landing us in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. We are right on course and should make our touch down on Saturday as planned.

We know that we have a higher authority guiding us. Today I was reminded of the importance of following his guidance. When Jonathan and I pedaled into Vermont we were immediately impressed with the highway before us. We passed from construction to four lanes of smooth concrete with shoulders wide and clean. As we pedaled by a sheriff sitting in his car we were reminded that law enforcement is always there for our protection.

About four miles into Vermont a motorcycle rider pulled up beside Jonathan and said, "You know it's illegal to ride on here!" We did not know and since it is not an interstate, thought he was wrong. When we came into the state there were no signs prohibiting bikes or anything else so we kept pedaling. There was lots of traffic but that didn't bother us because of the wide shoulder. At the next exit we looked for signs prohibiting bikes but saw none as we passed by. Just to be sure, because I didn't want to ride on Route 4 if it was illegal, we pulled off at the next exit and saw the sign prohibiting bikes, walkers, non-motorized vehicles, etc. Looking at the map we decided we would take Route 4A that runs parallel to the four lane. Route 4A is two lane, shady, not bad for riding, fairly flat, with almost no traffic. Maybe we pedaled a mile or two more but what we gained was far better.

Okay, you ask, what's your point? As part of my devotional this morning I read Romans 13:1a, "Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there." Sure, I would have rather stayed on the newer, smoother Route 4 but legally that couldn't be. Route 4A was better for us anyway!

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

Take the right road!