Many of you know how much I
love God’s gift of nature and all things in it. To me nature points me to God,
like opening my blinds to the prevailing wonder of creation. Nature reveals the
power of God, his order, wisdom, goodness and wonder. Through nature God helps
me see so much more. What better way to appreciate this gift, than
through the many views and vistas from the top of New
Hampshire’s 6,288 ft high Mount
Washington?
Most of you know that I
ride my bicycle some, and each year I ride at least one event to raise money
for someone, or for an organization that helps many. While these are still
important to me, this year I am changing gears a little, both figuratively and
in reality, and taking on my toughest bike race challenge ever in support of
Nature...and to simply prove I can do it. Soon turning 52, I cant’ let
myself say that I am over the hill, until I actually climb to the top of the
hill! So, in support of the Tin
Mountain Conservation
Center, on August 20 I
will be joining 600 other cycle racers in the Mount Washington Auto Road
Bicycle Hill climb. Thanks to Tim
Mountain, the auto road
is open to bikes this one time each year just for this event.
The race is viewed as the
most difficult bike race up a mountain in the world, being even a more
difficult climb than the famed Tour de-France Alpe D’Huez. With a length of
“only” 7.6 miles, it has an average 12% grade with a maximum incline of 22% and
an elevation gain of 4725 Ft. Some of the worst weather in the world has
been recorded on top of this mountain with winds at 231 mph. Past winners
of this race have included pro’s such as Tyler Hamilton (52:21) and Ned
Overend.
The Tin Mountain
Conservation Center
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing education programs that foster greater
awareness and understanding of the natural environment for school children,
adults, and families for over 30 years. The Center, supported solely by
charitable contributions, offers year round hands-on programs in schools, at
summer camps, and within communities. For adults and families, Tin Mountain
offers Community Nature Programs, a diverse array of over 70 programs that
promote an appreciation of the environment. The series includes slide shows,
hikes, lectures, and field trips featuring local natural history experts and
the region's spectacular natural areas. The Mount Washington Auto Road Hill
climb is one of the centers primary fund raisers.
Please help me be a better
steward of God’s gift and support me and the Tin Mountain
Conservation Center.
Kind Regards
Lee