Maddie Johnston

You got this Madonk!!! Keep on keeping on!!

You made the goal!!!! You rock!!!

Do you realize you’re in the top three of women in this race? And you’re about to break your goal of TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILES on your first time ever in agony! WHO ARE YOU MADELYN?! Wow

Maddie! I’m so proud of you! 228 miles!?! This is so exciting ...You are so close to your goal! I wish I was there to celebrate with you when you finish. But just remember daddy and I are WITH you!!! May the Lord give you strength to finish strong.

After riding for most of 21 hours, you must hurt all over and your legs must be screaming to quit. But think of those 30 names taped on your bike and remember how much your pain now will help ease the pain of kids like them in the future. I've thought a lot about how this endeavor is a Christ-like act; you and the other riders knowingly endure a difficult trial for the sake of people who need the love and care your efforts will give them. It's beautiful.

Maddie-How are you still riding at this pace?!?! I'm so proud of you and happy for you! at the time I'm writing this, you're at 215 miles and you just left Beckwourth. So that means one more time around the circuit and you'll have met your goal!! You've got this! It's a wonderful thing to see your kid work so hard and succeed. I honestly don't know how to describe it but there's a thrill to it like nothing else in the world can give a mom and I love watching you achieve. With so much love, Mama

MADDIE!!!! You are absolutely killing it sister!! I am so impressed and so proud to know you. Keep it up. Finish strong. You are making a difference!!!

MADELYN LEA!!!! You've ridden over 200 miles!! I'm in awe. What keeps you going? I think it must be lots of drive and determination, a splash of sass, a dash of stubbornness (which you get from me!) and all that yogurt and granola you eat!!! :D I love you!

Magdie the Brave, A haiku entitled Don’ts: Wear all black clothing. Only slam on your front brakes Kill pedestrians. Only you can prevent forest fires, Maggie Hardy

Yay! Keep it up, kiddo! You're in the back half and the sun will be rising soon! That'll give a boost!

it's 6:00am in Nashville and the sun is coming up. I imagine it'll be a welcome sight once it starts getting light there. You're doing SO great! I have a piece of advice for you when you're feeling tired: Keep moving your legs and don't fall over. Hahaha! Love you

Eat, Drink, Pedal! Every time my alarm wakes me, I open the computer and there’s your dot, still traveling the circuit. I’m seriously impressed by your perseverance! Lord, Fill Maddie and all the other riders with your strength that doesn’t fail. Give them endurance and energy that surpasses understanding. Bless their efforts on behalf of your Kingdom.

3:00 am here! At your last stop, you crossed the halfway mark!! Halfway to your goal!! Well done! Keep up the great work!! One pedal stroke at a time... You can do it! I can’t even imagine cycling in the dark… you are so brave! Praying you have good company to ride with so you can keep each other encouraged. Big hugs!!

YOU ARE A BOSS, AMAZING, BRILLIANT, STRONG! Keep riding strong!

Embody your inner Forest Gump. If Forest was on a bike. And... Only did it for 24 hours

Sup, Magdie, Another biking haiku for you: No more pillow face Pedal into the nighttime To my bright abyss. I still haven't read that book but I still think it makes a great emo band name. You got this, Pillow face! P.S. I don't think this messaging service has spell check so I'm doing the best I can. Ragrettably, Maggie Hardy

