Friday, August 29, 2008
tomorrow is our final ride
I am once again reeling from the after effects of an asthma attack but oddly enough this time I am not as upset. I seem to have resigned myself to the fact that I will need some serious rest (to my lungs) before I can attack these hills. Even the flats have become a great deal of work as I labour at breathing rythmically.
This is very beautiful country to drive and ride through. Every so often as we pass by a cyclist grinding uphill, I get a jealousy pang (I know how odd is that) and feel a loss but for the most part I am happy that Paul, Cynthia and the others are able to enjoy the ride. What will tomorrow bring?
Our welcome into the States was almost magical. You could see God's hand at work in how lanes were opened just for the cyclists as we crossed the Rainbow Bridge and we did not even have to show any ID of any sort. We just rode right across, one by one while border guards counted us. I have never had such an easy crossing before in my lifetime. It was wonderful.
I am partial to the East. I love the trees, hills and most of all, the history and architecture of the area. The vast array of gardens, antebellum and colonial homes of the past, old barns and churches. You can see the care and thought that is put into every detail. Yesterday we were able to see a few of the old bridges in Pennsylvania. Vast, mighty, structures that just take your breath away.
Now we are at the end of our journey. Or are we? Is this just the beginning? Can you ever really know until you step out in faith whether the path you take is the beginning of a journey or the end of one? This tour will change our lives. Permanently. The changes may have already taken place or they may be slow and gradual but change will happen. Please pray for us all, that we will be ready to continue on in our quest to help the poor, that we will see where God is leading us, and that we will answer when he calls, "Who will go?"
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday August 24
We are fed, watered and waiting, just like livestock. We are well cared for and have everything we stand in need of, even more than we need. We have it really good. It makes it rather heart-wrenching at times when we think of all that we are being given - often without any need or even desire - and we are supposed to be raising awareness and funds to help end the cycle of poverty. Why is it so often that those who have much are given more and those who are in need are neglected and overlooked? What can we do? The questions remain...
We do understand that we are being cared for and treated by those who are in support of the cause and want to do what they can to encourage us and enable us to complete our task. And we really appreciate it. We don't have enough words to express our appreciation. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Today is Sunday. We will be going to another celebration this afternoon. It is outdoors and right now it is raining. I wonder how well it will be attended. In essence it doesn't really matter how many attend just that the message goes across to the people who need to hear it and God has a wonderful way of making that happen no matter what the circumstances.
Tomorrow we leave Canada again. This time it will only be for a week and then we will have to make the transition back to our regular everyday lives. This can be really hard (I remember from the last tour). The tour has a way of changing you in ways you never thought possible. Our homes will seem massively large. Being inside will seem oppressive. There will be so much clutter.... Why do have so much stuff? And these are only some of the tangible things.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
end of week update
Hello Everyone,
I haven't had the opportunity to blog since Wednesday. I've been so busy talking with everyone who came out to see us. The welcome into Canada was great! Thank you everyone, you did an awesome job in Sombra and also in Chatham. People are still talking about it. I did get a chance to see many of you but if you came out and we never touched base, I do apologize. Thank you none the less for all your support and for giving it the effort of trying to touch base.
We had a late start on Thursday out of Chatham since we needed to be at the radio station at 8:15. The interview went well and we were only 2 hours behind the main group of cyclists. A special thank you to my brother Tony for having coffee with us before we left and for Bill Visser who treated us to breakfast. It was much appreciated.
Once again we had numerous stops along the way. We met Jack and Crystal Koopman and then a little while later our children, Dave and Sharon VanDuynhoven along with their son Tyler met up with us. We were in no hurry to get anywhere so we just stopped by the side of the road and visited for a while. It was really nice. When we got to London my brother Ron and his 3 children, Sharon (again) and Paul's sister Betty came to visit and we all went out to supper together. It is good to get away from camp every once in a while.
Friday morning was very humid and smoggy. I woke up feeling quite poorly and having difficulty catching my breath. The ride was really hard. I was gulping for air. I knew there was a stop in Woodstock and I wanted to get that far but it was getting more and more difficult as the minutes and kilometers added up. When I got there, I could no longer speak. It takes too much air to project your voice and I just didn't have it. I looked for the nurse immediately and told her I needed to see a doctor. We went to the nearest hospital. I spent almost 4 hours there with her. I had chest X-rays, a nebulizer treatment and have received two additional medications to take. I now have to take 2 puffs of symbicort, 2 puffs of ventolin and 2 puffs of atroven (I think thats what it is called) and prednisone every 4 hours. I feel like a walking drugstore.
