Day 43 August 11 Madison to Woodstock Illinois Sea to Sea 08

Stats for today

Distance 84.91 miles

time in saddle 5.48 hours

Ascent 2452 feet

Current elevation 1009 feet

Average speed 14.6 miles per hour

temperature 76 degrees

Hank and I left this morning at 630. Hank rode with Mary and Bill. The air was cool, but it was sunny. A perfect day for riding. It was a great day. The scenery was beautiful, much like the landscape in Michigan and Ontario.

Hank arrived in camp about 4 Pm. Neither of us had any trouble with our bikes and did not have any flat tires today. Both of us feel really good about today's ride and are not exhausted at all. Amazing how we can do 82 miles today without much trouble or tiredness. Feels good.

We saw lots of corn, soybeans, tobacco, and dairy cattle. The areas we biked through seem properous and well care for. We biked through various small towns.

I missed two SAGs today one because I was too early and the other Walter's RV because he was on a different road than we were. We got a chuckle out of Walter sitting for 45 minutes not seeing any cyclists than realizing something must to wrong. Oh well Walter we all make wrong turns sometime.

I started out riding by myself , but caught up to Barb Mellema, John Vandersteen, Louis Bouma, Andy Devries, Peter? Jerry Kobes and Jake Prins. They are much faster than I and are usually the first ones out of camp. I was surprised I met up with them. They were stopped at a MacDonalds and invited me to ride with them. They said they would not ride too fast and would keep me with them. We did get misdirected once which added 3 additional miles to our route. I did mange to keep up with them for about 25 miles than they pulled away just before the lunch stop in Delevan. They knew I would catch them there which I did.

Some scenery along the way. A quiet detour where we were being eaten by mosiquotes. We quickly took the picture and biked to a dead end that ended at a lake.

We were served a superb lunch in Delevan, by the Chrisitan Reformed Church there. It was very delicious and appreciated by the cyclists. Nice change from sandwiches and energy bars. We had Italian beef, sloppy joes, various types of salads, fresh fruit, and brownies with ice cream. This was a real treat.

Pictures of the lunch stop at Delavan Christian Reformed Church. Thanks to them for such a great lunch. It was really appreciated by the cyclists.

After lunch I again rode with Barb's group. As we were biking along we noticed a sign advertising free H20. Looking closer the sign mentioned Sea to Sea bikers so we stopped. The people by the sign were part of Inspirational Ministries and wanted to do something for us. We really appreciated their thoughtfulness. Even though we had just stopped for lunch we felt we needed to recognize them for their efforts. Myself, Andy and Jake started to head out for Woodstock, but the rest of the crew took a natural trail ride behind Inspirational Ministries that is provided for people in wheel chairs. Apparently it was quiet interesting. Jake, Andy and I headed for camp which was about 25 miles away.

I had had a good ride with them and got into town about 130. We arrived at the high school, but there was no gear truck yet so we decided to go back into town and get something to drink. While at the restaurant, we met a couple of ladies who had read about us in the paper and each of the ladies gave $20 donation. Amazing how complete strangers continue to give. God works in amazing ways.

The truck got in about 230 so I helped unload it. First time, I have done this.

My son Scott and his wife Kristin came up from Palos Heights with their three kids Katie, Kamryn and Troy. They got to meet Bill and Mary Dracht, Len Reimersma and several other people. They got to see the kitchen and gear truck and got some idea how the system works and the organization of the tour. It was great to see them even though it was short. We went out for supper together. They are flying out early tomorrow morning for California for a vacation before school starts for the family.

Grandson Troy riding Len's bike

People are feeling really positive about the rides this week and know the days this week will go very fast as they are much shorter than previous weeks and we have a number of churches providing refreshments. We feel blessed. God is good and is providing for our needs.

Tommorow we look forward to seeing Hank's daughter Kerrie and her family and spending the night with them in Dyer Indiana not too far from Palos Heights.

We can continue to praise God for his faithfulness, love and protection.