Seattle, Registration and Welcome

Hank Al Vanderhart and I leaving Grand Rapids airport Friday morning early.






















Seattle skyline driving in from the airport





















Spiritual Support meeting Dave, Marcus, Mike, Len and myself





Hank unpacking my bike Out in Golden Beach Park viewing Olympic Mountains in the distance
Turtles and ducks sunning on a log in Golden Beach Park
Registration line


Cyclists putting bikes back together

Pictures of the Welcome and greeting evening.

Seattle is absolutely beautiful today. It was sunny, and in the high 80"s. Very rare apparently for Seattle. As we flew in on Friday we saw Mount St Helen, Mt Rainier. They were both spectcular. Snow covered and just stand out majestically. I could not get a good picture from the plane so there is none here right now. I have asked a fellow cyclists who said he got a good shot the send me one for my blog.

Hank and I unpacked our bikes, put them back together and than took a 17 mile ride out to Golden Beach Park where we will be dipping in our tires Monday morning.

One sad part of today is that seven cyclists did not arrive with their bikes. Apparently they were not put onto the plane when they left Vancouver and they are still waiting to hear where they are. We will pray they arrive tomorrow.

There is overall a high level of excitement here inspite of a few challenges. Yesterday Ed Witvoet our tour and logistics manager and some crew worked on the gear truck as the gas and cooling systems were not working on the kitchen. By the end of the day, the problems were solved, but it kept Ed busy all day.

The gear and kitchen truck are both parked down a steep hill from the dorms. As there is little parking room on the road way, it was decided that the gear truck would not be parked in front of the dorm where registration is taking place. So the cyclists who put their bikes and gear on the truck in Grand Rapids, including Hank and I had to go down the hill and haul all the stuff up to the dorms for two nights. We will also be hauling everything back down tomorrow and Monday. We are both getting into shape just hauling heavy gear around.

Cyclists warmly greeting each other and looking forward to getting started after all the months of fundraising and training.

It feels really good to be here. Lots of great people we are meeting and looking forward to getting to know many of them better. Everyone seems to be excited about sharing the message of hope across the country over the next nine weeks.

With the perfect weather we feel blessed to have such a beginning to the tour.

Blessings to everyone,

Hank and Claire

Spiritual Prep, Poem The Road of Life, and Some Fun Tour Facts.

Well I have one more day before Hank and I depart. We have been busy doing last minute packing, ensuring everything at home is in good order and taken care of while we are away. We are a little anxious but also excited. We said goodbye to my son Jonathan and Kendra and Mark, Hank's son Karl and wife Jan and daughter Libby. I think I have covered all the bases. Who knows I may have forgotten things. I made a list several weeks ago and I have checked off all the things needing to be done.

Recently my daughter asked me several questions as she was preparing a notice for her church's newsletter. One of the questions asked about how I prepared myself emotionally and spiritually for the tour. Following is my answer to her.
"One of the things I have been doing to prepare for the trip emotionally and spiritually is to follow a devotional book called "Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Pratice of Centering Prayer "by David Muyskens. This devotional has really helped me to spend 20-30 minutes each day to work hard at listening for God's voice, seeing His presence in all things through out the day. Today the devotion focused on the gift of the present moment. Centering Prayer helps to focus on the present. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift from God. The present is where we live, where God is, and the only place we experience the joy of life. The realization and practice of centering prayer helps me to be joyfully aware of the gift of God that comes abundantly right now. We are fully alive when we attend to the present moment. Reading Matt 6: 25-34 Jesus reminds us do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
A writing from Max Lucado " Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and do not get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help me deal with whatever hard times may come up when the hard times comes and trust in the Lord to help me today.
As I look to the beginning of the bike trip I know I will have hard days, but I also know God will give me the strength and power to get through the long hard days. I know I will have amazing experiences when I put God in the drivers seat and let Him control and lead my life. My life has become a great adventure that has given me joy and blessings beyond what I could have imagined."

In sharing this she sent me this poem. I treasure it. Hope you will too.

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer,my judge keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,but I didn't really know Him.
But later on when I met Christ,it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike,and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that he suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.When I had control I knew the way.
It was rather boring,but predictable...It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead,He knew delightful long cuts,up mountainsand through rocky places at break neck speeds,it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked,"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring lifeand entered the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed,gifts of healingacceptanceand joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,my Lord's and mine
.And we were off again.He said, "Give the gifts awaythey're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did,to the people we met,and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.I did not trust Him,at first,in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,Knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ
And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,He just smiles and says..."Pedal."

Author unanimous.


Tour fun facts.

