Day 8: So if you’re confused by my tracker I apologise. I didn’t do the “victory loop” so according to the tracking app I’m still stuck in limbo. I assure you I most definitely finished though. From 3 hours of sleep, waking up wet from rain, pedalling in a head wind for 12 hours, and mud on mud, I didn’t much feel like flaunting my “victory” the last day. In the end having so much support through this post has been super special. Ending my day reading everyones thoughts was like candy, and trust me when I say I ate a lot of candy on this trip.
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Day 6: Just rolled in to Ephrata after a suffer fest. The good news is the biggest of climbs are done. Basically as long as I don’t stand up on the bike or push it hard I’m able to keep going….just 200 more miles of fun.
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Day 5: The biggest climb is past me. Unfortunately I am feeling some serious strain in my right quad so I had to call it quits early. I am concerned there might be some serious damage so I’m pretty nervous for tomorrow morning.
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Day 4: I have both reached the half way point and crossed back into my side of the state. Good bye rain and organic grocery stores. At this point every body part hurts or is numb in some way so I think I’m getting the hang of this. Tomorrow will be the biggest climb yet so I’m calling it quits early today.
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Day 3:
Last night I had another furry guest in the form of a mouse who, impressively ate through a jacket, a backpack, and 220 calories worth of Larabar. Can’t fault him for the last one. Hitting the ferry now, can’t say I’ll miss the Olympic peninsula.
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Day 2:
So in case you’ve been watching my dot you probably noticed it’s moving again!!! The local bike shop in Port Angeles hooked me up with a new wheel and derailleur. It’s not perfect but I’m moving again.
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Day 1: First off, huge thanks for every message and prayer, encouragement and check in that yall have shared with me. It feels like having family out there with me.
So an update, I had a really hard day. I was making incredible time, riding with new friends. Things were moving forward. Out of nowhere a stick caught in my spokes, ruined by back wheel and bent my derailleur and brought my progress to a stand still. 6 months of daily training and on the first day I have an irreparable failure. I can’t quite express the sadness it brought about, but I was/am shattered.
I pushed my bike 25 miles and was picked up by a saint by the name of Tom. Tomorrow he’ll take me in to town and see if we can fix something. I really don’t know how things will go but I will keep updates coming. Below is a picture of what broken dreams look like.
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windblowncar.com 
I tried to post something. Don’t know if I was successful. Praying for you Ethan.
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Hope you sleep some tonight but something tells me your way too excited for that! So rest well.
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Ethan, I am praying for great weather, safe riding, sufficient energy, and refreshing sleeps. Also…deep and inspiring conversations with God and a thousand opportunities to see His hands at work.
Oh, yeah,…and no saddle sores, wrist neuropathy, and sunburns! 😘
Bon boyage!
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My gosh you’re off to a good start!
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That’s a good looking saddle. You’re doing it!
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Thoughts and prayers for you!
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You are a mighty warrior! Love Dad
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Ra Ra Ethan! Great job today! Bet you’ll sleep well tonight. You are an inspiration. Aunt Nancy, Uncle Mark & Echo
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Hang in there Ethan. Mr Billy and I are praying for you.
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Praying it will be an easy fix!
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Praying God makes a way for you Ethan.
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Great job on your first day. Hope it went well. I bet you’re getting that saddle really broken in now.
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Ethan, I am praying that the town has Bike shop with lots of great deraileurs and wheels so that your bike can be fixed and you can get back on the trail… I also pray that God use your time in town to present you with an incredibly blessed experience that makes this “stick in the road” a very providential event! Blessings, Ethan. 🤔
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Dang Ethan. Sorry to read about your misfortune. Hoping a quick fix is possible and you can be on your way again. Hang in there!
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Fingers crossed that they can fix you up and get you back on the road quickly! Good luck!
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God is able. You are not alone and we are all praying for you. You are an amazing young man.
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I’m not seeing my previous comment, so will say it again; sorry to hear about this incident, and hope you can get back on the trail soon. Hang in there!
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Looks like you have a major furry fan as of this morning Ethan! We’re all praying for you the bike shop can perform a miracle.
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…that sweet little furry friend, worse ways to greet the day. Things don’t always go how we expect or hope. You are strong, you are still able.
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You are a fighter! So glad you are rolling again!!!
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Good job! Moving again.
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In reference to your picture: it’s good to know some things don’t change: you’re still hanging out with some “cool cats”
Anyway, praying for a Good Events-ful Ride.
