Berlin or bust

One of my goals this summer, which I was somewhat foolishly verbalized (suddenly there is accountability), was to ride my bicycle from home to Erik, Laura, Allie and Andrew's home. Just 15 miles I thought; and I even believed I could make it a round trip. Today was the day!

I left at 7:45 with a simple text message to Erik: Berlin or bust; his reply: "OK. good luck." What did he know that I didn't know?

The first four miles, Berg Rd and Moreland Rd, were uneventful, relatively flat riding. As I pedalled along my mind wandered in prayer for our friend Lois B having surgery to remove the cancer she has been battling for over 6 months. I moved in and out of prayer extending my prayer focus to my colleague Paul G who is seeing a pulmonologist tomorrow, friend Ellen N who unexpectedly had a friend die early this week. Family members, our school, ... my prayer list continued; yet I kept coming back to health - prayers for healing, strength, persevering spirit, peace ...

I turned on Mt Hope Rd; Oh this is what Erik knew! As I climbed the first long hill I shifted down to quickly and my chain came off. This was a humbling lesson on anticipating what gears I would need to downshift to ahead of time so the bike could easily shift. A short stop to "fix" my problem and a few swigs from my water bottle - back on the saddle to finish the climb. Encountering a series of hills - I enjoyed the rush of going down hitting 35 MPH while enduring the 5 MPH grind going uphill.

It was on one of these grinds that I realized I was healthy, quite capable of completing this personal bike challenge only because I am healthy! I prayed with thanksgiving enjoying this moment with realization of the grace of good health I was enjoying. Thank you God!

The ride on 241 into Mt Hope was uneventful and I turned on to Twp 362 for the finale leg of the trip. Wow, the hills were a challenge nearly causing me to reach into my pocket and call Erik to come and get me. But, my ego, pride, determination and good health kicked in. At the top of one hill I took in the spectacular view while finishing my water; I was also gasping for air and heard the voice of Kristi reminding me to pay attention to what my body was telling me. My legs were tiring, I panted hard and my orange t-shirt was drenched with sweat.

The final hill into Berlin did me in; I couldn't pedal any longer. Admitting my weakness and lack of training I trudged up the hill on two feet with both hands gripping the handlebars as I passed the water tower. As the street flattened I finished the trip to the Beun home on Maple St in Berlin. It was all quiet, for that I was glad as I breathed deeply to regroup. A quick call to Julie at work; she greeted me with a confident yet relieved voice, "You made it!"

Soon Allie and Laura greeted me, I enjoyed the glass of ice water Laura had promised she would have for me, took Allie to the playground and asked Erik to drive me back to Kidron. I accomplished a goal and for that I rejoiced. It was a beautiful ride; and, yes I will do it again for both the challenge as well as the quiet time while exerting myself physically.

Today it was berlin or bust ... actually, I will humbly enjoy the good health and strength I have for this day!