last minute preparations

Today was the last Sunday before the tour that we attended our home church, Grace CRC.  Next Sunday, Paul and I will take part in the send off service at First CRC while Cynthia participates in the Grace Church send off.  Knowing we wouldn't be back until September brought many feelings to the forefront.  Its exciting, but scary and sad all at the same time.  I enjoy being there each Sunday and sharing in the joys and sorrows of our church family.  We have been blessed to be a part of such a loving and caring community. 

The last batch of cheques have been sent in.  Before we leave on the tour, we would like to inform you of where we are both locally and collectively in our fundraising goals.  Together, Cynthia, Paul and I have submitted, with your help, $37,459 (our goal was 30,000).  These moneys were raised using a combination of fundraisers, church, family and community support.  Collectively, the cyclists have submitted $1,265,214.68, which is 85% of the targeted goal.  We could not have done this without your help.  Thank you one and all.  The CRCNA has set up a website where you can view photos of the tour, read the cyclists blogs and receive a weekly newsletter before, during and immediately following the end of the tour.  If you are at all interested visit www.seatosea.org.

I went for my last ride on the 'black stallion' (my trek 1000C road bike), cleaned him up and dropped him off at the bike shop to be tuned up, dismantled and packed up in a box (I do hope that I can get him all back together again).  Early Thursday morning, real early, we will be heading off to Grand Rapids to drop off our gear and bicycles to begin the journey to the west coast. 60lbs.  That's it.  That is all we are allowed to carry along with us.  All of our medicinal needs, cosmetic, hygiene, clothing, footwear, bicycle replacement parts, dishes, cutlery, bedding and shelter must add to no more than 60lbs.  Tomorrow I will unpack and repack my bag for the last time, ensuring that I haven't missed anything of importance and that I haven't included anything that I really don't need. 

Soon we will be finishing up with all of our lasts and beginning...

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