Feel the Presence….See The Hand…and enjoy the adventure!
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Hopefully no mouse issues in Carnation. Have some good sleep.
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Blimey, Ethan, you have made brilliant progress – in spite of losing a bit of time chasing down detailers! 4th day, official Hump Day…You’ll soon be out of the mountains, into the Butt Hills, then Bob’s your uncle! So,…don’t get your knickers in a twist and go nutters. Ride smooth and steady. Like Grace said, “You’ve got this.” (enough said. I am placing a few more quid on the table, betting on you!).
PS I hope that British accent of yours doesn’t last too long…I’ve run out of all the “polite company” terms I know…🤐
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Good work, Eef! Sounds like a Ru mouse. It’s good to have Roy survival tips. On to the big push, then it’s smooth sailing.
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Wow! What an adventure… It’s crazy how much you learn through the hard stuff… Even if you get sick of learning, it’s there! Adam and I will follow along and we will be praying for you! Maybe later you can share all the lessons, obvious and not so obvious ones! God bless you!
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Yay! You made it to the half way mark. That must be a good feeling. What an accomplishment. Hope you land someplace comfortable tonight and get some rest. Proud of you!
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Well, that cat you met the first night would have come in handy last night. You’re look ‘in good, I knew you would! Over the half way hump now Ethan. Keep up the good work!
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Blimey, Chap! You’ve made it passed to 350 mark! In a few more hours you’ll be on top of the world and looking forward to the Finish Line! Then a quick ride down the Big Hill, and Bob’s yer uncle…You’ll be crossing the finish line in no time!
PS While you’re on the mountain top, bask in the glory of God, and know that He is with you.
I’m praying’ he breathes life into your tired and sore bones…😎
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You are beasting it! Can’t believe you already made it over the big hump. Keep it up.
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Ethan, you give me inspiration to want to do more. Our brief visit at the tunnel yesterday really made my day. You’re looking happy and healthy. I know you’ll reach the finish line!
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Aunt Janet says you should support your muscle by taping it or getting an elastic brace. Any chance of that? Praying for your body to hold out.
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Nurse Janet also says to be sure to keep up your electrolytes. You’ve had a big, successful day. Rest up, take care of your leg and get a good night’s rest. We’re praying for you Ethan.
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Praying for good rest for your body and healing for your quad! Take it at an easier pace today and use your gears, hydrate, and eat any bananas you can find (potassium helps muscle strains). Praying for a good day today!
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Praying for you to have strength and healing. You have been an amazing person to follow. You have some serious determination!!!!
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State the course, praying your leg is ok , hope it is not too bad.
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Ethan, after today’s mountain climb, the topography levels off; your most difficult “uphill” days are behind you. Even your downhills will be easier to control.
Keep your eyes on the goal: make enduring all of the past “miserable” moments pay off – YOU win in the end!
You are facing a crucial psychological moment…Don’t give it any purchase against your goal. Again, quoting Grace, “Persist! You CAN do this!”
Praying for your knees, quads, God’s sweet voice in your ear, and your determination.
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Stretch your IT bands and hips. The strain might partially be residual tension from things connecting to the quads.
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Ethan, despite your setback (s? are you injured?! i hope not) you are still just totally kicking ass. Keep listening to your body! M and F are cheering for you!!!
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Hi Ethan. Good job! Keep peddling. Love Grandma and Grandpa
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You’re doing awesome today Ethan.
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So proud of you!!! Take the good advice your friends and family are sending you. You are gonna pull this off and we are all gonna be celebrating with you!! You know you are covered in prayer.
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Aunt Janet said ice any time you can!
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Dad says just do your best. He is proud of you!
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Ice your ankle
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200 miles… you got this! Seriously though, this is one of the coolest adventures and something you’ll be telling your grandkids about one day!
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What an adventure!! I’m sure you’ve had moments where the last thing you wanted to do was continue….but, look at you!! You’ve done an amazing job! You’ve got this, cause God’s got you!! You’ve accomplished so much already. As you continue towards the end of the journey, soak it all in… Praying for health and safety, and even time for some fun!!
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Just think about that hot shower, clean sheets and restful night of sleep after the finish. No yipping coyotes! We know you can make it. You’re doing great. Hang in there!
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👍🏻! Sleep sweetly, Ethan. The Finish Flag is calling your name!
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Praying you have a great ride today and that the Holy Spirit renews you as you ride.
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Every day has its challenge. So go conquer the day! You are not alone.
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