One Week Out: Miles, Gratitude, and What’s Ahead

This week was full of milestones and gratitude. I logged 400 miles—highlighted by a 200-mile solo ride Friday, a great spin with the FMC crew Tuesday, and the Zingerman’s ride with James.

8 weeks averaging over 300 miles—training has been good—ready to see some different roads!

Some of the weekly crew from Lee Hoffman’s Tuesday evening FMC group. Great, great people—been doing this ride, which is different every week, for at least 13 years.

Even more meaningful was the response to the Marion Medical Mission video—enough donations came in for at least two more wells, support toward Wilfred’s salary, and even a portion of a Kids’ Chance of Michigan scholarship. A big thank-you to Charlie Kee for creating the video that helped make this possible (see the video on the Donation page under “Sponsor a Well-Change a Village”).

Today also brought another highlight: Scott Talley’s article in the Detroit Free Press. His words about my parents, and the way they’ve always given of themselves, moved me deeply—it brought a tear to my eye. I’m grateful for the example they’ve set.

Going a little “old school” here—Scott Talley from the Free Press did a great job!

It is hard to tell by this map, but I did 4 different loops of approximately 50 miles each; re-loaded and re-fueled, changed some clothes from the home base. Lots of miles near Lower Huron Metro Park becasue it is safe (new bike paths and less traffic) and beautiful.

I leave in just one week. Physically I’m ready—averaging 300+ miles per week the past two months and checking the 200-mile ride off the training list. I’ll scale back a bit the next week, and I’m excited with the Detroit Lions season kicking off next week!

My heart is full from today’s church service and the support from family, friends, and community. I feel ready for this journey.

Thank you for following along here. Please continue sharing patrickpedals.com with others, and if you haven’t yet, consider making a gift to support Marion Medical Mission and Kids’ Chance of Michigan. Together, we can make every mile matter.