We started out from St. Bridget at 8:30. Everyone was again excited to begin but also a bit concerned about the hills we would encounter this day. We had seven bikers and our usual support of six.
Today we would be riding all day. No poverty centers today. The ride was too long. A 48 miles day lay ahead.
The ride into Hartford was quite nice except for the bus that kept getting in front of us or stopping and forcing us into the middle of the road on Silver Lane. Other than that, the traffic was not a problem this Saturday morning.
The ride through Hartford went on Asylum Avenue and Farmington Avenue without any problem. We tried to engage with people as much as we could.
As we got out of West Hartford and started to get into Farmington and into Unionville, we noticed that the hills started to pop up more often. On one hill I popped my chain several times and couldn’t get up the hill. I was stuck between gears. Bob offered to assist me up the hill but I finally got my chain on properly and proceeded up the hill. This hill was only the beginning.
Some of us remember this from last year especially the big downhill on US 6 into Thomaston. We did stop for ice cream at the same shop we had done previously. Bob was trying to get the US Soccer team World Cup score but to no avail.
After having some delicious ice cream and using their facilities, we headed up that long climbing hill. Steady as she goes.
I was amazed at Claire and he determination to get up those hills. She had already accomplished riding the most miles in a day and now she was conquering them hills.
Coming through Watertown was a bit difficult because of the hills. Even taking it easier did not seem to help. I guess it just comes with the territory.
We stayed on Route 6 for a long time with consistent hills up and down. I kept hearing that mantra that Bishop Peter told us to chant as we climbed those difficult hills. For each pedal stroke, think of the poor. You are struggling for a brief time, those in poverty struggle on a 24/7 basis. We thought about it a lot today.
One of the tougher hills was Magnolia Hill road. I was off my bike for a short bit as was Doug. I knew I was in trouble when I saw how difficult it was for Johnnie F and Doug to climb. Wow!
Doug broke a spoke he was putting so much pressure on his wheels. He would up riding John Ryan’s bike since John and Claire had gotten into the van. It was fortunate that they had compatible clip in pedals. Funny how John didn’t mind not riding the rest of this day and the next.
After more hills which included some sweet down hills followed by some wicked up hills, hills that abruptly went from down to up so fast it was impossible to down shift to the right gear.
We finally made it to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. We were warmly greeted by Bette Roche who I had communicated with via email at least 25 times in order to solidify this visit.
We were assigned to our host families in order to go off and shower and return for 5:00 mass. Joan and I stayed at the rectory. Kelly and Dave stayed to help set up for dinner and the presentation. They would be going home tonight after dinner. I thanked them both for their time and support for the two and three days they devoted to BTC. I love those guys.
I went over to the rectory with Fr. Joe Looney and he showed me to the room Joan and I would stay in. He had to get ready for mass and I rushed to shower. Joan was on her way as she did nt do support this day but was on her way to Church of the Nativity. She would get there during dinner. Dave and Kelly would be taking our car back to Manchester.
Mass was wonderful and Fr. Joe welcomed us formally and tied his homily to our visit and stressed our commitment to Christ’s mission. He especially stressed the 48 miles we rode that day. I smiled during mass a lot because of his comments.
We had great food served by members of the family and we all engaged different folks during dinner. I met a nice family and got to give their 7 year old son a BTC water bottle. They were appreciative.
We presented within an hour and had a very responsive group of a bout 25 or so. The presentation went smoothly and we thought better than most.
The morning was set up where the host families would provide breakfast for the team. Joan and I shared that time with Fr. Joe. He was quite happy to have guests and someone to talk to since he lives alone. We enjoyed sharing time with him.
Bette is his right hand person and helps “run” the parish with 500 families.
She and the host families sent us off in our support vehicles with big smiles and appreciation for our visit.
Lou
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment