Day 28

by   September 10, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

  A good day with a strange ending!


  I found the town of Kirbyville, Texas to be friendly just like the rest of the state. But it was also time to get started into Louisiana. I left the Gateway Motel early, with only an egg and cheese biscuit. The roads were mostly flat as I headed east on SR 383 to Bleakwood and then Bon Wier, where the only convenience store had recently been burned out. The Louisiana border once again didn’t have a Louisiana sign. Not surprising because the last time I was in the state, there was no entry sign then either. Texas didn’t have one either but did have a Texas shaped rock.


    The roads were great in Louisiana, especially since I was on US 190 with wide and smoother shoulders. Next came DeRidder, famous for the lumber industry and a booming WWll Army Air Corps base for bombers and fighters to use for bombing and straffing runs. DeRidder had an unusual town with those going west one block away from those going east. US 190 came back together just as I turned left to take an even better road east on SR 26. About two hours of that ride got hilly and hot, topping out at 97 humid degrees. The map writers called the area the hilly Louisiana upland. I found it easy riding after the mountains and hills of earlier states. SR  26 was one of the prettiest roads I have seen with a mix of well kept older farm homes and varied agricultural production.


    On the last 33 miles was where the hills came in, but then it leveled out just ahead of Oberlin, my home for the evening. Oberlin has less than 2,000 residents and it has a motel that I chose because of being right on the route. I found out that the motel was recently purchased and was undergoing a remodeling of sorts. A husband and wife were here working today, both nice, but the motel still has a long way to go. I actually helped to clean my room, which I found out was one of the first to be remodeled.


    I will say more about it in the book on this trip, but the price is right and the room is squared away. With the super warm and humid day, I was ready to get off the bike after 81 steamy miles. The only breeze all day was what I generated on the bike.


    I promised an update on the remaining mileage for the journey, and as of this afternoon the total remaining miles are 980, meaning that more than 2/3rds of the miles are complete. If all goes well, I will finish off the fifth map series on Tuesday, leaving two more to go.


    The map writers talk about dangerous roads, gravel shoulders and plenty of dogs ahead to chase me. A few did today. There is no radio reception and only a little better for the cell phone. I saw signs for Shreveport and hurricane evacuation routes. There are lots of towns but most don’t have services. I will especially have to be on my toes the next few days and won’t be surprised with anything the roads do.


    So join me back here tomorrow when I am hoping to reach Bunkie, which sounds like a casino town. Bunkie is the only town with lodging for 30-40 miles in either direction.


    More regular sponsors helping financially with the ride are Accelerate Therapy and Performance, Vac and Dash and Gear for Races. Thank you! See you tomorrow!

Day 27

by   September 9, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

A long hot ride with no real hills!


    For some reason, as I go farther east, I get the first signs of daylight earlier. This morning, I left the wonderful motel in Shepherd and had two breakfast tacos by 7am. The forecast called for mid 90s and very humid. After about 9am, I never stopped sweating and my shirt and shorts were soaked.


    More towns are showing up, with most of them offering a store. Leaving Shepherd, I rode Farm Road (yes, it was actually labeled that way) 223 to Dolen, then turned east on State Road 787, followed by Romayor, Rye, Votaw and Thicket. Then it was east again on SR 1283 for Honey Island and Koutze. The star of the day was mostly flat and fast US 90 for Evadale, Buna and Kirbyville where I am spending the night.


    All the towns were small but the roads and shoulders for the most part were really good. Drivers were courteous even when I had to ride in the road because rumble strips were taking up most of the shoulder. Much of the day’s ride was through woods, sometimes with the bigger trees shading the road. Part of a long straight segment in the middle of the day was through a portion of the Big Thicket National Preserve.


  Today wasn’t the best scenery or people day, but it was strong mileage day at 91. As I mentioned, tonight should be my last in Texas as I plan to pass into Louisiana about mid morning tomorrow. Towns and stores still look frequent.


    Humidity and heat will hang around for a few days. Counties In Louisiana are called parishes. Lots of water coming up, even a few sightings of the mighty Mississippi River. I saw the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota a few years ago, but this time it should be wide and deep.


  My motel is the Gateway in Kirbyville, a town started because of the lumber business. I got another big break when I hit town. I didn’t have to look for the motel, nor the main convenience store. Both were on the main road and with only one business in between. How do I tell the best convenience store? It is the one with the Hunt Brother’s Pizza sign! Always! And I bet I can get breakfast tacos there in the morning.


    Depending on how things go tomorrow, I should have an important mileage update. I am going to do some planning now and of course, eat my second ice cream. My total calorie intake is huge right now. Seems I am eating constantly.


    Remember the sponsors of the ride! Frank and Janis Ramsey, Father and Son Produce and Dick and Jean Richards are some of them. Join me tomorrow for the latest on my Louisiana entry! And keep sending those all important prayers!

Grace

by   September 8, 2021 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

  • Grace – an enormous gift and kindness from God.
  • We can not be righteous in our own strength or through the law, it is all by God’s goodness and grace though Christ Jesus.
  • Jesus paid a very dear price for us to be saved and to become righteous – it is a total summation of God’s grace.  Thank You Jesus.

