Day 32 McCook to Minden

Today was a great day for cycling. A tailwind! All day long!

Got up at the usual 5:30, but with the time change, it was still pretty dark. That didn't seem to deter most people though from getting lunch and bikes ready and getting breakfast taken care of.

Fred was on sweep duty today, so I left myself at 7:15. It was still fairly dark at 6:30. I had my rear tire go flat again about 10 miles out, by Indianola. This time I found the wire that had gotten in through the rubber and got it out. No more flats after that thankfully.

At that point, Andy Hiemstra (ON) caught up to me and we cycled together the rest of the day. He says one of the differences between this tour and the 05 tour is that people leave way earlier now. In 05 no one left at 6:15ish. But here heat is the problem, so you want to get going while it's still cool. It's well over 90 again today.

Mid section we had a lot of rolling hills. We would get up to 50kph (30mph) downhill, then slow down to 16kph (10mph) going back up. We enjoyed the downhills.

Minden has a big courthouse (pic) built in 1907. The Minden Opera House was built in 1891 and was restored 7 years ago by money donated by the Kellogg's company. They buy a lot of their corn (for corn flakes) from around this area. I took a look inside. Very nice. I saw Erna, Dini, Lavonna leaving there as well (pic).

I got into town about 2:15. Totals for day: 158 klm (98 mi), 5:20 on the saddle, 30.0 avg kph (18 mph)

Note to family and friends

Hi everyone. All is well here in McCook, it's an old town with lots of history it seems. I've walked back to the library and came by three houses marked as home of Governer so and so back in ..... Carnegie donated a library here as well.

With respect to blog comments, the comments will be posted after I have read them, so it might take a day before they get posted. I always enjoy reading your comments so please keep commenting. Thanks. I hope all is well with all of you. It's good to be at the half way mark, I'm still having fun. Keep on smiling, praying, and supporting. Help put an end to poverty, that's what it's all about.

Thanks and blessings, Randy

Day 31 Wray to McCook

The forecast for today was 104 by afternoon, so we got off to an earlier start and had Greg D (IA) join us. We did the line thing for the first 90 or so klm (55 mi) and that worked out pretty good. We crossed the border into Nebraska (state #6) about a 1/2 hr into the day. (pic) Kansas is just south of us, maybe 1 mile, and a couple of people went there just because.

The day was relatively uneventful. The wind was at our right side all day long. I'm beginning to think that this trade wind theory is fiction. 1) We've rarely had a W to E wind, 2) all of the grass I see beside the road seems permanently bent and is pointing to the W as well. Well, there's always tomorrow.

We stopped in Trenton at Gramma's Kitchen for a bite around lunch time and carried on, but didn't do much of the line thing anymore. We pretty well went at our own pace the rest of the way (50 k/ 30 mi).

Just coming into McCook my back tire went. (2:30) Not the best time for a flat, but then when is? I was right in front of Walmart, so I could grab a choco milk and enjoy the A/C of the store once I was on the road again. I'm presently at the McCook library. Oh, we also moved into Central time on route. Today also marks the halfway mark of the tour.

So all in all, not a bad day. A little hot and long, but we're another 150 k down the road as well. Fred starts his sweep duties tonight which will carry on until the end of the ride tomorrow. I haven't seen Wiebo since breakfast.

Day's totals: 154 k (94 mi), 5:44 seat time, 26.9 kph avg (16.2 mph)

Day 30 Fort Morgan to Wray

We are now in the small CO town of Wray. I'm presently at the library which is across the street from a nice looking swimming pool. I'm sure many of the young adults will go there for a dip this afternoon.

Today was a pretty nice cycling day. There is quite a dew overnight, but the morning temperature even at 5:30 in pleasant. We got out of camp just before 7 AM, the wind was still sleeping. We were pretty well straight east all day today, with the US34 being the only road we had to be on. It's a biker friendly hwy, good shoulders and nice pavement.

A bunch of us stopped at a coffee shop in Akron around 8. We were experiencing a nice tail wind just before that, but by the time we got out of the coffee shop 1/2 hr later, the wind was beginning to turn to our side. A customer at the coffee shop did give a cyclist $20 to put in the Sea to Sea pot though. Billy D caught up to us a couple of hours later with his Harley at our stop in Yuma (not Yuma AZ) and mentioned that in Akron he had stopped for breakfast and the owner gave him his money back and told him to put it in the pot as well.

By this time the wind was coming from the front/right side and that's how it remained the rest of the day. With the tail wind we can easily pedal over 30 kph (18), but with the head wind, we slow down to just over 20 kph (12). Big difference.

This is all agri country. In Akron I took a picture of a JD ride on mower parked in front of the coffee shop. The feed bins are also just off the down town (pic). The trucks we see on the road are either for livestock or feed transportation. The terrain is as if I were cycling from Taber to Medicine Hat. There is plenty to look at though.

