Babe The Blue Ox

Day one of Rich’s Ride…wow!

We experienced a gorgeous beginning, a prayer shared with friends and strangers, a crash, a wonderful ride through pristine north woods country, some unanticipated media coverage, and a meeting with Paul Bunyan and a big blue ox.

At 8:00 am we had the Mississippi Headwaters area all to ourselves. About 800 yards down a secluded trail from the parking lot, Monte splashed in the pool, we snapped the requisite tourist-style photos, and my companions dipped the hand cycle’s back wheels in the source of the river. Time to mount up.

A couple appeared on their bikes and wondered what this ceremony was all about. We told them the crazy story, and as we chatted a reporter from Park Rapids showed up. Did a brief interview, then we invited everyone to pray with us. Amazing setting in which to join hands and dedicate this ride to God.

Monte and I cranked up the hill and waited until everyone else was ready. Down the road, out the north gate of Lake Itasca State Park, and the ride was finally underway.

Less than five miles into the ride we had a scare. Monte was done running, so Becky loaded him into her kid carrier/dog trailer. Unfortunately, as they headed off down a hill a car whizzed past and spooked Monte. He bolted from the trailer, dumping it and sending Becky and her bike into the ditch.

After we settled down and figured out the damage we realized that no serious injury occurred. Becky and Monte each sustained a bit of road rash, but it could have been much worse.

We feel lucky. What might have been a serious accident left Becky—and apparently Monte—with a bit less skin and some bumps. Their biking was over for a day or so.

The remainder of the ride was beautiful and uneventful. We ended the day in Bemidji at the feet of Paul Bunyan.

Tuesday morning we’ll be interviewed and filmed by the Bemidji television station. Then we head off toward Walker on the Paul Bunyan Trail.

We’re on the way! Thanks for the expressions of love and encouragement. Your support means a lot.

A historical tidbit: The name “Itasca” was bestowed by the first explorer to discover the Mississippi’s source. The letters come from “veritas caput” which means “true head.”

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