It’s almost here! Can you feel the excitement?!
We’re about to begin our 4th tandem adventure of bicycling across the state of Iowa on the annual RAGBRAI ride. Sunday morning my husband and I will join thousands of other bicyclists as we start our trek on this year’s 411.4 mile week-long route from the west side of the state to the east.
We’ll be collecting beautiful miles and one-of-a-kind memories.
This year’s route takes us through interesting towns, both big and small. We’ll see life through different eyes as these towns welcome us with open arms. They’ll feed us, they’ll entertain us, and they’ll even allow us to invade and inhabit every inch of their turf overnight. It’s truly a sight to see and an event to experience.
One mile at a time is our typical motto. One beautiful mile after another of green cornfields, lush landscapes, and the wide-open spaces. Collecting miles via bicycle is an experience like no other. And, we appreciate each mile as life slows to our pace and time has no relevance during our days.
And memories? I love collecting memories. Just like in past years, I expect Bill and I will encounter special moments we’ll never forget, as we stretch ourselves and have fun doing it.
Yes, I’m nervous, and excited, and wondering, “Can we do it again?”
My head says yes, but my body isn’t quite on board yet. We’ve trained. The bike is ready. We’re packed. All we need to do now is be patient in waiting for Sunday.
But, we sure welcome your prayers. If God brings us to mind in the next week, would you pray for us? For our safety, for our bicycle to function correctly, for our physical strength, and for His love to shine through us? Your prayers are priceless to us and we are grateful for each one.
I’ll be doing my best to update you on our progress across the state, so stop back and visit each day. We’d love to hear from you too, and even if we can’t reply to your comments, we read and appreciate each one!
Thanks for cheering us on and for journeying through life with us. We are truly blessed!
Blessings,
Julie
I’m joining in this week’s Five Minute Friday community in free-writing for five minutes on the word COLLECT. Visit Five Minute Friday to check out the other writers and their take on this week’s word.
It’s so fun to read about your bike trip every summer. Praying for you sweet friend. I’m in the 3 spot this week.
Thanks, Tara. I’m far behind in reading posts of others, so I’ll be stopping over soon!
God Speed you on your journey, Julie, and may your heart be ever-open to the delights with which He delights in blessing you!
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/07/your-dying-spouse-339-revelation-and.html
Thank you, Andrew. We could feel God’s presence with us. So thankful! I’m behind in reading your posts, but will stop over soon!
How fun and I am so glad I found you this morning through Five Minute Friday as I want to share your trip with my son. As he doesn’t know what a Tandam Bike is so it will be a teachable moment. Have a safe and fun trip. May God Bless you and the people around you as you ride. Have a Blessed day.
Glenda, thank you for this! We read your words on our ride and appreciated them greatly. Thanks for your words of blessing and hope. Blessings to you!
Julie, I hope to see you on the ride!
We were looking for you, Terry. Sorry we didn’t run into each other, but I hope your ride was wonderful!
I’ll keep you in my prayers! Have a great journey!
Thank you so much, Sabra!
Praying right now for you!
We felt your prayers. What a difference they made. Thank you so much!