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.
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