Safe in Steubenville! After a scorching 90 mile trip, four Sweaty Sheep cyclists made it to First Westminster Presbyterian Church in Steubenville, OH, just across the river from West Virginia. It was a harrowing ride today, with gravel roads, roads under construction, roads that didn’t actually exist, and many extra minutes spent staring at the map trying to figure out where we were, and where we were going! There were some difficult times, but when the going got especially tough, the team turned to prayer. Saying a prayer for safety and thanksgiving has never felt more appropriate then when it’s said on the side of the road after biking for 40+ miles.
The ride continued, but then, when the team finally began entering the outskirts of Steubenville, tires began to pop. Three popped tires in all, and every one of them on the same wheel – a wheel on the bike of Ryan Althaus. It just seemed that Ryan was not meant to bike in the final 6-9 miles to the church, so he did the only thing he could do after riding 80+ miles in the heat: he ran the rest of the way in.
Once everyone was safely at the church, we were treated to a wonderful dinner prepared by the members of First Westminster Presbyterian, who came out in force to show us their hospitality. A great discussion ensued after a presentation on Sweaty Sheep and the Pedaling Pilgrimage (and a round of Amazing Grace), which shows the curiosity and energy present in so many Presbyterian congregations.
As night drew nearer, rain came to lower the temperature – but it stopped in time for a walk across a bridge over the river and some time to enjoy the sun setting over the hill, the cliffs in the east glowing red in the twilight, and a full rainbow outlining the gateway to Pittsburgh. Can you feel the excitement in the air? General Assembly opening worship is tomorrow, and Sweaty Sheep will be there! There are so many ways to join in – whether in person, via Twitter or Facebook, or live streaming – will you be there too?
