Day 32 July 31 McCook to Minden

Day 32 July 31 McCook to Minden Sea to Sea 08

Today’s stats

Distance 96.98
Time in saddle 6.33 hours
Ascent 1605
Elevation 2185
Average speed 14.8 miles per hour

Left this morning at 615 arrived in camp 215. Hank arrived at the same time as he took the SAG wagon from Walter’s at 65 miles. He was riding with Bill and Mary and they were having tire problems and decided to Hank was riding with them he decided he did not want to ride alone and went with them in the SAG.

This morning we again got up early at 445 AM. As we changed time yesterday, it was much darker this morning at 6 AM than previous mornings. We wanted to start as early as we could, but it was still too dark at 6. When we left at 615 we had our rear lights on.

The ride today was a good ride. We had rolling hills with a slight wind on our backs. As we started early, the heat did not get to us until we got into camp. Apparently it is 98 degrees right now with little breeze.

The country we rode through appeared more prosperous than where we were riding yesterday. The corn crop was much higher and thicker. Biking through rolling hills was enjoyable today.

When we arrived in camp, I went to the local pool for a refreshing swim. It felt good. Although sitting back at camp, I was getting very tired and sleepy as the heat is very tiring even when sitting in the shade.

This afternoon when Hank, Mary, and Bill stopped by the Subway shop, the manager wrote a cheque for $100 as a donation to the Sea To Sea. It never ceases to amaze us how complete strangers want to give to our cause. So far we have had $2300 donated to us as we talk to strangers.

Today we are past the half way mark in terms of time. We have finished 4 weeks three days and tomorrow we pass the half way mark for distance. It is amazing we are now at this point. It has been a great tour so far. It seems the momentum is picking up as we bike down the highway as people say “ Oh you are the group we read about in the paper or heard about on TV” People continue to come up to the group to ask questions and wonder who we are and what we are doing.

Yesterday, I forgot to mention the Margaret DeWeerd and Rita Baarda’s who joined us in Denver and whose husband’s had driven them out were set to leave. Before they left, they set up Rita and Margaret’s tent in McCook . When Margaret saw the roses and chocolates on their pillows she was over come with emotion. Joe De Weerd and Peter Baarda are special husbands to do that for their wives. I think they will miss each other. Both Peter and Joe will be joining the tour in Grand Rapids and be a new SAG vehicle

Day 31 July 30 Wray to McCook Nebraska Sea to Sea 08

Day 31 July 30 Wray to McCook Nebraska Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today
Distance 92.8
Time in saddle 6.46 hours
Average speed 13.4 miles per hour.
Ascent 1165
Current elevation 2607
Temperature when we arrived in McCook 104 degrees.

Left a 608 this morning and arrived at camp 330 Central time Hank arrived by himself at 530. Mary and Bill had taken SAG with Walter at mile 78.

Today we started the earliest I have ever started. When we heard last night what temperatures we might be facing lots of people decided to get out as early as possible.

I started out riding with Hank, Mary and Bill as Joan was not ready and I said I would ride with her when she caught up to me. We left Colorado and entered Nebraska. So we have five states we have biked through and have 11 more to go. We also left Mountain Time and enter central time. I rode with them for about 38 miles. When Joan caught up to me at Walter’s SAG stop we started biking together.

Hank and I at the Nebraska border

Bill, Mary and Hank at the border

Joan and I stopped at Stratton in a gas station for some ice and cold drink. We than stopped 12 miles down the road for more ice and cold drink. When we got to town, I bought my cold chocolate milk and Joan had her beer and called her family. I headed into camp.

Today we had to bike up a hill into camp and it did not have lots of shade. We are cooking sitting in the sun. Any bit of shade is treasured. Our vehicles are providing shade so people are gathered wherever bits of shade is available.
Cory's SAG stop along the way. Cory just doing some stretches.

The terrain today was a little more varied than yesterday. We saw more grain fields and cattle grazing. The hay fields appeared lusher. There were parts that did not look prosperous, as the corn was not very high.

The ride was long and hot. Our water got warm very quickly and every opportunity we could we filled up with ice. When it is so hot and dry, ice-cold water tastes delicious. As it is so hot and dry we need to hydrate often. Even after drinking water, I still feel thirsty. When I get to camp, I cannot seem to get enough cold water to drink.

