Our pastor, Myron Weaver, is on sabbatical from May 26 through August 26. Come see some of the amazing things he is doing! One of the first things Myron will be doing will be to bicycle 3,500 miles across the United States. https://pedalingparson.blogspot.com/ Below is his first post.
May 25, 2017
And so, the journey begins!
A number of years ago Sheryl and I saw the movie, “Bucket List.” On the way home, we talked about things that were on our bucket list. We had a list together, and we also formed our own separate bucket list.
Much of my list included adventure. One such adventure was riding bicycle for 3500 miles across the United States. On Friday May 26th, I begin what I thought might only be a dream.
Friday, Sheryl will take me to Cleveland Airport where I will take my bike and gear and head for Portland, Oregon. I arrive in Portland around 11:00 am. Sean and Stephanie Stephens, friends of Sheryl and I, will pick me up and take me to the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon.
My hope is that I can ride for several hours during the afternoon on the 26th, to try and get to warmer temperatures by mid-evening. There is a difference of nearly 30 degrees from Astoria to Portland. The distance between the two cities is just over 100 miles.
This adventure would not be possible without the support of so many. First, Berlin Mennonite Church has given me the gift of a three-month sabbatical for renewal. They have been active in supporting pastoral health in so many ways. My hope is that this part of my sabbatical will lead to renewal physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
Second, I have leaned hard on several friends who are far more experienced in biking than I am. Both Titus Dutcher and Eric Yoder have not only offered wisdom to this venture, they also took me out on Sunday afternoon’s and forced me to ride the hills of Holmes County. There were days when I wondered if I could still consider them friends.
I am also grateful for the help of two bicycle shops. Bill, from Ride On, in Wooster, Ohio helped me find the bike that works best for this journey. Leroy, from Hiland Bikes, only two miles from my home here in Holmes County, has helped me find the accessories that I will need for the Journey.
Most of all though, my family has offered unconditional support. Sheryl, and my sons Adam and Jarrod and their families, have been my greatest encouragers. Sheryl’s support is unwavering. I look forward to spending time with Sheryl at several points along the way.
The first week of the journey I will be by myself. The second week I will be joined by Michael Stutzman. The following week Titus Dutcher will ride with me and Deb will support us for the week. The following week Jeremy Kaufman will join me for the ride. Jeremy will ride with me to my brother Herms’ home in Nederland, Colorado. From there, as far as I know now, I will ride to Yorktown, Virginia alone.
As many do who attempt this journey, I will raise funds for the Fortress of Hope, a Child Protection Center in Nicaragua, of which I serve on the Board of Directors. For more information on the FOH, you can check out the website athttp://www.fortressofhope.org/
If you decide to support the FOH, you can send a check payable to BMC, earmarked, “Bike Ride FOH,” to
Berlin Mennonite Church
P. O. Box 217
Berlin, Ohio 44610
Thank you for your support for the Children’s Home and your ongoing prayer support for my safety while on the road. I will attempt to update my blog after every day’s ride. There may be some days where I do not have internet, so I will update the next day.
It is good to be alive!
Myron