NOW was the day departing, and the air, Imbrown’d with shadows, from their toils released All animals on earth; and I alone Prepared myself the conflict to sustain, Both of sad pity, and that perilous road, 5 Which my unerring memory shall retrace. O Muses! O high genius! now vouchsafe Your aid. O mind! that all I saw hast kept Safe in a written record, here thy worth And eminent endowments come to proof. 10 I thus began: “Bard! thou who art my guide, Consider well, if virtue be in me Sufficient, ere to this high enterprise Thou trust me. Thou hast told that Silvius’ sire, 1 Yet clothed in corruptible flesh, among 15 The immortal tribes had entrance, and was there Sensibly present. Yet if Heaven’s great Lord, Almighty foe to ill, such favor show’d In contemplation of the high effect, Both what and who from him should issue forth, 20 It seems in reason’s judgment well deserved; Sith he of Rome and of Rome’s empire wide, In Heaven’s imperial height was chosen sire: Both which, if truth be spoken, were ordain’d And stablish’d for the holy place, where sits 25 Who to great Peter’s sacred chair succeeds. He from this journey, in thy song renown’d, Learn’d things, that to his victory gave rise And to the papal robe. In after-times The Chosen Vessel 2 also travel’d there, 30 To bring us back assurance in that faith Which is the entrance to salvation’s way. But I, why should I there presume? or who Permits it? not Æneas I, nor Paul. Myself I deem not worthy, and none else 35 Will deem me. I, if on this voyage then I venture, fear it will in folly end. Thou, who art wise, better my meaning know’st, Than I can speak.” As one, who unresolves What he hath late resolved, and with new thoughts 40 Changes his purpose, from his first intent Removed; e’en such was I on that dun coast, Wasting in thought my enterprise, at first So eagerly embraced. “If right thy words I scan,” replied that shade magnanimous, 45 “Thy soul is by vile fear assail’d, which oft So overcasts a man, that he recoils From noblest resolution, like a beast At some false semblance in the twilight gloom. That from this terror thou mayst free thyself, 50 I will instruct thee why I came, and what I heard in that same instant, when for thee Grief touch’d me first. I was among the tribe, Who rest suspended, 3 when a dame, so blest And lovely I besought her to command, 55 Call’d me; her eyes were brighter than the star Of day; and she, with gentle voice and soft, Angelically tuned, her speech address’d: ‘O courteous shade of Mantua! thou whose fame Yet lives, and shall live long as nature lasts! 60 A friend, not of my fortune but myself, On the wide desert in his road has met Hindrance so great, that he through fear has turn’d. Now much I dread lest he past help have stray’d, And I be risen too late for his relief, 65 From what in heaven of him I heard. Speed now, And by thy eloquent persuasive tongue, And by all means for his deliverance meet, Assist him. So to me will comfort spring. I, who now bid thee on this errand forth, 70 Am Beatrice; 4 from a place I come Revisited with joy. Love brought me thence, Who prompts my speech. When in my Master’s sight I stand, thy praise to him I oft will tell.’ “She then was silent, and I thus began: 75 ‘O Lady! by whose influence alone Mankind excels whatever is contain’d Within that heaven which hath the smallest orb, So thy command delights me, that to obey, If it were done already, would seem late. 80 No need hast thou further to speak thy will: Yet tell the reason, why thou art not loth To leave that ample space, where to return Thou burnest, for this centre here beneath.’ “She then: ‘Since thou so deeply wouldst inquire, 85 I will instruct thee briefly why no dread Hinders my entrance here. Those things alone Are to be fear’d whence evil may proceed; None else, for none are terrible beside. I am so framed by God, thanks to His grace! 90 That any sufferance of your misery Touches me not, nor flame of that fierce fire Assails me. In high Heaven a blessed Dame 5 Resides, who mourns with such effectual grief That hindrance, which I send thee to remove, 95 That God’s stern judgment to her will inclines.’ To Lucia, 6 calling, her she thus bespake: ‘Now doth thy faithful servant need thy aid, And I commend him to thee.’ At her word Sped Lucia, of all cruelty the foe, 100 And coming to the place, where I abode Seated with Rachel, her of ancient days, She thus address’d me: “Thou true praise of God! Beatrice! why is not thy succour lent To him, who so much loved thee, as to leave 105

Over 25% of the way done! YAHOO!

You ride agony. You crush agony. YOU. ARE. AGONY.

I just looked at your stats page and at one point you were avg. 49.5 mph! It said it was a beta version and maybe not accurate, but I'm just gonna go with it and brag to everyone about it anyway. You're crushing it by any measure! Woot!

" They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Is. 40:31

38 miles! You’re kicking butt!!!!

You’re on the leaderboard! You are KILLING IT! So proud of you.

Keep it up kiddo! I’m glued to the web and rooting for your little dot as it goes round and round! You rock!

We’re all so proud of you! Way to go! Ride on! Whoo-hooooo

Maddie!!!! You're a hero! Happy riding, you're making so many people proud ❤️❤️❤️

Maddie you are amazing !!!!! Grandad would be so proud of you! Mom just sent me this link and gave me updates. Praying for safety for you and everyone. with love and pride ...Grandma .

