Trail run from Vanguard University to Newport Beach via Santa Anna trail.

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/

Week 10 1037 miles in, busy week getting ready

This week has been a very busy week with final staff meeting and Steering committee meeting, presentation to CRCNA’s synod and supper at Sysco plus final training rides.   During my devotions this morning I am reminded “to be still and in trust I will be strengthened by God.  I will need a buffer zone of silence around me in order to focus on things that are unseen.  Since God is invisible, I must not let my senses dominate my thinking. The curse of this age is over stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world and God.   I am also reminded that the tangible world still reflects God’s glory, to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.  Spending time alone with God is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of the unseen things even as I live out my life in the visible world.”  From devotional Jesus Calling.  

As I now sit here reflecting on the past week and get ready to leave early tomorrow morning,  I realize how busy things have been:  so much excitement and activity, that I had trouble being quiet and listening for God’s words of peace and wisdom.  I will need to work hard not to get so busy, I forget to listen and spend quiet times with God to calm my soul and to pray for friends and family in need, to be sensitive and caring  to those who are anxious and hurting.  At times I know I am can so focused on getting things done and moving on that I don’t stop to hear, feel, and see what is going on with people around me.  God please forgive me. 

As I sit here and think about all the issues and concerns that have arisen it is hard not be anxious.  This week forest fires broke out in Colorado Springs in the area we will be biking through.  How will we handle this crisis if it happens?  What about all the rain, tornadoes in the west, what if we have a severe weather alert and have tornado warnings when we are all just sleeping in tents with no protection?  What if a hurricane hits us in the east as Hurricane Sandy did last August?  Will we have lots of days with rain? What about the heat? How will we all handle 110 degree days?  As I embark on this adventure I pray I will grow deeper in my faith and trust in God.  I am reminded not to be anxious, to know God is there each step of the way with us. I need to remember all the friends and family praying for our safety and our mission.  We are all in the Lord’s hand each moment of every day.  I also know that God’s angels will show up in the most unexpected times and places and to keep my eyes and ears open to fully experience these events when they happen and to give thanks and praise to God for his faithfulness and love.

Having said all that let me summarize this week’s events and provide you with some pictures.  Did training rides on Tuesday and Friday and managed to get in 62. 5 miles this week.  On Tuesday I biked with Jan Quist, Rich and Carol Rienstra.   Jan and I pushed each other to increase our average per mile to 14.9mph which was our fastest yet this year. Thanks Jan for challenging me to push harder and faster.  I think this has made me stronger and built up good endurance for the challenge ahead.  I will look forward to riding with Jan again when Jan joins the tour in Grand Rapids August 4^th.  On Friday my last training ride, I rode with Dale Mowry my biking bud from 2008 and since, Carol and Rich Rienstra. We biked to Lowell.  On our way back and only 6 miles from home Carol hit a twig that broke her rear derailleur which flew into the wheel and spokes and shredded the tire.  The bike was totaled.  We could not believe that a small twig could do that much damage to a bike. In addition it was also a miracle that Carol did not get hurt as the bike stopped suddenly but she managed to get unclipped so she did not fall and injure herself. An angel was present for sure.  Village Bike Shop on Kalamazoo and 60^th made helping Carol a priority. The accident happened at 1130 and by 430 she had a brand new bike that fit her and had everything transferred over from the old bike to the new one so  that was ready to pack for shipment to California on Saturday.  It was rather a tense afternoon.   Carol’s new bike is very sweet and it is better and faster than her old bike.  I think she will love riding her new Specialized Ruby, carbon Fiber bike-awesome.

Dale Mowry, Carol and Rich Rienstra and myself on last training ride of 40 miles

                                         Carol on her new mauve Specialized bike.  It is a beauty.

On Wednesday I made a presentation to the Synod (ruling body) of the Christian Reformed Church to indicate what Sea to Sea was, why we were biking and how they could support us.  There were 35 other cyclists that also showed up and we surrounded the delegates.  It was good to do that.  We had the new kitchen trailer there as well which blew people away.  The new kitchen trailer can feed an army of 200 plus I am sure without difficulty.

