Day 8 - What is a rest day?

We pedaled to the edge of Washington in 7 days from the Oregon coast, so it was time to give the saddle a rest. With our chores completed yesterday evening (bike cleaning/maintenance and laundry), we were free to do some exploring today. Each week one of the young men serves as a Ride Guide. It’s their job to give an overview of the route, look for possible lunch stops, and anything interesting along the way that we should see. Liam was our Ride Guide for this entire week, and today he scoped out some possible hikes. The one we chose was to the top of a ridge in Hell’s Canyon State Park. We hiked almost 4 miles roundtrip to get an overview of the canyon and the hills surrounding this area. I asked at the hotel front desk about other interesting things to see in the area, I was told there were some museums, but that didn’t really seem to be our style. When it was mentioned that we could rent kayaks and SUP boards in the park, I was game to spend the day on the water and work the arms. Unfortunately, when we got to the park we learned that they no longer rent kayaks or SUP. We had to resort to swimming in the river, which was definitely cold. I think only half the group got fully into the water.

We returned to the hotel where the men and boys went to the pool, and I worked on receipts and spreadsheets (yay!!). At 6:30pm we went to dinner at a restaurant along the water (and sat for 1hr 45mins while Al waited for his meal and the boys devoured endless fries). At 8:20pm we met for devotions, and Mike talked about the power of tongue and encouraged us to use it to speak positive words to others (James 3). Encouraging each other is going to be important as we make our way through the hills this week!!

I should introduce the team…

Micah C. - Is a college student - A very responsible young man that is always willing to help (like cook or clean) when there is a need. He will surprise you with how much food he can eat, and even volunteers to eat what someone else on the team can’t finish.

AJ - Is a Junior in HS - He has aspirations to join the Coast Guard after he graduates. He can put away some food, is content to do his thing, and discovered that his skin turns red in the sun.

Zander - Is also a Junior in HS and has developed into a cycling machine. I remember learning about his incredible skill while we were on the New Hampshire/Maine trip several years ago. He was the only one to cycle up Cadillac Mt. He still likes going up mountains!

Monny - We just celebrated his 21st birthday on the top of White Pass at the ski resort condos. Unlike Zander, Monny does not like hills. We know Monny is doing well if we can hear him talking, making animal noises, or just yelling.

Jaerrid - Is a Junior in HS who brings laughter to the team. Jaerrid is rarely without words and has a heart to serve the team, whether it’s a band aid or a quarter, he’s quick to fill the need.

Zach - Is going to Thaddeus Steven’s next year for auto mechanics. He loves Bianchi bikes, BMWs, and burgers. Zach wasn’t going to make the ride in 2020, but with the year change it worked for him to join. Zach likes speed on the bike (we won’t talk about his goal).

Liam - Was also an addition to the 2021 team. He is a Junior in HS and enjoys running and cycling. He is a strong cyclist and we noticed going up a hill that for his one pedal stroke, I had two (smaller wheels for the short girl). Liam is all over recording the details of a ride, just check out his Strava account.

Micah L. - Is also a Junior in HS and a later addition to the team. He has jumped in with less time to train and has been a strong rider. He is quietly consistent and ready to learn the ways of cycling. Micah is missing the birth of a sibling to be on this ride, so hopefully this new band of brothers will be his “framily” until he can get home.