About

I’ve always dreamed of biking across America.

Who would have ever thought that dream would come to fruition…but here we are.

A couple years ago my wife Cami and I began work on a grant proposal to the Lilly Foundation for renewal leave. Many churches (like academic institutions) offer a sabbatical or renewal leave for pastors or professors -- and the First Presbyterian Church policy provided one for me every 5 years – and 2018 was/is the year.

Our grant proposal focused on the theme: Experiencing Our Bodies as God’s Gift to Us. Ever since my father-in-law’s heart attack and stroke in 2004 I have been on a spiritual journey to no longer ignore my body, but to experience it as God’s gift to me. I rediscovered my bike, slowly added in running as a winter sport (yes, icicles on the eyelashes and all), and took swimming lessons at our local Y. I also participated in a two-year community with fellow pastors and Christian leaders through the Transforming Center which helped me practice spiritual disciplines that guided me on the journey.

Since then I’ve lost over 70 pounds and competed in 17 Ironman triathlons, including a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand side by side with the pros at Ironman Hawaii in Kailua Kona in October of 2017. Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running a full marathon of 26.2 miles all in one full day was a physical and emotional challenge each time. It was a family affair as I trained and prepared, and I am grateful for the support of friends and family – especially Cami, my daughter Jessica, and my sons Chet and Hudson.

The congregation at First Pres has also been so very supportive on my journey…and now will join me in our purpose of experiencing our bodies as God’s gift to us. Please check out the various activities that will be happening at First Pres this summer during my absence. We are grateful for the Lilly funding that will assure that this will be a summer of renewal for the congregation, too.

Now we embark on a very different adventure.

There won’t be the crowds…in fact a good portion of my bike across America will be on “America’s Loneliest Road”. I plan to bike about 100 miles per day 5 days per week, with Cami driving the “sag wagon” and joining up with me for bikes…and some swimming and running. I also plan to spend time in scripture and lots of time in silence and solitude, paying attention to God’s Word for me during this renewal leave.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure. I’m excited to share it with you and to see what God will do!