Some miracles depend on circumstances and point of view. A non-event for one person, may be a true miracle for another. With that said, I have witnessed miracles on the Cycle of Service ride.
Miracle 1. COS is a rain or shine event. Going into the weekend, the weather forecast called for heavy rain and strong winds. The rain chances for Friday afternoon approached 100%. Knowing the forecast, we were all prepared to be wet and miserable on the most difficult part of the ride. As we pedaled into the afternoon hours, dark clouds enveloped us. We all prepared for the bottom to drop out. Somehow, the rain held off! No rain, no wet roads. We were all thankful. Since the rain started later than forecasted, it was now predicted to linger well into the morning hours. Ugh. We went to sleep with sound of rain on the roof. As we woke, light rain was falling. After an hour delay to start, the rain stopped completely. As we pushed off on wet roads, we literally followed the rain. It never rained on us! A true weather miracle.
Miracle 2. The COS will stop at gas stations for food and re-fueling vehicles. As we waited outside the store, several of us struck a conversation with a local patron. After two minutes of telling the story of the ride and Alabama Rural Ministries, he walked on to his car. He returned holding out his hand with a cash donation! He handed it to us and thanked us for helping the community. To me, it was a miracle of unexpected generosity that encouraged us all.
Miracle 3. The COS reveals personal miracles. The route is definitely not flat. Driving a car, the hills are not noticeable. However, riding a bicycle will expose the hilly terrain and become cruel punishment to tired legs. More than once on a ride it was over-heard, “If I make it up this hill, it will be a miracle!” And, they eventually do. Miracle!
Miracle 4. On a similar note, for some cyclist day one will mark personal distance records. Every rider has a cap achieved during training. Whatever that mileage threshold, it will be broken on day one. And for some, it will be the century mark. Miracle!
Come join us on April 22, 2016 for your chance to experience miracles on the COS.
Happy Riding!
John Stevenson