April 29th: Preaching twice at First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque

Today was my day off from the ride in Albuquerque, but several months ago — when I realized I would be laying over on a Sunday — I asked the senior minister here (Christine Robinson, an old friend) if I could preach. She said yes, and this morning I preached to full congregations at both 9:30 and 11 am. They are a big congregation — over 800 members — and they made this "bike to church Sunday." I am happy to say that my sermon, "Life Is Like Riding a Bicycle," was enthusiastically received (a video version of it can be seen on the website of First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque). This afternoon, I made a trip to the drugstore to address several "tender" physical issues, and then arranged for a 90 minute massage at the center that several of the riders recommended. Tonight, I will be going out to dinner with the UU minister and her husband, taking them to a place that specializes in New Mexico cooking...can't wait. Then tomorrow morning, we push off on our bikes at 7 am on another long day — 140 miles to Las Vegas, New Mexico — which can be tough if there are winds to contend with...time will tell! Week 2 begins tomorrow. Stay tuned.