Prayer:  I lift my hands in worship and praise to You today for this wonderful salvation and Your goodness and this gift of eternity and eternal life.  Thank You Lord.  Thank You for Your grace upon my life.  Help me express grace to others and enjoy and walk in the grace that You give and not take it for granted.  I bless Your Holy name.  Amen. 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Day 26

by   September 7, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Finally leaving the Texas hills!


  The day started in Navasota, just a little later than I planned. My red flashing light chose this morning to need new batteries. I had packed up everything, then dug out the batteries and got it going. The fantastic room was wonderful! Just hold that thought for a few minutes.


    I headed east on State Road 90 to Anderson, then turned on State Road 149 for some climbing practice, although I am sure I don’t need any more. During a flatter lull, I stopped at the community of Richards. A local guy named Matt Nichols held the door for me, then asked about my trip. We ended up talking for 10 minutes about the state of world, and clearly were on the same page. Matt said, “But all we can really do is know where we’re going when our life ends.” We laughed about my daughters and their different approaches to my bike rides. Matt owns a ranch and says he loves it in Richards which might have 100 residents. He also said, “When I get on that horse each morning, I don’t know for sure what will happen.” Same for me when I get on the bike.


    I crossed Lake Conroe and entered Sam Houston National Forest. For a while, I was on the Texas Forest Trail with thick woods on both sides of the road. I passed through New Waverly on State Road 1375, then turned on State Road 150 for the rest of the day. Punkin and Evergreen were small crossroads, but Coldspring was a bigger town at a little over 800 residents. Finally, I had a steady headwind for a ride into Shepherd where I am spending the night. Each road through the day got a little flatter,  making me happy.


    I called last night and got an amazing rate for the night at Hometowner Inn and Suites. That quickly, I got the best room for the trip, just one night after it’s predecessor. Tonight, I am writing this while sitting on my own couch in a huge room. I have already thanked the owner for the great deal. Even better,  there is a Subway and a convenience store on the same property. I have already eaten a pint of Blue Bunny Double Strawberry and a foot long Subway Veggie Delight. Another pint of Cherry Vanilla awaits.


  Today’s ride was 78 miles during a mid-90’s day. It was another good one, with just enough to see and the meetings with Matt and the motel owners.


  I have already scoped out tomorrow’s route if all goes well. I plan to head for Kirbyville, one of the last towns in Texas. I’m excited to see that the train tracks will be beside me all day. Also, I need to mention that I have not been harassed by flies in East Texas, but the loose dogs have started chasing the bike. The Adventure Cycling maps said they would.


    More little towns with services are showing up, and that means more people. And there will be lots of water ahead. Matt mentioned too that I will have to know how to get through the bayous, so during that part I will follow the Adventure Cycling maps. I will admit to making my own route several times in the last week. Nearly every map route segment shows me heading east now.


    Thanks again for your support and comments! I am hoping for another good day tomorrow to keep the fun going. Come back tomorrow and I’ll let you know how it goes!

Resting on Us?

by   September 6, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

The words had been written in my scribbled print on a notepad that I discovered in a drawer. I have no idea how many years ago I had written those words, but it was evident that they were written for such a time as this.

The words? The spirit of the Lord will rest upon me. Isaiah 11:2

As I held it, it felt as if the words on the paper had a life of their own and were speaking directly to me.

The spirit of the Lord is resting on me?

Yes – and on you!

It is a promise from the Lord that we need to embrace.

The wordrest, according to my dictionary, has around 30 definitions.

I liked all 30, but these three stole my heart and captured my mind:

*Rest means to stay. The spirit of the Lord stays with us – no matter what is going on in our lives. No matter what is going on in our hearts. No matter what is going on in our world.  We are children of the King. His spirit will rest on us.

Matthew 10:29-31 says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet, not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  

We can rest in that – always.

*Rest means to support. The spirit of the Lord is supporting us. Most of us go through times in our lives when we are in crisis or just need support. We feel as if we may collapse underneath the load. But there is a promise that the spirit of the Lord will  support us.

Psalm 94:18 says, “My foot slips.The mercy of the Lord holds me up.”

We are held up and supported by the mercy of God resting on us.

It is a promise we can hold onto.

We can rest in that – always.

*Rest means to be silent. The spirit of the Lord brings silence. It is in those sweet moments of being still and knowing that He is God that we are surrounded by silence. As we seek  – and find – quiet times with our Father, we can often hear the voice of God.

Habakkuk 2:20 says, “But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”

Being silent before the Lord and listening for His voice exudes awe, respect, reverence, and worship as we see Him for who He is – Our Father who is heaven. Holy is His name.

We can rest in that – always.

Lord, thank You that Your spirit rests on us. That sure does bring comfort. Thank you that Your spirit will stay with us.Thank you, Lord, that because of Your mercy, Your spirit will hold us up and support us, even when we fall.Thank you, Lord, that as Your spirit rests on us, we can be silent and hear your voice. Surround us, Lord. Amen

Day 25

by   September 5, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Another good and important day!


