Only sign on road we had indicating we were in a new state.
We were served a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee milk and juice. Great, it gave us lots of energy for a great day of biking. I started out by myself, but quickly hooked up with Dan Kiel and Pete Wiersma and biked into the 1st SAG with them. We biked along bike trails for almost 30 miles. the trails were beautiful and quite with almost no cars to contend with except when we had to stop to cross a road I did not know.
It was like walking through a maze though as I had no idea where I was in relationship to other roads and how we were getting across the south end of the city towards Michigan. I felt blinded as I had no orientation to where we were biking. Our route map does not tell us what towns we are in nor do we have a visual map of where we are biking. I was uncomfortable as I always get out a map when I am in unfamiliar areas to see where I am in relationship to towns.
At 2nd SAG we had a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan with the rolling waves. It was tempting to go in but still had 60 miles to go, so I kept pedaling.
Shirley Folkert handing out fruit to cyclists. Lake Michigan is in background.
We are staying at Lighthouse Ministries in Benton Harbor which is a ministry to the poor in Benton Harbor. they provide educational programs, recreation for youth as well as fix homes. they are hoping to start a Christian School here in 2014 in partnership with the public school system. Unemployment is about 25%+. Apparently the downward slide for Benton Harbor started in the 70"s when most of the white moved across the river to St Joseph's which is much more prosperous. We noticed the difference between the two communities when we biked across the bridge that separates the two communities. We will hear more about the ministries here at our peleton meeting tonight from Dave Kool who is the Director for this ministry the past 7 years.
Excitement is growing in camp concerning all the activities planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night for our Celebration Service. We are looking forward to being at Hope than biking to Calvin on Saturday.
We have also had new riders join today a group of youth from Immanuel Reformed church in GR along with their Dads. 8 new riders will dip their tires in Lake Michigan and bike across the state to Lake Huron. It is neat to see these people pumped about their opportunity to ride with us. May they all have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Look forward to being home this weekend, seeing Hank and being in my own bed for 2 nights. Miss the comforts of home. Hope to see lots of my readers and supporters in GR and at the Celebration Service on Sunday night. Until tomorrow God's blessings.
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