Today numerous people had difficulty with the heat, and took SAG wagons into camp. Many of the locals cannot imagine biking in this heat. Right now it is 7 PM and there are still 15 people out on the road. This is another difficult day. We were supposed to have tail winds all day, but as it was we had the wind coming from the side in a southerly direction. This added to the challenge of the day and wore people down.

Today I have not heard of any serious accidents, which is a blessing.

Tonight at our peleton meeting we heard from Jerry Traylor who has cerebral palsy and was in braces from the hips to his feet till age 11. When he looked at himself in the mirror he saw imperfections, but he knew God looked into the heart. It did not matter what his weakness was, as God would use it to his glory. He was in the hospital for 11.5 months and afterwards he had new opportunities. He has done 35 marathons and did a run across America on his crutches. He was born in McCook and was visiting when he ran into some cyclists. He is very proud of what we are doing and encourages us to remember not just the people who are poor financially, but also the poor in mind and heart. Remember the incredible gifts God has given us, even when we are having a difficult day and we think we cannot do another day. Remember God gives us the strength to get through each day. Thank you Jerry for your words of encouragement.

Jake Kuipers shared with the group about running into a person at a Sinclair Gas station in Benkelman who had driven from Yuma this morning and had counted 140 cyclists on the road. He wanted to know who we were and what we were doing. When he heard our story he gave Jake $50. Later when Jake was in camp and a few people went to the local bar for a beer, the owner there wanted to know all about what they were all about. He proceeded to give them free beer, plus a tee shirt and donated $100 to Sea to Sea.

Apparently today we collected over $300 from complete strangers. Thank the Lord that he is using us to communicate His message about the needs of the poor. These events are what make the Sea-to-Sea Bike tour so unique and help the church as a whole to touch people in a very unique way. Please continue to pray that all of us will be bold to share God’s message for the poor and to encourage people to get involved today in some way.

Day 30 July 29 Fort Morgan to Wray Sea to Sea 08

Sorry this post is a day later. The satalite booted me out just as I was ready to post.

Day 30 July 29 Fort Morgan to Wray Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today
Distance 87.43 miles
Time in saddle 6.02 hours left at 640 arrived in camp 245. Hank arrived at 415
Ascent 1090
Current elevation 3539
Temperature 96

Again we started out early. Joan and I initially started out together, but quickly caught up to Bob and Lisa Brouwer and Leanne Geisterfer. We ended up riding with them all day, for which we were very thankful. We had some winds all day, but especially the last 27 miles when we rotated through the pace line every half-mile. Bob would call out every half mile to switch the lead.

Today the scenery was a little more diverse in that we saw flat sage land, grain fields; large cattle feed lots and past through 4 villages. We noticed the corn crop was suffering. Patches of corn were dead, while others were wilting. We also noticed that the grain crop was not very good. It was very thin with small heads of grain on the stalks. A local mentioned to us that they had had a terrible hailstorm that affected the crop.

We stopped in Akron at a very quaint coffee shop. Joan got a chance to really mix with the locals and to tell the Sea-to-Sea story.


In Akron the local press interviewed Bob and Lisa Brouwer. This was another opportunity for us to share what God is doing and to encourage people to get engaged in making a difference in their local community.

When we arrived in camp today, we had a chance to go to the local pool for a swim and showers. As the showers were cold, I opted for the swim. It was delightful, relaxing and refreshing. They had large water slides, which we all enjoyed. I told Ed that it would be really nice if we could swim in this kind of pool after every ride. Having a swim after a hot long ride invigorates and refreshes.
George, Ann, Marti and Leanne enjoying the pool

It seems all the new people who started yesterday are having a better day and have completed today’s ride. Yesterday, a number of new people were over come with the heat, and were not use to eating and drinking every time you stop.

Tomorrow we heard the temperature is going to be 104 degrees. We are planning to get out at 615. We will also lose an hour as we are going into Nebraska and Central time. Please pray for wind on our backs so everyone can get in early to beat the heat.

Day 29 Denver to Fort Morgan

Today stats. Sorry in transferring my bike computer into to my laptop, the info some how got lost or erased.

This morning we got up early 5AM so Brian could drive Hank and I back to the Christian High to start biking from there. When we looked at the map, we realized that we could have started from Sarah and Brians and saved ourselves about 20 miles. However we had too much stuff to carry on our bikes to start from Sarah's.

