I arrived at the hospital at 130 just as Jake was having the last IV tubes removed so he could be released. This was good news. Jake said he was feeling better than he had in a long time. He did not realize how much the blockages were affecting him. His vomiting he attributed to the flu he might have gotten from his family who were around on the weekend and had been sick. All his kids and his wife had been in Colorado Springs for the weekend and were all in travel status on Monday so Jake had a difficult time connecting with his family and telling them what was going on. Fortunately it is all working out for Jake. All the doctors who worked on him were avid cyclists and gave him excellent treatment for which he is extremely thankful and feels God really was there for him. Before we left Aurora, we got Jake's 3 prescriptions filled which cost him close to $500. He was really shocked at these costs. He does not know what all the hospital bills will cost especially the helicopter flight from Hugo to Aurora. He hopes his 2 insurances will cover the costs.
We arrived back in Burlington at 430, and immediately Jake was surrounded by cyclists who were glad to see him in such good health and looking so good.
The park where we stayed in Burlington had lots of trees and interesting signs describing the area and history. It was part of the severe dust bowl area in the 1930'. Many people lost everything due to severe drought and drop in wheat prices and many returned to urban areas for employment, abandoning their farms. Burlington was also home to one of the astronauts and they had created a great playground with spaceships and other neat items.
For the cyclists it had been a tough day as there was wind from the south at 20-25 mph with rough roads and lots of hills. they did start the day by riding on I70 for 45 miles with police monitoring our ride and advising vehicles cyclists ahead and to move over. the cyclist were told to stay well to the right of the rumble strip. Apparently, the cyclists did well and the state police were pleased at how well everything went. All arrived in camp safely.
Camp in Burlington
Jay being assisted by Vana aka Jane Brouwer
Carol and Rich Rienstra trying to figure out what is wrong with Rich's bike
Carol and rich at SAG stop
Camp mascot Arnold, Billy D's traveling companion who provides encouragement and water to cyclists along the road and makes sure they all get in safely.
Hillside outside Hugo Colorado covered with wind mills. Should give us a big indication there is lots of wind in the area.
Today we rode from Burlington to Colby Kanas. I was up early this morning,430, as I was on the sweep team and needed to help put out things for breakfast before 6. I wanted to pick up tent and get everything ready to ride before I needed to be on duty for 540 AM. I was ready to roll at 617 with 64 degrees temperature. I started out alone but quickly was picked up by Joy and Doug Lutke, Jerry Pols and Rod Ledeboer. It was a God send as the cross wind of 20 mph was very strong and I would have had a difficult day getting into camp by myself. Riding double helped break the wind from the side and made riding easier for everyone.
At SAG 2 Alice Goelhoed one of our camp nurses decided to join us and try riding 15 miles to the next SAG. I think it was a thrill for her and she did a great job considering the bike was not properly fitted for her and she was not wearing bike shoes or have clip in peddles. A great 17 miles ride for Alice.
Sun flowers growing along the roadside
Alice Goelhoed riding with Jerry Pols doing her first 17 miles on the Sea to Sea tour. She had been serving as our nurse while Bev was away and was interested in biking some miles. Go Alice
Alice, Jerry, Rod Ledeboer and Joy Lutke encouraging Alice
Rod giving Alice a gentle push up the hill.
View of the many elevators we see in the distance and along the road.
Elevator in the distance. Some we see 7 miles ahead of us.
As I sit here the wind is whistling through the trees and flapping all the tents. Everyone needs to have their tents tied down securely with all the wind we are having. Several cyclists said we should keep cycling in the direction the wind blows and see where it takes us. If we had been cycling north we would have been sailing the past 2 days. It is expected we will continue to have strong winds all week. If only it was from the west we would be sailing into camp. Please pray for westerly winds.
Bulington to Colby stats
67.98 mi
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