Sunday, August 10

I can't believe it! I (we) made it to Madison, Wisconsin. What a week it was, not only in terms of distance ( a total of 882 km or 548 miles) but also in terms of the longest distance travelled on three consecutive days on the tour. On Wednesday we travelled 184 km or 114 miles from Sioux Centre to Algona. This was followed up on Thursday with a 182 km. (113 miles) trip from Algona to New Hampton. If that were not enough, Friday was 162 km. (just over 100 miles) from New Hampton to Fennimore.

The days, for me, went better than I had expected. Maybe I'm a bit of worry wart, certainly not over confident, when treading into new territory when it comes to lengthy mileage. I had previously, in training, accomplished one 200 km. feat in one day but that had been in three separate "runs" during the day. On a trip such as this, it is consecutive mileage accomplished on consecutive days. It was the day after day part that concerned me somewhat. How would the body (not to mention the behind) hold out after sitting in the saddle for so long each day? I was pleasantly surprised and relieved that it was not as bad as I had anticipated. Yes, my butt was sore, but not excruciatingly so, no more so than any other day. Yes, I was tired but not to the point of mental and physical exhaustion. Perhaps, the long miles already traversed and the six days a week that we have encountered for the past six weeks have paid off dividends in a big way. I certainly can vouch for the fact that I feel much stronger than when I began (I believe we all have gotten stronger). One tell tale sign is when we have new riders join us, they tend to start off strongly but two thirds of the way through they are straining while I feel I can keep on going. Maybe it's the Duracel batteries in me that just keep on "going and going and going." Maybe, just maybe, I might be almost in as good a shape as my children. Wouldn't that be something, old dad being able to keep up with the kids.

After a wonderful, relaxing weekend at my niece's air conditioned home in Omaha (my body really needed the rest, especially since that last weekend, Sunday in particular, was extremely hot to the point of it being dangerous to be outside), I was ready to "hit the road" early Monday morning again. After a half hour ride from her place, my niece dropped me off at the camp at 6:10am. The others in our cycling group were already chomping at the bit to get going. A quick stop at the bathroom (when you "got to go you gotta go") and I was ready too for the 143 km. (89 mile) trip from Fremont to Sioux City, Iowa.

It was cloudy with rain threatening as we headed pretty well due north on the "back roads" of eastern Nebraska. The clouds were a very welcome relief from the intense heat we had been experiencing for almost too long to remember. The terrain was quite hilly but that was really nothing new for us. When we left Denver and the mountains behind, we had somehow (falsely) believed that for the rest of the way it would be flat, clear sailing across the "prairies. Well, I for one, had that bubble burst on me quite quickly. While there are definitely flat portions to the prairies, hills (some of them significant) seem to be much more the menu for most of the days that we have been crossing portions of Colorado and particularly Nebraska and Iowa. It seems that no sooner have you climbed one hill and the next one is there waiting (maybe they're laughing at us- cruel joke) to tackle. That can be particularly deflating as the day wears on and the body's energy levels wane portportionaly and simultaneously.

One thing I do have to say regarding the "hilly" prairies and that is this: they are absolutely and stunningly beautiful. To ride through endless corn and soybean fields (which I personally could bask in day after day) and then to come to the top of one of these hills and view the panorama of endless fields and farms dotting the landscape before you is a sight to soak in with deep appreciation. This is truly God's country. What a privilege to witness His beautiful creation in such a manner. I am left wondering if the "locals" realize the beauty of their countryside. Sometimes it takes an "outsider" to see how special it is and point it out to them.

About half way (75km.) into our trip the road took a sharp turn right in the little French village of Decatur and there before us was the mighty Missouri River that forms the boundary between Nebraska and Iowa at this point. We were waved through the toll booth (there are some privileges on this tour- actually many) and then it was onto the big steel grate structure itself. One piece of advice; don't look down through the grates or your eyes go "buggy" and secondly; hang on to your handle bars. It was a very rough ride across. Many chose to walk the km. across rather than endure the bumpy ride. Another state, Nebraska, had been conquered and now it was Iowa.

