June 14th, La Junta, CO - Eads, CO
Day 21
I returned from my time at home back to the journey across America. The wedding went beautifully and I had a great time being a part of it. I was happy to see my close pal, Eric, and Jessica finally tie the knot. I had several great memories of Eric growing up and getting to know Jess in my time at WKU. I know their desire to seek Christ first and the fact they simply enjoy one another will help them have a wonderful marriage. Here is a pic of me and some of my buds at the rehearsal dinner:
When I finally arrived to Colorado Springs after missing my connection in Denver, I was welcomed by my teammates with open arms. It was great to know I was missed some and we were all ready to get back into riding again. Wayne and Lori Jury were also there to welcome us and to share the next week with us. They got us a hotel in La Junta, CO where we were able to rest before the next day.
From La Junta to Eads was 73 miles. We rode in honor of Bill Hebb’s, our platinum sponsor and new friend, family which had been affected by Alzheimer’s. The ride was mainly flat with some slightly gradual uphills. It was very pretty in my opinion, but I know I won’t say this after a few days in Kansas, as we could see for miles upon miles of the flat terrain.
One interesting thing about our ride that I remember, which it is funny the things you recollect about each day, was there were so many grasshoppers on the road and in the grass. I was able to snatch one and tried to feed it to Wade but he chickened out. It was large and full of nutrition though.
As we stopped for lunch we met up with a few other cross country bike riders. They all had just been accepted to medical school at Marshall University and were taking the summer to have an experience of a lifetime. They were friendly and happy to enjoy the hospitality the Jury’s offered. We rode with them some and talked about our experiences on the road thus far. We are now on the Trans America route and will continue to see cross country cyclists.
But, the ride finished up and we arrived at our place for the night, First Assembly of God Church, where we had showers, kitchen, and ping pong tables, Praise the Lord! (and I mean that). So I had to whoop up on my little bro, Justin Cave, and had to teach Judy Tyda (tyler jury) a lesson haha. But we had a nice time and even had some time to kick back and read our books. I am currently reading “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson and really enjoying it.
On the ride today Wade and I were able to pass a good portion of the time to talk about some deeper things. God had taught me much while away from the ride and we were able to discuss what God had been teaching us in our time this summer. I am pleased to say that God is at work with us on this ride and He is continually using us as instruments to minister to each other and those we meet. And we have been ministered to by many along the way.
It was also encouraging to see how many people keep up with the ride as I saw some old friends at the wedding so thank you for your prayers and thoughts and I look forward to catching up with each of you when I return.
In His Adventure,
Chaz Vittitow
