Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 18, 2006

Garden City, MO
The ride into Garden City was nice and short, less than 70 miles. A little hilly, but nothing too tough, and Missouri is STILL absolutely gorgeous…I had no idea that this state was so beautiful and lush.

We stayed at the First Baptist Church, and the amazing family taking care of us consisted of the pastor, his wife, and their great kids, who were full of energy and spent the entire night playing with us (and climbing on us!) after a great, filling dinner, refreshing showers at the local school, and even laundry (!!). The kids literally had to be dragged home when it got too late. They’re going camping for the littlest one’s birthday soon, and she was so excited she could hardly stop talking about it.

Garden City is small and quiet, and completely beautiful. When the sun set, I sat outside in the dusk and called a few people I hadn’t heard from in awhile, and it felt good to sit in the grass and watch the fireflies all across the church yard and the neighboring farm fields. When it got dark enough, I was able to see more stars than I knew even existed. Everyone seems to be getting along well, which is good – I was expecting a lot more tension by now. I think the peacefulness of where we are helps – it’s so quiet and calm here, and everyone is so friendly…it’s a lot different than where most of us are from, and it’s very relaxing to get in after a great day of riding and be greeted by fantastic communities, homemade dinners, and warm places to sleep.

After spending some time cleaning the road kill off my bike (I promise I’m not fixated on it, it just somehow always ends up stuck to my frame), I was treated to the best sleep I’ve had on this trip so far. Thank you to the First Baptist Church for taking such great care of us!

-Emma