The Killington outreach was very different from what's been done at the 24 Hours of Moab or 24 Hours of Big Bear. The resort itself had some insurance liability requirements that hindered providing any official wrench support for other racers. We also had a difficult time finding a forth racer for the team, but the Lord supplied a great guy to fill out our team. With all the challenges we faced, we could sense that the Lord had plans....
....albeit plans that were different from our other outreach efforts, for IC3's outreach at Killington. We knew we were to be there so we were looking for a special time of blessing.
 The blessing started when the Lord connected us with our forth team mate, Eric. The same guy was recommended by Seth's Bible study partner and by a customer at the shop where my wife, Donna, works. Seth contacted Eric and a friendship was started. Eric checked us out and then agreed to join our team. When we met Eric in person we found out that he's the son of our local car dealer who we know well after buying multiple vehicles from him. The way all this was working together, we knew this was going to be a special weekend and we were not all brought together by chance. One area of ministry for the weekend was relationship building with the Granny Gear folks. A small race provides a more casual setting to talk with Baird Knight, the owner, and others such as Frances and Kevin that work for Granny Gear. They are fully aware of IC3 and the impact we have on their races. They expressed their regret that our wrench was unable to join us because of the liability issues and they hope to work something out for next year. Having a limited number of teams also meant that more opportunities were available for socializing. What this means is, each time we were in the transition tent waiting for a lap, our competing team mates were also there waiting their turn. We would chat, talk about the course, the mud and the climbing as well as have opportunity to encourage each other. Out on the course, we recognized each other and spent time conversing as well while we wadded through the mud. Just a good opportunity to share and show God's love. Each of the Ironclad team members commented on how neat this opportunity was.  When Park Tools (only mechanic on-site) packed up and left about four hours into the race because of the rain, there was no mechanics available. So team Ironclad became the resident mechanics by default. Granny Gear was recommending other racers contact us for help with their bikes. Seth ended up doing bike work a number of times for different riders. A couple racers from one of our competing teams knocked on the condo door asking for help, which Seth freely provided. It's good to have such a reputation. So as we reflect on the weekend, there wasn't a "tent" ministry, no official mechanical or worship services, we didn't even have a banner out. But the Lord worked in people's lives, both IC3 and those we were in contact with. The results are totally in the Lord's hands. Five of us did the job the Lord placed before us. We gave up a weekend; traveling eight hours northeast to lay down a consistent race in spite of heavy rain and mud; in an effort to show God's love to a group that needed to know "its not about us, its about Christ". Would we do it again? You bet, it was one of the most blessed ministry efforts of our IC3 group! We are already discussing the outreach at Killington next year! 
When all the mud settled, the Lord blessed Team Ironclad with a second place finish in the Men's Sport division and a fifth place finish overall. This podium finish places Team Ironclad in the top position of Granny Gear's 24 Hour National Point Series in Men's Sport. Plans are being made for Team Ironclad to race the 24 Hours of Landahl in Blue Springs, MO September 16-17th. Will we be able to hold our position?
It's not the when, the where, the how or the who… It's the Why we do it that makes it all worth it!
Bike on..... |