 

 

 

Then in the evening we were served supper at Sysco which is a primary player for the tour in providing all the food and assisting us in building the new kitchen truck.  They taught the kitchen staff how to use the equipment and ensured everything was in operation. They prepared food that we will be having along the way.  We should be eating very well.  Kudos to Sysco and many thanks for their role with Sea to Sea.  Our food costs hopefully will be much lower than in 2008 when we primarily used Costco and Walmart’s service. 

 

 

 

Sysco warehouse.

On Thursday we had our final steering committee meeting before the start of the tour.  We will have a wrap up meeting in September but this meeting was to review all the final arrangements and details prior to start.  There are still lose ends to finalize, but we are very much ready to go and look forward to starting the Sea to Sea Bike tour next week Sunday. May the Lord’s presence be evident to all and may each cyclist and volunteer be a blessing to others.

Last night my son Jonathan and his family visited to say good bye till August.  My granddaughter Kiley loves hats so I gave her a few of my hats.  She looks a classy young lady, a young hat loving

 lady after my own heart.

My next post will be from California.  Till then please pray for safe travels for tour participants,  the mission and goals of the tour give glory and honor to our Lord,  the money raised can make a difference in thousands of lives around the world.  I pray that everyone reading blogs on Sea to Sea will be blessed and lives changed as we all experience God's presence and faithfulness in our lives.

fastest training ride at 14.7 mph. hope to hit 15mph but will have to see.

Endomondo Cycling Workout

Distance24.74 mi

Duration1h:39m:36s

Avg. Speed14.9 mph

Max. Speed26.1 mph

Calories1457 kcal

Min. Altitude654 ft

Max. Altitude791 ft

Total Ascent100 ft

Total Descent135 ft

Prisoner's perspective on what it means for volunteers to come and visit people in prison.

 

 

Several weeks ago, I had indicated Hank and I had attended a volunteer appreciation event at a prison that Hank and I visit for Bible study and worship service once a month for men in prison.  Many have been there for 10years + and some are lifers.  What we learned at this appreciation event was the importance of our visits to these prisoners and what it means to them.  If any of you have ever wondered or desired to visit people in prison here is a personal testimony from one person whose life volunteers have touched.  Jesus encouraged us to visit people in prison as they need our love and encouragement.  The Bible has many stories of people who were in prison for many years, but God used them and prepared them in prison for a calling bigger than themselves.  Many of the men share how they are meeting God in the deep dark place of prison and giving them hope and new joy for their lives. I have attached a copy of the speech written by one prisoner and what our visits have meant. 

 

 

 

weeks 7 & 8 284 miles 25 left to go for the 1000 training miles.

The past several weeks have been busy riding and visiting with family along with checking off things that need to be done and taken care of before I go since I will be away for over almost 10 weeks.  Between personal stuff , family and business stuff there is so much to think of and I am afraid I will have forgotten something.  Lots of lists, things to pack, to buy, things to service eg grease and oil the van rotate tires, pay bills, send cards for birthdays and weddings.  All these little things seem to add up.  Hank wants to make sure all our estate stuff is in order, taxes taken care of, lawyers and accountant appointments to review estate concerns.  He is worried something will happen to me and wants to make sure things are in  place.  I am trying to get it all in order but probably will not have it all done. I try not to worry, but with some accidents, illnesses and a death, it makes me stop and think about things and not to take my health and this opportunity for granted.  I know each day is a gift and everything is in God's hands.  We can make detailed plans, but life can change in an instant and we have no control. 
This morning in my devotions, I am reminded to always keep my focus on looking for God and seeing God all around me, believing that He is with me always everywhere and that I need to fully trust Him every minute of everyday.  With this reminder, I will embark on this Sea to Sea journey trusting in God's care, knowing there are many people praying for safety and blessings for this tour.  Thanks to many family and friends who encourage and support me, I am able to do this knowing I am never alone. 

Week 6 training 102 miles with 309 miles remaining. A blessing of the Bikes and new Jersey’s and Shorts.