I'm watching your dot move along the course and based on your pace, you will have met your goal right about now. The clock here reads 2:02. You amaze me.

You are SOOOOOO close! Final push! We’re rooting for you!

You’re almost to your official goal— everything after that is bonus!! Pedal like a real girl!!

Hey Maddie! You’re crushing it! God is glorified by your service. We both know God is worth it & the students are worth it. Dang you’re a godly woman. I hope you’ve been able to have some good convos with God while on the road. Keep it up friend!!! Love you!

Maddie!! OMG your doing it!!! Your doing your first agony ride. Now I know your tired but I know that you can finish strong. I love you and am very proud of you. Finish strong sweet one. You have this in the bag. Congrats on however far you go. I love you.

Go Maddie go! YOU'RE INCREDIBLE!!

WOE!! WAY TO HO MADDIE. Hitting the road here again, so keep it up.

Maddie! 16 hours down and you keep churning up the road!! You’re two thirds of the way through your time but well past 2/3 of your goal!! Keep going!! You got this!! I continue to marvel at your determination and stamina!! Love you oodles!

Maddie! You’re amazing! So proud of you, keep It up!

About two more legs until sunrise! I saw on a agony FB video that they’ll have eggs and bacon and all sorts of food but I bet you’ll eat yogurt or a weird granola bar. Just eat something at least. You’re probably drinking more water than you ever have in your entire life in such a short span of time. INCREDIBLE. Drink more water 2019.

Maddie, You're making amazing time!! I hope this means you continue to feel good and strong! It's 4:00am here and I'm praying for you and all your fellow riders! You're all remarkable in your dedication and support to the Ranch. Keep pedaling!!! Love you so much!

2:00 am here. I'm praying you feel strong and energized. So amazed at your commitment. Keep up the great work! Love you so much!

It's 1am in Nashville and I've stayed up in solidarity with you so far! Hourly alarms are set for the next 5 hours! I'll be checking on your progress and praying for you and all the others riding through the night. Love you so much!

Next time you stop you’ll be at 100 miles! It reminds me how in elementary school you celebrate the 100th day of school. Maybe I should’ve sent you those “100” glasses that make the zeros around the eyes. So proud of you!!

I’m thinking of you as you enter into the night time hours! You are a champ - I’m proud of you and the way you so tangibly support others.

Flat? Shmat. If you really had one, I hope it wasn't too big a problem. Of course if you had a flat, then at least I know you weren't two tired for a while... . ha ha Dad humor. Quantity, not quality, right? Keep on rollin'!

She's rolling rolling rollinggggg she's rolling rolling rollinggggg

Keep it up girl--you're doing great. We love you--but we are going to bed! (I will check on you during the night) G'pa

MADELYN LEA!!!! You're already 1/4 of the way to your goal!!!! Way to cycle!!! :)

Get it Johnston! You're killing it!

Just keep PEDALING!!! ❤️

You’ve got this girl! Sending you happy vibes from Florida!!! Stay safe! ❤️

EMBRACE THE SWEAT, Maddie!! I saw you take off at the start of the race via the live FB video.... tears in my eyes over my strong and caring daughter giving all she's got for the place and people she loves. You truly do live and love fiercely. I love that about you and thrill to see God in you that way. All my love! ~Mama

You are unendingly inspiring and the world needs more of you! You're my hero!

Maddie, You just rounded the turn on the homestretch toward Loyalton! You've seriously killed it, especially this last few hours. You've continued to amaze and inspire me these last 24 hours!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! Love you so much, Mama

What is going on?!?!?! YOU LOOPED at the last checkpoint!!! You'd been riding for 22.5 hours when you decided to LOOP!!!! You are a gutsy girl. You've got grit and you're showing it off now!!! So, So, So, So excited for you!!

