The Bike Shop, June 19 & 20

On Thursday, June 19 we rode from Twisp to Riverside. As we rode through Okanagon, we stopped at a bike shop named The Bike Shop and picked up a few things. After lunch, we rode to 20 plus miles to our host church in Riverside. The last five miles, I only had one gear because my rear shift lever decided to stop working. (The damage was done the day before when I bounced off a guardrail while riding through a dark tunnel)

After a quick trip back to, you guessed it, The Bike Shop, the bike part was on its way. That night, I stayed with four other bikers at Lynn's house 25 minutes outside of Riverside. She has an incredible backyard. Quiet, no artificial light outside, it was a wonderful log cabin built by her husband over 8 years. Zack stayed at Rick & Marilyn's house, the host pastor at Riverside. They stayed up late just telling stories and laughing.

The next day, June 20, Zack & I, along with Paul, a fellow rider from England, hung out in town waiting for the part to arrive at The Bike Shop by UPS. We visited The Famous Omak Suicide Stampede (scary incredible what they do in that race), checked out the local Walmart and spent time with Bill and Julie King, and their three daughters. They pastor the First Baptist Church of Okanagon (we met Julie in The Bike Shop and some of our team had talked with Bill the day before in front of The Bike Shop). I had a good time talking about ministry with him while I held his adorable 8-month-old daughter, Lily, on my lap. The guys were playing ping pong and foos upstairs so when I went to The Bike Shop to pick up my bike, Zack played a couple games of ping pong with the Bill. It was fun to get to know Bill, Julie and their girls.

Zack, Paul and I started riding from Riverside at 1:30 and arrived in Republic after climbing 3300 feet to Waucanda Pass. We found the time to stop for a milk shake, made with real milk and ice cream in Waucanda before attaining the summit. It was delicious!

The shifter is working great and I even got some cammo handlebar tape in the deal.

We will catch up the blog a couple days at a time. Thanks for your patience.

Dan