I recently wrote about the things that I hate most riding my bicycle across the USA . The top five are “chip seal”  using 1 inch gravel which makes the road terribly  rough to ride on. Speaking of rough, “rumble strips” can shake a bike apart and its rider in a matter of seconds, I hate rumble strips. A head wind is absolutely relentless in draining a rider of all energy quicker than climbing a 6 % hill. It seems that God has given us supernatural power in that which ever direction we ride the wind is coming from that direction at 10 mph. Also things that cause me to break my vow of not grumbling are bugs, especially when they get in my hair underneath my helmet, and rain that lasts all day long. On the other hand there are some things that happen on this trip that are better than a huge bowl of ice cream. I think number one is designated bike lanes. They are usually about three feet wide, clearly marked with nice white lines and a picture of a bicycle and rider periodically painted in the lane, and a sign that says, “bicycles only”. The sight of a bicycle only lane makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. They give me a great sense of security. Riding along in a bike lane allows my mind to be freed up to think about the future, sermons I am going to write, and fish I am going to catch. I love designated bicycle lanes. Today, almost all day long we were riding in a bike lane, and even though it was pouring rain all day it was a good day. I love designated bicycle only lanes.