This page has all the same content as the regular blog page. The only difference is that it's ordered in a slightly different manner. On the main blog page, the posts are in order of when they were recieved and posted, and when they were written. On this page they are solely in order of the date they were written. This eliminates the possible confusion occuring when two or more posts were recieved for the same date days apart. You may have noticed some that on the main page, there may be more than one entry for the same day that were posted a few days apart. This page sorts it all out by nothing but the date the entry is written in. Hopefully this will eliminate any confusion there may have been.
Click the links below to view entries from:
Before the Ride
Beginning of June
End of June
Beginning of July
End of July
End of the Ride
Posted on: April 20, 2008 - Sunday
Things are starting to pick up around here! The RV now sits proudly on our front lawn with "Bike4Mali" decals on the sides, along with the flag colors and an image of the route on the back window.
We're all getting more used to the idea of living in it for the summer, and our dog, Cricket, has investigated it thoroughly, and deemed it worthy of her residence. (She's also noticed that several of the windows are properly placed where she can see out of them, and is pleased.)
As for the rest of us, we will spend the next month and a half finishing up with school and tests, and deciding what needs to come along, and what we can do without for the summer - a task easier for some than others.
As you can see, we now have a blog page. While it won't be like most other blogs that are out there, it's simply a means for us to more easily communicate with everyone as to how we're doing, what we're up to, and what Cricket thinks about all this. =)
-Christina
I rode 197 miles this week much of it in hilly terrain. It was not the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but there were some good climbs and I felt generally good for them. Some of the hills I climbed this week were 11%. Did a couple of 2 mile climbs. One at about 6 to 11%. The other one from 5 to 10%. These both went well. I have figured out one of the things that had been a challenge for the operation of my Edge GPS device. So, it is becoming more and more useful to me as I figure it out. Unfortunately, I still have not figured out how to remove routes that I have uploaded to the device, but perhaps someone out there who has one can fill me in on this important point, otherwise I will eventually stumble across the answer.
-Bruce
The first few days have gone reasonably well. We arrived at the first RV Park of our lives on June 2nd at 2 AM Pacific time. We managed to go to sleep at by about 2:39 AM. We slept about 4-5 hours and got up and learned the reason that the RV park where we stayed was called “Sounds of the Sea.” The sounds are seals - hundreds of them - all sitting on rocks far below. At first I thought someone had a lot of annoying dogs, then I realized they must be seals.
We decided to try to find the Redwoods Park which was supposed to be about 10 miles up 101 from where we were. Though they are big trees, we could not seem to find them. I know that must seem strange…but we were very tired and just didn’t feel like trying to go further to the entrance of the park. So we drove back down the highway (101) and arrived at Clam Beach. We then did the tire dipping thing that I think one is supposed to do as one plans to ride literally from coast to coast. I think one is only supposed to dip the back tire into the ocean, but both of mine got wet. I was worried about getting salt water on the bike…though I don’t think it will hurt rubber carbon fiber or Titanium.
Thus the ride began. I rode down CA 101 for about 8-10 miles before coming to CA 299 East. The road to Glendale, CA was fine. The road from Glendale was 6%. I would gladly give the names of the places I went through, but peddling uphill is about all I remember. I must have peddled up hill for the better part of 20 miles. After two major climbs and then two major descents we arrived in Willow Creek. 50 miles seemed like enough for the first day out.
We found a Laundromat and a VFW. Unfortunately someone had used bleach in the machine prior to our use so there are a few strange “extra clean” places on some of our clothes..bummer.
- Bruce
First Blog
In my mind, I always thought I could make it to Redding in 2 days. So, though I set out for a 60-70 mile ride the second morning, in my mind I was
going to Redding and doing my first century of the Bike4Mali trek. The first 33 miles were fine. Then the second 33 weren’t too bad. Then came
Oregon Pass. I think it was about 2800 feet. Not too bad except for 10% grades in a few places. It was a five mile climb mostly between 6-8%.