Our reception at Redeemer was once again a wonderful event. We were fed well and received well. Canada is doing a great job! I actually met up with Helen Vreugdenhil and Marsha Batterink (sorry I forgot your married name). Its so good to meet all the people you know when we are usually only meeting new people on a daily basis. Supper is ready so I gotta go. I, along with all the other cyclists, like to eat.
Next week is the last week. We are excited. It is our new goal. Dipping our tires in the Ocean and finally, ultimately heading back home to our families.
Teresa.
It is tough to leave Teresa with Betsy, our on the road nurse, and not find out until the end of the ride if she is OK. I am so glad that she is OK.
At Redeemer, I saw a familiar face as well and we spoke for a bit. It was Tim Wolfert, formerly of Chatham and now working at Redeemer. He asked me to say hi to Uncle Joe and Aunt Suzie.
Paul.
I haven't had the opportunity to blog since Wednesday. I've been so busy talking with everyone who came out to see us. The welcome into Canada was great! Thank you everyone, you did an awesome job in Sombra and also in Chatham. People are still talking about it. I did get a chance to see many of you but if you came out and we never touched base, I do apologize. Thank you none the less for all your support and for giving it the effort of trying to touch base.
We had a late start on Thursday out of Chatham since we needed to be at the radio station at 8:15. The interview went well and we were only 2 hours behind the main group of cyclists. A special thank you to my brother Tony for having coffee with us before we left and for Bill Visser who treated us to breakfast. It was much appreciated.
Once again we had numerous stops along the way. We met Jack and Crystal Koopman and then a little while later our children, Dave and Sharon VanDuynhoven along with their son Tyler met up with us. We were in no hurry to get anywhere so we just stopped by the side of the road and visited for a while. It was really nice. When we got to London my brother Ron and his 3 children, Sharon (again) and Paul's sister Betty came to visit and we all went out to supper together. It is good to get away from camp every once in a while.
Friday morning was very humid and smoggy. I woke up feeling quite poorly and having difficulty catching my breath. The ride was really hard. I was gulping for air. I knew there was a stop in Woodstock and I wanted to get that far but it was getting more and more difficult as the minutes and kilometers added up. When I got there, I could no longer speak. It takes too much air to project your voice and I just didn't have it. I looked for the nurse immediately and told her I needed to see a doctor. We went to the nearest hospital. I spent almost 4 hours there with her. I had chest X-rays, a nebulizer treatment and have received two additional medications to take. I now have to take 2 puffs of symbicort, 2 puffs of ventolin and 2 puffs of atroven (I think thats what it is called) and prednisone every 4 hours. I feel like a walking drugstore.
Our reception at Redeemer was once again a wonderful event. We were fed well and received well. Canada is doing a great job! I actually met up with Helen Vreugdenhil and Marsha Batterink (sorry I forgot your married name). Its so good to meet all the people you know when we are usually only meeting new people on a daily basis. Supper is ready so I gotta go. I, along with all the other cyclists, like to eat.
Next week is the last week. We are excited. It is our new goal. Dipping our tires in the Ocean and finally, ultimately heading back home to our families.
Teresa.
It is tough to leave Teresa with Betsy, our on the road nurse, and not find out until the end of the ride if she is OK. I am so glad that she is OK.
At Redeemer, I saw a familiar face as well and we spoke for a bit. It was Tim Wolfert, formerly of Chatham and now working at Redeemer. He asked me to say hi to Uncle Joe and Aunt Suzie.
Paul.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday
Today we are in Canada! What an exciting and long awaited moment. It seems surreal. We are in our own home, doing laundry, talking on our phone, typing on our computer, and there is a TV in the room but best of all, we have our family around us. God is good. The sad and real part of today is that this is a tour where people can and do get hurt and today was another day when a cyclist was once again injured in a fall. We do have 9 more cycling days and we do need your continued prayers. Thank you for the prayers you have offered on our behalf so far. Thank you for coming out to meet and greet us. For allowing us to shower and sleep in your homes and for feeding us a sumptuous meal.
Regardless of whether you are cycling, praying, financially contributing or supporting in any imaginable way, thank you and may God bless you in your efforts. At the end of the day, in all we do and say, may God be praised.
Goodnight, tonight I sleep in my own bed.