There are 219 cyclists 102 Americans, 116 Canadians and one international rider
69 females, 150 males the oldest male sea to sea is 73 and the oldest seatosea female rider is 66.
The oldest male rider for 2 weeks is 81 and the oldest female for 2 weeks is 77.
Averge age is 45. Youngest turned 18 June 4th.
We have 12 husband and wife teams going on the tour 6 Sea to Sea
We have 2 father/daughter teams one going sea to sea
We have 3 father/son teams sea to sea
1 Mother daughter eastern section
Brother teams 2 sea to sea
sister 1 team going sea to sea
2 brother sister teams

155 cyclists will eat the following daily amounts of food
50 loaves of bread
20 gallons of milk
12 pounds of peanut butter
2 cases of bananas
4.5 pounds of tuna
200 granola bars.

How would you like to pay this grocery bill everyday?

We will be staying/camping at:
35 schools, 10 city parks, 6 state parks , 4 Christian Colleges
Average miles we bike everyday is 72
shortest day is 34,/55km
longest day is 113m/182 km
Highest elevations is Berthoud Pass in Colorado at 11,307 feet./3446 m
Total distance is 3880 miles/6200km
We will be biking through 14 states and one province.

Hope to see some of you along the tour. Thank you to everyone who has supported Hank and I financially. We also appreciate your prayers. We pray too the each of you will also have a blessed summer and may your life be an adventure that sees God taking you to exciting places and experiences.

I will try to update again this week end when cyclists start to arrive in Seattle and the registration, orientation and safety training begins.

Claire and Hank

Synod presentation and loading the gear truck

It is now the last week before we leave for Seattle. The excitement and enthusiasm is beginning to build. We packed our bikes and duffels and loaded them onto the gear truck this afternoon. The truck is heading out tomorrow for Seattle. It is loaded with fellow cyclists bikes and duffel bags. Hank and I both help load the truck today. It was good to meet Bill and Bert, our camp supervisors, and Lavonne our kitchen lead and to hear their enthusiasm and excitement to be a part of this adventure.

It feels stranged not having my bike handy as it has become dear to me. It was such a beautiful day to day and when we finished loading the gear truck, we thought what a perfect day for a bike ride. The temperature was about 75, little wind and no humidity. Funny how we also noticed the way flags are blowing these days to see which way the wind is blowing. Too bad our bikes were on the truck. Oh well, we will have lots of days to pedal after next week.

I have attached some pictures of our time at synod both inside and outside the building. The large gear truck was parked just outside the Fine Arts Centre at Calvin College where the Synod of the Christian Reformed church was meeting. Delegates to the church synod got a chance to walk onto the truck to see how we would be keeping our clothes and gear for nine weeks.

To see the two large trucks completely covered with Sea To Sea logos was pretty amazing. Seeing these trucks now ready, made me realize we are ready for the tour to start.

I was also amazed to learn how much Diaster Response Service (DRS) of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) has provided in terms of vehicles and volunteers. Many volunteers helped put the shelving and electrical outlets onto the gear truck. They have allowed Sea to Sea to store material, equipment, bikes, and duffel bags there. Sea to Sea will also be using 2- 12 passenger vans, two pickup trucks that are pulling a camping trailer and food trailer. DRS has been very supportive and generous. Thanks to the folks at DRS for their goodness and generosity.

Following pictures give you a flavour of the past two day events. I will probably not do another posting till next week when I am in Seattle.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and financial support. Hank and I have raised 16,600 so far. We are still hoping to raise our goal of $20,000.

Cyclists appearing at synod for presentation and prayer.

Gear truck in front of Fine Arts Centre on Calvin College Campus.

Hank and I with Arbin Pokarel a friend from Nepal
Carol Rienstra, Hank and I in front of the truck which is stationed outside the Fine Arts Centre where synod is meeting. We were excited to see the new jerseys and to see a large group of cyclists wearing them.
Bert and Bill the camp supervisors. They are also know as Oscar and Felix. They are quite the characters and enjoy having fun and being together. They have known each other a long time. Bill is taking his motor cycle along on the truck to Seattle as he will be riding the rode everyday with the cyclists checking to see if anyone may need help.

"Oscar and Felix" stand inside clean empty gear truck. Notice the shelving that will hold the cyclists stuff. Each cyclist will be allowed two laundry baskets for their clothes and their tents, sleeping bags, etc which has been packed in duffel bags will be placed in the aisle when the truck pulls out of camp each day.

Bill alias Felix inside packed gear truck with his motor cycle

One of the pickup trucks DRS is letting the Sea To Sea use for the tour.

This is the kitchen trailer which will serve all the meals for 200 people on the tour. The kitchen has a large walk in frig, two large freezers, a large 6 burner stove and two large convection ovens. It is quite the vehicle.

this will be the media trailer for the tour.

At the end of a busy day of loading vehicles Ed Witvoet, Tour Logistics Manager, Bert Steenbergen, camp supervisor Jan Beek assistant tour manager, her father, Art from DRS and Bill DenHarder camp supervisor pose for final picture. Thanks everyone for all the hard work in getting everything packed onto the trucks so they can roll out Saturday morning for Seattle.

