Is it ever good to quit? I spoke to kids today at Trinity Christian HS in Carbondale. When I finished I asked them what message they got from my ramblings. They had lots of great responses—I think they actually listened. But one boy said something that’s had me thinking. He said, “Never give up.” That’s […]
Continue readingGet A Job
Hi. It’s Monte again, giving Rich a break. You can read my other articles here. * * * * * Last week I told you we’re involved in something called a “project.” I don’t really understand; I don’t think dogs do projects. But I it sounds like something I’d like. Rich and I don’t go […]
Continue readingAnother Silly Distraction
A few days ago I did a beautiful ride along the Illinois side of the river north of St Louis. As I traveled south, lots of cyclists traveled north as part of a one-day century ride. I caught myself wondering who had the easier ride. I rode slightly downhill with the river, but into a […]
Continue readingDone With The Chair
Becky and I have this morbid humor between us about some of the things we say related to disability. We chuckle when she asks me to “run to the store” or tells me “don’t step on Monte’s tail.” The other day I was getting on my bike, using my wheelchair for balance. Becky asked, “Are […]
Continue readingOld Chain Of Rocks Bridge
We stayed an extra day in St Louis to ride across the Old Chain Of Rocks Bridge and along the Riverfront Trail. When we originally planned this visit some local cyclists talked about ridkng with me. That didn’t work out, but we decided to do this ride anyway. So come along for the ride. I […]
Continue readingThe View From The Bridge
Every Monday while I’m on this crazy ride I’m sharing some reflections about the Mississippi River as a metaphor for a dream. You can see previous articles here. * * * * * I’m noticing a lot about the river as I live with it. I’ve lived in the Midwest a lot of my life. […]
Continue readingJust Get ‘Er Done
Friday was a ‘just get ‘er done” day. If you read yesterday’s post (You Gotta Refill The Bucket) you know I woke up feeling pretty empty. I’ve made a point each day of the ride to remind myself how blessed I am to have this opportunity. I did that Friday morning, but I wasn’t feeling […]
Continue readingGot Doubt? a repost
This article originally appeared on March 25, 2011. It seems appropriate to repost during Rich’s Ride. * * * * * Do you ever experience doubt? Imagine a man trudging through the desert in search of water. He’s absolutely certain the water’s right over that next hill. Of course, he was absolutely certain the water […]
Continue readingYou Gotta Refill The Bucket
Today we re-learned a valuable life lesson. You know this lesson. One can only survive for so long on determination and adrenaline. If you want to keep going long term, you have to refill the bucket. Bucket-filling takes many forms, but generally I find that I need to recharge myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. […]
Continue readingSame Old Same Old
Have you ever thought of God as same-old-same-old? I posed that question this morning to the men’s group I spoke to in Hannibal. The general consensus was that God is never that way, but our lives often are. I shared this scripture and talked about what it meant to me (Hannibal Devotions) in the context […]
Continue readingPlay Or Work
Hi. It’s Monte again. Thanks for the kind comments about my observations along this thing called a “project.” I’m not sure what a project is, but you can read my other articles here. * * * * * One thing I really don’t get is the idea of “work” and “play.” Rich and Becky always […]
Continue readingCruisin’ Into Quincy
A few fun things happened on Tuesday. Our good friends Glenn and Judy joined us for the second day. You’ll see Judy and hear Glenn in the video below. Glenn and I did 45 miles from Keokuk, Iowa to Hannibal, Missouri. The first 32 miles followed a wonderful route known by locals as “Bottom Road.” […]
Continue reading