Day 7: Santa Barbara to Malibu

By the grace of God we made it!

With the wind at our backs and the sun on our faces we rolled into our final stop in Malibu. As we rested we found no cheering crowd. There were no colorful balloons or fancy banners acknowledging the amazing accomplishment of our Cycle 2 Serve riders. There was no champagne or Martinelli’s bubbling over. We simply stopped in a Von’s parking lot congratulated each other and humbly waited for Colin and Kayla to drive up in our support van to take us home. To say that the finish of our bike tour was anti-climatic would not be an exaggeration.

After loading the bikes in the trailer we gathered around and read our devotional text from the Apostle Paul. “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

After reading Paul’s words we realized that this bike tour was not about our efforts. This was about God’s love. The 450 miles of bonding and praying as a team would mean nothing if we were not able to love as God has intended us to love. It is true that we climbed over long steep grades, pulled each other in endless head winds, worked together on busy roads with no shoulders, and encouraged each other when we were exhausted, but all of this would be in vain if we were not able to love.

To ride from San Francisco to Malibu is quite an accomplishment. Riding approximately 60-70 miles a day is a doable challenge. But the real challenge is to not have a rest day for seven days straight. Day in and day out the team was tested to work together, be patient, and stay focused. Most of all, through our devotional time, we were reminded that our ride was for a cause that was greater than us. We were riding for the “other”. We were riding for our “neighbor”.

In our spiritual lives the real challenge is to stay attentive…day in and day out. Christ calls us to grow lasting roots that run deep and dwell in the rich soil of God’s love and mercy. To cultivate such growth we need to push the boundaries of our comfort zones and explore the possibilities that await us. As we dare to step outside of our little protected worlds we will find ourselves depending on the One who will never forsake us. And through the Sprit of God we slowly become more attentive and aware of the growing love of Christ in our daily lives. It is this love that calls us to go out and love our neighbor.

What an honor it was to cycle through the coastal farms of Watsonville, the gorgeous shoreline of Monterey, the stunning cliffs of Big Sur, the open fields of San Simeon, and the beautiful beaches along PCH. We worked and laughed together as we climbed through Big Sur, St. Lucia, Harris Grade and Lompoc. To be able to experience all of this with Colin Webb, Kayla Kellogg, Chris Arechiga, Ross Johnson, Linnea Hardlund and Lydia Yamaguchi was a blessed experience.

I believe the finish of the Cycle 2 Serve Bike Tour can feel anti-climatic because it is not the end of this ride. The seeds and lessons that God has planted have a greater purpose that reach beyond a seven day cycling tour. God is calling all of us to a bigger reality that waits for us outside of our comfort zones. May we, as the body of Christ, dare to follow the leading of God’s Spirit.

Lover Never Ends…
The Cycle 2 Serve Team

Day 6: Lompoc to Santa Barbara

1 Corinthians 12:24b-26

But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Our ride to Santa Barbara began with light cloud cover and cool weather not typical of the city of Lompoc. With the words of our scripture reading fresh in our minds, we started out on the first climb of the day. The climb was shallow, but very lengthy. This is the kind of terrain that can often be deceptively challenging. All of the members must work together as one body, suffering and rejoicing alongside each other. As we reached the apex of this 17 mile climb, a merciful section of downhill awaited us. By the time we reached the first water stop at the bottom of the hill, any memory of cold weather had long burned away. Morale was high, and we continued on to our next stop, Golita. The freeway moves back out to the coast at this point, and the ocean is simply beautiful. When we finally reached our destination everyone was filled with accomplishment and we all celebrated my 18^th birthday at the hotel. Overall it was a blessed day of riding and a great time of fellowship. Ross-

Day 5: Morro Bay to Lompoc

Philippians 3:10-14

10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

What an amazing day! Our morning scripture was a powerful resource of encouragement and inspiration. All of us rolled out of bed tired and a little stiff. The morning air was filled with a foggy mist and the sun was nowhere to be seen. The grey gloomy early morning was no help in motivating us to start cycling. But within the first miles of our ride we quickly stretched our legs and we were excited to be back in the saddle.

By the time we reached San Luis Obispo the sun burned off the morning clouds and our spirits were lifted. While passing through the city we got turned around and ended up cycling an extra 10 miles. But thanks to our trusty support crew, Colin and Kayla, we were back on the right course and headed in the right direction.

While cycling through Pismo Beach and Guadalupe we encountered some strong head and cross wind. But after hundreds of miles together as a team we were able to pull and draft each other with no problem. Soon we made our way to the base of Harris Grade, our last big climb of the Cycle 2 Serve bike tour.

Making our way up this classic climb it was obvious that everybody had grown in strength and form. Chris made it up Harris Grade in blinding speed. Ross was strong and steady right behind Chris. Lydia and Linnea were strong, calm and focused. It was impressive to see the growth in each cyclist.

God’s guidance and protection has blessed us all these miles. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless us to our final goal.

Day 4: Gorda Springs to Morro Bay

Day number 4, we started our ride this morning a little later than on previous mornings, knowing that today was a day to relax and enjoy each other’s company as well as the scenery on our relatively, short and mild leg of the tour. We rejoiced in the fact that we were blessed with the sun, for the first time, and a tail wind that helped us make quick time. We arrived at our destination in Morro Bay around 2 this afternoon.