Hank and I both got our on the road about 7 AM. I started riding with Len and Joan. 2 miles down the road we picked up Augie Faber a new rider starting in Denver. Later we added Nancy Niuwenhuis from Connecticut. Half way through the ride we picked up Clare Dornbos and Roger Feenstra. 15 miles from the end we picked up Dave Teitsma. Riding in this paceline worked well for us, as we rotated regularly and the pace was not too face. We had some head winds today so riding in a paceline really helps. We got into camp about 320. This gave us some time to ourselves for showering and organizing things. At 5, I had a meeting with Ed, Jen and Erinn so I did not get time to enter info on the blog.

The ride today went well inspite of the 100 degree temperature, as we were in a paceline pretty much all day. Joan is not really crazy about riding in a paceline because you really need to keep your eye on the bike in front of you. Joan likes to look around and chat as she rides. Because we did not have many towns to stop in and the scenery was very flat, she agreed riding in the paceline helped make the ride go faster today.
In the village of Keenseburg our group was interviewed by the local paper and they took a picture of all of us. Lots of people want to know if we are in a bike race and what we are all about. This gives us an opportunity to share our stories and to witness about what God is calling us to do.

Our directions were a little confusing today and there was construction on the route that made us change where we rode. We rode on Interstate 76 for over 20 miles. The interstate was in better shape than the frontage road we were suppose to ride on. The last 15 miles we had rough roads and a headwind. So riding in the pace line bade a big difference for us.

At supper time we again saw a double rainbow. God is again telling us he is with us and caring for us even when things do not always seem to work the way we think they should.

When we got into camp we heard that Cynthia Aukema from Chatham Ontario had a serious accident riding on the interstate. Apparently there was lots of debris on the highway and there were 2 larger pieces. Cynthia was riding with a group of people who al managed to avoid it, but Cynthia caught the corner of one piece and went over the handlebars, landed on the ground and rolled several times. She suffered a concussion and broke her pelvis. Unfortunately she is not able to ride the rest of the way.

The recent accidents of Tyler and Cynthia are traumatic for the camp in that the last two day rides we have had two people who have had accidents that caused them to leave the tour. Everyone has been saddened by these events and know they need to be more careful while riding.

At the peleton meeting, we also heard stories of God moments. Stephanie Webb has been having lots of knee problems and was having a difficult time connecting with someone in Denver to help her out. As it was Len had forgotten his passport at Joy Engelsma house and when Erinn connected with her to pick up the passport, Erinn mentioned Stephanie's problem and Joy told her they have specialist in the congregation. Joy immediately connected with him and Stephanie meet with the doctor for 1.5 hours.

Marcus Lise also shared about the free lunch lots of cyclists got at a restaurant when they heard what we were doing and why.

Ed reminded all of us to enjoy the journey of our lives. This is not a race. People need to take time to look around to view the scenery and do not worry about being the first one into camp.

I almost forgot to mention that I had my first spill today. I was riding along the bike path in Denver and as I was riding up a hill and around a corner, there was water on the path that caused by rear wheel to hydro plain. I tried to keep my bike from going over and almost managed, but I did go down. I got a long scatch on one leg, and a bruise on the other. My right shifter was pushed over a little. Fortunately no major scatches or damage to my bike.

Day 28 Restday in Denver

Today we had a relaxing time with Sarah and Brian, Sydney, Grant and Cole. We got up at 7 am and had doughnuts and banana for breakfast with them.

At 9 am we formed a peleton with all the cyclists to bike to Engelwood High School where the celebration service was going to be held. It was a 2 mile bike ride from Denver Christian High.

At Engelwood High there was a ministry fair were local agencies and church agencies displayed what they did to serve the poor.

Before the service started, the cyclists circled the football field and put their bikes behind the stage. It was the first time, we had biked enmass. Reminded me of the times we did this in 2005 and the thrill we experienced.

The service was organized by the CRC and RCA churches. Jerry Dykstra spoke from Job. He spoke of life's tough questions that we often ask. In biking across the country he challenged us when at the end of a tough day and we bike the last 10 miles we remember that it is not about us. Who we are and what we are doing is about being used by God to communicate the larger vision of who God is and what he calls each of us to do.

Afterwards we again celebrated communion with people from all over Canada the US and Haiti. People from the CRC and RCA churches as well as other faith communities. It truly was an ecumenical experience. Looking around at everyone, reminded us that God works in amazing ways and uses people from all corners of the earth and all walks of life to fulfill his work.

