Monday, September 13, 2010

Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen

Day 10 - Emory Pass, N.M. To Las Cruces, N. M. 101 miles, 7 hrs. 13 min. 13.3 avg. Total miles to date 801.

The title today is from my dad. That's something he used to say from scripture anytime somebody got to big for their britches. Yesterday's triumph over the mountain was supposed to be followed by a downhill jaunt to Las Cruces, N.M.. The first hour was. Brad and Ben drooped me at the pass at 7:30 AM. They then headed for Phoenix. I, dropped off the edge of the world for the next hour. I told you yesterday that my first hour total was 7 miles. My first hour today, I totaled 18 miles. Yes downhill. I turned south NM 185 at I25. I was then greeted by a headwind for the next 70 miles. It had to be 15-25 mph. I'm supposed to be going downhill, and I am, but I'm getting beat down like a red headed step child. I don't think there's anything worse than a headwind. When you are only going one direction and that direction is into the wind, it bites. Another day like today and you can come and get me. It's not fun, it's not inspirational, it's just beat down. I'm tired of motels, I miss my wife and kids, and I fail to see how I can do this for 2200 more miles. So, how was your day?
After descending the mountain, I spent most of the day in Rio Grande river valley. There's a lot of agriculture in the valley, but only because of the river. This is one of the top green chili producing areas in the nation.
We actually had a thunderstorm in Las Cruces this evening. That's the first rain I've seen in a couple of weeks.
Jamie is supposed to get in to El Paso around 9PM, he should be here by 10:00 or so.
We'll see what happens tomorrow. All I know to is keep going until God tells me otherwise.
Pray for my family.
Amazed at God's grace and my continued need for it,
Lincoln
PS. That's two century's, I only need 58 more to catch Bob Lewis.

When I'm the only photographer, comedy suffers.





Brad and Ben 7:30 AM Emory Pass Vista.





I honestly don't remember if this uphill or downhill, it's all I've got.





That's supposed to show a climb, but you probably can't see the grade in the background.






That's water.






Yes the Rio Grande.





That's a picture of my bike. There's no one else to take a picture of. Doesn't my bike look happy?





These are dried chilis. This is just one stand of many. I had Mexican food at lunch, that was outstanding.





Nice glove tan. The picture doesn't even do it justice.
See you tomorrow.


Location:Las Cruces, N. M.

18 comments:

  1. Oh man, if I were still in NM, I would come get you. I lived about an hour from Las Cruces! It really is beautiful there. I can't imagine how hard it is but I do know if anyone can make it you can. You are one of the strongest men I've ever known. All day the saying "see God" has been ringing in my head. I pray you can see God in everything on this journey. You are constantly in my prayers. Hang tight, you're one day closer!

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  2. I wish I had wise words of wisdom but I don't. Perhaps you just need to hear that the prayers are many and that the journey has shown God's power and wonder to so many people. The blessings are really hard to see in a headwind. Keep looking brother. No matter when you finish - now or in Florida God will be praised.
    Love you brother!

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  3. Hang in there! You are doing great! Jill and I are praying for you. I'm using the stairs instead of the elevator at the church to help share in your pain. Loved the buzzard pics. Hope your dead hand gets better. Remember - God does amazing work in the wilderness!

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  4. Linc....hang in there...you're one of the toughest dudes I know...don't lose heart....you can do this...wish I was there to ride a few miles with you like the old days....Heather and i are proud of you and really excited! about your adventure....hang in there!!!!
    - David Olivet

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  5. Hey Linc! Just caught up on your blog...missed it for a couple of days. Concerning the dead buzzard that Brado liked so much, you both should get a copy of the interesting poem Dad wrote about a Buzzard one time. After all the teasing Mike and I did to him, he may have hidden it for life. But if I know you, you will enjoy it and find an appreciation for what Dad is saying throught the Buzzard.

    On another note, I'm in Ft Leavenworth, KS. Don't know if that is on your route or not or how soon you would come through this area if it was. Let me know.

