Monday, October 4, 2010

Whoops, and then There Was One

Day 30 or 31 (I think I forgot to count the off day back in Austin) Monticello, Fl. To Lake Butler, Fl. 104 miles, 6hrs. 53min. Avg. Spd. 15mph. Total miles 2652.

I would have stopped and smelled the roses today but there weren't any, so I just rode. I intended to do a light 80 miles and then divide up the remainder over the next two days, but, there was a great tailwind and I felt good so I just rode on. Now I only have 70 miles to finish tomorrow.
Wait, did you get that?I finish tomorrow! I've been beating my brains out for 32 days and tomorrow it's over. I was expecting 45 days and we're done in 32.
Amy is on her way right now from Huntsville with the boys. They are stopping over in Atlanta at her brother Clark's house and then coming in for the big finish tomorrow afternoon.
I don't know what to expect tomorrow nor what to expect of my mental/emotional state afterward. All I know is that I set out to do this over a month ago, and way more than once I thought I was done. Somehow by the grace of God and the support of some great friends I am at the threshold of completion.
So many of you have expressed incredible inspiration about this story. I am compelled to ask you again, "WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?"
COME ON PEOPLE GET OUT THERE!

Who knows what my mental/emotional state will be tomorrow.

Do I still live in Huntsville?

Many thanks to Roger Harwell, without whom this expedition literally never happens. Three weeks ago, I would probably have punched him, but tomorrow, I'll probably hug him. Thanks Roger!



Bikes loaded, 6:30 AM Central. Monticello, Fl.



The Suwanee River. Is there a song about this river?


That's Roger, ever waiting.


Ok, I'm in Texas for like a year and then I see Longhorns in Florida, really?



Where am I? The map is screwed up again.


How many more pictures of me riding a bike do you really need to see?


Ok, this one?


Or, this one?


How about this one?


This possum is really good at playing dead. One of the best I've seen, and trust me, Lincoln knows "road kill."


Oh, another picture of me.



This blimp was sent out just to cover my cross country ride.

I can't wait to get home.

Lincoln

Or, you can call me by my proper name, "Lance."

I forgot songs of the day stuck in my head for the past three days.

Three days ago: "Our House" Crosby, Stills and Nash
Two days ago: "Chattahoochee" Alan Jackson
Today: "California Gurls" Katy Perry

Location:N Temple Ave,Starke,United States

14 comments:

  1. Well I am excited for you to complete your journey but sad that the blog will end. I didn't realize how much I missed my Twickenham church family until I began reading the blog and everyone's comments.
    And while I am proud of your accomplishments, I have to say that Bunny has won the award for the most comments not actually made by her. I loved reading "LMB - not Bunny" and "Margie - not Bunny".
    Sometime this month I am bringing my boys to meet the now famous Lincoln. And I really need to see in person that your sons are as tall and as grown up as in the pictures.
    Almost 10 years ago, Farrah and I landed at Twickenham one Wednesday night. I have to say although I now have a different church family I still love the Twickenham bunch. You were and continue to be an inspiring person in my walk with God.
    Have a great day tomorrow!

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  2. Tailwinds!! Sweet!! I have been praying for those every day for the past 32 days - I know you have had a few days with winds from the west and I am thankful for each and every one!
    Talked to Amy a little while ago and they are headed your way. I am so thankful that she and the boys will be able to be there for the finish alongnwith Roger who started this whole thing. You still have a home in Huntsville and I know you will be welcomed home by many who love you there.
    Spent the day today hiking through the redwoods in SMITH National Forest in northern CA. Was Jedediah Smith a relative?? Yep we are not on the couch - out there enjoying a part of God's grandeur on this earth.
    This journey has been an amazing one. Days you wanted to throw I. The towel and say forget it, I am going home. But you persevered. Through the prayers of many you will succeed in finishing this task. We have all prayed for your safety
    and are so thankful.
    May the tailwinds and God's peace bless you richly my friend.

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  3. Assuming it is 70 miles to finish, you'll have biked the [roughly] estimated land miles of Paul's 1st and 3rd missionary journeys.
    Looking forward to seeing you here in Huntsville sometime after you get home and have rested.
    Lynne.

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  4. Oh! Forgot to paste this - hope you enjoy tomorrow's ride.

    Miracle Of The Moment
    by Steven C Chapman © 2007 Sparrow Song
    ...
    There's only One who knows
    What's really out there waiting
    In all the moments yet to be
    And all we need to know
    Is He's out there waiting
    To Him the future's history
    And He has given us
    A treasure called right now
    And this is the only moment
    That we can do anything about

    So breathe it in and breathe it out,
    Listen to your heartbeat.
    There's a wonder in the here and now.
    It's right there in front of you.
    And I don't want you to miss
    The miracle of the moment.

    And if it brings you tears
    Then taste them as they fall
    Let them soften your heart
    And if it brings you laughter
    Then throw your head back
    And let it go let it go
    You gotta let it go
    Listen to your heartbeat

    So breathe it in and breathe it out,
    Listen to your heartbeat.
    There's a wonder in the here and now.
    It's right there in front of you.
    And I don't want you to miss
    The miracle of the moment.