Tuesday
Today we rode another century. There was a stiff breeze blowing from the NE. Perfect for those going in the opposite direction - for us - not so much... I think what spurred us on was the excitement of entering Canada. For many of us this will be the first time to see family in over 7 weeks. We are pumped! We are excited! I hope we can sleep tonight.
Tomorrow we will all meet at the staging area by 9:30 am. Then at 10 we will begin crossing. There will be so many people there. I have my passport already in my hipsack. I'm sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night. Awesome!
The roads today had no shoulders, were really rough and broken and were fairly busy. We were warned that hwy 53 was busy and fast. They were so right, we flew down that section(35 - 40km per hour)!
It was really hilly in Dryden. After numerous big hills and thousands of unmarked potholes we came across a sign that said 'bump' right in front of us was a small hill (like the size of an overpass). It was so perfect. There was no bump in the road but the hill could be dfined as a mere 'bump'.
The last 10 miles were brutal. The wind was fierce and I was pulling, we worked so hard, I was quickly becoming deflated. Then suddenly we were there and it was all over again for another day.
blog update
Monday
We were sweep but we had a nice headwind and only 100km to cover so we were in camp fairly early. We had our first line-up for showers today. I guess the extra 60 riders does make a difference! Two days till Chatham! Woo hoo!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Good Morning,
We just had breakfast at Church of the Servant. It was great, we had sausage and eggs, our choice of bagels, english muffins, and fruit(lots of fruit). Best of all, as we were about to leave we ran right into Gene Rubingh. We had no idea who he was but after introducing ourselves and mentioning where we were from, we discovered that Gene's father helped organize the First CRC in Chatham Ontario. As if this wasn't enough co-incidence he continued on that he went to upper school in Renfrew Ontario (this is where I was born and baptised). How is it that we continue to meet such varied and interesting people? Providence.
Even as we are sitting here in the Prince Conference Center using the computers (really fast connection) we are constantly being interrupted by guests about who we are and what we are doing. The tents right outside the door and the long line of bicycles along the walls of the building do build interest. Awareness is being raised. What a wonderful to get the message out to more than just the people of the CRC. We have so much more in common with our fellow christians (of other denominations) than differences.
Our hosts made sure that we got the royal treatment when we arrived and I am happy to report that the discomfort from my sciatica has been somewhat relieved (thanks to the massage). I was also able to enjoy a facial, hand massage, foot massage and take advantage of a haircut. Thank you all for the special treatment we received. You have no idea how much it is appreciated. At this point of the tour our feet and hands are suffering from long days on the bike. The potholes especially hurt the hands and there have been some pretty big ones along the way.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
update
Hello
The weather continues to astound us. Today started off with us wrapped up like eskimos, shaking in our shoes as our fingers, ears and toes turned numb from the cold. We pedaled on hoping that the activity would thaw us or warm us up. It was pretty close to 11am when I finally took off my last outer layer and was warm again, then lo and behold, we were hot! Now it is 3pm and we are looking for shade and sporting new sunburns. It is also very windy. We were very fortunate in that the wind did not really occur until 12 noon when most of us were already waiting in the staging area to ride as a peloton into Calvin College.
We had 150 extra riders with us today but we were so spread out that we didn't even notice the difference. It was a smooth ride and the majority of us are really glad that we are here and that another week is done. Those of us who have been here since June are ready for it to end. Only 2 weeks to go. Better yet, only 4 days till Chatham. I can't wait to see the kids again. It's been too long.
Teresa
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday August 13
Portaging
We never knew when we registered, that we were going to have to carry our bikes over portions of this tour. This week it has happened every day so far. On Monday we had a portion of ground pavement to wade through as our bicycles rode safely on our shoulders. On Tuesday the bike path ended at a set of stair steps. Today our bike path was closed for the construction of an underpass. There was a big section that was dug out and a crew was creating a new road. We hoisted our bikes onto our shoulders, crossed over a ditch, through the barricades, over a road, through the construction zone and across a field to the point where we could see the continuation of the path.
We make a good team - my bike and I. One day she carries me, the next I carry her.
We never knew when we registered, that we were going to have to carry our bikes over portions of this tour. This week it has happened every day so far. On Monday we had a portion of ground pavement to wade through as our bicycles rode safely on our shoulders. On Tuesday the bike path ended at a set of stair steps. Today our bike path was closed for the construction of an underpass. There was a big section that was dug out and a crew was creating a new road. We hoisted our bikes onto our shoulders, crossed over a ditch, through the barricades, over a road, through the construction zone and across a field to the point where we could see the continuation of the path.
