There is a Place of Quiet Rest...

near to the heart of God!

The Sweaty Sheep cyclists had a refreshing day today despite the heat. Well rested from a stay at the Econolodge of Heath, Ohio and fortified by a breakfast provided by "Rev" of First Presbyterian Church in Newark, they took of for the 40-some mile trek from the Granville area to Coshocton. The trek was slower today, keeping everyone healthy and happy in the 90+ degree heat. Appropriately, the first (and only) stop was the Dairy Queen of Frazeysburg, Ohio. What was supposed to be a short water break turned into an extended playtime when ice cream was eaten and the support crew got a chance to try out their bicycle legs!

Unbeknownst to the cyclists, Chris Valentine, who had ridden the first day of the trek, was on his way to join up with the team in Frazeysburg. After being reunited with the other riders, the group took off from Dairy Queen and headed to historic Coshocton, where, to the disappointment of the AT&T customers in the group, there is a large gap in cell phone coverage. While this has not turned into a Wendell Berry-esque technology fast (as evidenced by this blog post), the quiet atmosphere of the small town of Coshocton (population 11,682) has certainly been enhanced. A conversation about new ministry and a devotion with members of the Presbyterian Church of Coshocton, a trip to a nearby waterpark, a dinner of loaded porktatoes (you have to eat it to believe it) and shortcake, and a trip to the local frozen custard stand didn't hurt, either.

The atmosphere won't stay this relaxed, however. Tomorrow is the big day - an 80+ mile trip in scorching heat that will tax the tired legs of the pedaling pilgrims. Your prayers are especially coveted during the ride on Friday!