We had lunch together with the members of the area churches which gave us an opportunity to meet people from Denver and to say thank you for all the work they have done and are doing to serve the Lord.

After lunch we went back to Christian High to reorganize our laundry baskets and to put them back on the gear truck. We had to unload all our stuff from the gear truck on Saturday before we left in order that the gear truck could be swept out and cleaned. After two weeks it was getting quite dirty and disorganized. Cleaning it out periodically helps keep everything organized and helps people find things they thought they miss placed. It also keeps people from claiming more than one cubbie hole for their laundry baskets. People do have a tendency to put stuff into more than one spot because some people have too much stuff.

After we sorted out our laundry baskets and put our clean clothes back in that we had washed at Sarah's, we headed back to Sarah's house and went to the neighbourhood pool. It was very refreshing and relaxing as there was also a hot tub that we could just sit in and relax our sore leg muscles. This was a real treat and invigorated us greatly. Thanks to Sarah and Brian for a relaxing and refreshing time. We also had time to play with Sydney and Grant in the pool and hot tub. It was wonderful to spend time with grand kids and Sarah and Brian. Thank you Lord for this opportunity and time together.

As we prepare for our next weeks ride, please pray that God will continue to use us to communicate the important message of serving the poor and to act justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with God as we bike across the country. As please pray that we have the wind on our backs as we begin biking across the prairies and that we do not have severe heat to deal with.

Day 27 Winter Park Snow Mountain Ranch to Denver

Day 27 Winter Park to Denver Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today
Distance from top of Berthoud Pass 63.54
Time in saddle 4:19 hours
Average speed 14.9
Maximum speed 43.8
Ascent 1860 with Berthoud in the car 4992
Descent 11940
Current elevation 5304
Time we left from top 9 AM arrived at camp 4PM.

Wow we are at the end of week 4 and we have finished the mountains. Everyone is glad that we are now finished with major climbing for a while. Probably the second to the last day will give us a challenge but that is a long time away. Right we are all looking forward to just having some days of riding downhill from Denver and in the flat lands. We will probably look forward to getting through the prairies as well but for now having the mountains behind us is a great relief. We will miss the spectacular scenery we have been viewing and the grand vistas. Every one really enjoyed today’s ride. It was a major accomplishment for most people as they had cycled four weeks, over a couple of mountain ranges.

Our day started out at 530 packing up our stuff in our comfortable room at Silver Sage Lodge at Snow Mountain Range. I did not sleep well even though the bed was very comfortable. Had too many things on my mind from last night and thinking about today. Hank slept like a log.

Hank and I had both decided not to try to climb Berthoud Pass as it would drain us by the end of the day. Since we are staying with my daughter Sarah and Brian Boonstra and the three grand kids Sydney, Grant and Cole, I did not want to be completely exhausted at the end of the day so I could not enjoy our visits. As it was the day was long enough just biking down from the summit of Berthoud Pass. Hank and I biked together the whole day. It is the first day we have biked together. The ride was mostly down hill and Hank does well on the day hill. He can coast behind me while I still pedal.

One of the group had an unfortunate accident today. A young group of riders had decided to add an extra 45 miles to their ride by going up to Mt Evans. As they started out in a pace line the last rider Tyler hit the rear tire of the person in front of him and went over his handlebars breaking his collar bone. He will have to go home to have surgery and will not be able to ride the rest of the tour. This is the second person who now will not be riding the whole way due to injury.

Top of Berthoud Pass.

SAG stop with Cory at top of Berthoud

The scenery along route 40 the bike path along 70 and route 74 out of Evergreen were awesome. We had mountain creeks running along the road and cliffs beside the creeks. It was quite spectacular. God provided beautiful views and scenery along our routes. We did enjoy God’s creation and the mountains immensely even though the climbing and altitude took its toll on the riders.


River rafts on the river we biked beside. Looks fun and refreshing


Abandon mining shaft along the route Hank crossing the bridge from the bike path along the river. We never knew this bike path was there along I 70 to Idaho Springs. This was a treat.

Bear Creek running along the canyon road from Evergreen. It was thrilling to ride down the canyon road and along the creek.

We were treated to cold refreshments along Jewell Ave by the Reformed church there. It was much appreciated.

When we arrived at Denver Christian High, we were greeted by shouts of welcome, applause and music, cool drinks and cookies, and welcome packages provided by Denver churches. Thanks to the people in Denver for a grand welcome. At night we had an ice cream social provided again by the Denver churches.