We make a good team - my bike and I. One day she carries me, the next I carry her.
Tuesday August 12
I am not fond of bridges. Today we rode 60 km on a bike path that must have had at least 50 wooden bridges along the way. The wooden slats bounced, rattled and shook as we rode across spans of highway traffic, railroads and waterways.
We were in the suburbs of chicago and therefore we saw no cornfields today but we did encounter lots of traffic. At the end of the bike path we climbed a set of stairs (portaging again) and were met at the top by an officer on a bicycle. He stopped the traffic for us and escorted us up the hill. It was a really nice gesture on his part. We were his 11th trip up the hill, after which he asked us, "How many of you are there?!" I'm sure he was very tired by the end of the day.
We were in the suburbs of chicago and therefore we saw no cornfields today but we did encounter lots of traffic. At the end of the bike path we climbed a set of stairs (portaging again) and were met at the top by an officer on a bicycle. He stopped the traffic for us and escorted us up the hill. It was a really nice gesture on his part. We were his 11th trip up the hill, after which he asked us, "How many of you are there?!" I'm sure he was very tired by the end of the day.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
update
Hello from Madison,
Our longest week is over and we have survived. Our butts are sore but today is a day of rest so we should be all ready to go again tomorrow. It's amazing what a rainy day in the saddle can do to your bike and body. We have been so blessed with only 2 rainy days so far. The rest of the time it was either before or after we rode.
Wisconsin and the Mississippi River in particular is definately something to behold! absolutely beautiful! We even saw a river boat on the river as we were trying to cross over the dangerously busy (under construction) bridges. That was a scary adventure. There was no shoulder and it was all downhill and it was incredibly busy. Fortunately no one fell there. Unfortunately another rider has fallen this week and is on his way home. There is a definate danger factor in the ride and without your continued prayerful protection it would simply not be possible to come through this tour at all.
This week we are on our way to Grand Rapids. It will be an easy week in the way of distances but who knows what perils we will face along the way. Regardless we know that through it all, God will go with us and so we will continue onward.
The Crossroads Church has been a haven where we have been specially treated to all kinds of wonderful treats for our bodies and minds.
Teresa
Thursday, August 7, 2008
And the rain came falling down. As we buttered our bread in the pouring rain, adding much moisture, I couldn't help but think. There are some people who have to make their meals, much more meagerly than what we had spread before us, in the elements all the time. I packed my wet sandwich in my bag and later in the day I ate it. It wasn't the best. I have been blessed with much better but when I thought of those who would have loved to have a wet egg salad sandwich, I couldn't waste it.
Our two longest days of the tour are done. It wasn't even as bad as we had all anticipated. We have worried for naught. Why do we do that? We know all our help and strength comes from God and we are safely in his care but still.......
The days are cooler now and easier on our bodies. Yesterday we were blessed with a tailwind and today it was more sidewind but at least the headwind was only in short lengths then we turned back to the side. Absolutely beautiful though. The green fields, wild flowers, bright blue skies and dotting of white, fluffy clouds. I am content.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 38
Wednesday, August 6th
What a day!
The weather forecast called for 12% chance of precipitation. Upon walking out of Dordt College at about 6:00 this morning, we noticed the wet sidewalks, parking lot and grass. Shortly thereafter, it started to rain and did it come down. The lunch shelters were not set up due to the weather forecast and it is difficult to make an egg salad sandwich in a downpour. They did not improve in their appeal at all throughout the day.
Our gear bags were set nicely around the gear truck like every morning, but when it started to rain, tarps needed to be found so the bags could all be covered. This required that we move them all to a central location all the while trying to keep the tarp from blowing away.
We dug up our raincoats out of the gear truck and headed to breakfast across the campus, the rain not letting up. We finished breakfast and prepared to get on the road and, you guessed it, the rain was still coming down.
The ride was pleasant, although a little cool due to the rain soaking you to the skin. The rain lasted through our first scheduled stop in Hospers, where we were treated to wonderful filled donuts and bottled water. It also lasted through our second stop, Primghar, where we received power bars, hot and cold beverages and were greeted by enthusiastic supporters. One supporter was John Vanderhague (sorry John if I spell this wrong, or worse, get it totally wrong). He is familiar with a Chatham family. He works with Jeff Vanlingen. Small world.
