MERA Tattoo

Well I just Cant Help my self. Steve offered up free entry for a Tattoo! So I grabbed my Rally Flag From the 2011 3 day and headed for Epic Tattoo. It is just about 3 miles from the house.About 45 mins later I was a MERA fan for life. I never Realized I had so many freckles on my Shoulder. RJ wanted picks of "Hot Chicks" at the studio? Sorry John it was early on Thursday I was just there at the wrong time. Cant Wait Till I can Give Blood Again!!!!!

MERA 1088 3 day

I have not posted a report following the Utah-1088 you see we lost A friend during this Event.

Ken Morton was riding across Nebraska on his way back from Buffalo New York when he some how hit the center divider on I-80. There were really Bad storms in the area,we can only guess this had something to do with the accident.Ken was a Great rider and well respected in the LD community. I spent several hours with Ken stuck in traffic the day before. We had a good time Chatting about nothing in particular. Ken Smile and fun loving attitude will be missed.

Godspeed Ken

A Stop At A Friends

Well I have been without internet for the last 2 days. So here is a bit of an update. As you will notice in the picture there was a bit of an afternoon storm as I was nearing Denver on Friday afternoon. it rained hard bot not for long so we pressed on arriving at my friend Bobby's place in Mead Co. well before dinner time. We scarfed down some Poppa Murphey's Pizzas. And started the fire for the Massive BBQ Bobby had planed for Saturday.

It only took 1 box of matches before Bobby added a few jiggers of gasoline to the pile of Matchlight and hickory. That Got her going!!! After a n hour or so Bobby started Preparing the Meat. Ribs,Brisket,pork loin , pork butt,and sausage .

Saturday we had a party to celebrate Bobby's 50th birthday . He and his new Lady, Shelly had invited many of their friends over for the evening. We all ate till we were stuffed and had a wonderful time teasing bobby about joining the 1/2 century club. The next morning Bobby ,his son Jason and I jumped on the Bikes and headed for the moutains. But more on that in tomorrow's Blog.

Mark

8,700 Miles.....

We have a bug on the bike for each mile travelled!

Day 19 and 20

Home! When we are together though, wherever we are it's home! We had a great time with friends in Broomfield Co. then headed into the heat! Our last 2 days getting home were the hottest as we knew they would be. I just kept pouring water inside me and inside my shirt! It was such a great trip! We met many people and handed out many brochures about our ride and the radio station and the people of Mali. I prayed for each person we spoke with and handed a brochure to. We met many nice people. I praise the Lord for His constant presence and provision.
THANK YOU to everyone who prayed for us!
THANK YOU to everyone who gave to raise money for the radio station!
THANK YOU to all of our fellow bloggers for your comments!

This site will remain open until September 1st. donations can be sent to our church, FBC Watauga, until then and after Sep. 1st, donations can be sent to Sahara's Gate.

Continue to pray for volunteers to go to Africa to share the gospel, for the people of Africa to open their hearts to Jesus, and that the money will be raised and the radio station built according the God's will and His timing.

Mark and Marianne Smith

day 17

Well no picture today just burning up the Montana interstate .We had a very loud thunder storm last night. It shook the whole hotel once . It made such a clatter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter with ma in her kerchef and I in my hat. (sorryI lost control) We woke to a perfect riding day not a cloud in the sky all day. We managed to get about 600 miles closer to home. I can't get over how many bikes there are on the road up here, many more than at home. We plan to stop just north of Denver
tomorow and spend some time with our friends Bobby and Vicki that moved up here last year from Watauga.

day 16

Well today we rode down the Ice field Highway. From Jasper to near Banff. It was so beautiful, glaciers around every bend. This one is Crow foot glacier We saw more Bear, Deer, and mountain Goats on the road today. There was over 200 miles of mountains and glaciers. This one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. It rained on usfor a few miles just befor we crossed the border back into the USA . We are spending the night in Whitefish Montana. Where they are having the Amadeus festivel this weekend. I have asked 10 locals what this festivel is about, none of them knew. Even tho there are banners all across main street several of the folks I talk to did not even know that they were having a festivle this weekend. Someone must know about it the town is book full we got the last room. Marianne did some laundry and we had a huge pizza for dinner.