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  5. “The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it."
    -- Doug Bradbury

    I know there were times along the way that you may have thought that you did bite off more than you could chew, but we all KNEW you could do it and tomorrow will prove it. Congrats- you are almost there. Keep pedaling. I will keep praying for your safety on your bike and for the trip home with your family. See ya soon.

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  6. I’m guessing that tradition regarding such things will require the steed to dip a front wheel in the surf. After such an astounding pace, a puff of steam would not surprise me. I would love to see your arrival in person. Nonetheless, even as a remote spectator, it’s exciting to anticipate the finish line. This has been a uniquely emotional and inspiring adventure, thanks for letting us ride along.

    Blessings on the home stretch my brother.

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  7. O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain...

    I think you can relate... Especially when it gets to this part:

    From sea to shining sea!

    I know you'll be singing on the beach tomorrow!

    Congrats brother, a heckuva journey.

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  8. Congrats Linc! This is an awesome thing you have done! The Olivets are proud of you!

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  9. So I thought my training rides had given me a small idea of what you were going through before, but after riding 120 miles this weekend, I now realize I really had no clue. OH MY WORD! I have no idea how you've been on that bike for a month solid. You are truly an amazing cycling machine, my friend.

    I do now have a better understanding of "dead hand." I got to where I couldn't push my shifters anymore and would have to reach around and pull them. My hands are still recovering, as is my seat, but we won't talk about that. The first 60 miles were mostly uphill. Then as I was anticipating glorious downhills, along came headwinds that were 30 degrees cooler to chill us and rob us of all the speed and momentum I was counting on to carry me home. I thought of my awesome family and you often and it really helped me pull through. It seemed that just as the winds would gust and slow my climb, I'd hear a text chime through on my phone in my back pocket. It's amazing how knowing someone is thinking & praying for you at that moment helps you to push on through. It was certainly a greater power that carried me those last 30 miles. I know you can certainly relate to that.

    I'd say let's go for a ride sometime, but I've told my bike that I need some space and would like to see other people for a while. ;-)

    I hope you have a great final ride today. To say I'm proud of you feels like such an understatement. I can't wait to see you, hug your neck and congratulate you.

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  10. Congratulations seems inadequate to express for such an accomplishment! Way to go!!

    What I am doing next - From the Chief Ladiga Trail to the beginning of the Silver Comet Trail, about 70 miles. Then one more charity ride for this season: http://www.cff.org/LWC/ReneeSpivy

    Thanks for letting me "ride" along on your journey - I hope to do it myself some time, until then I'll stick to charity rides and one week adventures - next Summer is the Natchez Trace.

    Keep the rubber side down and Enjoy this amazing accomplishment.

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  11. I'm guessing that you may already be finished (or will soon be) with the ride! I have enjoyed reading the blog, and will be sad that it is over. We are so very proud of this accomplishment! You are such a blessing to me and my family! I will be checking back in later tonight to catch the last entry!

    Whatever will you do with the rest of your time off?

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  12. You have finished! I am so proud of you!! Glad you are coming home, safe and sound. Love you!

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  13. From LMB (not Bunny & she insisted I put this disclaimer up front)

    Way to go "Lance". The new San to Saint Cycling Flash. You brought many a tear to the Southern Tier and made cross country cycling, once equivalent to soccer, a much more manly sport! I hate to admit it, but about the time you crossed the Rio Grande, I too became one of your loyal groupies.

    However, due to the unbelievable speed of your peddle zip across the USA, the American Association of Amateur Bicyclists for Ultimate Truth in Travel (commonly called the Triple A BUTTs) are demanding your drug test within 48 hours. They also want to check out the Surley Steed for any minature solar panels.

    In other Bald Biker news, the contest for naming the Surley Steed is progressing nicely. Leading vote getters so far are:
    "Spoke's A Million", "Rubber Crusher", "Rolling Smoke", "Lincoln's Limo", "Headwind Hater", "The Asphalt Asp", etc., etc. Well, you get the picture.

    And in the "best man supporting role" for this epic adventure, the fan voting has Brooks in triple figures and the other 7 guys with one vote each --- go figure (Amy is not eligible).

    Rest my friend, you've done a once in a lifetime remember forever feat. You make us all proud.

    Now, for the rest of your sabbatical. There's just time to hike the Applachian Trail, at least to the Mason-Dixon Line, before snow drifts in the higher elevations.

    Love ya man!

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  14. Lincoln, the link below is to an article that came out in this morning's paper here in Pensacola. I am so thankful that you are finished with your ride and headed home safe and sound. The man in the article was almost finished with the same ride you made when he was hit by a truck . . .

    http://www.pnj.com/article/20101007/NEWS01/10070329/Gulf-Breeze-cyclist-s-U-S-journey-ends-in-tragedy

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