It was about at this time that we were informed (news amongst the cyclists who may be spread out over 40 or more miles as the day progresses, travels very quickly) that Eritia (Smit) had been hit by a car. This is a possibility that all of us are ever aware of. There are literally thousands of vehicles that pass by us each day and many of us have experienced close calls along the way.

Anyway, this vehicle had just passed by Eritia and the two others she was riding with and once getting past her, immediately made a sharp right hand turn into the gas station right in front of her. She had no choice but to literally run right into and went down with the bike, hurting her chest and wrist significantly as well as scrapping her arm and leg in the process. The driver, ( a young fellow with a couple of others with him) got out and immediately tried to say he was not to blame at all for what happened and then became very irrate when Eritia and the two males (fortunately she had the support with her) asked for his information. He then sped off after exchanging a few choice words. However, the cyclists were able to get a licence plate number and phoned the police. When they arrived and ran the plate they realized this was a guy that they had been looking for, for some time and already had a warrant out for his arrest. Needless to say, Eritia was very shook up but able to continue cycling. That evening she stayed at Barb's place in Sioux Centre for a much needed rest away from everyone else. I am happy to report that aside from significant stiffness and soreness for the first couple of days, she was able to continue cycling and can now just about outdo the rest of us. She pretty well back to her old self again. Praise the Lord. It goes to show how quickly things can happen on a tour such as this. I am always thabkful when I have arrived safely into camp each day.

The final ten or fifteen miles into Sgt. Bluff (our destination just outside Sioux City for Monday evening) were tough ones for me. I was feeling quite tired and the headwind was not making matters any easier. It is easy for the mental part to "get to you," at this part of the day. It is somethins just about everyone experiences at different points of each day or week. There are some days that you feel you can just about take on the world, you feel so good and strong and then there are other times when it is a chore just to make it the next mile. Most of those times happen for me in the latter part of the day. Perhaps it is the anticipation of almost being at your destination and then it taking longer than you had hoped that is so debilitating. I'm not sure, but the last 15 miles for me on Monday seemed to take forever even though I was able to stay with the rest of my cycling group. I was happy to see camp shortly thereafter when we arrived at 1:45pm which is really quite a good time. There are many others (most in fact) who roll in much later in the afternoon, some not until 7:00pm or so. I don't know how they are able to be out in the sun that long not to mention the saddle. I know I would be toast and would not be able to handle it.

No sooner did we arrive and one of the local T.V. stations from Sioux City were there and asked John VanderSteen of London (part of our cycling group) and myself if we would be willing to do an interview for the station. We both obliged. I must say, this is the first time that I can recall ever being interviewed live by a T.V. station. I didn't have time to get nervous and actually the interview went well for both of us. I did not get to see the news that night or the "clip" that we had done but over the next couple of days, every time we stopped in a restaurant, several of the locals recognized us as "the guys who were on TV." One of the fellow cyclists who did see the clip on the news said that we had done a very good job.

Tuesday, to Sioux Centre (Dordt College) was a relatively "easy" day of only 98 km. (61 miles). I find that even making that comment is quite something. For a guy who, less than a year ago, found ten miles to be a huge trip saying that 61 miles is a short trip is quite amazing. I guess it is all a matter of perspective. Compared to ten miles, 60 miles is huge but compared to the several 100 mile days that we have already accomplished and the three consecutive "century rides" that still awaited us, it is a relatively "short run."

The countryside again was rolling hills (even more hills than we had experienced the previous few days) with endless corn and soybean fields. I was able to get a snapshot of the "rolling" corn fields with a huge country church in the midst of it. Very picturesque indeed!

