Epilog

It is now 4 days after our return to civilization. Wow, it is still not sinking in that we have finished riding all the United States, and virtually all of Canada. The biggest adjustment is dealing with the number of cars and people as we have been living on the bikes in mainly remote areas for 22 days. Both Tim and I agree we are experiencing sensory overload, our brains are still processing all the input (views of Gods creation, road experiences, ministry experiences and so forth). Our trip story is not yet in a form we can effectively communicate. I am back at work and very fatigued. Both Tim and I feel a physical and emotional tiredness. But, there is a great underlying feeling of accomplishment of the mission and the ride. My reflections will undoubtedly change over time, but for now, I would say the most significant lesson learned or should I say principal understanding, would be the power of prayer. We had 2-3 times the number of people praying for us this trip, and our ministry production was 2-3 times greater than past missions. However you look at it, something was different about us, and the mission field in which we were working, and the only identifiable difference was “more prayer”.

We serve an awesome God whose love for us is beyond our human ability to understand. He has a wonderful plan for us, we need only to invite Him to live in our hearts and choose His way, desire His plan and peace of spirit will follow: Peace that passes our understanding. Church is and can be a good thing, but it is a personal relationship with Christ (Jesus in our hearts) that brings this result. Read His word to grow in your understanding of Him and what He would have you do.

All glory and praise be to God who loved us when we were/are unlovable.

A special Note:
Thanks to Rod (Chappy) for his friendship, brotherhood, and partnership. We wanted him on the road with us, but understand God had planned for him to support from Addison on this project. I must clearly say without his efforts in planning and logistics, the mission would not have been all it has proved to be. God Bless you Chappy!

10,000 mile Mission Alaska, Stats;

Mission
Estimated People contacted 22 days x 16 people = 352people (More than twice our best average up till now)

Gospel materials delivered:
150 Road Hawg Music cards
60 “Songs from the Seat” CD’s
175 Wanted Jesus tracts
100 Chaplaincy contact/ tract cards
5 bracelets
1 bible

Actual Travel
8160 Harley-Davidson miles
504 Jeep Miles
800 Ship ferry Miles (est)
9464 total miles covered
9 U.S. States
4 Canadian Provinces

Equipment notes

1. The fully serviced and maintained Harley-Davidson Ultra-Classics performed well and was an excellent vehicle choice for what we intended to do.
2. The Oil change/service appointment at our 4500-mile halfway point worked well. House of Harley in Anchorage was ready for us and this went smooth.
3. Gas was available on all roads; no additional gas cans were required.
4. The lower octane gas used when necessary had no particular ill effects on the equipment, Note: 91+ octane is always the best choice for these engines.
5. We had no flat tires, but were equipped with repair kits and pumps. I will get a full 10,000 miles out of the new 09-rear tire, 50% more miles than my experience with the pre-09 ultra rear tires.
6. The extra drive belt took no room and though unused, was additional security.
7. Top quality apparel, waterproof boots, good leather and electrics made for a most comfortable ride in all conditions.
8. The Hydro pack/collapsible cooler set up made riding in 105 temperatures possible.
9. There were plenty of rooms along the way, and camping gear was used in Sturgis. Having the light camping gear was a wonderful security net for all our travel.
10. Key to better stability is do not over pack, remember woolite and mail your souvenirs home.
11. IPod was a great accessory as regular and satellite radio are mainly out of reach in the far north of Canada.
12. 100% deet was handy.

Day 23 - Last Day on the Road - Carrollton

Well I just can not believe this is over, time has flew by. As we
mounted up, 8-ball discussed his early exit in Kansas for some family
time. We rode the first 300 miles together then I would do the last
leg was solo. Ministry is a 24/7 activity, and yet we agreed that we
both felt the primary goals and purposes had been achieved and
completed. We were focused on home on day 23.

As I crossed Nebraska, I was sad that the end of the road was in
sight. I reflected on the sights and sounds of the north. When I got
to Kansas I was looking for ways to extend the trip and my mind
wondered in no particular direction. However, once I hit the Oklahoma
border, I felt I was almost home. I spend so much time in Oklahoma,
it really does feel like home in a way. The sounds of the "Second
chance Band" brought my mind back into focus. Then......

