Well back at it. Wives had their "girl" day in Anchorage, we picked up the bikes and it's back on the road.
We planned an easy day.....and that was just what God had directed our minds to plan. Because, as we got 1 hour out of Anchorage, the road was closed. Well, up here in these parts, there is only 1 road to various places, and that road is a 2 lane highway. Well a poor fellow flipped a gravel truck (praise God-he was ok) and is was a mess, completely blocking then highway. So-we sat....for 4 hours.
Well, I said- God had directed our thinking, and I say this because we had the opportunity to visit with as many as 50 persons. We passed out many tracts and testified. We met a group from Germany, thst was interesting. We were on a slight downhill incline, so we turned off the engines and coasted past groups of folks, and visited all the way down the hill(Mountian) untill we got to the bottom and met up with a group of truckers. A great bunch!
So- then, with the road clear.........we arrived late in Tok, but found a great motel, and we are off to Haines Alaska today via Haines junction, Yukon.
To God be the glory,
Sidecar
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 11
Well, we get back to the bikes this am, and the course of Mission Alaska.
House of Harley has done our service work, and Richard was really professional and helpfull.
It has been a great 3/4 days with our wives in Denali. We have met some awesome folks, and seen wonderful evidence of God's creative hand. Nature tours in the Denali wilderness and river rafting were once in a lifetime experiences. Much of the park has been designated as wilderness so no roads, no motorized vehicles or other vehicles(including bicycles) are allowed. Human impact is kept to a minimum, and there are some spots that are off limits to hikers. It is so remote, it is next to impossible to get to by foot, unless you are really committed!
A recap of day 11 will relay the impact of our travel and mission, Thank you for your prayers and support. I have seen evidence of God at work, every day, and I know this day will be no exception.
Sidecar
House of Harley has done our service work, and Richard was really professional and helpfull.
It has been a great 3/4 days with our wives in Denali. We have met some awesome folks, and seen wonderful evidence of God's creative hand. Nature tours in the Denali wilderness and river rafting were once in a lifetime experiences. Much of the park has been designated as wilderness so no roads, no motorized vehicles or other vehicles(including bicycles) are allowed. Human impact is kept to a minimum, and there are some spots that are off limits to hikers. It is so remote, it is next to impossible to get to by foot, unless you are really committed!
A recap of day 11 will relay the impact of our travel and mission, Thank you for your prayers and support. I have seen evidence of God at work, every day, and I know this day will be no exception.
Sidecar
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 8-9
The next 4 days are rest days. The wives have joined us for the break and we are spending some quality time with them. Day 9 includes a float trip through Denali National Park.
"Time off" is a needed part of life, work, ministry and physical challenges. But, in matters of faith, with our relationship with Christ, he promises to always be with us, to never leave or forsake us. There is great comfort in this thought. As we endevor to serve Him, we do not take, nor require days off. Serving Christ our lord is an everyday joyous experience. We pick up the cross, the cause of Christ everyday. Because it is in Him and through Him, we have peace, joy, love....well you get the idea.
So, regarding mission, we can reflect on what God has done in this trip so far, and even in this time of break, we meet new friends. Ty a biker from Anchorage is considering a military carrer in chaplaincy. He refered to I believe an airforce chaplain, of course, as it turned out we have a connection with an army chaplain. My wife who comes from a military family cautioned me on the faux paux of mixing up the branches of service. Anyway, good luck Ty, God's speed as you endevor to serve an awesome and mighty God via military service. We have also had several occasions to testify yesterday and today. Made a connection with an individual at a church in Houston, Texas. Yes-in Alaska. We enjoy these opportunities as Tim and I hope to do evangelistic services for adults and youth in churches based on our many experiences.
Anyway, we will see what God will do the rest of this day, and rest in His perfect will.
Sidecar
"Time off" is a needed part of life, work, ministry and physical challenges. But, in matters of faith, with our relationship with Christ, he promises to always be with us, to never leave or forsake us. There is great comfort in this thought. As we endevor to serve Him, we do not take, nor require days off. Serving Christ our lord is an everyday joyous experience. We pick up the cross, the cause of Christ everyday. Because it is in Him and through Him, we have peace, joy, love....well you get the idea.
So, regarding mission, we can reflect on what God has done in this trip so far, and even in this time of break, we meet new friends. Ty a biker from Anchorage is considering a military carrer in chaplaincy. He refered to I believe an airforce chaplain, of course, as it turned out we have a connection with an army chaplain. My wife who comes from a military family cautioned me on the faux paux of mixing up the branches of service. Anyway, good luck Ty, God's speed as you endevor to serve an awesome and mighty God via military service. We have also had several occasions to testify yesterday and today. Made a connection with an individual at a church in Houston, Texas. Yes-in Alaska. We enjoy these opportunities as Tim and I hope to do evangelistic services for adults and youth in churches based on our many experiences.