Arriving in Morro Bay early allowed us to clean up and explore the city, while going to dinner and walking through the boardwalk district where we enjoyed a fine dessert. Our passage today was Luke 6:41-44, which we kept in the forefront of our minds as we both rode and enjoyed ourselves in town. Each of us pondering and realizing that we are no better or different than those around us.

As we are entering the second half our tour, we know that we are growing fatigued and tired, but we know that we keep in our mind and our hearts our mission and everyone’s prayers, and we grow excited for our journeys waiting for us during the remainder of the week.
Chris

Day3: Monterey to Gorda Springs

As we left Monterey we rode with great anticipation knowing that this would be a long day filled with beauty, as well as a challenging hilly route. With the words from the devotional fresh in our minds and heart we made our way south on Highway 1 along the rugged California coast. Before we left we prayed that we would consider our role and call as member of this bike tour.

As we cycled up one of the long beautiful 6-7% climbs of today’s route I thought about the intentional physical effort and mental focus that is needed to overcome such a climb. I also reflected on how it was such a blessing to have these experiences with other disciples who long to be faithful to the call of Christ.

Throughout the day we were blessed with amazing weather and an amazing sense of team. All the riders did a great job of supporting one another. We pulled each other over long climbs. We rode in a group to protect each other from the wind. We encouraged one another with laughter, humor and enthusiasm. 70 miles later we arrived at our destination safe, healthy, joyful and tired. As we immersed ourselves in the stunning beauty from Carmel to Pacific Valley I could not help but think of those who struggle to find a simple meal or long to have a quiet place to rest and sleep. Amidst the beauty of God’s creation I was haunted by the reality of the cause we were supporting. How can we contribute to the ministry of sharing hospitality and the gospel to those who are often forgotten? What is my responsibility as one who has been given such abundance?

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey

Today was another great day as we completed a beautiful ride from Santa Cruz to Monterey. We were fortunate to be able to start riding a little later this morning, giving us some extra time to sleep in. We started off the morning with another marine fog layer keeping us cool and allowing us to stay well hydrated. After leaving Santa Cruz, we passed through the beautiful coastal farms of Watsonville and were greeted with the sweet scent of strawberries and endless fields of green vegetation right against the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Again, our amazing support drivers Colin and Kayla met us at our first 20mile mark for some rehydrating and refueling.

Throughout the day we kept in mind words from Psalm 113:7-8 “He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.” The rest of our ride brought more beautiful farmland, fragrant coastal flora, and soft sand dunes as we made our way into Monterey. We were blessed to be able to ride along a bike path for the last 10 miles which allowed for added safety and a wonderful view of the bay.

Our second day of riding was filled with great fellowship both during the day and in the evening as Lydia’s grandmother and relatives were gracious enough to host us for an amazing home cooked meal. Today's devotional speaks about the ministry of hospitality. As we were recipients of such amazing kindness we are challenged all the more to consider how we can offer our gifts to other.

Linnea

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

A great first day! We had a brief devotional and started off from a foggy, chilly San Francisco, keeping in mind the words from Deuteronomy 15:11 Moses said, "Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.'" We rode through the city and down along the coast. It was chilly, but we warmed up quickly as we rode. Every 20 miles we found our amazing support van waiting with our great support crew, Colin Webb and Kayla Kellogg. Chris and Ross did a great job of pulling the group and allowing the other riders to draft behind them. We kept a good pace and stayed together. Everyone was very positive and supportive. There was a fog cover the whole time, but it helped us to keep cool and avoid dehydration. The changing landscape was beautiful as we passed the farmland and the nature. We were blessed with a slight tailwind the last 20 miles, and everyone finished strong. We were very grateful to be able to take warm showers, eat dinner together, and relax. Tonight we stay in Santa Cruz and ride the 45 miles to Monterey tomorrow.

It was a long journey and a new experience for many of us. We enjoyed the community, the landscape, the challenge, and the ride. We also had our mission and the people in downtown Long Beach to put our struggles, challenges, and enjoyment in context. We are very blessed to have the time and support to be able to do a ride like this.

Lydia

Night Before The Ride

Hi All,

Well we made it to Mill Valley where we are staying the night before the ride. We had a long safe eight hour drive. When we arrived in the Bay Area we could see the usual blanket of fog resting over the Bay. After checking into our rooms we did some grocery shopping and then had some awesome burritos for dinner. Currently it is 50-55 degrees with quite a strong wind. We are hoping and praying that the wind will subside a bit for tomorrow's ride.

Everyone is excited, safe and tired. Keep us in your prayers. Our plan is to begin riding across the Golden Gate Bridge at 8am after reading/praying our devotional at the north side of the bridge.

Peace!!

Cycle 2 Serve Bike Tour, Blog Coming Soon: Aug 8-15

The Cycle 2 Serve Bike Tour blog will be updated daily as we ride from San Francisco to Malibu. Follow us as we post pics and ride for the needy in downtown Long Beach. You can also find our Cycle 2 Serve devotional booklet at http://gracefirst.org/575160.ihtml

The journey starts on Sun, Aug 8. Our first route on Monday, Aug 9 is from San Fran to Santa Cruz.

Peace,

The Long Beach H.O.P.E. Project