Well, I will digress. A number of years ago, a business firm began
distributing "Drive like an idiot" pills in Houston. This was mainly
on fridays and extra heavy distribution was on the north freeway 45N,
but those effected wandered around the city generally within beltway
8. This effort was wildly successful so distribution began 7 days a
week. Some time later the process of "Drive like an idiot" pill
distribution began in Dallas, with much the same result. However,
Dallas-ites proved more susceptible to the pill and folks were
effected to a greater degree. For some reason Dallas had far greater
distribution in the metroplex area than Ft. Worth.

So, as I mentioned, I spend a lot of time in Oklahoma, especially the
city. But, this is rarely on friday afternoons. I am sad to report
that the "Drive like an Idiot" pill distribution has begun in Oklahoma
City on Friday afternoons. I had two cages menace me, between Edmond
and Pauls Valley. Of course an old guy on a Harley riding solo can be
vulnerable and looks like a good target to folks who have taken the
"Drive like an idiot" pill.

Thankfully we had 9700 miles of issue free highway. God divinely
protected us the entire way, and me on the last leg home on friday
afternoon.

This is all in fun, and, all motorcyclists must remember at all
times, no matter how difficult it gets, to drive defensively.

Epilog to follow ......

Day 22 - Grand Island, Ne.

I just can not believe this Mission is winding down. It has gone by so fast. A nice group of folks from Canada, gave us the firewood for last nights fire as they were leaving. We gifted the balance of the wood to others before breakfast. That seems to be the Wyatt's way. Breakfast at Wyatts Campground is always a time of good food and fellowship. Goodbyes and we were off in the rain to Rapid City for the all important Hog Pin. In and out in 10 minutes, a Tim and Jeff speciality. Harley decided to hold the expo outside for a change, probably looked good on paper until the rain showed up. Not many of the faithfulull will stand in the rain to look at the chrome.

About 3 hours in a light rain is nothing for the "rainman"(hear songs from the seat- Road hawg music). Sky's cleared south of the badlands and we had some wind through Valentine.

As I rode, I just enjoyed the day, thinking of some of the scenery we have seen in the past days and weeks. As stated, I just can not believe this is coming to an end. I miss Dr. Jane and Melissa, and the stinking dogs, but there is a part of me that just wants to take a right turn after a weekend in Texas and head to California.

I guess you will know how this decision went tomorrow?

Day 21 - Sturgis

So, After setting up camp, we headed out for ministry. Wow, first a great ride to the Buffalo Chip. When we got there we saw the reason God wanted us there. An unbelievable ministry field. This will be the subject of several future writings. It takes a lot to shock me, well this was an eye opener.

Next Downtown Sturgis, Tracts all around. A couple of patch stops, and a quick look for the Corbin trailer and the day was over. A great campfire was followed by some rain, it made for good sleeping.

Day 20 - Sturgis

Spent the morning and half the night in precious fellowship with Bro Mark. It is a rare treat to compare notes on life and ministry with a valued friend and mentor. I so value Mark's words on a variety of topics. Well, there are just not enough words, we had a very special visit.

KSU about 12:00, and a parting prayer. It seemed so appropriate that 2 blocks from Mark's house we stopped for gas and run into 5 Canadian riders headed for Sturgis. A good visit resulted in cards, CD's and tracts for all. It was Mark who mentored us in our tract ministry.

A great 400 miles or so later we arrived in Sturgis. The Lord kept us dry as we watched a wicked thunderstorm for a couple hundred miles while we were dry. Another one of God's blessings. Arriving in Belle, we decided not to make camp in the rain, and found a room. Then it was off to Wyatt's camp ground for a "dry" morning set up. It was great to see Kent and Marta, the owners. Great Christian people! I love you guys and am so proud of what God is doing in your ministry and business.

Day 19 - Clyde Park

This 700 mile day was Super! and Long. The transition was unbelievable. Starting on the Glacier highway, then Banff Park, then down through Calgary, and down over the border-Back into the USA. then south through Montana and the Little belt mountains- a must see. This was our second time through. Tim and I did the route a few years ago going northbound. This time southbound.