Then a nice downhill for about 5 miles. Then about 8 miles of flat then came Buck Horn Pass. I had been told earlier in the day by one person that
it was 3200 feet. Another person told me it was 22-2300 feet. Still another person told me it was 2800 feet. There was still plenty of up hill
ahead at 2300 feet. I hoped for the 2800 thing. But it kept going up and up and at times it was 13% for ¼ mile or so. It probably averaged around
7-8% for most of the time. Then I saw the sign at the side of the road for 3000 feet. Finally, I was seeing a very welcome sign that said Big Horn
Summit 3200 feet. From there it was mostly downhill with some great twisting turns. I didn’t watch my speed a lot, I was mostly looking at the road,
but it was easy to move around 30+ even through the turns marked 20mph. The cycle computer says I was going over 40 mph at least once. I was a fast
fun descent. I think when I was younger I would have gone faster, but…I want to make it to the other coast…so I used less peddle, more coast, and some
brakes coming down. In the “old” days I would not have been afraid to have peddled with extra effort to achieve a new high speed. But a few trips to
the hospital have cured that need for speed.
Overall, the ride was beautiful. Many times as I rode along I looked over the edge of the cliff to see the Trinity River flowing below and sometimes a
hawk or an eagle soaring over the valley below. The scenery was more like what you would expect to see in the Pacific Northwest than you would think of
for California. As a matter of fact I had to keep reminding myself that I was in California not Oregon or Washington.
I saw a group of about 5 rafts filled with 6-10 people each going down the river. Looked like fun. The river has a beautiful greenish white hue to it
that is hard to really describe. It is not the dark green of rivers in the east, but the green of a fast river which lots of air bubbles from its rush
over rocks as it moves swiftly down the ravine.
Traffic on the highway was not too bad. I had communication with Isaac available all day the first day. There was no cell phone service on day two at
all. So, we settled on a new system. I would meet up with him and then tell him to wait where he was for about 45 minutes and then come up to and then
pass me and stop at the next turn out on the road. Then I would stop, get more water, and move ahead of him for another 45 minutes. This typically gave
me an hour’s worth of riding. I was consuming about two water bottles an hour so I stayed well hydrated, thus no problem with cramping as I moved up the
two climbs that were saved for the latter part of the 106 mile ride.
We rolled into the outskirts of Redding at about 7:30 PM. My total on the bike riding time was 8.5 hours. I was not too disappointed with that considering
the 6000 feet of climbing, most which was at 5% and above. It was good to roll into Redding. We found an Alliance church parking lot after consuming a
large stuffed crust pizza at a local Pizza Hut.
- Bruce
Second Blog
Rode 113.8 miles. Felt good for most of the ride. Made it to Redding, CA. Then Isaac and I got separated and my cell phone battery was dead. We decided to head for a Pizza Hut. But the road he got on was not available to cyclists as I found out when a police car used his loud speaker to tell me to exit. I did not know where Isaac had gone and I had no cell phone with which to call him since my battery had died. I went back to a Shell station and called Sheryl from a pay phone (I did not remember Isaac's cell number) and had her call Isaac to tell him where I was. He finally got back to where I was but was a bit shook up over all that had happened in the preceding hour. We went to Pizza Hut, ate, then drove to a church where we parked for the night in their parking lot.
First Blog
Today was a rest day. I rode 5 miles from the point where I entered the town to Simpson University where we are staying. We effected some needed repairs
to the RV, met several people here at Simpson including the President, Larry McKinney, who is from Western PA. There was a young lady named Wendy who
interviewed me about the ride and more importantly about the needs in Mali, Africa.
I also met some folks along the way. One gentleman who looked to be slightly older than me said he had ridden across the country 6 or more times on his
bike - once from Washington to Florida. Said he finally got “it” out of his system. I told him I intended to ride only once. He said that is what he
told himself his first time. Hmmm. Well I really don’t plan to ride it again.
Cricket seems to be enjoying herself. She has met many new people and she is quite the socialite. Today she was introduced to a good portion of the
administration of Simpson University including the president Dr. McKinney. She visited him in his office. I think Wendy was ready to adopt Cricket and
took the time while we visited with Mark Woods and a few others to take Cricket around for proper introductions. Cricket seemed quite pleased with the
whole affair and wagged her tail to greet all the ones I saw her meet.