Anyway, we will see what God will do the rest of this day, and rest in His perfect will.
Sidecar
Friday, July 24, 2009
Day 7
The final day, of the journey that has taken Tim and me to all ride-able 49 U.S.states. This was a long 600+ days, 1000 Km and we will finish the day at 4300 miles, just over 7-600 mile days in a row. At the farthest point away from home on the trip. On this day I realized that the old Alaskan highway was not completely tame. Though not the pioneer trek it was 30 years ago, but the old girl still has some kicks left in her.
Every so often, some sections more than others, there is a bump. That is so much the same you would think some was planting these strategically to get your attention. This non sequential repeating bump causes you to be thrown off your seat 10” in the air- un expectedly. With this comes a mighty Gasp, a mighty HURRUMPH, coming from the inner most parts. It’s a Growl and an expression all in one. It is the sound of Pain, and the expression of surprise, and a sigh of relief that your still alive…..all wrapped into one HURRUMPH. On day day 7, this familiar ritual was to be again participated in 100 km down the road from Haines Junction.
The end of day 7 was like a journey to the hall of the mountain kings as we traversed the 20 mile wide glacier valley as the 2000ft. cliffs on either side stood at attention to our roaring Harley –Davidsons. It was also like a ride to a Nordic Jurassic park as we began the dissent to Anchorage. So ended the first 4300 miles of Mission Alaska and the end to our 49 state riding Mission and quest.
Every so often, some sections more than others, there is a bump. That is so much the same you would think some was planting these strategically to get your attention. This non sequential repeating bump causes you to be thrown off your seat 10” in the air- un expectedly. With this comes a mighty Gasp, a mighty HURRUMPH, coming from the inner most parts. It’s a Growl and an expression all in one. It is the sound of Pain, and the expression of surprise, and a sigh of relief that your still alive…..all wrapped into one HURRUMPH. On day day 7, this familiar ritual was to be again participated in 100 km down the road from Haines Junction.
The end of day 7 was like a journey to the hall of the mountain kings as we traversed the 20 mile wide glacier valley as the 2000ft. cliffs on either side stood at attention to our roaring Harley –Davidsons. It was also like a ride to a Nordic Jurassic park as we began the dissent to Anchorage. So ended the first 4300 miles of Mission Alaska and the end to our 49 state riding Mission and quest.
Day 6
Left Watson Lake early, no breakfast…..again go figure. But 70 km west we met a really nice lady at Ranchos something?, got gas and a super breakfast. Several other bikers and friendly people. This is the stop you want to make. They have sleeping rooms also.
Gas tips, Stone Mountain gas is closed, but we made it no problem to Toad Lake.
The construction was interesting. Dust clouds 50’ in the air-so thick I almost lost balance because I could not see my feet or front tire. 50 k of gravel road. We made it-you can too!
This day we see the beginning remnants of the old lower glaciers, and terrific vistas mountains and lakes. It was light out till 11pm. This was our short day. Only 400 miles and 4 tracts delivered. A great dinner at the steak house (yes there is only one)/room with a spectacular view at the Klune lodge, Haines junction, Yukon Territory.
Gas tips, Stone Mountain gas is closed, but we made it no problem to Toad Lake.
The construction was interesting. Dust clouds 50’ in the air-so thick I almost lost balance because I could not see my feet or front tire. 50 k of gravel road. We made it-you can too!
This day we see the beginning remnants of the old lower glaciers, and terrific vistas mountains and lakes. It was light out till 11pm. This was our short day. Only 400 miles and 4 tracts delivered. A great dinner at the steak house (yes there is only one)/room with a spectacular view at the Klune lodge, Haines junction, Yukon Territory.
Day 5 - Mile 1 of the Alaskan Highway
#1 Thanks to Matt C for the tech advice on the GPS, the KM switch has been so wonderful.
And
#2 Thanks to Jim H. from church who pressed the Gideon camp into prayer for our Mission
Now yesterday Rod said Its Canada, It is almost a battle cry for me. IT’S CANADA; let’s shout it from the roof tops. Yes a different system, but a wonderful warm and inviting people. IT’S CANADA-a window into God’s creative power, I praise God for our Canadian experience.
Day 5 started as day 4 left off, great roads and conditions. Our Gas worries were proved this day to be unsupported. There was gas every 100-200 Km. Gas keys were:
- 10 k west of Dawson Creek/Pink Mountian/3-rivers/Toad River.
We saw lots of wild life, had to stop and wait for the buffalo in the road, deer, moose, elk, coyotes.