I had only one memorable ministry happening this day, a lady stopped me at a truck stop to chat, she was en route to her brothers funeral in Canada, he was hit by a deer on his motorcycle. In retrospective this was most ironic.

Later, in the day, we pushed 2 hours past darkness to get to a beloved brother's house in Clyde Park, I saw more deer this evening than at any other point in my lifetime of riding motorcycles. We were super cautious as you would expect, but the thought of that family caused me to pray for them all the way through the deer zone.

We had a few wake up reminders on the road of how quickly deer (and elk) can pop up from the dark. Among the many deer we saw on the side of the road, Tim had one deer run from the woods across in front of him, followed an hour later by a large elk trotting across the road in front of him.

We were well prepared and traveling at an appropriate speed to allow time to hit the brakes and so neither event was traumatic, though the adrenalin certainly flowed.

Brother Mark, who has put us up is unbelievable. He has been a mentor to both myself and Tim and a big brother in the lord. I so appreciate his wisdom and advice. It was such a privilege to see him as I have been looking st Clyde Park on the map while on the phone with him for the past two years. It is so special to see him on this day. Praise the Lord!

Day 18 - Jasper

This was a good 600 mile day to Jasper. We were on the road 12.5 hours and lost an hour. We checked into to the Bestwestern, and just got our dinner order in in the nick of time. We were able to pass out several tracts, two very important encounters (at least in my book, though I know they are all important to our Lord). The room was nice, but they only had a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. It was my turn to sleep on the pull out bed. Well I know I need to be grateful, and I am! for oh so many things.

It is accurate to report the Sleeper sofa at the Bestwestern motel in Jasper was not quite up to snuff with the 12 year old sleeper sofa we gave away at home after the most recent cleanout. In fact, back to a Steve Martin analogy, perhaps it could have been used as a Medieval rack facsimile, in a Medieval Doctor's skit.

Day 17 - Terrace, BC

On the boat, we met a number of bikers, all friendly and had numerous attempts to discuss tracts, and Tim's music with a number of the fellow passengers. We met many new friends and had wonderful time presenting information and tracts about faith in Christ on a personal basis. We disembarked in Prince Rupert, BC. and rode to Terrace, BC one of the top 10 rides in Canada. Along a river 90 miles nested up to sheer rock cliffs and show caped peaks, this has now become a habit, an everyday occurrence. We know day 18 will hold more of the same.

Day 16

I am compelled to write the following as a result of testifying today:
Note, as a chaplain I respect the right of people to follow all faiths, both organized and individually created. I believe God has given us a free will.

We are blessed to live in a free society and have the privilege to believe and think any way we wish. God has had a plan from the beginning of time, and most of what we know of God has come from the reading of the bible. The good book states that there is a way that seem right to man, but its end leads to spiritual death. We have the right to live according to rules we make concerning a spiritually constructed model. However, the Bible clearly states that Christ is the way, the truth and the life, no person comes into the presence of the father God except through Christ Jesus our lord. I pray any and all persons who have constructed their own plan, please carefully examine the claims of Jesus Christ in the bible and read Paul's letter to the Romans.
B. Tim and I know God wants us here in this place at this time to do this work. When we arrived at the ship, we were informed that our small sleeping room, a place to put our sleeping bag, sleep and stow our gear had been oversold and was not available. So, the purser, decided to give us a stateroom, for 4 with a private bath. Praise God, we got so much rest and relaxation!! The pictures taken on deck again were spectacular, we saw seals, tons of whales and eagles along with glaciers and other forested mountains and islands, almost to much of God's beauty to process.

Day 15 - Juneau

Off the boat, and hit two major points of interest. !. The Mendenhall Glacier, we road right up to it. Learned that it was millions of years old, and that it is 13.5 miles long. We spoke at length with the park ranger, who found it interesting bikers cares about the glacier. When leaving the park, we had an unscheduled stop for a black bear, crossing the road just in front of us. We kindly gave him/her plenty of room. Then the next major point of interest to all Juneau visitors, the Juneau Harley shop. A friendly staff answered Tim's questions, so.....we felt complied to purchase a shirt or two, just to do Texas proud in their eyes, of course.......We lucked in to the Juneau hotel, a condo/hotel complex. A great find.....make your reservations soon...this is a great place.....and of course chances to testify all day ....Oh yes, we met a BIKERS FOR CHRIST spouse. Tim gave her one of his "RoadHawg Music Cd's"..... Cool greetings to BFC Juneau.