Today was a 183km (114 miles) day. They added a little due to a change in the route (we had a discussion tonight at peleton on how to pronounce route; most agree, it is rhymes with out).
Both Teresa and I completed this ride, mostly due to the cooler temperatures and an awesome tailwind.
Today proved to be one of the best rides of the tour so far. Not to many opportunities to spread the news about poverty, but tomorrow will be better.
We cycled with Claire E and Joan D. We had just completed out last s.a.g. stop and we about a mile from the turn toward Whittemore. It had a sign advertising sausages and other things that must have peaked all our interests. Claire was looking at the sign as was I, when she went off the road, tried to get back on, and took a spill. I almost hit her leg, and then her front tire as she went down. I quickly hopped off my bike and thought she had been knocked out, she was lying there so quietly. When I leaned in close and called out her name, she said she was OK. I think she was just taking moment to do a self assessment before getting up. She scratched her right knee quite well, and just scuffed her chin. It could have been much worse.
Thank you, Lord, for an awesome day.
On another note, we will try to stay in contact. We have some photos we would like to post and we are currently using a neighbourhood wireless we found by accident. Our satellite system is broken and will be fixed on the weekend, we hope.
What a day!
The weather forecast called for 12% chance of precipitation. Upon walking out of Dordt College at about 6:00 this morning, we noticed the wet sidewalks, parking lot and grass. Shortly thereafter, it started to rain and did it come down. The lunch shelters were not set up due to the weather forecast and it is difficult to make an egg salad sandwich in a downpour. They did not improve in their appeal at all throughout the day.
Our gear bags were set nicely around the gear truck like every morning, but when it started to rain, tarps needed to be found so the bags could all be covered. This required that we move them all to a central location all the while trying to keep the tarp from blowing away.
We dug up our raincoats out of the gear truck and headed to breakfast across the campus, the rain not letting up. We finished breakfast and prepared to get on the road and, you guessed it, the rain was still coming down.
The ride was pleasant, although a little cool due to the rain soaking you to the skin. The rain lasted through our first scheduled stop in Hospers, where we were treated to wonderful filled donuts and bottled water. It also lasted through our second stop, Primghar, where we received power bars, hot and cold beverages and were greeted by enthusiastic supporters. One supporter was John Vanderhague (sorry John if I spell this wrong, or worse, get it totally wrong). He is familiar with a Chatham family. He works with Jeff Vanlingen. Small world.
Today was a 183km (114 miles) day. They added a little due to a change in the route (we had a discussion tonight at peleton on how to pronounce route; most agree, it is rhymes with out).
Both Teresa and I completed this ride, mostly due to the cooler temperatures and an awesome tailwind.
Today proved to be one of the best rides of the tour so far. Not to many opportunities to spread the news about poverty, but tomorrow will be better.
We cycled with Claire E and Joan D. We had just completed out last s.a.g. stop and we about a mile from the turn toward Whittemore. It had a sign advertising sausages and other things that must have peaked all our interests. Claire was looking at the sign as was I, when she went off the road, tried to get back on, and took a spill. I almost hit her leg, and then her front tire as she went down. I quickly hopped off my bike and thought she had been knocked out, she was lying there so quietly. When I leaned in close and called out her name, she said she was OK. I think she was just taking moment to do a self assessment before getting up. She scratched her right knee quite well, and just scuffed her chin. It could have been much worse.
Thank you, Lord, for an awesome day.
On another note, we will try to stay in contact. We have some photos we would like to post and we are currently using a neighbourhood wireless we found by accident. Our satellite system is broken and will be fixed on the weekend, we hope.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Catch up for missing days
Monday, July 28
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Mourn with those who mourn.
We started our day rejoicing. With the new cyclists who eagerly began their first ride of the tour, with the fact that we were out of the mountains, and with the cyclists, myself included, who could return to cycling after descending to a ‘breathable’ level.
Cyclists regularly leapfrog past each other when one group stops for one reason or another and another continues on – then vice versa. Each time Cynthia passed by she rejoiced with me.
It was a day of mourning. On I76 just before mile marker 59 misfortune struck. Cynthia hit a piece of rubbish and fell. It was a nasty fall; she had to be picked up by ambulance. But even in the midst of this tragedy we could see the power of your prayers and God’s providence at work.
