Wednesday, August 27, 2008

8/27/08 The rolling community

Mileage 81 miles Maximum Speed 46 mph (hand on tight)
Traveled from Sampson State Park to Binghampton NY

This morning we departed at 7:30 am and enjoyed a very scenic and beautiful ride along Seneca lake and Cayuga lake. We had several long down hills finally rolling into the city of Ithaca, NY, which is home to Cornell University. It is a very diverse and eclectic city. We rolled into the heart of the city and walked around. We had the chance to talk to 6 different people about the tour and the focus of the Church on poverty issues. It was meaningful and easy, as we handed out the business cards with information about the tour on it. Most people were very excited and interested. We enjoyed a cup of coffee and people watched for a while. I spotted one of my favorite bumper stickers about Ithaca which is, "Ithaca, 10 sq miles surrounded by reality". If you have been here you know that it is a bit unique. We then did a monster hill climb back out of the city. If you are going to roll down, you have to roll up (just a little slower). We enjoy the experience of the tour of passing others and being passed. One of the things that is great about it, is that you get a chance to support eachother and pass on a kind word. It is kind of like a rolling church, just spread out over several miles. Everyone rides at different paces, and needs encouragement along the way. We were treated to a great meal at Valley CRC. They even installed wireless internet for us. We are staying at a school across the way. We are off to Pennsylvania Thursday. Pray for safety, as the roads have limited to no shoulder.
Marijo enjoying coffee with a friend. She is not much of a conversationalist,

Is this what it looked like for the Israelites? Tent City

Our laundry out to dry.

His handiwork displayed at the end of the day.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are having a great time and meet neat people. I look forward to your blogs every night.
Have a safe ride. We are praying for you guys every day. The laundry picture is great. It brings back memories.
Sam Bolt

Anonymous said...

HI James and Marijo!
Your pictures are awesome! It is so fun to follow your tour. It looks like you are having a great time! Is your bum sore yet? Our hurt just thinking about all the hours you've spent in the saddle!
We continue to pray for you and the rest of the bikers as you get closer to your final destiny. Have a great ride! God's Speed!
Duane and Lori Hinken

Vanden Berg said...

Hey James and Marijo,
We look forward to reading your blogs and seeing your pictures. It is amazing all of the adventures and experiences you are having. God is good!! I thought about you as I was driving the tram at the gardens. It travels at a top speed of 15 m.p.h. If it was a race you would win hands down. My bottom is sore after a 45 minute trip -- we worry about yours. We are looking forward to your safe return to Michigan. Are you smelling the salt water yet?
David and Ellen