After 100 Miles

After 4000 miles of flying, 300+ miles of driving, and 100 miles of bike riding our Jedidiah team was able donate $2,000 to the causes of World Bicycle Relief and the Chicago Cubs Charity. Over all, the event raised $264,000.

It was ride day! We were still operating on Pacific Time, so our 4:30 A.M. wakeup felt like 2:30 A.M. We arrived downtown by 6:00 A.M. where we set up our Jedidiah booth. We had a tent next to our Partners at World Bicycle Relief. They had one of their amazing Buffalo Bikes on display and we had the chance to chat with some really neat people. We also got to talk with some really great folks as we started our ride from Wrigley field.

We all lined up and like a hundred cameras snapping their shutters to capture the swing of a home run, hundreds of riders clipped in to their pedals and were off through the Friendly Confines. Literally, we got to ride thought the stadium. It was so cool! We headed north along the shore of Lake Michigan, traveling though different suburbs and varying landscapes. As great as it was to ride though the city, it was nice to get to some open spaces where would could get in a rhythm and really cruise. If I ever got separated from Tyler or Scott, I would simply look for two dudes with long flowing hair coming out the back of their helmets. We stopped at various rest stops as we needed to fill up on water and food. We were all doing pretty good till after lunch at the 60 mile mark. Tyler started to cramp, Scott’s legs were burning and my left knee was making noises it usually does not. Miles 65-85 were for sure the most difficult. But, after our final rest stop and with the finish in our sights we embarked on the final leg of our ride to complete the 100 miles.

The day was closed with a concert and dinner on Wrigley Field. We got the opportunity to hang out in the dug out, walk thought the locker room and play some catch on the field. Having grown up a Cubs fan this was a special experience. Before we departed to come back to the west coast we were able to stop by the offices of World Bicycle Relief and talk with Founder, FK Day and Communications director Matt Pierce. Both welcomed us warmly and shared with us more about the work of World Bicycle Relief.

If you supported us in anyway, with a cheer, your prayers, your finances, your skills, or in a myriad of other avenues, we thank you with sincere hearts. It was a great reminder to us, during those hard miles, that we have it really good. During the discomfort of our 25,000+ pedal revolutions and 5 1/2 hours sitting on our butts we tried to reflect on the lives that World Bicycle Relief seeks to help with the power of a bicycle. We really only experienced a small fraction of the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. So again, thank you for making this ride something more than a spectacular August ride through Chicagoland. Thank you for putting 14 bikes in the hands of creative, lively, loving people in need of transportation and a better life.
We are excited to continue our partnership with World Bicycle Relief as we strive to donate another 300 bikes over the course of this fall and winter season through the sales of Jedidiah apparel.

Enjoy some Pics.

LA RIDE

Tyler and I went on a little 41 mile ride this past Saturday to log some miles before the century. I got to travel via bike to a really neat area of LA. Honestly, didn't feel like LA. I can not tell you in detail the exact route: roads, paths, etc. (not because it is secret information, but because I'm really not good with directions). I can however provide you with some fun pictures. Thank you to all who have already given us your support, whether finically, with prayer, or in some other capacity. If you would still like to be a component, you can follow the following link for more information.

https://madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/wrigley-field-road-tour-donations.html

http://www.troysenhousen.blogspot.com/2012/06/normal.html

Wrigley Field Road Tour

Went riding the other day through the neighborhoods of San Diego. On the way back a couple of bike related things caught my eye. Our Jedidiah team, which will be riding in the Wrigley Field Road Tour that World Bicycle Relief is putting on, is really excited about the event and the opportunity can impact we can have. Hope to be doing a 50 mile ride here soon in preparation for the 100 miles we will be riding on August 19th. If you have not yet been able to check out World Bicycle Relief and their mission to impact people throught the power of a bicycle, please check it out. Also if your able to support our ride finically, you can donate online via our Jedidiah/MFG site. Any one of the following links will that you there.

https://madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/supportscott.html

https://madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/supporttyler.html

https://madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/supportlace.html

https://madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/supporttroy.html

Cheers,

Go out and enjoy the day today. 

BE A COMPONENT

From the time I was a little kid, riding my first Huffy 10-speed to friends’ houses in the suburbs of Chicago, to present day in San Diego (where I still find myself riding to friends’ houses), I have so enjoyed the freedom and feeling of cruising on two wheels. Thus, when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of Jedidiah’s team to ride in the Wrigley Field Road Tour in August, I was naturally excited.

For me, a bike has always been a luxury item – something I use for recreation. I have never really seen it as a tool for carving a better life. However, in these recent days, I have come to learn of the significant impact a bike can make for an individual and for a community. In the absence of a personal vehicle or public transportation, a bicycle can be the means of economic and cultural empowerment; for example, it can enable a female to get an education, a doctor to care for more patients during the day, and a small business owner to transport goods to the market so he or she can provide for their family.

I have experienced this sense of empowerment on a micro-level.  I am able to save myself the frustration (and expense) of finding a parking place downtown by riding my bike instead of driving. In this case, my bike has become more than just a tool for enjoyment; it has become a practical tool. But even if I did not have a bike, I could always hop in the car or take pubic transportation to accomplish my tasks. Many people do not have this luxury. In their case, the stakes are much higher. Thus, we are asking you to BE A COMPONENT in contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

This invitation is a vehicle to provide access to independence and livelihood through the Power of Bicycles.  On August 19^th, I have the wonderful opportunity to join Jedidiah’s team to ride in the Wrigley Field Road Tour. This fundraiser will benefit two wonderful organizations: World Bicycle Relief (WBR) and The Chicago Cubs Charity.

Coming this fall and winter season, WBR will partner with Jedidiah to create a Jedidiah clothing collection inspired by the works of WBR.  Please check out www.worldbicyclerelief.org for more information about the people they serve and their programs. At Jedidiah, we are really excited about our upcoming partnership with WBR and specifically the impact this ride will create. To make this ride truly a success, we need your participation as we pedal 100 miles to raise financial support.

  

BE A COMPONENT.

Here’s how you can help:

Pray

The book of James states that prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). We ask for your prayers as we travel to participate in this event: for safety as all riders pedal 100 miles around Chicago Land, and that the work WBR and Jedidiah will do as a result of the money raised will not only make lives better for many people but the work will ultimately point people towards the love of Christ.

Donate

Online:
http://www.madeforgood.com/brands/jedidiah/supporttroy.html

Once there you will be able to enter the amount you wish to contribute. 

By Mail:
Make checks payable to 'Jedidiah' and send to the following address:

Made For Good

Attn: Troy Be Ment

8949 Kenamar Drive, Suite #111

San Diego, CA 92121

By Phone:

If you are having computer troubles, have a poor internet connection, or just plain don’t like the world wide web, please feel free to give me a call: 847.494.0034

In Person:

I would really enjoy talking with you about the ride and different ways for you to be involved. If you know of a time when you will see me, or would just like to find a time to meet, my contact info is below.

Below are some specific dollar amounts and how they transfer to tangible change.

$50.00 - Provide a field mechanic with tools

$134.00 - Inspire an individual: 1 Bicycle

$250.00 - Train a field mechanic

$670.00 - Mobilize a group: 5 Bicycles

$1,340.00 - Energize a neighborhood: 10 Bicycles

$10,000.00 - Cause a movement: 60 Bicycles, 5 Field Mechanics

$15,000.00 - Empower a community: 100 Bicycles, 12 Field Mechanics

These are just some tangible examples of what a donation is able to do. Whether you are able to give $5.00 or $5,000.00, you are a component in helping people travel 4x the distance, carry 5x as much, save someone 3 hours for every ten miles traveled, and truly change someone’s life.

Chicago Land Locals

If you are able to help with any of the logistics on the day of the ride – transportation, bikes, or food – please contact me for more details on specific needs.

Again, thank you for taking the time to consider how you can BE A COMPONENT in changing a life through the power of a bicycle.

Cheers and happy riding,

Troy Be Ment

847.494.0034

troybement@gmail.com

If at anytime you have a question about these processes or would like more information about WBR and Jedidiah, please give me a call or email. We will be sending out updates periodically to keep you informed on the happenings with the ride.