Alaska

Pictures 2

Pictures 1

Day 14 - Juneau

The most difficult part of the riding on day 13 and 14 was a 2 mile stretch of gravel on the way to the ferry. Once to the terminal, we had a chance to testify, and met the second mate "Jim". He is a biker, and a really fine fellow(clearly a professional at his job). So once well underway, he invited us up for a tour of the bridge. Both Jeff and Tim got a chance to take the controls and drive the massive ferry... After which, the professionals took the helm back and got the boat "back on course" ..... Most impressive,and so kind. We really hope to see Jim again, rumor has it he is a regular in Austin, Texas....Yee-Haw.

After a short ride, we boarded the ship. The boat ride was beyond description! Ask us for pictures........

Day 13 - Haines

We know this ride except the last 3 hours. We had a beautiful day for a ride through the woods and destruction bay. Photos were plentiful. We testified to folks at every stop, and I have had to send for more card tracts, I have used far more than anticipated. Still good on tracts. I spoke with Marta and Kent at Wyatts in Sturgis/ Belle Foursch and they will hold packages mailed to us there until we arrive in Sturgis. They are wonderful Christian people!

The last 3 hours from Haines Junction to Haines were beyond description. About 100clicks (62 miles) and 160 miles of mountians-glaciers-rivers.......it was like Disney world! except for real of course. Riding down from the high places to the coast we saw the water start flowing in rivilets from the multiple glaciers in the high mountains and as we descended down to the coast at Haines, the rivilets merged into one massive river at Haines 3/4 mile wide- spectactular.

The hotel we chose was the officiers quarters of Ft. Sweard , active a century ago. The hotel is only open in the summer, and our room was thoroughly cleaned "last" season. The bedding was clean and the staff helpfull, so a good nites rest was had by both of us. There were 3 restaurants reccomended by bikers and passerby's. The Lighthouse restaurant we could not find. We chalked it up the the extended daylight hours as unlit beacon was never seen? not really sure it is there, but rumor has it.....So we went to Fireweed, it had good possibilities, we found a seat at the counter, lots of locals and everything looked good. However, the waitress informed us we could have no food of any kind for an hour....we were only allowed to drink. Now as you know we are not big drinkers, we are however big eaters. And the whole drinking for an hour on an empty stomach sounded like punishment not refreshment......so we exited. On to Moses Mexican. The friendly lady was really busy, but said she would not leave us hanging.....she worked, got us seated and fed in reasonable time, we were so gratefull!.....Yea for moses Mexican...Their Mole is the best in 200 miles (or more) and the fish tacos are better than most.

Day 12 - Update - Tok

So, we are back on the road. Picked up the bikes at "House of Harley" Cudo's to the dealership in general and especially Richard in service. He is one of the best fellow's in this position we have found in the country, (Yes, Ronnie and team at American Eagle- you will always be our favorites). 1 hour out of Anchorage it was Halt, the road is closed. A gravel hauler turned over in a turn on the mountian road over to Tok. The road was spectacular, and the glaciers and view back to Anchorage was unbelievable. As mentioned we had a chance to testify our way through the 1 or so long mile of traffic meeting loads of friendly people. 4 hours later, the road opened and we were off. The rest of the day was nice, and we saw 2 foxes at the edge of the woods at dusk. God has protected us and blessed us each day. Now I know He does at home, but for some reason it is much more clear to Tim and me on the road like this. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, they are felt. On this day, 1. we were not in the accident. 2. it provided us a chance to testify to many nice people who were willing to talk and listen as everyone had nothing else to do for 4 hours. 3. We were well rested from our break and were able to easily press-on to our destination. 4. The motel had a good restaurant that stayed open late, and fed us after a long day. 5. The motel chosen by happenstance was nice and we got a good nites rest.

So it is off to do the will of the Lord another day.