    Prayers lifted up for you!
    Hugs,
    Bun

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  6. Lincoln... I found this map on the Adventure Cycling website.

    http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/southerntier.cfm

    Is this your planned route or something close?

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  7. Lincoln, A few quotes to consider:

    Churchill: "Never, Never, Never, Never give up"

    Lombardi: "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."

    Paul: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

    Kooper: “…you can do it i belive in you”

    prayers for blessings and tailwinds in Him, walton

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  8. I was walking this morning (yes, I was walking) and the first half was just like it's always been, but when I turned around to do the second half heading back home, I was walking straight into the wind. Thought about you immediately and was hoping that you weren't having headwinds. Praying for tailwinds tomorrow. Just got the guys from the airport. They made it safe and sound. Also praying for the same for you. Keep on keeping on...! L-

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  9. Lincoln, I am praying that you have a better day today. I was up for 2 hours (12 am- 2am) with Allison last night (or I guess this morning!).

    When I'm up like that, and she's just restless, I find myself praying. It's some of my best prayer time. You and your family, and Cristina and her family got lots of prayers in the early hours of today.

    Praying for a tailwind today!

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  10. Hey Lincoln - Looks like you are cranking out the miles! I just now found your blog and am impressed at what you are doing.

    You are in our prayers so keep them spinning!

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  11. Lincoln remember that someone that reads about your journey will see how God can take an amazing man and give him challenges and watch that man overcome them. You will be an inspiration to someone to keep on keeping on for another day. Keep riding and feel Gods presence around every bend.

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  12. 1 Corinthians 9:27 I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize...Your mind wants to complete the 2200 so MAKE your body submit. There is spiritual power in conquering the weakness of the flesh. Don't forget, God had a reason to tell us to rest on the 7th day. Rest but don't give up!

    PS: I'm getting out there and doing something. My goal is to run the 5K for Christina, 3rd week into training. We're all in this together, we're meant to inspire each other in different ways. If you stop I won't hear you yelling at me to "COME ON PEOPLE! PUT DOWN THE REMOTE! GET OFF THE COUCH! GET OUT THERE AND WORK YOUR TAIL OFF!" or "COME ON PEOPLE GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING" :)

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  13. You don't think you can do this for 2200 more miles? Really? Don't look back buddy, you've already done 800 miles... in perspective: further than a trip to Gulf Shores AND BACK!!

    Those 'fallen' wouldn't put their shoes back into their controversial Crank Brothers pedal cases and ride day after day.

    Those 'fallen' wouldn't search for humor in the midst of toil.

    You are not of the 'fallen'. Hang in there.

    I am digging that tan... I would bet the attic's looking a little whitewashed as well.

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  14. so what if the mighty have fallen you are mightier and one who will not fall because you have something all the rest didn't. ME!!!!!! well and God of course. i know you can do it so go and kick some asphault.i miss you and i hope i will get to see you sooon.

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  15. Kody's most recent English paper....
    "I respect my dad for many reasons but especially now because he chose to go on a biking trip across America. He inspires me because he is very brave to try to do this, he has good endurance and can ride at least a hundred miles a day. The last reason is because he is strong and could pedal in the sun for hours." Unfortunately, he forgot to indent and had to do the whole thing over. I personally thought it was pretty good inspite of the missing indention! His mom

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  16. this is kody... dad you've already gone halfway across america!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! come on dad you can do it and ride halfway across again and come home where everybody will cogragulate you and you can relax at last.

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  17. keep on riding - dont stop keep riding i belive you! youre da bombdigaty yea i think i spelled that word wrong but keep on riding - kooper

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  18. Licoln, I have read the comments and have been meaning to ask you something. My daily favorite song is "One day at a time". Of course the line "I'm just a woman" you could change but its really a good song for me for encouragement. Just take one day at a time. We will love you no matter what you do.
    Love Sarah.

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