I've been rubbing my fingers periodically this morning. I have a tingling sensation in the fourth and fifth finger on each hand. I suspect that it will go away in a day or two. It is an after effect of riding my bicycle five hundred miles last week.

My theory is that spending hours supporting the weight of my upper body with the palms of my hands on the handlebars cut off the flow of blood to my fingers. I feel great about this year's ride. The tingling in my fingers is my most serious consequence. There are no major aches or pains.

Our bicycles held up as well. Phillip's bike had one flat tire, otherwise both bikes rolled along without incident.

There were 122 cyclists who started the ride. One had a serious fall. His bike contacted the rear wheel of the bike in front of him causing him to crash. He went over the handlebars and landed headfirst on the pavement. We all wear helmets, and his probably saved his life. Even with the helmet he suffered a brain concussion and spent one night in the hospital. He was walking around and visiting with people the next day.

The goals were the same as last year's goals. One goal is to raise money to help Habitat for Humanity build simple, decent, homes in partnership with God's people in need. Another goal is to raise awareness about the work of Habitat for Humanity. When more than one hundred cyclists ride through town, people ask us what we are up to. Newspaper reporters even come out and take pictures. Another goal is for the riders to have fun. We would do that even if no one told us to.

All the riders combined raised more than $200,000 this year. Four riders from North St. Louis County raised around $8,500.

Last year when I left for the ride I weighed 220 pounds. The ride was difficult for me. This year I've been eating less, and exercising more. When I left for the ride I weighed 195 pounds. I rode much faster, and even on the 102-mile day I finished with more than an hour to spare before suppertime. I needed to lose the weight to improve my health, but having the ride to look forward to gave me additional incentive.

One of the hazards of Habitat for Humanity work is that it can capture your heart and your soul. You could simply be out to enjoy a bike ride, and along the way you could meet a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. They might walk up to you and shake your hand. Then with tears in their eyes they might tell you how much it means to them to be living in a simple decent home. After an experience like that, bike riding may never be quite the same for you again.

That is exactly what happened to a young lady from Texas. She came on her first Habitat 500 ride because she had seen a brochure in a bike shop and she thought it would be fun. Within a year of that ride she was working full time for Habitat for Humanity International. She has an office in Austin, TX and another in Americus, GA. She helps Habitat for Humanity International secure large contributions from corporations and foundations. She thought the bike ride would be fun, and now Habitat for Humanity is her life's vocation.

In Habitat for Humanity we call that disease Habititus. It is contagious. Sometimes people get if from something as simple as reading a newsletter article. There is no cure. It is simply a disease people live with and it makes the world a better place. I thank all of you for putting up with a pastor who was infected with this disease some time ago.

Phillip and I both thank all of you who prayed for us during the ride and those of you who made pledges and contributions. You are reaching out in Christian love and helping to provide a simple, decent, place for someone to live.

Next year the ride will take place during the week of July 13th. It is very likely that the ride will come through this area. I have been asked to help with some of the route planning. I am already beginning to look forward to it. If any one wishes to ride along or join the ride support staff, I would love to tell you about some of the possibilities. Thank you all again. May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Pastor Birk