Life is Good - Go Big or Go Home!

Last month, as I traveled along Highway 26 in Eastern Oregon, I encountered three young cyclists carrying the American flag on their bikes.  One cyclist in particular, had a huge flag fastened onto the back of his bicycle that flowed proudly in the breeze as he energetically rode down the road.  My curiosity peaked and I stopped to find out what they were all about and asked if I could take their photos.  They gladly obliged... 

Derek

Derek explained that they were taking the flag across the United States to make a statement for "FamilyLife", which is a nonprofit organization focusing on the importance of the family unit.  They are biking across the country this summer to raise money and awareness promoting Christ-centered marriages and families.  A quote from Daniel, "I believe if you want to change the world, you start with family first by living a Christ-centered life." 
You can check out the website at this link: http://townlively.com/ride-for-the-family/

As I talked with Derek, he mentioned that it was his first time out west from Pennsylvania and was impressed with the diversity of Oregon scenery.  I wondered to myself, if this is the first time west, why are they traveling east??  The mystery was solved when I started reading their blog and discovered that the trio flew from Pennsylvania to Portland, Oregon and began their trek across the United States from Astoria.  Their destination, after a 4,000 mile journey, is Yorktown, Virginia.    When I met them, it was on Day 11 of their journey and their goal was to reach John Day to spend the night.  I mentioned to them to stop at the Silver Spur Restaurant in Mt. Vernon and was pleasantly surprised that they took my advice.  In reading their post entry for that day, I noticed that Josiah wrote about enjoying root beer and milkshakes at the Spur.  Way to go guys!!

Derek, Daniel and Josiah

I watched them as they traveled down the road impressed with these young men who bike with purpose and intention to accomplish their 'miles with a message'.   By the time you read this post, they have completed about half of their route, gearing up towards the last stage of their journey.   I encourage you to check out their blog, TransAmerica 2014, and read the daily entries complete with photos.  The link is:  http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/

Currently, the trio are on Day 29 and have biked through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and presently in Wyoming.  Catch up with their travels and join them in their adventure - Josiah does a great job of logging in their days on the trail in words and photography.  You can also read about the 'who, what and why' of these three young men cycling for a cause.  Enjoy their Facebook Page as well, which is - TransAmerica Bike Trip.  

My encounter was short with Derek, Daniel and Josiah but I felt richer in my spirit for meeting up with their inspiring energy.  I like the slogan that their daily posts end with...."Life is good.  Go Big or Go Home!"   Prayers from Eastern Oregon continue to go with you for safe travels.  God Bless!

At the time I met up with these three young men, Central and Eastern Oregon were plagued by wildfires ignited by lightning strikes.  Two weeks later, much has been contained and new ones have been set off due to these on-going storms.  The smoke has caused an eery cast to our skies but we have had some wondrous sunrises and sunsets as a result of these atmospheric conditions.  I took this photo the other evening as the sun was descending in the west, melting into the hillside....

August Sunset in Eastern Oregon

Join me in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, August 18 for whatever "turns up" in my next post.   See you then!