July 1st, McDaniels, KY - Elizabethtown, KY
Day 36
Today was our big day of coming home to our family, friends, and supporters. We woke up at the Rough River lake house and got ready for the great day of riding triumphantly into Etown. We first said goodbye to the other two cyclists that also stayed at the cabin (special thanks to David, the boss of Radcliff Electric). They were traveling to Sand Diego and had started in Berea, KY 10 days prior to meeting us.
The ride began with a bit of a hiccup. Wade and I turned left at our first turn instead of right and went two miles out of the way. Luckily, we figured out our way and turned around to go the right direction. The ride went on to be very beautiful and we continued to enjoy the beauty of our home state.
As we rode on we were met by some fellow riders and friends. Austin Howell, former WKU Spirit Master and WKU alumni met us about 20 miles out and rode with us. Big props to him for riding with us on a mountain bike. We were also met later by Matthew Coolidge and then later by Olivia Hamilton (younger sister of Cameron). All of the riders were very enjoyable to have along and the highlight of the trip was the comment by Olivia. “I like downhills better than climbing up these hills.” Cameron said that ensured she was a Hamilton, haha.
As we neared our stop at Pritchard Community center we passed the grave site of Barret Cummings, Tyler’s Grandfather. We stopped and looked at his grave. Tyler thanked us all on his Grandfather’s behalf and it was a very nice moment for us all. It is amazing how one life can inspire people. I have never met Barret Cummings but he has inspired me long after he is gone. It is comforting to know that God uses each life in a particular way and many purposes are not fulfilled while we can see them.
We rode proudly behind our police escort to be welcomed by a small group of our biggest fans. I was welcomed by many but it meant very much to me to see my mother, my sister (Erin), and my favorite (and only) niece. Scarlett has grown very much and I so much enjoyed being able to hold her for only the third time since she was born in April. It saddens me that I have not been around as much to see her grow as a child but it was such a blessing to see her and my mom and sister and I look forward to watching her grow up. Scarlett will also meet me in Yorktown, VA where we will get a good picture that we can always look back on.
Two days of rest to come and I will try to soak up every bit of being in Kentucky and being welcomed and encouraged by my friends and family.
In His Adventure,
Chaz Vittitow