- Bruce
Second Blog
George came and knocked on our door asking us if we could move the RV to another location on the church grounds which we did. No one at Neighborhood had heard about Bike 4Mali, or cared. We were introduced to a new pastor, who was clueless and was sent just to get rid of us. So we left. We called Bruce Sexton and informed him of the situation. We were called by someone from Simpson University, who invited us to come there. Again, I think that few are concerned about the hospital or the need in Mali. I am doubting the success of our goal of raising 1 million for the hospital. I will be very disappointed if we do not reach our goal whether I make it across the U.S. or not.
First Blog
I slept fitfully last night. It is 5:30AM here and I am up early, responding to a horrible dream I had of suffering people without hope in other
countries around the world. Particularly, of course my focus for this ride is on the people of Mali: a people unknown to many in the U.S. Many
here do not even know that Mali is a country in Africa. Some ask, "Is Mali in the South Pacific?" Others ask, "What is Mali?" Is it any wonder
that this is a country where many suffer due to lack of adequate medical care? Is it a wonder that 1 in 4 children die before the age of 5?
I do not know what our exact numbers are in terms of what has been coming in for the hospital. I believe the American people would get behind this
if they knew about it. Last I knew we were at around $3.00 per mile which is pretty low really. Someone said the other day, "Why give for people in
another country when there are so many suffering here?" The reason is simple. 95-97% of all funds raised in the United States go to needs within our
borders. I am glad that we care for one another so well, but what about those who have nothing? They suffer, and we - a generous people - have a
chance to help them, too. I am not saying we take should take away from those who are suffering here. But we can help people overseas by giving a
penny a mile to this effort which is only $40. And we personally will never feel it, whereas in other countries $40 may be all a family can earn in
a year. Even if a person gave $80, (2 cents per mile,) they would probably not suffer. It might mean giving up something for a few days, or a week
or two, but in the long run it will not cause significant suffering for someone here in the United States.
People in Mali do not have the opportunities in their culture that we have in ours. I am not saying we owe it to them. I am saying it is an
opportunity for us to give some help to those who have need that is great. I had a man from Mali get down on his knees before our entire
congregation and say, "Thank you, for what you have already done for our people! You have been so gracious to us." He did not ask for more.
He was simply expressing in the most humble, gentle and earnest way he knew how much what we have already done for his people means to him. He
is here in the North America attending school so that he and his wife can go back to Mali and help to educate his people and help them to improve
their own lives. These people are not asking for handouts, but they know how to say thank you for a kindness extended. I have been blessed with
the opportunity to use my ability to ride a bike for the purpose of helping to raise awareness of the needs of the people of Mali. But I must admit
that if I ride across the country and we do not make our minimum goal of a million dollars, I will be surprised because I truly believe the American
people would gladly rise to meet this need. If enough of us pledge even a few cents a mile, it will make a huge difference by making medical care
available to people in great need in Mali.
So, please pray for more people across the country to become aware of this ride and to pledge to the hospital.
I must admit as I looked at the road I was to ride back to Redding from the coast it looked rather daunting. But I am encouraged by the fact that
I got to Redding in 2 days, completing 113.8 miles and 6000 feet of vertical climbing the second day. This gave me an extra day here to get some
stuff done. We had a minor mishap with the RV, but it is O.K. now. I am having problems with the fridge so pray that God leads us to someone along
the way who can make it work right and that it will not slow us in our effort. We are heading further east today. Not sure how far. I believe I
had 50-60 planned. We shall see what the terrain is like and how the legs are doing. Did a short 5 mile warm up last evening and felt good.
Blessings
-Bruce
Second Blog
My goal as I left Redding was to ride to Susanville in one day. It was a goal that was out of reach due to the fact that it was virtually all uphill.
We also started later than I had hoped which seems to be a consistent challenge. We started at 10AM. We rode as far as Old Station about 72 miles. I
was exhausted. We cheated and took a motel.
