How many times have you been at the end of your strength?
I have been learning about ups and downs while riding my bike. Last week after church Gail drove me to Vader‚ Washington located just North of Castle Rock. Just after 4:00 P.M. I got on my Bike and pedaled South to Longview then over the bridge and to Portland. I have been eating a very restricted diet in addition to riding long and often challenging bike rides. This ride was difficult because I have run out of fat reserves so I don’t have them to draw on for energy and insulation. The weather took a turn for the worse just as I was going over the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The temperature dropped to 58 degrees and I could see evidence that it had been raining. I was wearingwarm weather clothing but I stopped and put on another layer. The clouds rolled in so it was completely dark by 9 pm. Just as I arrived at the top of the hill I saw my son William and his Mother-in-law coming to pick me up. The only way they could find me was by the little red flashing light I have on the back of my bike. I asked if they could follow me for few miles because I wanted to go downhill and enjoy the ride I had earned.
As I flew down the hill on my bicycle I felt the joy of going fast and being free. I have learned that to ride long distances you have to be content with both the ups and the downs.