1. Immediately, an EMT (on vacation from Massachusetts) stopped to help.
2. We were closer to our destination than departure so Cynthia was taken to Fort Morgan.
3. The hospital was right across the street from the school we were lodging at.
4. Erinn Swett (from Grand Rapids) was unable to get an earlier flight home and so was able to accompany Cynthia home.
5. 5. My asthma enforced me to ride with a bandanna and I had chosen a brand new one for Monday. One of the first things the EMT requested was a bandanna to help stop the swelling and bleeding on Cynthia’s face.
We were very distressed to hear that Cynthia not only suffered a concussion, numerous cuts and scrapes but also a broken pelvis. We will all miss her company and wit tremendously and share her disappointment in not being able to complete the tour. We pray that she will soon experience renewed health and a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, July 29th
A Wray of Hope
We were on sweep today so we had a late start but even so we were determined to visit Cynthia (to say our goodbyes) before we left. It was so hard to leave her there. It just didn’t seem right.
Highway 34 was quiet with wide shoulders so we had a nice ‘rolling’ ride. We met the first of the cyclists 20 miles out and since we were the first sweep we just counted them and continued on. We stopped for pizza in Akron and had a snack in Yuma. There are cacti growing by the side of the road – perhaps that explains my 2 flats – but the most annoying thing was the grasshoppers. They were everywhere! We had them flying into our body and we inadvertently crushed thousands of them. I also met my 2nd snake. Fortunately it was moving away from me but nonetheless I stepped very carefully back towards my bike. We crested our final hill at 4:30 and could see a ‘Wray’ of hope in the distance. At 5pm we arrived in camp, tired and hungry.
Wednesday, July 30th
McCook – known as the hotspot of Nebraska. No understatement. It is 105F (tomorrow was forecasted to be 10 degrees warmer yet). We rode the first 100km rather quickly then hit the roller coaster section. Climb, climb, climb, wheeeeeee. Oops, my error, it was actually climb, climb, climb, we. The downs were far too short to qualify as a ‘wheeeeeeee’. It was exhausting. The last 10km were under construction. It was hot, the road was broken up and shimmering and to our horror an ambulance comes blaring up ahead. We pedalled on, heat forgotten, praying that it wasn’t one of our fellow cyclists. It turned out to be a car accident. Then I felt bad that I felt so relieved and someone was still hurt. Tears burned my eyes as guilt and relief overwhelmed me.
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Mourn with those who mourn.
We started our day rejoicing. With the new cyclists who eagerly began their first ride of the tour, with the fact that we were out of the mountains, and with the cyclists, myself included, who could return to cycling after descending to a ‘breathable’ level.
Cyclists regularly leapfrog past each other when one group stops for one reason or another and another continues on – then vice versa. Each time Cynthia passed by she rejoiced with me.
It was a day of mourning. On I76 just before mile marker 59 misfortune struck. Cynthia hit a piece of rubbish and fell. It was a nasty fall; she had to be picked up by ambulance. But even in the midst of this tragedy we could see the power of your prayers and God’s providence at work.
1. Immediately, an EMT (on vacation from Massachusetts) stopped to help.
2. We were closer to our destination than departure so Cynthia was taken to Fort Morgan.
3. The hospital was right across the street from the school we were lodging at.
4. Erinn Swett (from Grand Rapids) was unable to get an earlier flight home and so was able to accompany Cynthia home.
5. 5. My asthma enforced me to ride with a bandanna and I had chosen a brand new one for Monday. One of the first things the EMT requested was a bandanna to help stop the swelling and bleeding on Cynthia’s face.
We were very distressed to hear that Cynthia not only suffered a concussion, numerous cuts and scrapes but also a broken pelvis. We will all miss her company and wit tremendously and share her disappointment in not being able to complete the tour. We pray that she will soon experience renewed health and a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, July 29th
A Wray of Hope
We were on sweep today so we had a late start but even so we were determined to visit Cynthia (to say our goodbyes) before we left. It was so hard to leave her there. It just didn’t seem right.
Highway 34 was quiet with wide shoulders so we had a nice ‘rolling’ ride. We met the first of the cyclists 20 miles out and since we were the first sweep we just counted them and continued on. We stopped for pizza in Akron and had a snack in Yuma. There are cacti growing by the side of the road – perhaps that explains my 2 flats – but the most annoying thing was the grasshoppers. They were everywhere! We had them flying into our body and we inadvertently crushed thousands of them. I also met my 2nd snake. Fortunately it was moving away from me but nonetheless I stepped very carefully back towards my bike. We crested our final hill at 4:30 and could see a ‘Wray’ of hope in the distance. At 5pm we arrived in camp, tired and hungry.
