Heartbreak 100

This is an event that occurred in the past but felt it was necessary to post. It is an experience that has strengthened my faith.

On May 29, there is a bike ride that can challenge those who aren't serious cyclists. It is called the Heartbreak 100. The ride originates in Lebec, CA (30 min north of Magic Mtn). The ride covers 100 miles and has an 8,500' gain in elevation. It seemed daunting, but I felt prepared. The best part was that another local rider who patrons the same bike shop was going to be there; we made plans to ride together.

The weather was perfect for the 8:30 start. The first 30 miles is a gradual climb toward Mt Pinos with a pass at Apache Saddle. The climb went without a hitch. A few minutes at the rest top and it was off for the descent. The next 10 miles was a series of rollers then it is downhill with a bit of a head wind. Parts of this section allow you to get up to 40 or so. Something strange though, there was a vibration coming from the bike. I concluded it must be from the road since it wasn't constant only every few hundred yards or so.

Soon it was a stop for lunch and the most grueling part lay ahead. From the lunch area, it is 22 miles of progressively steeper incline to stop number 3, on top of Heartbreak Hill. The grade culminates at 8-9%; possibly more. That stop was definitely needed. Before getting underway for the final leg, I performed a quick check of the bike and found that the rear hub was not securely attached to the dropouts. That was the cause of the vibrations. What a blessing not to have the wheel come off at those speeds. Thanks for the thought to check and humble gratitude to have not become part of the pavement 50 miles before.

Finished without incident. A prayer of thanks and a realization of my own insignificance were foremost on my mind for the first part of the trip home.

The day after the ride was Sunday and again, it was a time to give thanks and ponder upon an eternal perspective of the soul. During church, the thought came that I should share my experience with the family. When we got home, I asked everyone to come into the family room for a family counsel. With quiet attention, the fam listened to my experience of the previous day. It was then that my quiet attention was turned to what Kate had to say. About the same time as my companions and I were riding the section I described above, where the vibrations were occurring, Kate and Josh were headed out for an errand. Kate received an impression that I was in danger and that they needed to come back in the house an pray. They heeded the prompting of the Spirit and prayed for my welfare. A little while later, she was a t peace and I was at the bottom of the hill.

We had not shared any parts of the story to each other prior to this time and the kids were in awe; I was in awe and was grateful to have a woman who is in tune with the Holy Ghost and followed its promptings.