About 45 miles into the trip we were hosted by the CRC of Ireton who treated us to root beer floats and smoothies. Yummy! I only had three of them. Before you think that I am a pig (there are times when I question myself on this trip about that as I am constantly eating and wanting more to eat all the time) but before you think I am a big oinker let me qualify that statement. I did have three of each but that was over a three hour period while I was waiting for John VanderSteen and Barb (Mellema) catch up. They had gone to Barb's place for the evening but had slept in and gotten quite a late start to the day. They wanted us to wait for them so that we could go to the college (and Barb's place) together.

We had waited about an hour or so and heard that John had had an accident on his bike and so they were delayed further. In trying to "motor" along, which John can readily do uphill or downhill he sometimes has the tendency to put his head down to create less "drag" from wind resistance. Unfortunately he did not see a huge construction sign posted right in the middle of the shoulder where he traversing. You guessed it! He ran right into the sign. He was quite bruised from his "rude awakening" with a scrapped chin, quite a deep cut in his finger and bruised hand and leg. His helmet was also cracked and so he needed to quickly purchase another one before continuing. In looking back, it could certainly have been much worse with a broken neck or something else. John is a "very tough bird" who will say he is O.K. even when he is hurting. We know he was hurting quite badly the first couple of days and so were keeping a close eye on him to make sure he was O.K. The next couple of days he gladly let one of us take the lead rather than he himself. When that happens you know that John is not himself. We're just happy he was able to continue on the journey and now is doing much better. We can even kid with him a little about it now when we see a construction sign. We always call out obstructions such as signs as we near them to warn everyone of them. Now we will call out "Sign ahead on the right" and then jokingly add "John." He has a great sense of humour and can laugh with us. We certainly weren't laughing the first couple of days out of concern for his well being.

Dordt College treated us royally, to put it mildly. Most of us got to have a dorm all to ourselves, the first bed that many of us have slept in for a long, long time. Of course we "had" to check out the Dutch bakery in town for a donut (part of our daily sugar fix that we can get away on a trip such as this). Supper was pizza, chicken, tators, salads and lots and lots of pies of every kind. Another thing you learn on this trip: you have to be gracious guests when you have very gracious hosts. It was not difficult for me to oblige in that department when it came to the pies. First is was butter pecan pie, then blueberry and finally sour cream and raisin all served with ice cream. Did I previously say I have a tendency to eat a lot. Here is another "proof in the pudding or should I say pie."

After supper we met at the "Fine Arts Centre" or auditorium for a Celebration Service." A lot of people from the area were present, just about filling the entire place. Len our head chaplain for the tour did a super job of hosting the "peleton" part of the service where we go through the day's business (happenings) as well as go over the trip for the next day.

Afterwards it was back to the place where we had supper for further refreshments and ministry fair. I ended up having a great conversation with an 83 year old gentleman who was sitting alone, taking everything in. He shared with me his years as a truck driver, losing his wife and how that was for him and how he now currently lives in a nursing home and enjoys life thoroughly. I later found out that that "gentleman" was Barb's dad. Isn't it amazing how that works sometimes, the people that you "accidently bump into." Actually it's not an accident at all but all part of God's providential hand.

After helping pack everything up for the evening I hit the bed at approx. 10:10pm which is about an hour later than I normally go to bed on this tour. However, it had been a wonderful evening, one I won't soon forget.

I was sleeping soundly when Andy woke me up at 5:00am the next morning. That's the time we "early birds" (we have developed quite a reputation in that regard and are known as "the group that leaves before the sun gets up" - some even wonder if we actually go to bed), usually get up. We were about ready to go for breakfast in the cafeteria (again hosted by Dordt College) when it started to rain quite heavily. It is amazing when you come to think of it but this is the first rain we have encountered on the whole trip with the exception of a couple of hours of light rain that we had a few days into the tour.

I quickly went into the gear truck and was actually able to locate my rain jacket. It is one thing to know that you have it. It is quite another to be actually able to find it. This time I was able to find it with little trouble. Off we went, to breakfast (eggs, waffles, baggles, fruit, etc. etc. - really a feast) in pouring rain. It was still raining when we left and would actually continue most of the day for us as we seemed to be riding "with" the rain clouds. Maybe we were going too slow.