Wednesday, July 30th
McCook – known as the hotspot of Nebraska. No understatement. It is 105F (tomorrow was forecasted to be 10 degrees warmer yet). We rode the first 100km rather quickly then hit the roller coaster section. Climb, climb, climb, wheeeeeee. Oops, my error, it was actually climb, climb, climb, we. The downs were far too short to qualify as a ‘wheeeeeeee’. It was exhausting. The last 10km were under construction. It was hot, the road was broken up and shimmering and to our horror an ambulance comes blaring up ahead. We pedalled on, heat forgotten, praying that it wasn’t one of our fellow cyclists. It turned out to be a car accident. Then I felt bad that I felt so relieved and someone was still hurt. Tears burned my eyes as guilt and relief overwhelmed me.
Tuesday August 5
Today my father has been on my mind. It is his birthday (if you are reading this dad, Happy Birthday!) and it is times like this that you wish you could be there with him to celebrate. Each and every birthday is indeed a celebration. I also find myself thinking of Cynthia. Especially when we passed Barb's house (labelled as such). I know how much she was looking forward to going to Barb's and how much she will be missed by the others today. Relationships are tight and developed fast here. When one person is hurt, it hurts the whole group.
The ride in was beautiful. It was overcast and the ride was short so it should have been a great day but I was once again plagued with illness. I seem to be running a fever and I was so dizzy I had to spend the majority of my time concentrating on staying on my bike. Not the safest of conditions. We climbed a lot of hills and they were the kind that I absolutely love. I hope that a good rest takes care of whatever ails me and I get to enjoy the hills tomorrow. Especially for Paul's sake as I realize he spends more time worrying about me than enjoying the ride when things are not going so well.
Dordt College is a very nice place, with a computer lab, laundry facilities and a bike shop near by. Paul is at the bike shop trying to have his gear shifters adjusted properly. I chose to do the laundry and while I wait I am catching up on news from and around home. Only two more weeks and we will be in Chatham. Hooray!
The ride in was beautiful. It was overcast and the ride was short so it should have been a great day but I was once again plagued with illness. I seem to be running a fever and I was so dizzy I had to spend the majority of my time concentrating on staying on my bike. Not the safest of conditions. We climbed a lot of hills and they were the kind that I absolutely love. I hope that a good rest takes care of whatever ails me and I get to enjoy the hills tomorrow. Especially for Paul's sake as I realize he spends more time worrying about me than enjoying the ride when things are not going so well.
Dordt College is a very nice place, with a computer lab, laundry facilities and a bike shop near by. Paul is at the bike shop trying to have his gear shifters adjusted properly. I chose to do the laundry and while I wait I am catching up on news from and around home. Only two more weeks and we will be in Chatham. Hooray!
Monday, August 4, 2008
blog entry
Good Evening,
It has been an entire week since I last made contact and to tell the truth not a whole lot has changed. We get up early, inflate our tires, make our lunch, eat breakfast and head out onto the road to our new destination. We are vagrants. We have no fixed address. Thankfully for us this is not the case but for many others, those we are in part cycling for, this is a permanent problem. Count your blessings. We are so blessed.
The past week has been hot, long and tiring. The scenery is corn, corn, and then there is more corn. Looks like home, almost. The hills do add quite a bit of difference. The scenery is great. It is a very beautiful continent that we are living on. Varied throughout but each area offers a new beauty to the whole picture. Humidity had gone up as we travel more and more inland. On Saturday the humidity was in the upper 80's and the temperature was 105 with the humidex. We also had to contend with a headwind and a lot of construction. It was difficult. I had another asthma attack but we were only 3 miles from our destination so I declined all 3 offers from different sag wagons and I did manage to finish.
On Sunday Paul and I went to Lincoln to church. We went to a church plant that ministers to a lot of ex-cons (penitentiary in the area). A whole bus of yellow shirts (C2C cyclists) drove up and then a whole bus of inmates pulled in. We were a varied group with a similar purpose for being together in a church setting. The service was very non-traditional but very inspiring. We were also blessed to be able to witness the testimony and baptism of 2 adult men. It was a moving and insightful experience. All part of the tour. Stepping out of our comfort zones, again and again and again.
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