BSA Bike Journey to Drop Restrictions on Gays: D+1: Idaho to Utah

Joe and I had a surprise the morning of Friday, May 3 when we were scrambling to meet our door-time: tires were soft. However, we made good time from the house across town to Bill's Bike to meet our exit party and Idaho Falls co-riders.

We met 82-year-old Hank Bolin there at Bill's. She's ridden a bike all over the world and is currently the leader of the Idaho Falls Ladies' group. Youngest member is 60! She (and all of them) are inspirations to me. Mongolia? She's ridden there. Oh, and she has a son. Who is gay.

As a group we rode to the Idaho Falls Veteran's Memorial where we were greeted to the strains of bag pipes and an invocation by one of my ministers - Reverend Lyn. With that blessing we headed to Idaho Falls High School Gay Straight Alliance club. This club does include some gays. But mainly it includes kids who want to hang out with their friends in a safe place - where it is safe to be known as gay.

Speaking of where it is not safe to be known as gay - we then went to the Boy Scouts of America's Grand Teton Council.There is it is not safe to be gay. Oh ... they may say it's just like the Army's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)" policy ... but apparently they didn't get the memo.  

All of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are on record - now nearly two years ago, that DADT dishonors you twice: institutionally, and by forcing honorably serving members to hide their true identity. So much for "A Scout is Trustworthy." So Boy Scouts - how again are you building moral leaders for tomorrow? I ask because the United States of America's military forces became fully gay affirmative, and inclusive nearly two years ago. And yet where are the Scouts? Are they out front? Near as I can tell - at least in my home Council - the Scouts are in the rear with the gear and full of fear.

I, however, have been out in front for 25 years. Come on in! The water's fine! Our Scout Law includes "A Scout is Brave."

I am too hard on my council ... To their credit, they've not been prepared for this change by their sponsoring organizations. It turns out, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is fully tolerant of gays who are open. Did you know that? However, even though their General Handbook of Instruction withholds no church sacrament or blessing to gays who remain chaste, many members remain unaware that this is the current policy of the LDS Church.

I also recognize that my local council is actually lagging behind the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America. A recent broadcasted conference of the BSA HQs leadership indicates they know very well where the membership of BSA sits in regards to inclusion and affirmation of gay youths and adults: fully 60 percent are not in favor. However, the BSA leadership also appears to be clear that the nation itself has shifted. That the vast majority of America knows gay people and many have gay people they love. And America is demanding a change in its institutions to come with the people into the 21st century.

The Trip So Far

Joe and I put in some extra miles yesterday: The ride from home to Bills. The tour of Idaho Falls.

We did leave Bill's on time: 10 a.m. Weather was perfect! A slight tailwind took us down to Pocatello - and we met our scheduled appearance at Pocatello City Hall. Did you hear the sound of the bugle ( ... actually it was a harmonium ...) playing the strains of "Amazing Grace?" That was a gift from Joe and I to the City Council and the mayor. We hope they re-think the requested anti-discrimination ordinance they failed to pass last week. The baton has now been passed to Idaho Falls. We hope we don't have to go there and do something similarly wonderful. Because ... I will whip my kazoo out and play something really irritating with it if we can't do the right thing. Grace everybody!

Joe and I recharged equipment at McDonald's across the street from Idaho State University - free wifi! We then left and climbed South Mink Creek Road and up into the Caribou National Forest. We got pix. It was just getting dark on the summit. We rode down the other side in the dark and it was scary!

At about 10:30 p.m. we finally bonked. Short of our goal - but feeling good for the day. Anyway - I was operating on about four hours of sleep. I haven't had a full night's sleep in about two months, so I was ready. We camped in the verge - the spare acre between dry farming alfalfa fields. Slept like the dead. Well, I did. Joe said he tossed and turned.

This morning's ride was awesome! Sunny, warm, tailwind again (it won't last). We met a delightful 60-year-old male/female team from Rigby and Rexburg. We paced them for several miles. Chatted. They were going like the wind, so we drafted them and chatted.

Well ... the batteries are about charged! So we are hitting the road again. We are supposed to be in Ogden tonight staying with a gay family. Oh? You hadn't heard? Gays have families, too! Who'd'a thought?

Speaking of gay families ... Did you hear my brother is going to come join us for the Salt Lake Tour? So excited!

Be prepared for something wonderful. Peace.