Day 9- Saturday- An Early Ending- The Ride Home (Final Challenge Mileage 4,394)

It's been said, the best laid plans are often interrupted. I found this out Friday evening when my worst fear was realized. My group number for jury duty this coming week was assigned to report at 8:00 AM Monday. I had hoped to at least get a break from day one of reporting, but I was not so fortunate.

Rather than stay in the Black Hills area Saturday and spend all day Sunday riding back home, and risk falling asleep during my civic jury duties, I opted to cut my time in the Black Hills short and head back today. Having been in the areas since Wednesday evening, I had already ridden the scenic routes around the region and secured all the desired memorabilia from the 84th Sturgis rally. 

After breakfast and double checking to make sure everything was secure, I headed out. Having sufficient mileage with any route home, to surpass my targeted 4,000 mile goal, I opted for a more direct route back to Topeka, rather than looping through Badlands National Park as originally planned.  I did however choose to ride one last time past Mt. Rushmore and took Iron Mountain Highway for one last section of technical riding. 

Mt. Rushmore in the morning sun

Riding down western South Dakota and western Nebraska was a basically a repeat of northeastern Colorado and eastern Wyoming, flat plains.  Once into Nebraska, I turned east along the North Platte River basin, which did provide some relief from the heat of the day. 

The flat plains of South Dakota and Nebraska

Seeing the many fields of corn in Nebraska, it is easy to understand why the University of Nebraska mascot is the Cornhuskers.  I contemplated stopping in Nebraska for the night but opted for riding during the cooler evening and nighttime hours. Riding a little longer today was more appealing than another partial day riding in the sun. The only negative would be more bugs on the front of my motorcycle and windshield. A sacrifice I was willing to make.  In addition, the appeal of sleeping in my own home was a driving force to press on.  

Apparently I was a bit too eager to get home. After a very nice and gracious Kansas Highway Patrol officer welcomed me back to Kansas and complimented me on my efficient riding skills, I finally rolled into our garage at 11:21 PM with a final log of exactly 4,394 miles on the dot, easily surpassing the 2024 challenge mileage target of 4,000 miles.  

Final mileage 4,394.0

Many thanks to those who prayed for my strength and safety during the event. I definitely felt God's presence each and every day and was never anxious or extremely fatigued during the event. The only harsh weather I encountered was a brief 30 minute thunderstorm in central Colorado my first day of riding. Throughout the challenge I was able to be a "God wink" to several individuals during my journey.  I wish to also give a special thanks to my fuel sponsor for the event, REDI-Refrigeration.

For those who were able to pledge support for the Children's Ministries at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, please know your contributions will impact many lives for Christ. 

Pledge contributions can be made directly to the church via their giving link noted on my blog home page or mailed directly to the church at the address also noted on my blog home page.  

None of us know how much time we have remaining on this earth. For me, each day is a gift to be used by Christ. I am truly blessed to be able to do these challenge rides for various ministries down through the years. Through these rides, I get to see the beauty of God's creation, establish new friendships, encourage others, and point others to Christ. My motto is 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV), "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." 

Looking forward to the next adventure!