- We met Stan at the motel and played tag with him at gas stops all day. A great Christian man, asked to have some tracts to hand out, we shared and praised God for the service of another. Several other good tract opportunities.
Then dinner, well almost. Got into Watson Lake at 8:30, found a clean bet at the Cedar lodge, but the only place open for food was closing. Archie, turned out to be a hamburger version of Jerry Sign field’s “ Soup Nazis”, yes you guessed we snuck in at the end of the line and were told “No Burgers for you” Get out now!......So is was off to the gas station for a microwave TV dinner….Yea Hot food!.
So much for Watson Lake……Being kicked out of the restaurant made me feel desperate and young all at the same time.
And
#2 Thanks to Jim H. from church who pressed the Gideon camp into prayer for our Mission
Now yesterday Rod said Its Canada, It is almost a battle cry for me. IT’S CANADA; let’s shout it from the roof tops. Yes a different system, but a wonderful warm and inviting people. IT’S CANADA-a window into God’s creative power, I praise God for our Canadian experience.
Day 5 started as day 4 left off, great roads and conditions. Our Gas worries were proved this day to be unsupported. There was gas every 100-200 Km. Gas keys were:
- 10 k west of Dawson Creek/Pink Mountian/3-rivers/Toad River.
We saw lots of wild life, had to stop and wait for the buffalo in the road, deer, moose, elk, coyotes.
- We met Stan at the motel and played tag with him at gas stops all day. A great Christian man, asked to have some tracts to hand out, we shared and praised God for the service of another. Several other good tract opportunities.
Then dinner, well almost. Got into Watson Lake at 8:30, found a clean bet at the Cedar lodge, but the only place open for food was closing. Archie, turned out to be a hamburger version of Jerry Sign field’s “ Soup Nazis”, yes you guessed we snuck in at the end of the line and were told “No Burgers for you” Get out now!......So is was off to the gas station for a microwave TV dinner….Yea Hot food!.
So much for Watson Lake……Being kicked out of the restaurant made me feel desperate and young all at the same time.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Update
Chappy's Note; Sidecar and 8Ball wanted to let everyone know they are doing fine and will be in Anchorage tomorrow night. Communication has been very sporadic and I only received a voice mail from them this evening with no details other than to say that the riding has been spectacular.
I will update the blog as soon as I have details.
The Spot tracker shows them in Haines Junction tonight, west of Whitehorse.
I will update the blog as soon as I have details.
The Spot tracker shows them in Haines Junction tonight, west of Whitehorse.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 4
The last hour of day four was clearly the best hour of the past 4 days. 2800 miles in total, 690-ish today. Enroute as we left Grand Prairie, Alberta around 6:30 local time, we entered the roling hills of western BC. The evening sky was clear the sun was warm and the 78 degree temperature was so comfortable. Across the valleys we could see multiple canola fields yellow with their harvest in the distance, the snow capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.The road surface was perfect, the best yet as we made our way from one tree covered hill to the next. No wind at all today and the rumble of the old 103 was muffled by the trees and almost wispered across the terrain. It was the end to a 14 hour day and now, at this point in th etrip, Tim and I both agreed we flet one with our machines. It was in this moment, I though, life is so good and yet eternity with Christ will defy human comprehension.
We had a short but wonderful day of ministry. Only about 4 tracts/tapes distributed by Tim and me, but a couple of good conversations and seeds planted for relationship with Christ.
The pic is of a parking lot personal sermon, these divine appointments are what we live for and ride for. It is indeed the cornerstone of personal ministry for a BikerChaplain.
Sidecar
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Day 3
Chappy's Note; Transposing Sidecar & 8Ball's update from text due to "Fred Flinstone" internet at the hotel they are staying in tonight ... it is Canada!
Sidecar; 520 miles today, 3 day total 1875 miles.
6 tract presentations 1 of them a divine appointment. Please pray for Mr. "M" as he reviews the claims of Christ. Beautiful weather, equipment working well. Tomorrow is our longest day at 700 miles, we should get a good rest tonight, but it will be a long day tomorrow.
8Ball; Headed west from Winnipeg through bright yellow fields of Canola through Manitoba and Saskatoon. Spent the morning leaning left into very strong gusty wind blowing across the highway. I was leading, Jeff behind. Passed a 5 foot long piece of truck tire across our lane. As I passed it I gave a hand signal back to Jeff to warn him of debris in the road. Showing his riding experience, he passed the debris on the upwind side. As he passed it a strong gust blew the truck tire into the air and all the way off the road to the right. If Jeff had passed on the right, he would have eaten the tire.
Another example of experienced riding.... When winds are high, always pass debris on the "up" wind side.