Maddie Lea!!!! One more stage. That’s what it’ll take to make your goal. You can do it!! I think you are a remarkable person who gives herself away for the benefit of others and in doing so, you demonstrate Christ’s love. I’m praying that your wheels feel like they’re carrying you along. That the road flies by and you can enjoy the last miles of this amazing event. That the faces of those you’ve poured into at the ranch will fill your mind and cheer you on to finish strong. Big hugs, Mama

Hey, Buddy, super proud of you! You're almost done! You're the fucking raddest and I'm so glad you're doing this; hope you are too. Rest well soon 😘

Queen Magdie, You are doing amazing out there. I so wish I could be there in person cheering you on. I’m sorry you have to settle for my terrible poetry. Here is a haiku entitled Choices: Hydrate or perish Consume calories or starve Pedal or withdraw Godspeed, Maggie Hardy

Maddie!! OMG your doing it!!! Your doing your first agony ride. Now I know your tired but I know that you can finish strong. I love you and am very proud of you. Finish strong sweet one. You have this in the bag. Congrats on however far you go. I love you.

Over 200 miles! Hoooooooooooooooooly Cow!! All that with complications like flat tires. So cool! We’re rooting for you; hang in there! Love you much!!

Mad Dog!!! You're closing in on 190 Miles!!! You're a rock star rider!!! Just keep pedaling, just keep pedaling, just keep pedaling! And try not to blow out any more tires. :D

MADDIE. You’re one of my heroes. I love the way you’re game for almost anything, and you’ll give 100% whether anyone is watching or not. Super inspired by the way you’re loving these people with your hands and feet and sweat and self. I’m all about the good things that cost these days, that’s the stuff that makes us better and more whole - and I’m glad you have this place and these people that matter to you so much. :) PLEASE write a poem about this when it’s all over!! Onwards, dude. - Sar

Maddie! It appears most of my messages to your through the night didn't get to you... they aren't showing up online at least. I hope you got them! I've been praying for you and all the riders every hour all night. Stay strong! You're keeping a terrific pace!! The sun will peak over the horizon soon and I pray it fills you with strength and energy. Lord, Keep Maddie going strong for your glory and fill her with Holy Spirit power to ride this race till the end and finish strong. Love you so much Maddie!

Can’t sleep (I have my broken leg propped up on 600 pillows) and just finished an episode of Q.E. Johnathan Van Ness was talking about how when you challenge yourself to do hard things (he was referring to figure skating) how that builds resiliency and strength. I kept thinking about you and this ride! You’re doing so amazing!!

The big 150 coming up! You’ve got this! You’re “cookin”

Great and Powerful, Magdie. Another haiku: Keep your helmet on Do not go over the bars Shove your face with food This message will self destruct in 10 seconds, Maggie Hardy

One Hundred Onety-one miles!! Super job, Mad! You made great time on that last leg!

We'd have run along side you while you rode, but we'd only have made it about half a mile before we were ready for a nap.

Thought you might get bored so here's a little reading material. A short excerpt of Dante's Inferno

A is for "Atta Girl!!" G is for "Goal gonna get crushed!" O is for "One. More. Lap." N is for "No sleep." Y is for "You are UNSTOPPABLE!"

Beloved Magdie, I've all of the sudden become very worried that I've accidentally sent some messages to Michael Johnson instead of Maddie Johnston. If so, I hope he likes haikus. I heard you got a flat tire so I'm going to give you a choice between an inspirational quote and highly demotivating satire. Know thyself and choose wisely. INSPIRATION: "It's the moment you think you can't, that you can." -Celine Dion DEMOTIVATION: There were nights when the wind was so cold That my body froze in bed if I just listened to it Right outside the window There were days when the sun was so cruel That all the tears turned to dust And I just knew my eyes were drying up forever (forever) I finished crying in the instant that you left And I can't remember where or when or how And I banished every memory you and I had ever made Love, Celine

GO GET ‘EM MIDDAY DADDY!

63 miles! Incredible. I just got my splint on my leg and I’m heading back to camp. Can’t wait to hear about this adventure!!! You are rocking it!

Go Maddie!!! Love you friend. You’re a boss.

I DONT KNOW HOW THIS WORKS OR HOW YOU SEE IT BUT WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Magdie Dearest, Here is a biking haiku I wrote just for you! I like to ride bikes but this seems a little much. You can do it, legs! I thought it was cute. I hope it inspires. Ride on, Maggie Hardy

Go Maddie Go! I’m so proud of you! Hope that you are having fun and enjoying yourself! :) :)

You are OFF THE CHAIN (but hopefully actually on it). So proud of you for embarking on this challenge! You’ve got this!!