“Team” is an elusive thing. Most teams take a photo at the beginning when everything’s fresh with excitement and anticipation. No stains on the uniforms, no battle scars. Easy to call yourself a team before the work begins. So we gathered with our hosts in Gunnison, fourteen individuals filled with some mixture of “I can’t […]
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Cue The Band!
A big dream needs a soundtrack, and we have a beautiful one. DO IT ANYWAY (performed by Kristen Orphan and the Finally Home Band) talks about God and dreams and overcoming adversity. It sets the scene perfectly for someone about to tackle a God-sized dream. COLORADO MOUNTAIN FREEDOM TOUR begins tomorrow. As you read this […]
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What Happens If It Works?
Yesterday I asked “Will It Work?” Hedge our bet. Anticipate the likelihood that some unknown that might keep the dream from actually happening. While we dream, you and I hold a spot for “What happens if it doesn’t work?” Better question, I think: What happens if it DOES work? What happens if you do that […]
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Will It Work?
You might pray and trust God with all your heart and still not reach your goal. You might get rejected. You might try and fail. Your dream may not turn out as you imagined. It’s okay. The world wants odds of success before committing. But the question at the beginning ought to be “Is this […]
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Freedom Or Sacrifice? (Trick question)
Monte’s my service dog, and he’s much better behaved than I am. Folks often ask, “Does he ever get to just be a dog?” They worry, I think, that all of his training and his “job” keep him from running and playing and being free like regular dogs. Although he’s slowing down a bit (he’s […]
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What’s It All Mean?
If you’ve read Relentless Grace you might recall a scene in which Becky and I posed in front of a similar sign more than thirty years ago. This occasion has a much happier outcome. (And if you haven’t read Relentless Grace, may I ask what you’re waiting for?) Several months after my injury a friend […]
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Even The Strongest Rider Needs A Team
The FREEDOM TOUR is a big deal, but every year around this time I watch riders in that other bike tour. The best cyclists in the world spend three weeks in July racing more than 3500 km (2200 miles) in le Tour de France. It’s an incredible test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and courage. […]
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We’re Impressed By Your Craziness
God-sized dreams elicit some peculiar responses. Becky and I spent a few days meeting new church partners for the COLORADO MOUNTAIN FREEDOM TOUR. We described the project to groups and individuals and encountered a common reaction. Tell folks you’re preparing to ride bikes over mountain passes and they’ll look at you with some mixture of […]
Continue readingMore TagWe’re Headed To The Hills
Becky and I have a tough assignment this weekend. We “have to” scout the route and visit host churches for COLORADO MOUNTAIN FREEDOM TOUR 2017. The kind folks in Buena Vista invited us to share the story of the FREEDOM TOUR at two different churches on Sunday. So we’re forced to spend three summer days […]
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Cyclists Don’t Trade Bikes (But What If They Did?)
Amazing friendships develop during bike rides. The first day of FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR is different. In addition to our team we invite some guests to ride with us from Cheyenne to Fort Collins. Among this year’s special guests were some men from Harvest Farm, a substance abuse recovery program located in Northern Colorado. These […]
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Did You Celebrate?
We completed a 500-mile tour one week ago. Months of planning. Lots of back-and-forth to get just the right jersey and t-shirt design. Meetings with sponsors. Fundraising. Thousands of miles of training rides. All leading to an amazing 8-day tour along the beautiful Colorado Front Range. After all the anticipation, we gathered in Cheyenne. The […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat If We Change The Culture?
Culture is everything. Big claim, but the longer I do this tour thing the more I’m convinced about culture. Mission, vision, values, goals are words. Culture, the way the team actually operates, is what matters. Last week was our 5th FRONT RANGE TOUR. We always begin with a clear set of morning expectations. We’re a […]
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