There was a man named Joe and his wife who ran the place. Joe told me that I had about 4-5 miles of
uphill and then it would be down hill the rest of the day to Reno. Nice guy, Joe, but I don't think he has ever ridden a bike to Reno…
I got up intent on riding to Reno on this day. The climb was not 4 miles, but more like 10. And in fact I actually went up from Old Station to Reno from about 4400 feet back up to 5,000 and then slightly down to about 4850. I rode 130 miles on this particular day and was glad that I was able to do almost 2 days of riding in one. That gave me Saturday and Sunday off.
Unfortunately we finished this day with another little fiasco. It was getting dark as we neared Reno. My cell phone though with me and charged was in a no coverage area even though within 5-10 miles of Reno. People kept trying to call me and I kept trying to call Isaac to tell him I had reached the end of what I could see. But to no avail. I was trully stressed at this point. I got off the bike climbed the embankment by the access road which runs beside 395 there, hoping to get a better signal. It did not work. I was now on a gravel and dirt road like the ones in Santa Fe, in the dark and had no idea where Isaac was. I decided I need to keep moving toward town and did so. I had exited US 395 at exit 82 I think. Another exit down Isaac said the road indicated that cyclists were no longer allowed. But I got off too soon and ended up on the dirt road. Thankfully the Lord Jesus heard my prayers and those of Isaac and Sheryl and led me to continue to where Isaac had exited. I rode up to the RV as if nothing had happened. Got in, sat down and drove to a McDonalds where we got some sandwiches and ate. Then we found an RV park and logged in. Shamrock RV park on Parr Road.
So ended an otherwise great day. Rode 130 miles this day and did make it to the outskirts of Reno.
-Bruce
Got up early to prepare to go to church today at the Risen King Church in Sparks, NV. The RV would not start. It seems it has been one thing after another with the RV. I should not expect less with a 20 year old RV? At least it has gotten us where we needed to go each time - well, we haven't been completely stranded and the Lord has always provided a solution. Apparently, I wasn't supposed to go to the church in the AM. We ended up spending the time installing the new bike racks on the RV. Now all bikes and all wheels but 2 are outside. Went to the church in the evening. Met Pastor Jim and Pastor Charles. Nice men serving the Lord in a challenging environment. Very unchurched area. Not many churches at all around. Their church was bigger once, but it split twice.
It is somewhat of an inner city type ministry. Lots of street people around.
Isaac played a couple of songs on the guitar. I shared about the concerns for the hospital in Mali.
We went to a Mexican restaurant afterwards - great food.
-Bruce
Got up early to prepare to go to church today at the Risen King Church in Sparks, NV. The RV would not start. It seems it has been one thing after another with the RV. I should not expect less with a 20 year old RV? At least it has gotten us where we needed to go each time - well, we haven't been completely stranded and the Lord has always provided a solution. Apparently, I wasn't supposed to go to the church in the AM. We ended up spending the time installing the new bike racks on the RV. Now all bikes and all wheels but 2 are outside. Went to the church in the evening. Met Pastor Jim and Pastor Charles. Nice men serving the Lord in a challenging environment. Very unchurched area. Not many churches at all around. Their church was bigger once, but it split twice.
It is somewhat of an inner city type ministry. Lots of street people around.
Isaac played a couple of songs on the guitar. I shared about the concerns for the hospital in Mali.
We went to a Mexican restaurant afterwards - great food.
-Bruce
Rode from Middlegate to Austin, NV. 63.39 miles Total distance so far 590.3 We met Joe in Austin. Joe is roller blading across the United States. He did it once before in 1993. He is just doing it because he wants to do it again. He has been in the Navy and is now a student in Carbondale, IL. He pushes a cart in front of him carrying his stuff. It has brakes on it and mirrors. He even carries a small motorcycle battery which he uses to keep his electronic devices working. This ride went ok, but it was difficult at the end when I had to climb up into Austin. Went over several passes each one a little higher than the previous. I believe Austin was at about 6545 feet.