So all in all a nice day. Never thought I'd say that about a 140 k ride!

Bottom line for day: 144 klm (87 mi), 5:17 on the saddle, 27.2 kph avg (16.3 mph)

PS Cynthia Aukema is flying to Grand Rapids today and will get picked up there to head home to Chatham ON. We hope to see her in GR when we get there along with Arnie Issette and Tyler Buytenwerf. Please remember to pray for these people.

Thanks for the encouraging comments as well. It's always good to read them. Have a good day all.

Day 29 Denver to Fort Morgan

Had breakfast at the hotel with the Meyerinks, then off to Denver Christian to get our bikes, pack lunch, etc. Shelley and Elly saw us off, and the tune I thought of was the Everly Bros Bye Bye Love. (just the chorus) So we're on the road again heading to the plains, having said goodbye to the mountains. Now it's time to readjust to the cycling/camping life again.

We left just before 8 and followed the Platte River out of Denver on a very nice bike path that was close to 20 miles long. Once at the end, the terrain was pretty much flat and wide open. Agriculture again on either dry land or irrigated. The bike path took us past Invesco Field where the Denver Broncos play (pic). Coming out Denver is a lot like leaving Calgary and heading east. Pretty much the same except it's hotter here. This is the 16th day of 90 plus. The record is 18 days set in 1901.

Some cyclists got a free lunch in a town called Wiggins b/c the owner thought the tour was such a neat thing he didn't want any money. Everyday there is some sort of story told.

The road conditions were pretty good today, but the old head wind thing was a bit of an irritant again. What can you do? I thought we went west to east so the wind would be at our back?

Wiebo was on sweep today so he got in really late. He bikes with Hans VanDooyeweert from Surrey BC, a nice guy. Hans has had some troubles though: 3 times getting his tent hit by sprinklers that were supposed to be shut off, tried to use a toilet after someone had just plugged it up, broke a tap at a city park in Utah, and cut his thumb in camp (still bandaged up). Hopefully that's it.

But on some bad news, one of our special people here, Cynthia Aukema (ON) had a bad fall and is in the hospital here with a broken pelvis. We just paid her a visit. Needless to say she is quite disappointed but hopes to be able to finish with us. So please include her in your prayers along with Tyler B and Arnie I, two others who had to quit due to injury.

Just before supper a storm blew through (3rd one in 4 days, always around 5 PM) but now it's quite nice.

Bottom line for day: 150 k (90 mi), 5:51 on the saddle, avg speed 25.8 kph (15.5 mph)

PS Special thanks to Wendy T for finding a good package deal so Shelley and Elly could come to Denver and see us. It was nice Wendy and Debbie could spend some time here too visiting their hard working Mom Betty who takes such good care of us.

Day 28 Sunday in Denver

All of the cyclists biked over to Englewood HS where today's Celebration Service took place. We just drove there from our hotel, wanting to save our legs for the new week.

The service was held outdoors using the school football field and bleachers. There were lots of people there today as the CRC/RCA community is quite large here in Denver. The speaker was Rev Gerry Dykstra who is the exec dir of the CRCNA. He will also be cycling the last two weeks of the tour. He preached from Job 5.

The Denverites hosted us for lunch at the school afterwards. Sloppy Joes, water melon, chips etc. It was cooking hot out today. The rest of the afternoon we relaxed by the hotel pool. We will start to make our way out of Colorado tomorrow AM. Nebraska is next, but we won't be there until Tuesday. Wednesday will mark our 1/2 way point time wise. Monday is when the 14 or so new cyclists start, and of course yesterday was the last day for about the same number of people.

Day 27 Winter Park to Denver

It was cloudy and cool this morning, the coolest yet. We didn't get out til 7:30 this time.

The first part of the ride was downhill, followed by a slight incline for some 10 klm (6 mi). Then the real climb started and went on for another 30+ k (18 mi). It wasn't nearly as bad though as some of the other passes we had gone through. The cooler weather and the fact that the climb was at the beginning of the day when our legs are "fresh" helped out. It took 2.5 hours total to get to the peak (Berthoud Pass) which is at an elevation of 11,300'. At the top it was pure jubilation, clapping, and cheering as cyclists rolled up one after the other. A great feeling and a sense of accomplishment for all. This is our last of 6 mountain passes and our highest elevation point on the tour. The top of the Colorado Rockies for us. The mountains here in Colorado are beautiful and truly a sight to behold.

The ride down was nice and fast, although there were a lot of switch backs on the road. Some riders went over 80 kph (50 mph). We stopped in a town called Empire for a break and went to supposedly the original Hard Rock Cafe for a bite to eat. It's always easy to tell where everyone is, just look for 20 or 30 bicycles in front of a bldg. Again, the mood inside was cheerful. Everyone was celebrating "conquering" the peak.

