WONDERFUL day. After the past few days of long climbs, I expected nothing less today, but I was pleasantly surprised. The ride was absolutely gorgeous. The sky was overcast, with a bit of sunshine seeping through, and a light but cooling headwind. I spent the day riding with my teammate Sheila, and we had a good and long talk. I realized that on this trip, we really get to know our teammates inside and out. We talked about where we could go if we could be anywhere, what we see ourselves doing years from now, and how far we’ve come since we started riding. I realized on the bike today that, of the people we’ve talked to and met—they all mention how crazy it is to hear they only have X number of weeks or months to live because a slew of questions arise in their head: Who will take care of my kids; How can I make things right; Who will take my Harley (says Dan). And I realized that I want to live as though I have this clock ticking over me, not knowing when I’ll be gone, and consequently make the most with the life I have—however that pans out, professionally or relationally—and not be consumed in the things which will pass and wither away.

Back to the ride, it was beautiful! We biked through the state park on highway 101, and eventually hit the Avenue of the Giants, which takes us straight through a redwood forest. Surrounded by trees on both sides with hints of sunshine peeking through, we enjoyed the fresh pine scent as we pedaled onward.

The roads were smooth and we were gliding along. Eventually we made it all the way through and got back onto the famous Hwy 101 to Eureka, California.

Once we got into Eureka, we were welcomed with a wide array of food (including bree and sushi!). Steve and his daughters were amazing hosts for us, THANK YOU!

After a hot shower, I asked whether there was a store nearby I could pick up a duffel bag (as my straps had completely come off), and Silvia, Steve’s neighbor, offered to take us on a Target run. I ended up purchasing a more durable duffel (and I am very much satisfied), and Silvia had refused to let me pay for all of it. Thank you so much Silvia for your generosity!!! I am humbled and speechless. Silvia shared with us how her mother had passed of breast cancer when she was only 13, and how profoundly the event had impacted her. She also shared with us her story of growing up in Germany and moving to the US where she met her future husband. She’s just the sweetest lady you could imagine.

For dinner, Steve and company whipped up some BBQ chicken and hot dogs for us to enjoy. After a full tummy, we finished our loads of laundry and went off to our respective tasks. Tomorrow won’t be as long as today, and I heard it was even more beautiful. Stay tuned for some pictures… until then!