About 25 km. (16 miles) into our 114 mile trip from Sioux Centre to Algona we were graciously treated to donuts and refreshments by the Hospers CRC. At fifty km. (32 miles) we were again treated to donuts and refreshments, this time by the CRC from the Primghar area. Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this because up until now you were probably feeling a bit concerned and sorry for us that we had such "hard" days this past week. These churches probably felt the same way and so tried to make it as pleasant a trip as possible. Their hospitality was very much appreciated. It is so heart warming for all of us when people go out of their way to show that they care about us and want to show appreciation for what we are doing.

The trip itself, was much better than I had anticipated. The rain, which continued for about two thirds of the way, actually was a great way to keep from overheating. Much of the terrain we were travelling was relatively flat and in addition, there was a tail wind almost the entire day. What a blessing that was. Anyone who has cycled against any wind knows how it can impede ones progress, not to mention wear one out. With the wind at our backs we were able to attain average speeds of 30-35 kms per hours (20-23 miles per hour) and the actual average for the entire day was over 27 kms. per hour which is quite amazing. We were able to reach Algona shortly after 2:00pm.

In camp, I was introduced to Mary Anne, Pete's sister who had come down to see her brother. She reminds me of her sister Lia, our custodian and friend from back home in Aylmer.

Thursday was a bit more of a challenge for me and most of us. Again, we were faced with a 113 mile ride, this time to New Hampton. However, the wind was not nearly as favourable as the previous day. While not being a headwind, it was definitely a fairly strong cross wind with the ocassional tendency to be a bit of a head wind. Over a the long haul, that made a difference for me.

We tried to make up for it by having a few more stops along the way as well as taking in the rolling hills and beautiful farmland. In Rockford we passed two huge windfarms. There were a hundred of more windmills on each farm, each one being capable of generating (don't quote me on this as this is what I was told by a local) about 500 homes.

About 50 km. (32 miles) out of New Hampton, we stopped in Charles City. We went about a mile off our route to see an ancient wooden bridge (a pedestrian walkway) that had been built in the early 1900s across the Charles River which meanders through the city. Barb really wanted us to see it. As we came to the river's edge where the bridge "was" we realized it was gone. It had been completely washed away by the horrendous floods Iowa experienced over a month ago. Not only that but the major vehicle bridges in town had very nearly also been washed away. They had been closed for several days as water poured over them. We could see several areas along the river where significant erosion from the flood had taken place and in one place half of a concrete parking area was completely washed out. We found out from the locals that about 40 houses had been entirely destroyed (even floated away) by the floods and hundreds of others had had their basements filled with water. One of the well built (water proof) houses in the area actually had to open their windows to let the river flow through or their house would have capsized from all of the outside pressure from the water. While we had seen a few areas where crops had been flood damaged, this was the first real evidence for me of the devestation the flood had caused. Most of the flooding had occured further south.

Friday, was our third of three long days, this time from New Hampton to Fennimore at trip of exactly 100 miles. The countryside was much more hilly than the previous two days, but the beauty was absolutely stunning. I never tire of seeing farmland with great crops. Judging by the well kept farm buildings, I sensed a fair bit of wealth in the area.

The road for the first 20 miles was probably the worst we have encountered on the tour thus far. There were huge potholes everywhere and large cracks in the pavement. A bike tire in any one of them probably would have meant a nasty spill not to mention a bent rim or worse. It was like riding an obstacle course.

The roads after that improved significantly, but there was an area where they had just put fresh gravel on the edge of the road. Unfortunately, the gravel often ended up on the narrow strip of pavement next to the rumble strip leaving us little choice but to ride on the busy highway from time to time, unless a big truck was coming through. It was actually quite dangerous here.

