60 miles of cycling today and "the light at the end of the tunnel"

A cyclist enters a tunnel along the Silver Comet Trail.

Silver Comet Trail, GA

Today, my friend Jason Blalock and I took off for a bike ride on the Silver Comet trail. The trail is a former railroad bed which has been converted to a running and biking path. It's described as the longest paved trail in America. The trail runs from Smyrna, Georgia to Anniston, Alabama and is over 100 miles long. The weather was almost perfect - cool and low humidity. The ride was part of our training for an attempt at a 100 mile ride that we, along with Mark Snowden, intend to do later (once we get in shape). The ride was a lot of fun - that is until I hit the 40th mile point. That's when my legs started to get heavy as concrete with lactic acid buildup. At times, the last 20 miles were a struggle. Thanks to Jason's patience we were able to finish strong. The total time to complete the ride was 4 hours and 36 minutes.

During the first 30 miles of the ride we pedaled mostly uphill. Although it was a gentle slope, we were even more aware of it as we descended the final 30 miles to the finish. I've got some more training to do if I'm going to be able to complete 100 miles in a day but it was a good indicator of where I'm at and where I need to be. Though not as young as I once was, I remain hopeful that we can complete our goal. I believe I can see "the light at the end of the tunnel." : )

Bibles waiting to be sent to a soldier overseas.
Alpharetta, GA

Inscribed Bibles are stacked in boxes waiting to be shipped overseas as part of an initiative called "Operation Worship." Lifeway Christian Bookstores across the nation are participating in this effort to provide a Bible in the hands of soldiers fighting overseas. The Bibles are available in versions for each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines).

Message to a soldier

A customer inscribes a Bible with a personal message of encouragement and hope.

Flowers in her hair
Atlanta, GA

This past week The Galloway School had commencement for its graduating seniors. The students carried flowers that expressed their personalities. This member of the class poses for a portrait with flowers in her hair.

Another graduating senior carries his flower

Earth and sky collide

Alpharetta, GA

Shapes of earth and sky appear to mimic each other as a late evening spring thunderstorm rolls in.

I'm excited. My Canon G10 arrives back from repair.

Alpharetta, GA

Yesterday, my Canon G10 arrived back from repair. I'm excited to have it back. I haven't had much time to use it but hope to have some more postings soon. Meanwhile, I'll put up this quick picture taken of the side of an old house.

Friends' baby revisited

Alpharetta, GA

You may remember a past posting a while back in which I showed the portrait of my friends' baby. Well, last week I made them a three photo layout of their daughter so they could have it printed and framed. She is so cute that I thought I'd give you another glimpse of her. Children grow up right before our eyes.