I recall the first time I drove on a city freeway. Kid from Iowa, multiple lanes, traffic zooming all around, signs pointing in all directions, drivers speeding and changing lanes from all angles. I felt overwhelmed and my mom offered some great advice. “Pick a lane.” She told me to choose a lane, drive with […]
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Why You Train Matters (And Why You Should)
Training always begins with individual growth. Might sound selfish, but that’s how it has to be. Training, initially, is an individual deal. Only strong, skilled individuals can comprise a strong, skilled team. So whether you’re training for an individual activity or something intrinsically team-oriented, you’re have to focus first on what you can do to […]
Continue readingThe Truth About Training
I think a lot about training. I’m certainly not a personal trainer. I’m not even especially good at my own training, for cycling or for other, more important parts of my life. I think about training because it’s a great metaphor for what we’re all doing. We’re constantly preparing, growing, learning, becoming. Those are all acts […]
Continue readingWhat’s Next?
End-of-the-year is a time to reflect. For me that means looking at where the FREEDOM TOUR has been and where it’s going. I can’t think about the FREEDOM TOUR without thinking about my friend Wayne. I borrowed these thoughts from our Florida Tour in 2013. # # # Wayne was the first person I told about […]
Continue readingHome Of Hope Christmas Card
I love getting Christmas cards. I especially enjoy the letters, reading the highlights of the year through the eyes of friends and family. Sadly, I’m not always good at sending out my own yearly summaries. However, I’m eager to bring you this news. As part of the FREEDOM TOUR family, you get to share the […]
Continue readingMonte The Guest Speaker!
“Our guest speaker today is Monte.” Monday morning, 500 kids in a middle school gym, and that’s how the principal introduced the program. Monte stood, walked calmly out to the middle of the floor, turned around, and looked at the audience. I almost expected him to start talking. If nothing else, we certainly had their […]
Continue readingThe Heart Of The Father
I have a problem with human trafficking awareness events. I’ve attended a few of them, and I’d estimate that 80-90% of the people I meet are women. Most of the speakers are women. The majority of the organizers seem to be women. An observer might conclude that human trafficking, and sex trafficking in particular, are […]
Continue readingHow Can You Transform In Anger?
What do you do when you’re angry? I grew up in an environment in which “losing your temper” was a normal, accepted way to express anger. Yelling, name-calling, cursing, and violence were just part of the background. As a result, those became my habits as well. I’ve learned that there are better ways to deal with […]
Continue readingRevisiting Hope On Wheels
The FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR is forever linked to the story of RICH’S RIDE. Four years ago, Becky, Monte, and I were in New Orleans celebrating the end of our original 1500-mile journey. We thought that ride was a one-time deal. We had no idea what God had in mind, but the “trip-of-a-lifetime” turned out […]
Continue readingWhy Is Community So Important?
At the FREEDOM TOUR we’re real clear about what we want to accomplish. Create a community in which people are empowered to trust God, work together as servant leaders, and offer hope to others. Sure, we ride bikes. We raise funds for the kids at the HOME OF HOPE. We promote awareness about human trafficking. We do […]
Continue readingGod And Greasy Bike Parts
Can you talk about human trafficking among piles of greasy bike parts? Picture an enormous convention hall filled with vendors selling any cycling-related product you can imagine. Brand new, expensive, high-end bikes and used garage-sale wrecks. Endless varieties of clothing and accessories. Year-end clearance specials. Rows of specialized wheels, components, and other associated gear. If it had anything to […]
Continue readingWho’s Allowed To Enter?
“Who’s your target audience?” It’s a common question as we talk to people about plans for FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR 2016. Of course we have some folks in mind, but as I think about this question a related issue comes to mind. Vision: Create a community in which people are empowered to trust God, work together as […]
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