Monday morning ride

I thought I would get a quick ride in before the rain today. I managed to raise my average speed to 14.6 mph Temperature 72 sunny winds SSE 10mph. I have been working hard to improve my average speed to where I was last fall. Wonder if I would get there. Average speed does depend on the quality of the road, rough pavement makes me work a lot harder and slows me down considerably. Of course having a nice downhill helps when I racing at 32 mph. Love it but pay for it on the up hill. The joys of biking.

Tuesday morning ride

I had a little more hill climbing this morning so it brought down my average and had two head winds as the wind shifted from SE to SW as I was switching my directions going out and coming home.  Started out sunny with 73 degrees winds from SE at 6mph and ended up 72 degrees cloudy with winds from SW 9mph.  Ran into a cyclist I knew who winters in Florida and watch him almost get hit by a truck as he was pulling out in front of truck to cross the street.  He was on a bike path that did not have a stop sign and he thought the truck had a stop sign which the truck did not.  When I came up beside him not knowing who he was I spoke loudly to him saying he just about got himself killed by pulling out in front of that truck.  Scary.  The cyclist told me this was the first time he had been on this trail and was still trying to figure out how it went. 

Wednesday it was raining off and on all day so did not go for a bike ride.  In the evening we went to a reception being held for volunteers involved with Prison Ministry at Bellemy Creek Correctional Facility.  Hank and I visit the facility once a month to attend Bible Study and participate in a worship service with the men.  We were blown away by the testimonies of the inmates who also attended and what the volunteers meant to them. For many, they very much appreciated the time and love that the volunteers have given and this has provided hope and meaning in their lives. They feel valued and comforted knowing people care for them and are praying for them.  One fellow shared how he never imagined himself be in prison and certainly never would associate with any returning prisoners or spend time visiting them, yet at age 56 he finds himself “one of them” and is deeply grateful that volunteers do not shun him, but take time to visit and care for people in prison.  He was very grateful and thankful.

It was again raining on Thursday so no bike riding.  In the evening, Immanuel Reformed Church had organized a Commissioning and Blessing service for the bikes and riders for the Sea to Sea 2013 bike tour.  It was a great opportunity to meet other cyclists and share stories. We also were able to pick up our new jerseys and shorts.  They are very cool. Terry Barnes has done a fantastic job of getting very nice clothing for us.  On the shirts we have pictures of the mountains, Dutch windmill, CN tower, Statue of Liberty.   You cannot see it on pictures but on the pant cuffs is written “Poverty has a face” and” Four pedal strokes” meaning every 4 pedal strokes a child dies from poverty related issues.  So when we look down we are reminded of why we are riding each day.

Audrey (my sister) and Frank Berkenpas and Hank with me at the blessing of the bikes and prayer time

Pete and Julie Wiersma having friends pray for them and their journey

Luanne Barnes Administrative Assistant for the tour busy talking and handling out jerseys and devotionals to the cyclist and volunteers. People were very excited to receive both.  The devotional is a very thoughtful and inspiring booklet with beautiful pictures of Edgar Boeve’s Beatitudes collection and the jersey’s design and appearance are very well done thanks to Terry Barnes.

Friday I rode 56 miles with Carol Rienstra, and Phil and Jan Quist. It was a very cool riding day even though it was sunny. We started out at 7:45 and finished at 2:30. The wind was from the north with 40 degree temperatures.  I wore 2 light jackets, full gloves, booties for my feet, and arm warmers and leg warmers.  The leg and arm warmers never came off.  The booties came off at first coffee break, the first jacket and full gloves came off at lunch, and the second jacket came off at 1:30.  We biked on a bike path along the Grand River heading up north to Knapp.  We knew heading north we would have lots of hills, but beautiful scenery.  For those of you familiar with Grand Rapids area we rode Honey Creek Rd which everyone in the area knows has many rolling hills. Some hills we were able to get down with great speed and get a good run at the next one, while others were too steep and we had to shift down quite a bit in order to get to the top.  Carol’s chain came off once on a steep hill, which I had happen many times in the first couple of years of riding.  We made a stop at Fritz and Carol Rottman’s country paradise where they have transformed farm fields into native Michigan prairie fields that are cover in vast array of color in the summer. We saw a pair of Sand Hill Cranes with a baby crane feeding at a wetland on the property. A special treat.  I have seen thousands of these cranes on their migration north In Grand Island NB on our way to go spring skiing in Colorado.  But I have never seen a baby crane. The parents were not happy we were there and let us know by their honking that we were not welcomed.  Unfortunately, I could not get a picture as they took off.  The Rottman’s have donated this property to Calvin College which will be a great classroom for biology students to use and observe.  Even though the day was cold it was a great ride and we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the fellowship.  Felt refreshed and warm after I took a hot shower and an hour nap. I think this may happen often when I am on the tour after a long hard day of biking.