Hank and I were glad to be finished our ride. I did have my first flat tire just a mile from the high school. So far Hank has had two flats and I have had one. Hopefully we will not have anymore.

Hank and I are staying with Sarah, Brian, Sydney, Grant and Cole this weekend. It is so nice to be in air conditioned out of the sun, have a bath room and shower close by and a regular bed. Brian has agreed to drive us back to camp early Monday morning so we can stay two nights with them. Thanks Brian for your willingness to get up early to drive us so we can start by 630.

Day 26 Kremmling to Winter Park Snow Mountain Ranch Sea to Sea 08

Day 26 July 25 Kremmling to Winter Park Snow Mountain Ranch Sea-to-Sea 08

Stats for today
37.59 miles
Time in saddle 3.33 hours
Ascent 1606
Current elevation 8722
Average speed 10.5
Temp this morning 10 Celsius

The Lord knew we needed a short day. It was very relaxing, enjoyable and fun. It was also an emotional day as we were saying goodbye to a number of people and we had communion together to close the day. Wish all our days were so short and enjoyable. But then it would take a lot longer to bike across the country. Everyone was looking forward to a great day.

Hank and I woke up this morning at 545. We slept in. What a difference in the camp. There was no mad rush for people to get out this morning. We were much more relaxed and enjoyed a more leisurely breakfast. We knew we had the whole day to cover 34 miles. There was no pressure to get out early to beat the heat.

It was very cool this morning 10 degrees. I wore my jacket, arm warmers and leg warmers. Joan and I started out shortly after Hank, Mary and Bill went out. It took us 10 miles to catch up to them, as we were not rushing today. The scenery along the Colorado Canyon was spectacular. There were people fishing in the river and we saw three men painting one of the canyon walls. We could hear the rushing river and the train along the canyon wall. What a delightful and inspiring ride.

We stopped in Hot Springs for a coffee and delicious cinnamon roll. The cyclists cleaned the café out of baked goods in short order as Hot Springs is a small town and we usually all hit the same place. Walter Vink at SAG stop ensuring we use purrel regularly to keep germs away.

Joan and I ended up riding with Hank, Mary, and Bill for a while. In Granby, Joan wanted to stop for her usual Friday night pizza and beer. I was not really feeling great and pizza and beer did not sound appetizing. So Joan went on with Adrian Kloet and I stayed with Hank, Mary and Bill. We had fries, root beer and taco chips with cheese.

We decided we would head into camp. Just about 3 miles from the camp I saw Phil Quist parked along the side of the road. He greeted Hank and I. It was a pleasant surprised. He is staying at Snow Mountain Ranch with us tonight.

We got into camp around 2PM. The camping site was a little rough as we were camping in a field that was not very level. Hank and I decided to get a room in one of the lodges. It is perfect. We had our own private shower, queen size bed, and Internet in the room. It is quiet and comfortable.

Chaplain Steve from Snow Mountain Ranch expressed his pleasure at having us. He shared with us how God broke him when he visited Kenya. His heart became broken when he saw and heard stories of severe poverty, starvation and death due to lack of resources. He was pleased to hear how what motivated us to do this difficult and challenging undertaking. He thanked us on behalf of the poor he had seen.

During our peleton meeting Len reminded us that tomorrow would be the third anniversary of Elizabeth Woudsma accident. For those of you who do not know her, she had signed up to cycle the last leg of the 2005 bike tour but was hit by a truck that paralyzed her from the neck down. She was injured while she was in training for the ride. This reminded us of how careful we need to be and also pray for Elizabeth as God uses her in a whole new way. She is a joyful and inspiring person in spite of what happened. She inspired the cyclists when we visited her in Kingston during the tour. God has a different plan and she was willing to let him lead her in a new way.

Tonight we said goodbye to 15 cyclists who will be leaving the tour in Denver. It was a fairly emotional time for many. Good sharing and community had developed with each person. They will all be missed in their own way.

After the peleton meeting we celebrated communion. Dave De Ridder from Denver prepared us for communion and reminded us of the anniversary of the space shuttle landing on the moon. I did not know that the astronauts had taken a silver challis, wine and wafer to the moon. The first food eaten on the moon was wine and bread celebrating the maker of heaven and earth and what God has done for us. This really made our celebrating it more moving for me. We than each dipped bread into grape juice to celebrate what God has done and is doing through us for his people. Joan celebrating communion given by Betsy and Jessica Fox. Second is Jen VanBeek celebrating communion.

