Here we are at St. Margaret parish in Cortez, Colorado, approximately 1200 miles into our Brake the Cycle of Poverty tour. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the prayers and support I have received form my home parish, St. Isidore, in Danville, California. The prayers of the St. Vincent de Paul, Just Faith, the Little Rock Bible Group & the morning Rosary group sustain me.

Here is the news of our ride from Monticello to Cortez:

After a wonderfully warm reception at the small mission parish of St. Joseph, we “sallied forth” to Cortez at about 7 am. The mission is guided by Barbara, who is acting as the parish deacon / caretaker / spiritual director.

The words of Barbara’s closing prayer ending last night’s “get together” and discussion / explanation of the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development with the small group of parishioners, stayed with me.

Her voice cracked with emotion as she called on “our Lord” to keep us safe as we traveled. And as she thanked us on behalf of the mission for “actually trying to do something about the cycle of poverty.”

I felt “safe” and ready for what we all considered to be a relatively easy 60 mile trip to Cortez

The morning weather broke cold, wet & windy…a bikers “trifecta”…and worst nightmare…ok it was not all that bad, but the wind worked hard against us all day. The extra effort could have “sapped” our spirits…but it did not.

The road (state highway 666) strengthened out straight with easy hills. Before us the shoulder was “great,” after we crossed into Colorado at mile 17. Many stopped for a picture under the “Welcome to Colorado” sign. Sarah happened to be coming up behind us and she got the “money” picture of Ken & his faithful “wingman”…me.

It was great to hear the “chatter” of the groups as we rode…the wide shoulders allowed this.

Good to see Jennifer “back in the saddle again.” She rode the first 40 miles. She is working her way back from a severe back strain.

Chad & Jose rode sweep today…tough job (not really) but it is reassuring to know that “the sweep” is back there if you need help.

Rob and Duncan passed us early on going like “bats out of hell”…they are “stout” bikers…they must have gotten off the road by 10:30 or 11:00 am (the rest of us straggled in between 1 and 3).

Soon after we left Monticello we noticed that the terrain began to “green-up” compared to the harsh wind whipped eddies of gravel & sand of Nevada & Utah. It was nice to see and smell the soft fields of alfalfa. It lifted my spirit to see working farms. I know that the desert landscape has its own charm, but it is hard for me to appreciate it. In fact a few days ago I “blurped” out “What was the Good Lord thinking off when he made Nevada & Utah?” I gave him a D- for the job (somehow I think he got back at me today by sending the wind against us…I will be more careful in my assessment of the Lord’s work in the future!)

The whole ride was “buzzing” about Kevin’s birthday—he is 20 today. We will celebrate tonight.

I ripped a page from Lyle’s playbook yesterday and “jimmied” up a fix for the orthodic in my right biking shoe which was causing a blister…it worked and my foot feels fine after today’s ride. Thank God we all had a safe & happy ride today.

One last thought before I close… Just to let you know what random thoughts can run through you mind on a long hard day…

Well, I worked out a fiendish plan to get my hands on the special edition Tour de France magazine which Mary brought on the ride…Duncan has it now and he will not give it up easily. Unless some of you tip him off that I am after it, he will wake up two days from now & it will be gone!

--Pat McGovern
Danville, CA