Monday, September 6, 2010

Boarder patrol, Highway patrol, and a Thirsty Belgian






Day 3 - September 6th Brawley, CA to Blythe, CA 88 miles (total 202)
Amy got to Brawley around 1:30 am pt. She was exhausted from a long day of travel - but, boy was it good to see her! She was my angel for the day! After a good (okay so it wasn't really very good - sleep has not been good so far) nights sleep, we got up and out pretty early this morning. I was on the road by 7am in the attempt to beat the heat - unfortunately, that didn't pan out! The heat was up and the road was long! Lee Segrest asked me before I left "do you know what's out there?" - and Lee you were right - NOTHING! Amy carried the bags and water so it was just me and the bike - I wish I could say it was easier, but I just can't say that. Don't get me wrong the way was LIGHTER but not EASIER! Once you left the thriving metropolis of Brawley the only thing out there is narrow roads and lots of sand. We drove through miles of what one might consider beautiful mounds of sand - the Imperial Dunes. For me it was just hot! Amy did refuse to turn on the air conditioner in the car "out of principle" and rode with the windows down and the sunroof open! What a trooper! After 27 miles we did roll through another town - yes, I did say after 27 miles! Glamis is a haven for off roaders who enjoy the above mentioned sand dunes - no one was out though, perhaps it is still too early....I bought a Gatorade. This was just one of the 6 32 ounce bottles I drank today (not to mention the 5 bottles of water I also had). Once out of Glamis - more narrow roads! Amy had a difficult time finding spots to pull over and we had a few harrowing moments with passing cars. We did have a few moments of levity - meeting the California Boarder Patrol (who kindly offered cold water and an air conditioned seat - both we declined but were happy for the offer none the less), a friendly California Highway Patrolman (who stopped to talk for 20 minutes - picture to follow) and finally the thirsty Belgian! Achelle Plove left from St. "Louie" August 14 and was headed to San Diego. He was attempting to make it from whence we came - Brawley, but was regretting his decision due to the hot roads and warm water he was carrying. Amazing the people you meet on a trip like this - Sure hope Achelle is well tonight!!
After a brief stop in Palo Verde for a hot dog at THE gas station (not the greatest of lunch options, but it hit the spot and provided just enough to make it through), I completed my ride for the day when we got to Blythe. Only 88 miles in 102 degree weather - a temperature I dispute since my bike computer read 117 which felt much more the case to me!!
Blythe is an interesting little town - lots of hotel and food options! Amy and I took a dip in the lukewarm pool (surprisingly refreshing) and had a great authentic Mexican dinner! We also went to the laundry mat - something I haven't done since college - to wash some clothes.
Now, we pause to consider tomorrow - something that does not excite me. But, I must say after reading blog posts from family, friends and even strangers - I am inspired to press on! Cristina Boudah, you got me! Thanks for giving me encouragement (and perspective).
Pray for a tailwind and cooler weather, check that, just pray for Cristina, I'll be fine,
Lincoln (& Amy)


20 comments:

  1. I am betting that it was 117!! I am so glad that Amy is there to help carry your bags, water, Gatorade, etc. Mike says she doesn't need to get heat stroke either!! Might at least close the sun roof. :)
    Christina is an amazing friend. We will all continue to keep you both (as well as your families) in our prayers!!
    Keep the faith brother......you will be amazed at life's journey.

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  2. Kristen sent your blog link to me. So proud of you and excited to read about your adventure. Neat story about your angel and I am not at all surprised Amy is your angel right now!

    We are praying for you!
    Jen

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  3. Anything I can do to help, Lincoln. Anything I can do to help :) I have a friend in Afghanistan praying for me. Now I have a bald guy on a bike. How cool is that?! God is good, my friend and I hope you are enjoying your journey. I know I am.

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  4. Glad to hear today was a bit better! You can do this - praying for you!!

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  5. Lincoln, I know you had some thoughts about what this trip might mean for you, but I'm not sure you realized the impact it is having and will have on those of us following your journey from home. I am in awe of you, and of Amy.

    Press on brother. Can't wait to welcome you back.

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  6. I'm addicted. I waited all day for the next update and even almost (almost) turned off the Boise St. / Va Tech game to come to bed and read it. Please know that we are praying for you and I am proud to brag that my ole youth minister is doing a cross country trek! Awesome.

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  7. said a prayer for you at 3:50 a.m. (the dog woke me up). you rock! and so does Amy.

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  8. Keep it up, Linc! So glad Amy was able to make the treck out there to encourage you in person. I know that makes all the difference in the world. Lonliness is not fun. I remember moving to Richmond and knowing no one. It reinforces your need for God.

    Please let Amy know that I am still happy to help with the boys while you are gone. I kind of like them anyway! :)

    Keep it up. It will be so good to have you back in Huntsvegas!

    Hugs,
    Bun

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  9. I don't know if you realize how many people are inspired by what you are doing. I know I certainly am. Glad Amy is with you and I know you are too. Please know that you, Amy and the kids are in my heart and prayers always. Hope you can feel all of the petitions being lifted on your behalf. Be safe, be smart and drink, drink, drink!!

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  10. Wow . . . what an adventure! Glad to know that Amy made it safely there. Keep pedaling my friend. Can't wait to see you in Pea Ridge!

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  11. Lincoln,
    Thanks for your continued effort and keeping things in the rogth perspective. Christina does inspire us all, but it's neat to see how you are ministering to her even away from town. And you thought you getting a greak form ministry work! Stay strong, my friend.
    - Scott

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  12. Keep it up man. We missed you last week for the opening of Wednesday basketball, but boy will your stories from thsi trip beat Dave blocking my shot for the 100 hundreth time.

    Keep it up and wear some sun screen on the dome.

    Good luck

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  13. Love reading about your adventures! We've been out of town, and I've just caught up on your blog. Praying for you!
    Farrah

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  14. Carry on my wayward son!!!
    Love you!
    Marla

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  15. hey dad hows it going your doing good,good. i miss you and getting yelled at by you kooper

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  16. This is Kody....i`m not sick like normal.school was great You are still the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you.


    PS Kristen is the best because she is going to get us china food.

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  17. 115 miles today thats awesome and i think thats more than ive ever walked in my whole entire life.

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  18. Great pictures. Who was the skinny guy on the bike? I thought I saw Roger cutting his grass tonight.
    Lots of brown in the pictures, looking forward to seeing pictures with green in them.
    Tim

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  19. Glamis?!? I used to "vacation" there - oh what I would give to be trailing you in a dunebuggy right now...just keep your mouth closed bro - that sand can whip up pretty quick and you'll get a mouthful. You inspire me bro. The view gets so much better in a week - this is the toughest leg for so many reasons. Hang in there and know that we love you and miss you!

    Jon

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  20. Scenes of Clark Griswold wandering in the desert singing "I love a parade" with jeans over his head come to mind. Keep pedaling & take care of yourself!

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