Sad News

Hello Friends,
We lost our good friend Frank Stephens today (pictured with Barb on the far left). He and his wife Barb were part of our Pedaling Parsons' Support Team on the road for several years and from home helping with the communications until July. He died at home. Thank you for your continued prayers for Barb. The funeral will be Monday 10:00 AM at Myers-Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home, 218 E. Nassaw St., East Canton 44730. Calling will be Sunday 2-4 PM.

Also pray for Larry Hinkle and myself as we share in conducting the funeral service.

Yours In Christ,
Don Richards

Morning Ride Sept 24, 2008

Here is why I get up to ride at 6:30 AM.

Here is picture proof that riding early in morning makes you a bigger person. It makes your bike bigger too.

Happy Trails In Christ,

Don

Friday-Wooster to North Canton

Friday was wet. But everyone kept smiling and had a great time.

We can't wait to do this again next year. God bless our new friends. God bless the children at Sam's House. God bless all our host churches and sponsors.

Thursday-Mt. Vernon to Wooster

Thursday morning started with a great breakfast of several egg casseroles and melon served to us by Eileen and George. Eileen said she wouldn't get up and do that for just anybody. But I bet she would. She was a very nice Lady, and George was a great guy.

Bill and Patty Lundin took over for Doug and Vicky on the support team, and Margi stayed on to take care of us and to make sure Bud, her husband of 50 years was well cared for.

The ride from Mt. Vernon to Wooster was hilly with about 2700 feet of climb. It was beautiful!

At the UMC of Wooster we helped prepare and serve a meal for the poor and homeless. We met some new friends and shared the meal with them.

I left after dinner so I could care for some pastoral duties by at church on Friday. I was glad for the new friends and old friendships that were renewed as we rode, ate, showered, ate, shared, ate, slept, ate, worshiped, ate, witnessed, and ate together.

Wednesday: Coshocton to Mt Vernon

Today was a bit cooler (below 50 degrees) but it was dry and partly sunny. We only got lost three times before we got out of Coshocton.

Kromer is leading the pack!

A person needs to be very secure in his masculinity to wear an outfit like this.

Vicky and Margi have their hands full keeping this group fed.

We arrived at Mulberry St. UMC about 3:00 PM. I'm really looking foreword to the covered dish supper.

Doug and Vicky finish their tour of duty (well done) and Bill and Patty Lundin will work with Margi Scott on the support team the rest of the week.

My camera battery died today so I'll to try to get someone else to take photos tomorrow.

Happy Trails In Christ,

Don

Tuesday: Cadiz to Coshocton

After a hearty breakfast and devotion we headed out in the rain to Tappan Lake for our morning break.

We eat at least five times a day on these tours. No wonder I can pedal 300+ miles and still gain seven pounds in a week.

Lunch was at Gnadenhutton Historical Park. Rich and Kromer really got in the spirit.

After a day in the rain you need to find a way to get dry clothes by morning.

Doug says driving that van and feeding all those hungry bikers all day is enough to wear a guy out.

Margi and Vicky found renewed energy by going shopping and finding bargains.

We received a great reception at Grace UMC in Coshocton. Enjoyed lots of new friends and good food.

Three Rivers Superintendent Jim Humphery makes his contribution to our project.

In spite of a little rain, we had a beautiful day and beautiful ride. Climbed 2,200 feet, compared to 2,700 feet yesterday. Legs are tired but ready for tomorrow.

Until then: Happy Trails in Christ,

Don