-- Bruce
Rode 76.74 miles today. Total distance so far from Clam Beach, CA to Eureka,NV is 667.1 miles. Above Austin there was another climb 1-(Austin summit) to start the day on Thursday. It went up to 7484 feet. Highest climb of the ride so far. Then there was 2-Bob Scott Summit at 7195 feet. 3-Hickison summit @ 6594 then a lower pass at 4-6141 just before arriving at Eureka.
The Motor home ran out of gas so I had to go back a little ways to Isaac, but then he got it started again and continued up and over the hill. I coasted down behind him and he ran out again literally across the street from the gas station. Thankfully we were able to get it started again and drive it across the street to the gas station. The Main tank was empty. We filled both tanks and drove to the other end of town where we found an RV park, then came back to the grocery store and bought a few items. When we came out there was Joe sitting on the bench. He was fried. He had gone all day on only a power bar and the liquid he was carrying in his cart. We ended up at the same RV/camping place again. Isaac and I went down to a local restaurant run by a Christian woman named Donna (Dawn?) . We passed out some wrist bands and left some flyers with her. She has set up her restaurant so that kids will come there and be in a good environment. There are pool tables and electronic games and good food etc. She hosts other cycling groups that come through the area on US 50. She did not charge us for our meal. What a very kind and generous Christian sister. When we left the restaurant it was very cool. We got back to the RV, watched an episode of 24 and went to sleep. Gave a bunch of the kids at the diner wristbands also.
--Bruce
Rode from Eureka to Ely, NV. Rode 101.2 miles today fourth century of the ride. Total mileage to date is 768.3 actually rode to 2 miles past the top of Connors Summit. Total distance so far is 768.3 miles. Did 6 passes 3 above 7,000 ft. This was my fourth century in 2 weeks. When I left Ely and went on through, I did not know that I would have to do another Summit to finish the day at +100 miles. But since I was so close to making another 100, I decided to go for it anyway. Isaac followed me out of town and caught up with me with about 7 miles to go. 5 of which were up a fairly steep 8% grade that late in the day. We got to the top and I was still short one mile...so we started down the other side. At 100 miles there was no turn out. But by the end of the second mile down there was a turn out. We stopped 101.2 on the day. We planned to return Saturday to ride to the State line and Border Inn.
--Bruce
First Blog We have been in Ely, NV since last night. Actually, we are about 23 miles past Ely, by bike. I wanted to finish 100 again yesterday. Took me 6 hours and 51 minutes to ride yesterday. Six climbs exceeding 6500 feet, 3 of which were over 7000, the highest 7700. I am a little tired today, otherwise ok. We hope to have completed a total just over 800 miles by the end of today and be in Utah. Keep praying for the funds for the hospital. I expect to be on the radio again on Monday around 2pm central time on the Chris Fabry show on Moody. The radio spots are also posted on their website.
Click here to listen to the Chris Fabry shows he's been on, and scroll down to June 9, 2008 and May 23, 2008 broadcasts; then click "Listen" in the upper right corner to listen to it.
Second Blog
Rode 40.31 miles today to get to the state line. Total mileage so far is 808.61 Included 1 pass above 7,000 ft
23 miles east of Ely, NV to Utah Line (433.24 miles for the week. Sacramento Pass was about half way through
this ride. This was intended to be a short ride just to get us to the state line. We had been told by a man
in Reno that his son was part owner of the Border Inn. We later found out the other owner was his ex-wife. She
gave us a $100 bill. She wants to go to Timbuktu. I told her I would mail her a post card if and when I got
there. I have her card with address and name. So I hope to actually be able to send her a post card.
The unique feature of the ride today was the 18 mile coast from the top of Sacramento Pass almost the whole way
to the state line. I hardly peddled at all. I could see the Inn up to 10 miles away. We entered the Great Basin
National Park. There was a barbecue going on for three gentlemen who were brothers. One 75 the next 85 and the
next 95. There had been some other siblings in between but they have since passed away. I was told that these
gentlemen had had much to do with the opening of the Lehman cave as a national park attraction and that one had
even been a forest ranger there for some time. Handed out many wristbands to kids and adults alike. Also left
a stack of brochures with the lady who is part owner of the Inn. Met her grandson Brian as well. Unfortunately
I did not get to meet Gary. But we met his dad Alex in Reno. When I first rode up to the Inn a man came out to
greet me. His name was John he handed me a $20 and said I must be riding for a worthy cause. We later talked
more with John who is a realtor in California. He sells Apts. and seemed like a nice man.