Donald Brunsting, a gentleman in his late sixties and one of the first people I met in Seattle as we roomed together, who also is part of my small group for devotions at night, encountered this dilemma in a very real way. Faced with a truck bearing down from behind him and loose gravel up ahead he slowed down and chose the loose gravel on the edge of the road. Unfortunately he lost control of his bike and fell, breaking his collar bone in the process and now will not be able to cycle the rest of the way. He too was so looking forward to finishing the trip and doing the last two weeks with his daughter from Grand Rapids but now will not be able to do so. Please keep him in your prayers.

Around noon, we crossed the mighty Mississippi River leaving Iowa behind us and entered Wisconsin. Because of the traffic and narrow cycling area across I was unable to stop for a picture but did purchas some post cards on the other side in Prairie du Chien, a fairly large French settlement that dates back to the time of the early French fur traders who plied the Mississippi for pelts.

We arrived in Fennimore at 3:00pm and immediately stopped at an icecream shop to celebrate the three long days we had just come through. I sat down with Larry, a local, who is a truck driver and divorced father of one. He shared quite a bit of his life with me as well as asked me a lot of questions about our tour. During the hour that I spent with him, several of his friends joined us and we could share some more. I really appreciate those moments and see them as wonderful opportunities to meet the "locals" and get a flavour of some of the country that we travel through as well as the people who make up the community. I would have to say, these times are one of the many things that I will take away from this trip.

Yesterday (Sat.) was a short 72 mile trip to Madison. Andy and I were on sweep duty so that meant that we were one of the last to leave, around 7:45pm. We took our time and stopped at several coffee shops along way. I think that our bodies were telling us to take it easy after the three long days.

We arrived in Madison at 1:30 and had to wait in a park about a mile from Crossroads CRC where we were to stay. The media wanted a group shot of us all travelling the last mile, together down the street. I must say is was impressive as we all had our Sea to Sea jerseys on.

We arrived at the church to quite a big fanfare. A lot of people were waiting, lining the driveway of the church and clapping (a band also played)as we came in. After the welcome part, I had a fantastic surprise waiting, actually some friends from Aylmer who were on holidays and had made the trip to Madison to see us, Harry and Hilda Broer. It was so good to see them. Marj and Laurie Pasma had also arrived to see Jake, Kevin and Bill as had Grace Schipper and her twin sister from Woodstock to see Heidi and Denise Bentum.

Harry and Hilda took Bill, Bert and myself out to supper to a really nice steak house where you actually got to pick your steak from the refrigerator and then grill it yourself with all the seasonings etc. I had never done anything like this before. It was so neat with all of standing around this big grill in the restaurant, BBQing our steaks and conversing at the same time. My steak was superb even if I have to say so myself.

This morning we worshipped together here at Crossroads CRC. Crossroads is a church of about fifty families. They have gone through significant upheaval the past year or so. Several families, some long time members have left for other area churches, mainly large community, interdenominational churches. It seems that this trend is happening in many of our churches, not excluding my home church in Aylmer, Ont.

The service was packed and really well done. The Praise Band was a group of exceptional musicians who ministered with us with a number of contemporary as well as traditional songs but also ministered to with a couple of beautiful Christian jazz numbers. I must say this is the first time I have heard a jazz band play in church and I was very impressed with the gifts God had blessed them with and how they had shared them with us in this manner.

Right now the locally renowned Madison Unkualung Choir is giving a concert in the church for our and the community's benefit. They sound fantastic. I can see them through the glass window from where I am typing up this blog but feel the need to post this and see them in person.

I am doing well and am very grateful that I have been so privileged to be a part of this journey. I am equally grateful to have been spared any serious falls or injury so far and also for the opportunity to meet so many "neat" people along the way, not to mention the scenery. God is good. Thanks for all the support I feel each day. I certainly look forward to seeing many of you (D.V.) next weekend as we arrive in Grand Rapids. Until next time, God bless you and keep you all in the palm of his hand.