We were all very impressed with our new jerseys and shorts.  On the left sleeve there are pictures of the mountains we will be riding over, a Dutch Windmill, the CN Tower and the Statue of Liberty.  On the right sleeve has the RCA emblem. On the back we have Partners Worldwide and World Renew along with our other sponsors.  Both Canadian and American flags are place on the front reminding us it is an American and Canadian ride. On the cuffs of the shorts we will read on one cuff “Poverty had a Face and the other “Four Peddle Strokes” reminding us that every four seconds a child dies in the world of poverty related issues.  We will not forget the purpose of our ride when we wear our shorts and jersey’s. 

Training Week 5 117miles and 411 remaining May 18th Training ride.

This week I biked only three days. On Monday the weather was a little cool starting out at 40 degrees than warming up to 57 by the time I finished. One of my training friends was not keen to go out when it was not yet 50.  I still enjoyed the ride as it was sunny and country side was beautiful.  Wednesday did 45 miles with Carol and Rich Rienstra and Robert "Fortner who are all doing the full nine weeks on Sea to Sea and are also from my church community  Church of the Servant in Grand Rapids. It was another good ride.
Saturday a group of cyclists from West Michigan held a training fun (d) raising training rides. We had routes 25, 45, and 60 miles and had invited non Sea to Sea cyclists to join us on a training ride. It was a perfect day with lots of sun and a gentle breeze from the east.  We had 48 cyclists and raised over $1190 dollars. Will post exact figure as we are competing  with a Canadian fund raising event to see if we had the most riders and raise more funds.
It was enjoyed by everyone as we rode through some nice country side and past several lakes.  Unfortunately we had 4 people injured including our tour chaplain and nurse and one flat tire.

cyclists registering for the May 18th Sea to Sea training ride

Doug MacLeod, Sea to Sea 2013 cyclist Hank Zwaanstra SAG and 2008 cyclist and Al Oliver tech support from Village Bike pondering the days ride.

Clare Doornbos and Roger Feenstra both Sea to Sea 2008 and 2013 cyclists. Old friends who have ridden lots of miles together including several ride the Colorado Rockies rides.

Jan and Phil Quist Sea to Se

a 2008 and Jan will ride 2013 and Phil is assistant tour manager 2013.Have ridden lots of miles with them including the Lake Michigan Shoreline several times.

Robert Dozeman sea to Sea 2013  and Doug Lutke  Sea to Sea 2008 and 2013 Old friends enjoying the day together.

 

Jay Harsevoort Steering committee member and Rob Boerman 2008 and 2013 Sea to Sea cyclist sharing old times.

Claire Elgersma and Clare Doornbos Only 2 Clare's on tour this time.  Will be missing Clare Kooistra from BC Canada.

Robert Fortner and wife Marsha and friend Ann Fackler giving instructions for registration and signing release forms. 

 

Tour Chaplain Jay Prium and wife Bev tour nurse both suffered injuries 100 feet from finish. Bev experienced first hand what cyclists might endure during the ride, what she will have to be prepared for and both Jay and Bev understand how quickly things can happen to cause injury. They will be speaking from experience during our tour. 

Joe and Alice Geelhoed our SAG and chef for the day. Joe will be driving one of the semi's and Alice will be assisting in the kitchen on the 2013 tour.

Our SAG stop at end of Kent Trial Byron Center.

 Old friend Dale Mowry 2008 cyclist and Amy who did 60 miles on her new bike and has barely ridden yet this year.   Oh the energy of youth.

Carol Rienstra 2008 and 2013 Sea to Sea cyclist and Linda Schaefer one of our much needed SAG drivers for the day. Thank you Linda.