--Bruce
First Blog
Greetings,
We are currently at the Nevada-Utah stateline resting from a 433 mile week. so far we have covered over 800 miles starting from Clam Beach, CA
proceeding through Redding, CA & Susanville, CA. Then we went on to Reno, Nevada. Where we stopped for the weekend and had opportunity to meet
with the folks of Risen King Community Church. From Reno, we have roceeded across Nevada to Middlegate, Austin, Euraka and then Ely. We havehad 4 100+
mile days in the two weeks since June 2nd. I have ridden a total of 10 days so far. Tomorrow will be a rest day. I am not sure what we will do about
church since there aren't any obvious churches nearby...though we might check out Baker, NV.
We have had some challenges with the RV, but it is running and despite the fact it does not like hills above a 5% grade, it does eventually get
over them as long as it s coaxed properly. We have ound a temporary solution to the electrical problem, which we hope can be resolved in better
fashion when we get to a town where there are folks who know about such things.
My greatest concern is that God will help all to be a success for the folks of Mali with regard to the hospital that this is all for. The
people of Mali were so excited when they heard that such an endeavor was being taken on their behalf...I am told that they had a hard time
understanding that people of the U.S. would be concerned about sucah a small country in Africa. this gives them hope and encouragement. My
concern is that their hope will be able to culminate in great joy when they see the heart of their brothers and sisters in the lord in the
United States. And also when they see the goodness of the American people. This effort has come at an interesting time in our country as we
are enduring rising fuel prices and an economy that has been slowed due to the housing concern. It gives us that much more of an opportunity
to act as the poor woman who gave two mites about which Jesus said, "She has given more than all the others, because she gave all she had when
others gave only out of their wealth.
Despite our current economic challenges, there are few, if any, in our country who experience the challenges faced by people in Mali. If we have a
sick child, we do not hesitate to go to the hospital due to the economy. Until recently, many in Mali had little - if any - medical care available
to them. This hospital is making a difference, but it is not large enough to meet the need. 150 babies are being born there every month, because
women from all over Mali are now coming there to deliver their babies because they know they will be lovingly cared for. But there are currently only
38 beds. Through this hospital, we have the opportunity to show these people just how loving and caring the people of our nation truly are. We have
the opportunity to show them the love of jesus as we minister to their need in His spirit and attitude.
Please pray that God will raise the funds necessary to build the addition to the present facility. Pray that as I cross this great nation that God
will help me to show the love of Jesus wherever I go. May we remember the grace upon which we stand and be re-emboldened to share that grace through
various means both here and around the world.
Second Blog
Only rode about 10 miles today. Decided to take the southern route because of the churches in Milford and St.
George. Wrote emails to both of them. We will probably get to Milford tomorrow if things go well. Therefore,
we needed to make a 9.5 miles transfer from route 50/6 to route 21 in Utah. We are staying in Baker tonight. But
plan to drive back to Garrison tomorrow and begin where we left off at the Garrison post office. While in Baker
we visited and toured Lehman cave for 1 hour. It was beautiful inside. We will need to transfer the video to
the pc soon. So my Father's Day ride this year was in Utah. Had pizza at a small restaurant in Baker, Nevada
and played two games of pool with Isaac. We each won a game. Cleaned bike. Met a family from Carson City who
are on their way to Grand Canyon. Gave them wrist bands and flyers.
--Bruce
Rode from Garrison, UT to Milford, UT (75.73 miles). Two passes that weren’t that high really. Wah Wah Summit and Frisco Summit. They were each around 6400 feet, with long 20 miles expanses in between, but somehow this was a tough day. We got to Milford found the Alliance church, but since they were not expecting us we were unable to find anyone around. Drove down to Minerville to see what was there. Not much. Went back to Milford. Got to the grocery just before it closed.
--Bruce
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