Support - It's All Around

On Saturday, August 23, I drove to Wichita Falls with three other guys in a church van for the purpose of taking part in a little bike ride that has been taking place over the past twenty-seven years. The "HH Hundred" has become known as one of the largest, if not the largest one day bike events in the country.

With the annual Celebrate Recovery Summit, followed by a week of catching up, I had not touched a bike in two weeks. I had a fair amount of riding in by August, but I knew I was not ready to tackle 100K or 100 miles. I settled on a "sensible" 50 mile route, figuring that the base miles would help pull me through. While the day was hot and humid, it was not unmanageable with a little help from my friends.

The HH100 website notes - "People ask what you get when you register for the HHH. It is a grueling day in the sun so what does a rider get besides sore muscles, tired posterior, sense of accomplishment and several hours of pure cycling madness? There is no answer that fits all. Riders pit themselves against the road and elements for different reasons. What everyone does get is a ride T-shirt and water bottle, goodie bag, free stuff from the consumer show, ...and a hard-earned finisher pin. Route distances are:10K - 25 mile - 50 mile - 100K - 100 mile"

It was also pointed out that over 11,000 riders this year benefitted from 15,000 gallons of hydration, truck loads of fruit and pickles, thousands of cold - wet towels, 300 medical volunteers, and 1400 non-medical volunteers as part of the support we received.

The photo above was taken by an airman on Shepperd Air Force Base. The group pictured behind me were men and women of the Air Force who lined the side of the road to shout words of encouragement and to give "high fives" to the riders heading into the final miles of the ride. "You're almost there ... you can do it ... just five more miles to go!" - were some of the encouraging words. Periodically we'd get a big "HUAHH...AIR FORCE" thrown in for good measure.

You will hear frequent encouragement that you "don't have to do recovery alone". Nowhere is this more evident than in thousands of groups meeting world-wide every week. For new and existing groups, your best support is from your CR State Rep and Regional Director. If you have questions, or concerns, these are the ones to turn to.

If you do take assistance from a neighboring group, I offer this piece of advice. Make sure they are following the trademark and DNA as established at Saddleback Church. There is only one template we follow in making sure every group meets the benchmark of Celebrate Recovery. It is refreshing to visit a group and find familiar structure and support.

Did I mention how uplifting it is to drop in to a place of support and rest when you are tired and thirsty?

Be blessed and be a blessing to others who are tired and thirsty on this road of life. May your ministry be as a rest stop or oasis to those worn down by this world.

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim