One Mile at a Time, He Leads the Way

We had a wonderful night’s rest at Rusty and Linda’s house. There is something so special about our CMA family. Even when we are thousands of miles from home, God continues to remind us that we are never really alone. He has placed incredible people along this journey who have opened their homes, shared their tables, and welcomed us like family.

Linda had coffee already made and a frittata baking in the oven when we got up. What a blessing to wake up to the smell of coffee and breakfast!

Less, a friend of Rusty and Linda’s who was camping in their yard because of the fires in Spokane, came over and joined us for breakfast. Before long, the conversation moved far beyond motorcycles and travel. We began sharing our testimonies—how each of us came to know Christ, the roads God had brought us through, and the moments when He met us right where we were.

I love those conversations.

There is something powerful about sitting around a table with people you may have just met, yet realizing that you share the most important thing of all—Jesus.

God has a way of arranging divine appointments along the road. Sometimes we think we are simply stopping for the night, but God sees something much bigger. He sees the people we will meet, the stories we will share, and the encouragement we will give one another.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

That morning, we were reminded once again that this journey isn’t only about the places we see. It’s about the people God puts in our path.

Eventually, it was time to say goodbye and get back on the bikes.

We crossed over into Montana and took Exit 77 off I-90 toward Petty Creek. About five miles down the road, the pavement disappeared and turned into gravel.

I remember thinking, This is nothing compared to the roads we rode in Alaska!

But then I remembered something important—I’m in Montana now, and gravel roads in the mountains have their own personality!

Before long, we were climbing mountain passes, navigating one switchback after another. Loose gravel and dirt covered the road around every curve, making each turn something to respect.

Melvin was riding ahead of me, and we stayed connected through our headsets. Because of the tight switchbacks, I couldn’t see what was coming around the next corner, so Melvin would let me know if there was traffic approaching.

There was something comforting about hearing his voice through the headset.

I couldn’t see what was around the corner, but I knew someone was watching ahead.

And isn’t that a picture of our walk with God?

We don’t always know what’s waiting around the next bend. We can’t see what tomorrow holds. Sometimes the road gets rough, steep, unfamiliar, and even a little intimidating.

But we don’t have to see the whole road.

We just have to trust the One who does.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

After about five miles, the pavement returned, and we continued toward Graves Creek. After riding for about four hours in 97-degree heat, we were definitely ready for lunch!

We stopped at Lumberjacks, also known as The Jacks.

I ordered garlic Parmesan chicken wings with sweet potato fries, while Melvin had a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with French fries.

And let me tell you—those wings tasted especially good after several hours on the motorcycle!

The Jacks was such a neat place. The massive rustic buildings were constructed by loggers in 1972 and made almost entirely from cedar logs. The whole place had that incredible old-fashioned, mountain-lodge feeling.

Inside, one enormous log had actually been carved out to create sinks and bar service, and the building was constructed around it. A massive stone fireplace was built using rocks from the local creek.

There were stages for live music inside, on the back deck, and even out on the lawn.

We chose a table outside on the large covered deck. There were round tables and picnic tables, a huge BBQ grill, and just beyond the deck was a large circular fire pit surrounded by chairs.

Across the yard were several small cabins available for rent.

The whole place had been built by lumberjacks, for lumberjacks—a place in the woods where people could come to rest, relax, eat, and enjoy the beauty around them.

And once again, I couldn’t help but think about how God provides places of rest along the journey.

Sometimes we are so focused on getting to the destination that we forget we were never designed to run endlessly without stopping.

Even Jesus took time to rest.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” — Mark 6:31

There are seasons for riding hard.

There are seasons for climbing.

There are seasons for pushing through.

But there are also seasons when God says, Stop. Sit down. Rest. Let Me refresh you.

After lunch, we climbed back on the bikes and continued toward Lolo Hot Springs along Route 12.

What an incredible motorcycle road!

The road wound through the mountains, following a beautiful creek with steep mountain walls rising on both sides. Curve after curve, the scenery reminded us once again that God’s creation is beyond anything we could have imagined.

We stopped at Lolo Hot Springs, a historic resort located in the Lolo National Forest, about 37 miles southwest of Missoula.

I decided to take a dip in the hot springs while Melvin relaxed with a cup of coffee.

After riding for hours in 97-degree heat, that refreshing soak felt amazing!

Sometimes the simplest blessings become the sweetest ones—a cool drink, a hot meal, a comfortable bed, a cup of coffee, or a few quiet moments to simply breathe.

God’s goodness isn’t always found in the spectacular.

Sometimes it’s found in the ordinary moments we might otherwise overlook.

We didn’t have time to ride all the way to Lolo Pass, although I would have loved to. Lolo Pass rises to 5,233 feet in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains along the Montana-Idaho border.

Maybe someday.

But one thing we’ve learned during these 66 days is that we don’t have to experience everything in one trip.

There is always another road.

Another mountain.

Another adventure.

Another reason to come back.

After my relaxing dip, we climbed back on the bikes and headed toward Missoula.

Once again, God had provided.

Our friends Andrew and Oz had opened their home to us just outside Missoula and had a spare room waiting for us.

How blessed are we to have friends who make room for us when we’re far from home?

This trip has taught us over and over again that God’s provision often comes through people.

A friend.

A stranger.

A fellow rider.

A CMA brother or sister.

Someone who opens a door, shares a meal, offers a prayer, or simply says, Come on in. You can rest here.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” — Hebrews 13:2

Tonight, I made chicken quesadillas for dinner, and then we settled in for the evening.

We worked on uploading footage, writing today’s blog, and enjoying something we have learned not to take for granted on this trip—air conditioning!

Tomorrow will be another long riding day—about 400 miles to the KOA in Red Lodge, Montana.

So tonight is about rest.

Resting our bodies.

Resting our minds.

Getting the bikes ready.

And preparing our hearts for another day on the road.

As I look back over these 51 days, I am amazed at how God has carried us.

We’ve ridden through rain, heat, gravel, mud, mountains, construction, ferry crossings, and roads that seemed to go on forever.

We’ve had mechanical problems, unexpected detours, breathtaking views, exhaustion, laughter, and moments that brought us to tears.

And through every mile, God has been faithful.

We may have planned this trip, but God has been writing the story.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9

There are only 15 days left in this 66-day adventure.

The bikes may be pointed toward home now, but our journey isn’t over.

And neither is the mission.

If you’d like to continue riding along with us as we make our way back across the country, we’d love to have you join us on YouTube and Facebook at Wrights On A Mission.

Because the bikes may be pointed toward home now…

But the mission continues.

Until tomorrow…

Keep your eyes on the road, your heart fixed on Christ, and never stop following wherever He leads.