Chain Of Rocks (Part 3)

Rich is back on the bridge. And helping us remember why he’s riding and how we can help.

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This road, according to my perfect plan, should lead me to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. I’d have been more confident if there had actually been a sign.

Sunlight was fading. I had to decide. So I headed down an unmarked two-lane road. After a few hundred yards I came to a one-lane bridge marked by a somewhat ominous sign: “Chouteau Island. Closed dusk to dawn.”

You’re thinking what I should have been thinking. It’s getting dark. I’m not sure I’m on the correct road. I’m about to cross a rickety one-lane bridge to nowhere, and nowhere closes at dusk. Anyone in their right mind would have stopped. But I was determined, so up and over this creaky old bridge I went.

Chouteau Island looked deserted. The moment I exited the ancient bridge in fast-fading light I knew I’d made a mistake. I suddenly remembered the dangerous reputation of East St Louis, and I didn’t feel quite so determined any more.

Becky’s phone call. “Where are you?” “I don’t know.” “I see you on the GPS.” “I’ll come back over the bridge.” Whew! There’s the trailer. We hugged in relief.

We both knew I’d pushed it too far.

There’s a fine line dividing perseverance from stupid risk, and I don’t think the line’s as clear as we imagine. It’s easy in hindsight to distinguish stubbornness from tenacity, but at the decision point it’s not always simple. God’s not safe, and neither are God-inspired dreams. When you’re following a dream you take some risks, and you do your best to find courage without recklessness.

However, I discovered one clear distinction. When it’s getting dark and you’re about to cross a dilapidated single-lane bridge with a sign proclaiming “Chouteau Island, closed dusk to dawn,” you’re probably about to cross from determined into stupid.

To be continued…

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As you read the story of this journey, I hope it’s clear that handcycling is about more than miles for me. In a few days I’m riding in the FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC.

It’s part of my commitment to crank my handcycle 2000 miles in 2023. We’re raising funds to support a Home of Hope that serves children rescued from the horrors of sex trafficking.

Wondering about the photo?

Your donation will make a real, tangible difference in the lives of children like this little girl who were destined for sexual slavery, but now live in freedom.

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