All of us were moved by the experience but knew God was present and is surrounding us with his angels.

Please pray that we continue to care for each other each day especially long hard days. Tomorrow the climb is over Berthoud Pass at 11305 feet. Many people are having difficulty breathing and are not feeling 100% due to altitude sickness we believe. Teresa Hoekstra has not been able to ride due to asthma and has had great difficulty breathing in this air. Lois Craven has also had great difficulty breathing. Several people like Art Smid, David Teitsma, and Stephanie Webb have had knee problems that prevent them from riding full days. Please pray for these people that they may receive strength to do what they can each day.

Day 25 July 24 Craig to Kremmling 95.73 miles Sea to Sea 08

Day 25 July 24 Craig to Kremmling 95.73 miles Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today
95.73 miles
Time in saddle 8.17
Average speed 11.5,
Max speed 41.6
Ascent 4164
Current elevation 7404
Temp in morning 17 C sorry my clock gives Celsius not farenheit.

Another beautiful ride, but brutal for me. I left camp at 645 and arrived in Kremmling at 545. I was completely exhausted. It took me 2.5 hours to climb to the false summit of Rabbit Ears Pass. The grade was 6-8% for 7.3 miles.

Hank took a SAG to the top of the mountain along with Mary and Bill. They rode down from the false summit into camp and arrived at 2 PM. Hank had the tent and sleeping bag all arranged for which I was very thankful. Hank, Mary, and Bill were very rested and had an enjoyable ride.

Joan and I started the day strong. We enjoyed the ride from Kremmling to Steamboat Springs which is a tourist town with lots of biking, hiking and skiing. This is a place both of us want to come back to as we did not have any time to really look around. It was quaint with lots of interesting shops. We did stop at two bike shops as I need a new water bottle holder and Joan needed something to help with the constant numbness in her hands. We enjoyed a cup of coffee in Steamboat and left to tackle the mountain around 12 noon.

Scenery along the road before Steamboat Springs

The ride up the mountain was very beautiful as you can see from the pictures, but it took us a long time. We first tried to do a mile at a time than a half mile. Eventually we got to the false summit. Julie our SAG at the top was a sight of sore eyes. The real summit for Rabbit Ears was another 5 miles across the top of the mountain range. Half way, we were greeted by Leanne Geisterfer, who was giving our freezes that a family from Denver had provided. Wow did this ever taste great at the top of long hot climb. We crossed the continental divide at the summit of Rabbit Ears.

Pictures starting at the bottom of our climb to the top where we crossed the continental divide.

After the summit we had a nice descent for 15 miles. While going down my feet starting hurting a great deal. I was looking for Walter our next SAG stop, but it was a long time coming. I started to hyper ventilate and had a panic attack going down. I was having a serious melt down. By the time I did get to Walters SAG I just sat down and cried. I am sure it was because I was just exhausted from the climb and from the pain in my feet. Walter was a blessing for me. He provided a cold towel, some cold cranberry juice, and cold water for my feet. Thank you so much Walter for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

All the cyclists really appreciate the SAG drivers as we do have many difficult times. One day Cory had chocolate chip cookies for everyone, Julie had chips and Walter has had licorice or watermelon. These treats are special and very much appreciated by everyone. The freezes along the highway were also special.

By the time I got to camp I was completely spent. I quickly took a shower as supper would be served shortly. After supper we found it getting very cold and people were needing long pants and jackets on for the first time since the tour started. I was so cold, I had the chills, that I put on a fleece plus another jacket. It was suppose to be in the 40s for the night.

Everyone who climbed the mountain found it exhausting and tough. They also thought it was also a beautiful ride. At night many people went to bed by 9. Since tomorrow would be a short day of 34 miles, Ed said breakfast would be a half hour later and told people to sleep in.

Hank and I were in bed by nine.

Day 24 July 23 Dinosaur to Craig 88.01 miles Sea To Sea

Day 24

Stats for today.

Time in Saddle 7.30 hours,
88.01 miles,
3326 total ascent,
11.7 average speed
Max speed today 45 miles per hour
Current elevation 6394

Yesterday I forgot to mention that we entered Colorado our fifth state. We now have 4 states down, 12 to go and one province.
Today was a much better day than yesterday for me. Hank finished 60 miles than felt he could not do anymore and got into a SAG to take him into camp. Hank did not feel well this morning so cycling was not something he looked forward to today. That fact he still did 60 miles is amazing. There are a number of people who have been feeling ill in the last couple of days.