Chappy's Note; I'll take Jeff's riding skills (they are very good) and raise you a "Thanks God" to call that bet!
Sidecar; 520 miles today, 3 day total 1875 miles.
6 tract presentations 1 of them a divine appointment. Please pray for Mr. "M" as he reviews the claims of Christ. Beautiful weather, equipment working well. Tomorrow is our longest day at 700 miles, we should get a good rest tonight, but it will be a long day tomorrow.
8Ball; Headed west from Winnipeg through bright yellow fields of Canola through Manitoba and Saskatoon. Spent the morning leaning left into very strong gusty wind blowing across the highway. I was leading, Jeff behind. Passed a 5 foot long piece of truck tire across our lane. As I passed it I gave a hand signal back to Jeff to warn him of debris in the road. Showing his riding experience, he passed the debris on the upwind side. As he passed it a strong gust blew the truck tire into the air and all the way off the road to the right. If Jeff had passed on the right, he would have eaten the tire.
Another example of experienced riding.... When winds are high, always pass debris on the "up" wind side.
Chappy's Note; I'll take Jeff's riding skills (they are very good) and raise you a "Thanks God" to call that bet!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day 2
Another 670 mile day, so Night #2 out of Dallas now in Winnipeg Mb.
Equally beautiful day, broke out the leather at Lunch, a dramatic change from 105 in Dallas. The first Gas stop, we found the only gravel road exit to a gas station in S.Dakota. Yes that was my idea.
At lunch Tim led the way as we shared with a couple of bikers at the stop, 5 tract presentations today.
The Socialist roads began 30 miles this sife of the border. Tim pulled up to customs looking like billy the kid with a mask, luckily I persuaded him to remove it before the Canadian agents spotted him.
We tried out the whole photo thing at 80 mph, Good thing we are highly skilled.
A fine dinner at a local eatery, a few minor adjustments to the bike, and I am down for the count.
Sidecar
Equally beautiful day, broke out the leather at Lunch, a dramatic change from 105 in Dallas. The first Gas stop, we found the only gravel road exit to a gas station in S.Dakota. Yes that was my idea.
At lunch Tim led the way as we shared with a couple of bikers at the stop, 5 tract presentations today.
The Socialist roads began 30 miles this sife of the border. Tim pulled up to customs looking like billy the kid with a mask, luckily I persuaded him to remove it before the Canadian agents spotted him.
We tried out the whole photo thing at 80 mph, Good thing we are highly skilled.
A fine dinner at a local eatery, a few minor adjustments to the bike, and I am down for the count.
Sidecar
Friday, July 17, 2009
Day 1
Day one sarted a 5am. Met Chappy at 8ball's 5:45 fr Prayer
Before we got to the freeway I discover still had garage door opener, stopped Chappy at the light and handed it tohim for safekeeping.
Cloudy and drizlin Dallas, then clear to okc. The weaher turned an what was 105 on Thusday was 78 on Friday. How great was that! put rain gear on at 360 miles to scare off the rain,it was a success, and the gear came off no. of wichita. There we Robert. 8 Ball gave a cd (RoadHawg-Songs from the Seat), and turns out Robert had checked out BFC on the web. Was interested, and his cousin is a pastor who rides and was also interested in BFC and BikerChaplain.com. Another biker came into the discussion. PTL, Several tracts and Tim's cd's passed out today.
God is Good>>>
Hopefully Robert is reading this blog... If so... God Bles you brother...
Nebraska was beautiful and we rode, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Neb. and Iowa today.
Big burger dinner
Before we got to the freeway I discover still had garage door opener, stopped Chappy at the light and handed it tohim for safekeeping.
Cloudy and drizlin Dallas, then clear to okc. The weaher turned an what was 105 on Thusday was 78 on Friday. How great was that! put rain gear on at 360 miles to scare off the rain,it was a success, and the gear came off no. of wichita. There we Robert. 8 Ball gave a cd (RoadHawg-Songs from the Seat), and turns out Robert had checked out BFC on the web. Was interested, and his cousin is a pastor who rides and was also interested in BFC and BikerChaplain.com. Another biker came into the discussion. PTL, Several tracts and Tim's cd's passed out today.
God is Good>>>
Hopefully Robert is reading this blog... If so... God Bles you brother...
Nebraska was beautiful and we rode, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Neb. and Iowa today.
Big burger dinner
Monday, July 13, 2009
Preparation
This week marks the final preparation for the big trip 8Ball and I will be embarking upon on Friday the 17th. The bike is getting all new rubber and I am wrapping up getting my essentials together.
Please be in prayer for 8Ball and I as we plan to head for the Great White North!
Please be in prayer for 8Ball and I as we plan to head for the Great White North!
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