Woke up in the morning to glorious sunshine and a ticket on my van as I parked on a city street and did not know could not park 1am to 5 AM on street. Looked for signs but did not see them.
I looked forward to the ride as I knew it would be going through nice country side with not too many hills and I would see Hank and be home in my own bed for 2 nights.
I left about 730 with Marti Du Plessis. We hooked up with Harry and Henny Drost early on but they had family catching up so we parted ways. Along the route we saw hi to many family and friends of cyclists who had signs out and greeted us.
Mark (my cousin) and Betty Aukeman with daughter Shirley, Betty and Telma Elgersma( very distant relations to Elgersma family
Nelson (cousin) and Noreen Aukeman
It was encouraging to see so much support for the riders. We were blessed by Love Inc with a refreshment stop at Shady Grove Park with baked goods and fruit. Thanks Love Inc for your support.
Then onto to Calvin Christian Reformed Church where Sea to Sea riders were served a great lunch. There were more riders than the church figured on as day riders also had lunch and some Sea to Sea riders did not get any lunch. Unfortunate circumstance. Calvin church even went out to buy pizza to accommodate everyone. Thanks so much to Calvin CRC for blessing the tour with your generosity. I know we will again have lunch with you today.
At 1230 we all assembled for our ride in mass to Calvin College where many family and friends greeted us. It was a little harried as we had so many riders and many were concerned about safety for themselves and others as we encountered potholes and rough roads along the way. Many of the riders had never ridden in a mass group and did not know proper protocol. Many did not call out hazards so we would be surprised when we did encounter a hole that we were not warned about by riders in front of us. Thankfully no one got hurt but many Sea to Sea riders prayed that everyone would get in safe. Side note reminder to all bike riders that it is courteous and safe to call out hazards like gravel, hole, rough road so riders behind you are prepared and can avert this hazards and not go down and be injured.
When we arrived at Calvin we were greeted by a throng of family and friends. It was a welcoming site for us. I was greeted by Hank, Jenny and Dennie Hoekstra, Mary Dracht( who I miss dearly and miss riding with) and Henry and Tony Kuperus (old classmates from Sussex NJ days) from East Palmyra NY. Mel and Sylvia Hugen called to say they were there but I did not see them unfortunately. Thanks to all who came out to give such a warm welcome. It warms the heart to see old friends.
Mark Myskens, Carol and Rich Rienstra.
thanks Mark for supporting us and riding into Calvin.
thanks Mark for supporting us and riding into Calvin.
Riding on Kent trails
When I got home, I needed to get my back tire on my bike replaced as it had a cut in it and I did not think it would get me all the way to NYC. My tires had a 3 month guarantee so it was replaced free of charge. Thanks Village Bike.
I also did my laundry and we went out for supper. It has been busy coming home but it is good. Everyone is looking forward to the Celebration activities today at Calvin. Hope to see more family and friends. This morning I am planning to worship at my home church COS and hope to see lots of friends and supporters.
May it be a day of praise and thanksgiving for so many blessings. Thank you Lord for all the things you have done for us and through us. May be continue to bless and be blessed.
1 comment:
Claire, I lived in Sussex, NJ from 1973-1990. I know Henry and Tony Kuperus, as well as most of the Kuperus family! What a small world. When did you live in Sussex area?
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