What made the ride easier was the roads were better, we had overcast skies for part of the day and the wind was with us more than yesterday. Many people were very weary this morning after the difficult day yesterday and were not looking forward to riding today. I think people are getting fatigued due to 3.5 weeks of biking. This week is the hardest week yet with long days and lots of climbing. We will all be glad when the week is over and we are in Denver.

Today we biked through more country like yesterday. It was a boring ride for the beginning of the day. We manage to get through the day by pacing ourselves between SAGs. We stopped in a small place called Mayberry for lunch and I bought an A&W root beer and some chips to eat with my sandwich. The water gets warm, so we really enjoy a really cold drink when we can get it. Having chips also is a nice change as we have energy bars, cookies, cheese sticks, sandwiches, oranges, apples, and bananas. Food is all starting to taste the same. WE look forward to suppers as the cooks do a great job and making for that tastes good and we have lots of variety.

Thanks to all of you who are sending emails and comments on this blog. Hank and I really feel your support and prayers. Often I am not in camp early enough to work on the Internet as much as I would like. I barely have enough time to upload pictures and write a few comments. Sometimes I am just too tired to do a lot and just do the minimum to let you know how Hank and I are doing. Sometimes the Internet is not very cooperative and loading pictures does not always go easily.

The spirit in the camp continues to be very positive even though people are very tired. The young people are really a blessing as they have lots of energy and are enthusiastic. The last of today’s sweep team just came in. It is 715 and they still have to set up their tents, eat supper, and take a shower. They are happy and say they had fun on the road and all work together. The older people are probably much more tired and are feeling the effects of numerous days on the road.


Please pray that we will be able to handle the remaining long days on the road this week with the high climbs. Being above 6000 feet affects our breathing and we have to drink lots of water and not over exhort ourselves too quickly. We need to be slow and steady.
Tomorrow we are going over Rabbit Ears pass at 9500 feet. People are anxious about it as we are also going 96 miles as well as climbing 4993 feet. Please pray that we will have wind on our backs, smooth roads, and overcast skies.

When we arrived in Craig today, the local press interviewed two cyclists and the TV station wants to have one of the cyclists on TV in the morning. We are getting good press and people are really responding well to what we are doing and why.

Day 23 Duchense to Dinosaur 91.7 miles Sea to Sea 08

Day 23 July 22 Duchense to Dinosaur 91.7 miles

Total time in saddle 7.32 hours, elevation 5869, average speed 12.3 miles per hour.
Hank and I both left at 640. I arrived at 445 and Hank at 545.

It was a little cool when we first got up but warmed up quickly. Both of us started out at a good pace this morning. Hank rode with Bill and Mary again and they averaged 17.4 miles per hour for the first 18 miles. It is the fastest average Hank has ever had. I rode with Joan and we averaged 16.4 miles per hour. We both meet at the first SAG. I took Hank’s picture as he rode in.

The terrain was varied. We saw red rock formation that are the beginning of the red rocks that extend all the way to the Grand Canyon. They had their own beauty.

We were well over half way before noon and had some lunch in Varnal. We only had 35 miles left to go about noon. The last 35 miles took us forever. We faced headwinds and up hill climbing. It was not very steep but it was long. With the head winds and rough roads it felt we were riding on flat tires. We were working twice as hard. Everyone we spoke to at camp felt the same way. It seems most people found this another tough day.

Along the way Joan stopped to pick up money she saw on the road and managed to pick up $1.17. This money goes into the Sea to Sea donation bucket. Anyone who finds money or receives donations puts it into this bucket. Joan also spoke to two cyclists who were carrying lots of gear. She found out one was on the road six months and the other three months. Both seemed to be enjoying their experience.

I forgot to mention that one night Hank found out he had a flat tire at the peleton meeting. He had to change this before he went to bed as the next day we were going to have a long ride. So Hank has had two flats so far.

One of the cyclists Joanne Tipple, who had a very heavy bike and was experiencing lots of problems got a new bike this weekend. Her comment to us is God is good. She is enjoying her rides much more and finds the hills much easier now that she has a new Trac.