If people get a chance, it will be interesting to see the whole camp in action when tents go up and the kitchen truck is preparing meals. There will a beehive of activity and a sight to watch.

Prayer requests

As you follow our trip we request your prayers.

As I have reminded myself and the committee as we have been preparing for this trip it is not all about the cyclists. The Cyclists are only a vehicle to communicate the greater message of the hope for all the world that only Jesus Christ can give.

*Pray that as the cyclists pedal safely across the country that they can give testimony to God's love, faithfulness and amazing grace.
*Pray for all the Celebration services and the challenge to be laid before everyone to become meaningfully engaged in ministry to the poor.
* For the speakers to speak God's challenge to everyone with confidence and boldness.
* For good use of the monies raised and good follow up by agencies that assist people to end their cycle of poverty.
* For the spirit of these celebrations to permeate all the churches of Reformed Church of America and Christian Reformed Church.
* That we live in expectation of God's blessings and guidance, to experience miracles of healing and protection, to be humbled and empowered by the Spirit.

Thanks for your prayers and financial support.

During the tour you can send mail to Hank and I

Four locations along the tour route have been designated to receive mail for the cyclists and support crew on tour.
Please note the date by which packages must be received in order for on time delivery; send your mail early (there is no guarantee that packages will be forwarded to another location further down the route).

#1 — Boise, Idaho
Tour arrives Saturday, July 12
Mail to: Name of Tour Participant / Sea to Sea Bike TourValley Life Community Church6325 N. Locust Grove Rd.Meridian, ID 83646

#2 — Denver, Colorado
Tour arrives Saturday, July 26
Mail to: Name of Tour Participant / Sea to Sea Bike TourThird Christian Reformed Church2400 S. Ash St.Denver, CO 80222

#3 — Madison, Wisconsin
Tour arrives Saturday, August 9
Mail to: Name of Tour Participant / Sea to Sea Bike TourCrossroads Church3815 S. Dutch Mill RoadMadison, WI 53718

#4 — St. Catharines, Ontario
Tour arrives Saturday, August 23 (note: mail must arrive by Fri., Aug. 22, as there is no Saturday mail delivery in Canada)
Mail to: Name of Tour Participant / Sea to Sea Bike Tourc/o 4 Nickerson Ave.St. Catharines, ON L2N 3M1

Postage Rates:
Postage for letter mail within the U.S. is 42 centsPostage for letter mail from the US to Canada is 72 centsPostage for letter mail within Canada is 52 cents (plus GST)Postage for letter mail from Canada to the U.S. is 96 cents (plus GST)

Training on track with 1200 miles year to date.

Since the beginning of April I have been able to bike 1200 miles. May 31st and June 1st Hank and I rode for MS with the Easy Rider team from Eastern Ave Christian Reformed Church. Hank finished riding 75 miles each day and I rode 100 miles each day. Both of us were tired but felt good that we finished each day without sores.

Both of us gained confidence that we are ready for our cross country tour. I especially wanted to see if I could do 2 century rides back to back as we will have to do 3 rides of 100 miles of more back to back on the Sea to Sea tour.

the Easy Rider team from Eastern Ave Christian Reformed church.

On Sunday June 1st I rode with Jim Holwerda and Peter Holtrop. It was a beautiful day and we finished 102 miles with 7 hours in the saddle. All of us were very pleased with our time. We left Hope College and biked north along the Lake Shore to Grand Haven. We passed the Christian Reformed Conference grounds. As I was riding, I was thinking the next time I would be on this road with my bike again I would have almost 3000 miles.

Hank and I enjoyed the MS ride very much. It was a well organized and supported bike ride. We raised $500 for MS. The for both days were beautiful and on good roads that had interested scenery. We did have 35 mile an hour winds on Saturday that presented challenges for us , but we still did well.

We will consider doing this ride again.

Last week I ended two training rides in a major down pour and and felt like a "drowned rat". These rides reminded me of the times in 2005 when we had to ride through rain for as much as 4hours. Last week at least the rain was warm and I could take a hot shower followed up with a good glass of wine. I remind myself that this will not happen. I do hope we have warm showers everyday, but Ed has indicated that might not happen everyday. Glass of wine may have to wait each day.

For those of you that will be following my tour, the Sea To Sea devotional Shifting Gears is now available from website seatosea.org. Check it out. You may find it very interesting as it gives the daily elevations for our rides along with directions and mileage. You can also follow the spiritual journey with us as we focus on God's work and words.

As you know our fund raising goal is $20,000. So far we have raised just over $16,000. We know another 1000 is still coming. If you would still like to contribute to the cause of "ending the cycle of poverty" you can go to the Sea to Sea website and make a donation under Hank's name. All donations will be used to assist the poor locally and globally.

Hank and I have 2 and half weeks left before we leave. We are busy getting last minute things and tweaking our riding skills to increase our speed and endurance.