My New Thang

The best feeling in the world, is enjoying something to no end and finding that you're actually really good at it.  Nearly two weekends ago now, we went up to Iowa with my mom and dad and a group of people from Avant, a missions agency my mom works at, to go camping and bike riding at the Raccoon River Valley Trail.  We had the best time ever, and I loved every minute of it and can't wait to go back.  I had never done too much bike riding before, but I think I'm addicted now.  Ok...on with the pictures.

 I took this picture driving back after the first day, but I thought it was a good introduction to our weekend.  We were in Western Iowa and I thought the land that surrounded us was just beautiful.  We were in and out of wooded areas, and then out in the middle of fields that went on forever.  It rained a bit just about everyday, but is was mostly in the mornings (minus the one downpour I missed, but most everyone else got caught in...I was under a shelter waiting for them with another guy) and it made for pretty great weather during the day.  The sun did manage to peak through on Saturday and was out all day on Sunday.  

Here we are getting ready to hit the trails. 

I was excited but a little nervous, not knowing if I could go the whole way.  I really need to be more confident in myself, and know that I am strong and can do anything I set out to do. 

Jordan all set and ready to go.  

 

I was way excited to have Brea and Laurie along.  Brea and I have known each other for about a year now, and this trip was actually the first time we had ever met.  I think we'll be friends for a long time.  They're great!

 

This trail was so cool.  I loved being in the woods at the beginning.  It seemed so magical.

Jordan and me after our first break.   This is where we parted ways.  He was lookin to get back to camp and go hiking and have some time to think and ponder.  It was fun while it lasted though. 

 

Pretty much the whole way, we were the leaders of the pack.  But every once in a while my dad would come flying by.  It was fun to have people to push you to go faster and harder.  Plus Brea said she had heard that red made you perform better...so I just kept them in sight.  

 

The end of day 1, and already I had ridden twice as far than I had every ridden at one time in my life.  I was so excited.  It was hard from time to time, but I felt so accomplished when I got done.  And I'll just brag a little and say, I was the first one to the end, and the first one back.

  

My mom and dad are master chef's, even in the great outdoors, so every night and morning they kept us fueled and going.  Isn't my mom so cute here!

Day 2 we made it to the end.  It some ways it was an easier ride, and other ways it was 10 times harder. HA!

 

Takin a little break before we headed back.  I love this pic of my dad (on the left) he looks like a little boy.

 

This was the group that made it all of the way to other end on the second day. 

Time to brag on these girls.  They had an extra day there, so in 3 days Laurie rode 101, and Brea rode 117 miles!  I was so impressed with them!  Amazing.

 

My goal was to stay with the group and ride every mile that they did.  So at the end of 2 days, I rode 94 miles!  And...I was at the front again on the second day.  This is why I need more confidence in myself.  I may not be the best, and win medals, but I can do whatever I set in my sights to do.  And I think that you can too.  What are you waiting for?