One of our cyclists Jake Kuipers, has also had two significant accidents that could have injuried him seriously. The first one occurred just as he arrived in Sunnyside. He hit a bump and went flying over his handle bars and hit his head on the pavement. He had no serious injuries. Today, his seat post broke while he was riding along and he went flying onto the middle of the busy highway we were biking along. Fortunately no cars were coming in either direction. Thank you God for your protection for Jake and that nothing serious happened. It could have been very tragic if there had been traffic.

Tonight we are staying in the city park. Nothing grand. We have to walk to an RV park about quarter mile to go for showers. The women’s shower only had one working so all the women waiting 6 of us decided to get things done as quickly as possible we would take turns under the shower head to get our hair and bodies wet than lather up and then go under to rinse off. We all managed to get six showers down in less than 10 minutes as supper was going to be ready in 10 minutes. None of us were shy. It was rather comical, but it worked for all of us and we were ready for supper in time.

We continue to feel God’s protection and care for all of us. We also try to be careful as we ride along the busy highways.

Hank and I are tired but hanging in there and taking each day as it comes. Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and prayers. We know God is here for us.

Day 22 July 21 Salt Lake City to Duchense 90.64 miles Sea to Sea 08

Day 22 Salt Lake City to Duchense 90.64 miles Sea to Sea 08

Total time in saddle 7.44 hours left at 7 AM got into camp at 515 Hank arrived at 615
Ascent 4630 Elevation 5540 Highest elevations was 9500 feet at mile 37.
11.7 average speed Temperature 86

Another hard and challenging day for both Hank and I, but we both finished the day on our bikes. We are both thankful that we are able to handle each day God has planned for us. We celebrate with fellow cyclists the accomplishments of each day.

Hank and I got up at 510 and were packed up by 545. We had to have our duffels loaded onto a pickup truck, as it was a half-mile walk to the gear trailer.

We managed to get out of camp by 7. I starting riding with Joan and Tony and Hank rode with Bill and Mary Drache.

The day started with over cast skies, which we really appreciated. It was a little on the cool side, so I left camp with my jacket on.

The scenery throughout the day was spectacular. Each changed in altitude or road change presented new display of God’s grandeur and majesty.

After going downhill for 5 miles we than proceeded to climb for 32 miles. The last 7 miles we had grades of 8% or more. Joan and I stopped every half-mile to catch our breath and to get our heart rates back to a reasonable level. I had trouble breathing up the hill as we were climbing to 9500 feet today. At the top of the summit we all celebrated that we made it and enjoyed our lunch at the top.

We proceed to go downhill for about 15 miles. It again was a thrill. The scenery going down was as spectacular as going up. We saw deer along the road and sheep in the fields. Several people saw a moose today. We did not.

At Hanna we stopped for a coffee. The café was overrun with cyclists and the poor waitresses were just beside themselves. When Joan saw this she immediately started to clear some of the tables and wiped them off. She than took peoples orders and went behind the counter to get coffee and ice water for people. She also got pie and ice cream for people who wanted that. She reassured the waitresses we would treat them well and no one would leave without paying their bills even though the waitresses had not taken their orders. It all went very well. The food was excellent. It is a great place to stop in Hanna as it is the only place for 70 miles and is frequented by motorcycle riders and cyclists.Betsy Fox head SAG driver preparing to load one of the bikes on top of the van to take the cyclist and bike into camp

Joan and I were both looking forward to being down for the day. When we made the final turn to go onto highway 40 and do the last 18.5 miles we faced a head wind. We asked Ralph Fladderus and Don Brunsting if they would help pull us into camp.

Having them draft us really saved us and we had an enjoyable ride the final 18.5 miles.

We arrived into camp at 515. I discovered Marti had setup my tent. Thank you so much Marti it is greatly appreciated. I could then go for a shower before supper, which would be served at 6PM.

Just before supper we again noted two rainbows in the sky. God is always reminding us he is with us, and caring for us.

I have discovered a number of cyclists had a very hard day today. Some have health issues that prevent them from doing the whole day. One person had an asthma attack climbing up to the summit and had to ride the SAG into camp. She was really upset and had to come to terms that she will not be able to ride as long as we are above 6000 feet altitude as there is not sufficient air for her to breathe. Please pray that she will have patience and be able to enjoy the tour from a different vintage point for a week.

It is now 930 and I hope to publish this blog before I go to bed. We are planning to get out before 630AM for the long 90 mile ride to Dinosaur Colorado.