For some reason, I awoke exactly at 4:00 AM this morning, and decided to get up. The likelihood of falling back into any type of meaningful sleep was slim, so maybe I could be productive.

Productive, perhaps, but I was not efficient. I left at 8 AM. The distance to Fredericksburg was only 50 miles or so, but there were three problems: First of all it was probably going to be very hilly. Secondly, the map and directions had an inordinate number of turns and roads. It would be easy to get lost, something I already am inclined to be. Thirdly, the traffic here is so bad that I mostly rode on the sidewalk yesterday. Maybe Sunday will be kind to me today.

It took a long time to figure out how to leave the city, and get onto the route suggested on the map. Finally, I was out in the sticks, and traffic there was not bad. In fact I was making such good time, that I remembered that I needed to see if there was a church in service which I could attend. Sure enough, one loomed in front of me as the road turned. I pulled in, sweaty, smelly and all.  They graciously welcomed me.

This was an all black church, and a wonderful experience on several levels. I am used to casual attire, but here, everyone was dressed to the nines. Women wore hats and the men wore suits and ties. People were addressed as brother so and so, or as sister so and so. The music was rocking. The choir consisted of six men, who were outstanding. The only song which was average was the one sung out of the hymnal.  Occasionally someone would stand up to give testimony. The sermon was energetic, probing, and inspirational. The only down side was that it lasted over two hours. I was hungry and anxious to finish the day's ride.

According to the messages my stomach was giving, it wanted food. The service ended around 1 PM, so I pedaled down the road a mile, and pulled out a sandwich I bought that morning. Fifteen minutes later I was pedalling again.

Every time I came to a turn on the route, I would pull over look at the map and note where, and how far away, the next turn would be. I had been riding for quite some while over a number of dips and climbs. Finally, coming to a turn, I pulled over to check the map......and it was gone! I must have dropped it or not put it away properly. Nuts! How was I going to get to Fredericksburg? I did not even know where I was. What about tomorrow's ride to Richmond?

For now I was going to use Google Maps to direct me once I could not remember any more turns. It was a surprise to find that I actually remembered turns for quite a while. I figured I was at least 22-24 miles from my destination when the map was discovered missing.

Ironically, it seemed that the route that Google Maps suggested was exactly like the one I had been using. After a while my water bottle was getting low, so I opened a pannier to get some water. When it opened, out fell the map!

This was a hot sunny day with high humidity, and I was starting to get tired. When, after 52 miles, I pulled into my motel for the night, I was ready for bed. No such chance.

I am used to staying in motels in low places, and this one definitely lowered the bar a little more. Oh well, it has a bed and hot water. That is all I want. 

Tomorrow, I ride to Richmond, Virginia. Sometime before I actually get there, my cousin, Mike McMahan, will meet me, pick up myself and the bike, and transport us to his house in Charlottesville. I will take a day, Tuesday, with he and Kathy.  Wednesday morning Mike will drop me off on the east side of Richmond, and I will ride every day, Lord willing, until I reach Raleigh. 

Every Sunday, I have worshipped in a different church building, in a different city. I thought today might be the first day which the Lord would not bring me to one, but He did. He has always been there for me since I left Everett 69 days ago.

Blessings.