BP MS150 Thoughts

In my journal I recorded a quote by William Hutchinson Murray that says, "Concerning all acts of initiative or creation, there is one element of truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then God moves too."

My first MS 150 ride is a testament to the truth of Murray's statement. I made it by the grace of God.

On this ride, I fell in love all over again with the state of my birth. Texas is beautiful in her ruggedness. The strange spring weather caused the hills to be a vibrant green and covered with wildflowers. God's creation displayed its magnificence for the riders going past and it made me smile to see many taking time out to take pictures along the way. While we can anticipate our final destination, we must also take time to enjoy the journey.

We were met by fiddlers with tractors, stereos blasting "Twist and Shout" and assorted shapes and sizes of Texans all out to greet and cheer on the riders and those in wheelchairs reminded us why 12,000 people ride bicycles to Austin - because we can when they cannot.

Day 1 was a success. My daughter-mentor was waiting with a camera, a big smile and the car to drive us to our hotel room and a hot shower. But what about Day 2? At 3:30am on Sunday morning, I didn't think I could do it again. So I prayed.

My daughter told me that for the first 10 miles on Day 2, my brain would scream "what are you doing?" but to ignore it and the body would warm up and kick in. She was right. What she failed to tell me after dropping me off was that the first 10 miles involved a HILL!!! At the top of the hill, I thought " I am way over my target heart rate!!" But it was too late, the car was headed to Austin and riders were gaining. I felt the Lord say, "just ride the bike." I rode and He did too.

When I didn't think I could make another hill because they looked so huge in the distance, I was reminded of Goliath. "Just ride the bike." And the hills weren't nearly as large as they first appeared when I got closer. A few hills were too much for me to handle so I got off the bike and walked for a while admiring those who were still upright on their bikes making their way up.

From the last rest stop, I called my daughter and she was right, adrenalin kicked in as we closed the gap to the finish line. The hills no longer mattered. Turning a corner, I was greeted by cheering crowds and saw the sign that said, "Welcome to Austin." I could feel the tears welling up. We did it Lord!!! We did it!

When I sent out my email requesting donations, I said that the ride, while a physical challenge, was indicative of a bigger spiritual and mental challenge of perseverance and endurance. I quoted Hebrews 12: 1-2.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God."

I had a great cloud of witnesses - my mom and dad, my grandmother and great-grandmother, my aunt. I had the support and prayers of family and friends. But most importantly, I had my God, the One who never left my side. The hills became small because He loomed so large over them. Jesus was my greatest cheerleader. My job was to "just ride the bike." He took care of everything else.

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31