  I got more sleep last night than I usually do at the Budget Motel in Bastrop. Really happy with the room, I was up and out at first light with a plan. I wanted to finish off the current segment, but knew that there would be challenges. Already at 80 degrees for a low, the humidity was high and close to 100 degrees was predicted. I needed close to 90 miles to reach Navasota, the last town on map segment four.


    I took State Road 21 out of Bastrop and battled no bike shoulder and heavy early traffic until the shoulder widened just enough to keep the bike on it. Next came a 45 mile segment on US 290, starting with about 15 miles of brand new pavement. I stopped in Giddings for a couple of breakfast tacos and home made chocolate chip cookies I had a wonderful talk with Toni Cook, who said, “I’ve often wondered if I could even ride a bike to the next town.”


  Then it was on to Carmine, where my credit card got cut off again. Once again, they emailed me and asked if the purchase at the Village Market was legitimate. Of course it was! A super large cold drink and two bakery brownies! I got a picture of the bike right behind a large elephant waiting in the parking lot. So far, I don’t miss many convenience stores with towns still spread out.


    Then, after a short segment on State Road 36, I took the very challenging 24 mile ride on State Road 105 into Navasota. Navasota had big Civil War history and was named the blues capital of Texas.


    I had talked with a young desk clerk at the Navasota Inn a couple of times over the last two days. I’m here and very happy with the room. When I rode in, the clerk had a big smile on her face. She had the air going in my room, and a big easy chair and foot stool waiting for me. Plus she gave me a cold water, a bag of chips and cookies! I was so excited about all of this.


    With map segment four done, I now have about 1,230 miles to go. Of course, that figure won’t be exact by the time I am done, but is very close. I will come close to 2,000 miles completed in the next day or two. Today’s ride was 88 miles and I still have probably two more days left in Texas. I plan to spend tomorrow night in Shepherd, Texas.


    It was hot today, 97 was the highest I heard and my shirt was wet all day. But 97 is still nothing like the 114 of the bad day! A nice side breeze made it seem less hot. It was another good day and I’m excited again about tomorrow.


    Join me back here for Friday’s ride and start to finish off Texas. I’m about to start my second pint of Blue Bell ice cream. See you tomorrow!

Day 24

by   September 4, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

  The most fun day of the whole trip!


  Last night, I really needed to sleep and the girl in the next room had different guys in with a lot of loud talking, plus dog barking in a motel with no pets allowed. I finally got to sleep at close to 2am this morning. The best things about the Hill Country Inn were the  big screen TV and Dairy Queen across the road, and not much else.


    I still left out early this morning in the drizzle headed toward Henly and Dripping Springs. There was lots of doable climbing early, then oddly the road shoulder decreased and the climbing lessened as I neared Austin. Adventure Cycling always wants to avoid any central route through town and had this elaborate round the world plan that I didn’t follow. I went right through town rather easily in a city with 800,000. Drivers were courteous and oddly the city gave me two options. The route was on US 290/71 East and you could do it on the freeway or on a frontage road next to it. I did some of both.


    The routes split and I stayed with US 71 through Montopolis, Garfield and on into Bastrop, my home for the evening. Bastrop has about a half dozen motels and I called them all. Last night they all had high prices, but I checked again when I got near the town and the Google Assistant found the Budget Inn. I called and got a price of $72, tax included while all the others were over $100. The Budget Inn is perfect, with all the comfortable things I need. A great convenience store at a long block away in a historic neighborhood. The motel has great WiFi and ice, two of my big needs and it is very quiet here. I’ll make up that sleep tonight if that holds.


    Now for the highlight of the day. Just before I reached Garfield, I spotted a Sheriff’s Department car and stopped to confirm my directions. I have met some great officers so far, but Senior Deputy Jonathan Barrientes had the best conversation yet. There was no real human contact until that point and we hit it off. I promised to keep him updated, especially because he knew a lot about the areas I have traveled so far. Later in the afternoon, he beeped his siren to me as he also headed home to Bastrop.


    I got to the motel at about 5:30pm, intent on finding food and getting my daily update in. The owner showed me where to find the best convenience store and another resident here struck up a conversation about my trip. Mark is from Fresno, and asked about everything. He mentioned that he didn’t have anything to eat, so while I was gone, I picked him up a few things too. Mark seems a good guy, and at least for this evening isn’t hungry. Also, I keep finding good prices on bananas at the convenience stores. Remember that I am trying to visit them all across America.


    In another highlight of the day, the Y Service Club at the South Y donated $50 toward my ice cream fund. I bought two pints of Cherry Vanilla and Strawberry Blue Bell ice cream to get started on their contribution.
    And finally, I got 77 good miles in today on another mostly cloudy day. Very pleasant riding. I’m not sure of my goal for tomorrow yet but will work on it as the ice cream gets eaten. At this point, I will be happy with another productive day!


  Keep the questions and comments coming. I love them all! See you tomorrow!

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