Day 6 and Finale - Oct. 3, 2013

Sorry for the delay in posting my finale.  It's been very emotional and surreal for me!!  I wanted to eat, get home and relax.

I covered 43 miles today for a total of 420 miles!!!  Lots of traffic today and some very bumpy roads and I had to stop for a train crossing but some beautiful scenery.  I ended my big ride at a place called Washington Crossing at the Delaware River and the border is actually in the middle of the river.  That's why the pictures below are on the bridge.  I can't explain all my feelings of joy and happiness.  With tears coming, my Dad says why are you so upset, I said they're tears of joy.  If I would have been allowed, I would have went swimming in the river.  I am just overwhelmed that I accomplished my goal and everything went so well.  God certainly gave me the strength to complete this journey because I am so tired and sore now, I am amazed I could continue everyday.  And again, the weather couldn't have been any better for my last day!

We ate a late lunch right there at the Bridge at the Washington Crossing Inn to celebrate and it was incredible.  Wonderful meal and beautiful place if you're ever in that area.  We got in the van to head home and I passed out within 15 min.  When I woke up, we were at King of Prussia so I asked my Dad if we could stop at a store that I like and we don't have in our area.  He patiently said he didn't mind.  While there, I forgot I was supposed to call the FRC radio to give them an update and they reminded me.  I called in while in the store then and just was so happy to tell them that I was able to complete my ride and hopefully raise awareness for "Faith, Marriage and Family" and the work they do. 

This whole journey has been such a BLESSING to me and I pray to many others!!!  I can't thank everyone enough for their support and prayers.  Especially my Father for giving up a week of his time to be there for me and his encouragement every day!  It would have been hard to do this without him.  You can still make donations on the site www.frc.org/acrosspenn.  There is still lots of work to be done and mountains to climb (or ride) for God and Family.  Let's stand together and do everything we can to love one another and make a positive difference!!!

Day 5 - Oct. 2, 2013

I know I am repeating myself but things just couldn't be going any better.  The weather was a little hot today but still very beautiful!!  And besides being a little sore, I really do feel good!

It was really nice to sleep in my own bed last night since I was so close to home:)  Today, I started at the Wrightsville Bridge in Columbia where I ended yesterday.  I do not like the city areas because of construction and bumpy roads. Drivers also have a lot to pay attention to so I just have my Dad drive behind me with hazards on just to be safe.  Headed down Columbia Ave., I passed WGAL and decided to stop in and ask if they would be interested in my ride and they interviewed me.  I was thrilled that they took the time.  It was really cool!!

Went further down Rt. 462 into King St. in Lancaster City and decided to stop in at Gibbel, Kraybill and Hess law firm on Orange St. (I used to work there) to say Hi and thank them for helping to sponsor my ride.  It was nice to see some friends that I haven't seen in awhile!!  I headed back out to King St., then Rt. 340 and eventually to Rt. 23.  I ran into the New Holland Fair which I didn't expect so I had to ride down the sidewalk because the street was packed at 12 noon.  There was a sidewalk that didn't have a "ramp" so I swerved to stop and I did bang up my leg a little with a nice big bump but I was fine.  My Dad and I stopped for lunch and I iced it right away. 

Going some back roads again, I ended up back on Rt. 23 for a long time thru Morgantown, then we ended up in Valley Forge.  Found a Hampton Inn 1/2 mile away which is awesome.  We got a AAA discount, free supper and free breakfast and the room actually smells good!!  Plus the check-in clerk was really nice and thought my ride was really cool.  I gave her a flier and she was excited!  It has just been so exciting to watch everything fall in to place so well, the people we have met and just to see God working!!  I rode 68 miles today and after recalculating my "map" mileage, I have about 44 miles left.  How Awesome!!!    I didn't stop to take any pictures today since it was mostly farm fields, horses and cows and of course the cities.   Check-in tomorrow for the finale!!

Day 4 - Oct. 1, 2013

I started off the day talking live on WJTL if anyone was able to listen.  I hope I sounded ok and got my message across ok.  I don't like doing that stuff but I was honored for the opportunity to try to get the message out!

I'm just going to continue to praise God for the awesome weather - it again was just perfect!  We did have a few black clouds today at one point but no rain and it ended up being very hot.  Well, I out did my expectation today, I made it 86 miles and stopped in Columbia after crossing the old Wrightsville Bridge.  It really was a good ride even though I'm sore.  When you look at some of the hills coming up, they look so steep but they weren't too bad. If it continues to go so well, I will ride for 2 more days which will be the 6 day total I had wanted to do.

I am just so grateful for making it this far already and especially not having any bike part issues too.  It just has been a wonderful experience and journey!!  I hope that many lives are touched in some way.  Let's all stand up and make a difference in God's name!!!