Grandpa

There is something charming, serindipidous really, about the way in which the life of David George Hansen began and ended in the same place. The late blooming realization of this is quite ironic, given the long standing knowledge from the begining of time as written in Genesis Chapter 3

By the sweat of your brow
    you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
    since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
    and to dust you will return.”

These words have put on fresh clothes, presenting themselves  anew, to be explored within the context of our grandfathers life.

From a small room, in a small town, the being of Grandpa was exposed to God's vast playground. In that same hand crafted home his existance in this neighborhood found its final breath.  Like Grandpa, our lives will come full circle. The expereiences one wraps their circumference around provides solid insight on what was most important in their time here on earth. When we look though the scope of our grandfather's life, his expression of love offers itself most prominent. These loving illustrations were generously given to each one of us. Sharing some brief memoires will assist in honoring David George Hansen, ultimately propelling us to do likewise.

Grandpa's bright blue eyes and infectious laugh drew all of his grandchilden out to play. Some of our favorite times were : making homemade ice cream and indulging in some of his favorite treats… circus peanuts, turtles and divinity, hand-tapped maple syrup, and Grandma's homemade cinnamon rolls. Can you tell he had a sweet tooth? We played ping pong, captain jinks and skip-bo for hours on end. One of his favorite things, of course, was being out on the lake. Always up for our early morning ski runs, often asking,"Who's up?" Then giving a solid fist pump cheering us on. He would drive us from the cabin to their house, feet dangeling, as we sat on the tailgate of the little red truck. Always driving in style with a freshly pressed sweater vest and perfecly parted hair, comb in pocket. He was more of fashionista then we thought.    

Most of all, our Grandpa was a man who took delight in the Lord throughout his life.  Many of our days with him began with singing hymns, and prayers for all the family by name.  We were always reminded and encouraged by him to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. Grandpa also took pride in his work and being a good steward of what he'd been given. Grandpa was always raking the seaweed on the beach and hammering those pesky nails on the dock. He taught us when you had a job, you finished it well with a gracious spirit. He always kept Hansen Hill Acres looking good!  At home, Grandma could count on Grandpa to be right by her side doing the dishes after one of those fabulous meals. They were a partner in everything. He visibly showed us what it means to love in the way he adored his Betty. It was a true, honest, and genuine love. Loyal and steadfast.
So as we muse on the cirlce of time called life, we thank you Grandpa for investing personally in all of us. Providing honest insight to our lives and encouraging us in the Lord. Always, encouraging us in the Lord.
Thank you for modeling a life of joy, faith and truth. And really, for Just choosing to love us.  Beginning to end.

Doing

There is value in doing
There is worth in getting done
Something in need of fixing
Something that is over come

No, thinking will not do it
No thought could follow through
You’ll have to lift a muscle
Or maybe even two

You’re going to have troubles
I know you’ll find it hard
It will have you seeing doubles
It will leave you a little marred

It may just last a second
Or two or three or four
Or possibly a life time
And crush your spirit more

Worry will not help it
It will not get it done
You’re goin’ have to do it
Who knows it could be fun

One foot and then the other
One hand and then the next
Before too long you've done it
And now it's time to rest

And so it starts again
The cycle of the this day
I've found no better way to start it
Then fold thy hands and pray

For Worry will not help it
it will not get it done
it's best to leave those things
to father and his son

There is value in doing
There is worth in getting done
Something in need of fixing
Something that is over come

So do it well and do your best
then close the door, go home, and rest

The Forest

The passing of time in this life rubs and wears on your emotions. It produces heat, enticing the life from our soul with easy paths, attractive façades, and fruitless gains before finally debarking its grasp leaving you exsiccated and paralyzed. It is at this stage, one acknowledges no action of their own doing can restore their lifeless condition, outside help is needed, outside help is mandatory. I see God’s redemption of this condition most clearly illustrated by the environment the forest extends. The forest saturates my soul. Advancing on the cracks and craters of my adust being, imbuing and subduing the parts of me requiring restitution. Until my very existence lies limp in a pliant state, awaiting diligent reconstruction by God himself. This notion constitutes adoration and thanksgiving only merited unto God. And the awareness of God’s loving pursuit to reclaim my life less soul deserves nothing less then full devotion. When I’m in the forest I feel free, I feel at peace, I feel whole.