As I continue to deal with my very, very, very sore bottom I have acquired a new bicycle riding skill. I shift my body to the point that I am only sitting on one side of my butt at a time. When it gets sore I shift to the other side. I would suspect that I look kind of funny to someone looking at me ride by. I bought another bicycle seat and my sister-in-law Kathy brought it to me today when she picked up Cliff. This will be the third seat I have tried. This is the seat that John is using and he has had very little problem with a sore rear end. I got it put on this afternoon and I will give it a go tomorrow.
We road 75 miles today and it was a gorgeous ride as we went along the Salmon river and then the Clearwater River. It was even somewhat comfortable as the temperature was in the 80’s instead of the 90’s.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to ride only 50 miles, but it will all be slightly uphill as we ride along the Lochsa River going upriver the entire day. It will be another very beautiful ride, and we will camp at the “Wilderness Gateway Campground” which is right on the Lochsa River.
One of the keys to growing rapidly in character is to learn how to manage pain, trials, disappointments, hurts and offenses so that you don’t let it affect your mood, behavior or attitude. This trip is offering lots of opportunities to grow in that there is almost constant pain in my butt, muscles, and feet, as well as the daily dealing with problems as we ride and camp. The main way I have been dealing with it is to focus on the good things as much as possible. Every time there is even a slight downhill where I can stand on my pedals and not sit I yell very loudly, “thank you Jesus”, that feels so gooood! I thank Him for His creation all through the day, and I thank Him over and over again for the privilege of taking such a trip that many only dream about. The butt still hurts, but the pain doesn’t ruin my day because of the mental discipline of rejoicing instead of grumbling. Hopefully I will get better and better at this skill until it becomes an ingrained habit. Love ya all. Dee
Pastor Dee's Blog 
Hope the new saddle works out , Dee. Praying for great enjoyment and mental rest with all that character building. Can’t say that I’m feeling your pain; but sure am learning by your example.
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Dee, One secret I learned years ago about sore butts. Lower the angle of your seat.
Seriously, tilt your seat down (forward). At first it will feel as if you are falling off the bicycle.
After you get used to it, you will not be able to ride any other way. This tip has helped me greatly. Since I started doing it, I have no longer have sore (or numb) but syndrome.
BTW Dee, I am riding everyday a 25 mile loop before breakfast in support of you. Tomorrow, Samuel and I are riding in the Covered Bridge Tour (101 miles).
I am praying for you and wish I were there to help (share the pain and joy).
-Craig
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Dee,
Praying for you as you continue your great adventure. Sorry for the sore butt. Let me know if that saddle works for you. Did the STP in one day and know how sore your rear can get. Keep on keeping on; you’re doing great!
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Dee,
What are the “bike lane” conditions? Are you having to deal with much gravel? Are the cars giving you space? Keep on rollin!
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Dear One, Marv’s Mom (87) has been here so we haven’t commented on recent posts, BUT we read every one and pray for you fervently! Not just that He will bless you, but that He will bless you in a Supernatural way! We don’t try to ask specifically for what that might be, but ask that He might surprise us ALL with HIS answer to our prayers. We expect a FAR OUT blessing that may be so small that only you will see it. You will know! We love you. Mo&Do
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Thank you for your transparency. An adventure like you are on will certainly bring many tests for reacting well. I hope your seat works well. I use a brooks leather b17 and it is wonderful on long hauls. But I have never strung as many days together. Looking forward to your daily posts!!
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Hey Dee, hope the new seat helps. Praying for ya.
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Thanks for teaching us to apply God’s training camp to our lives!😊 I pray That you will get some relief from the pain (learn quickly?)
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