And this year's journey begins...the Ride for Missing Children

Another aspect of the ride is the remembrance and honoring of our missing children. Throughout the day there are silent tributes to honor and remember our missing children ~ every rider, spectator and law enforcement travel past a sign and wreath bearing the name of different missing children in pure silence. Tears moisten my cheeks remembering previous rides, as riders nod, cry, pat their chest or make the sign of the cross as they pass the family of that missing child. There is also a ring of hope for our missing children yet to be found. Keep every missing child, their families and the riders in your prayers between now and Saturday.  Many travel miles simply to ride their bicycles 100 miles to increase awareness, bring home our missing children and keep our other children safe.

Our day starts bright and early tomorrow – up and out of the hotel by 5 a.m. , with closing ceremonies concluding between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. May God bless all involved.

After this morning's weather report I learned it will be warm with a chance of rain and thunder showers tomorrow then 80's and sunny Sunday. Will you join me in prayer for the sunny weather of Saturday to move in quicker? This will keep the riders both drier and safer. Thanks for the prayers.

Statistics as of yesterday on the website, 2011 at 10:23 p.m. - I pray Heidi will be 4,670

To encourage the riders, PLEASE POST AN ENCOURAGING WORD FOR THE RIDERS AND/OR THE FAMILY OF THE MISSING CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE at tomorrow's ride. If you prefer to sign anonymously  ~ list your name as "encourager", your email is kept private and isn't listed online or used for solicitation.

Your positive, prayerful or uplifting post has potential to motivate, encourage and uplift hundreds to persevere through the weather and 100 miles tomorrow, and for the days and weeks to follow.