When Michelle and I were in the courting stage of our relationship, I asked her to name some things that uplifted and inspired her . . . one of her favorite things to do is summit a mountain. As we made our way to my boyhood home of Batesville, AR, I knew I wanted us to conquer the rocky crag of Sugarloaf. We couldn't understand just how good of an idea that was until we experienced that vast vista from the top.

The sweetest part of Batesville is the people: old high school buddies, former sunday school teachers, and family friends. Thanks to Mark C, the Prothros, and Wades for taking us in despite the hard times they received from me during the ol' days of mischief.

On the way to Memphis . . . a stopover at the mountain biking paradise of the Grassy Creek basin near Batesville. Back in high school, this land held a sacred place for our group of thrill-seeking daredevils equipped with Trek mountain bikes and adventurous spirits. More than a decade later, through vast expanses of natural beauty, the Grassy Creek territory is still able to inspire spiritual meditations and thoughts of our Creator - as well as a little fun.

Apparently, we weren't the only ones.

Jimmie, here we come.