We came through another town called Idaho Springs, an old mining town. Took a pic there of an old firehall (see Fred M)

Past the half way mark we had a nasty 1000' incline to cycle up. It was steep and just then is when the head wind started. The wind swirled about for most of the way into Denver. Good thing we were downhill again or we'd still be biking. It was the windiest time yet while cycling. We followed a nice river and came through some red rock area where plenty of tourists come to visit. We were able to follow Dave DeRidder, a Denver pastor, through the maze of streets and roads to get to Denver Christian High School.

We got there at 3PM and were met with a great welcome. A DJ in the parking lot, school cheer leaders at the entrance, cold water, goody bags, lots of people there, free haircuts (no thanks, I'm growing mine out). Did the usual routine of tent set up, shower etc, and it was plenty hot, just under 100. Billy D, one of the camp set up guys would see me and say, "It's going to be a great time here tonight Randy, you're gonna love it, party time, etc, etc".

Then the best surprise of all as Geri V called me out to the kitchen trailer. There was Shelley! (and Elly M, Wendy T, and Debbie L) Billy D knew all about it. Needless to say, no tent tonight. So this is a fantastic break for Fred and I, close to the mid-way mark of the trip. After 4 weeks of being apart from our spouses, words really can't describe.

Totals for the day: 146 K (88 mi), 6:07 on the saddle, avg speed 23.9 kph (14.4 mph)

On another note, one of our cyclists, Tyler B (MI) had a bike accident (he hit the rear wheel of the bike ahead of him) and ended up breaking his collarbone. So he's finished which is really too bad for him as he is an avid cyclist.

Day 26 Kremmling to Winter Park

Here we are in the wilderness of Colorado near a place called Winter Park. This is like a Manning Park Resort kind of place, except there is a pool and other facilities. We are camping down the hill a bit, find a spot that's not too bumpy and pitch your tent. (pic on Fred M's blog) The lodge is fairly nice.

As I had sweep duties yet today, it was our job to set up the breakfast and lunch tables this morning, take them down later, and load everyone's bags into the gear truck. As today's ride is very short, no one is in a hurry to leave camp.

We finally got out at 10:40, but went at a slow pace as some of us have to hang back and not get ahead of the really slow riders. We, Ed V (OR), Larry S (MI) and Gerry K (WA) stopped for lunch in Hot Sulfur Springs (didn't see any). There were probably 30 or so others there, a little overwhelming for a 1 waitress, 1 cook place.

We stopped again at Walter's for a long break and then a couple of miles up the road at Granby for dessert. Again, no use getting too far ahead. We finally reached camp at 3:15. The ride was nice, the weather was good, and no head wind until the end of the ride. We are now at 8750'. Tomorrow we start off with a 2500' climb over 30 k (18 mi) then ride downhill into Denver!

Totals for day: 62 k (had to back track a bit once, forgot my water bottles in Sulfur Springs, froster) 2:51 cycling time, 21.8 avg (14 mph)

Day 25 Craig to Kremmling

This one was tougher than I thought. I'm at the library in Kremmling right now, about 4 PM. I start sweep duties as soon as I get to camp, ie helping set out and serve supper.

Today's ride can basically be broken into 3 sections:

The first part was an 84 klm (50 mi) slight uphill to a town called Steamboat Springs. It's a neat little town on the bottom of the mountain. Ski slopes in sight, new construction everywhere (which blends in masterfully with the original older buildings ie lots of brick work). Very touristy. This part was OK except the wind was not in our favour, which knocks speed down by at least 5 k per hour and makes you work harder for it to boot.

The middle section was a 12 k (7 mi) grind up hill. Not quite like Teskey Way but close. Then there was a bit of a top, or a false top, with a subsequent up and down climb for the next 10 k (6 mi). The scenery was great though, kind of like Manning, or Whistler. A bluer sky I've never seen.

Then the last 50 or so k (30 mi) was mostly downhill. That was good except the winds were again against us. Also, the shoulders on the road were about 4" wide. Literally non-existent. Not good for a highway.

Stopped at the grocery store for a choco milk and Tony V, Barb M, and John V were already there, also muttering about the shoulders. Then young Brad G rolled in and said it was the hardest day he's had. Well, we'll have supper shortly and a good shower will do wonders. Tomorrow is our shortest day distance wise, only 35 miles. Uphill grade, but nothing serious I don't think.

Bottom line today: 160 k (100 mi), 7:00 on the saddle (my longest yet I think), avg speed 22.9 kph (13.8 mph)

btw, a church we passed in Craig had our wedding text on it's sign, Psalm 37:4. Nice memory of a wonderful event of 25 years ago! How did they know?

Day 24 Dinosaur to Craig

Just rode into Craig, CO (2:30)and thought I'd head to the library to do the blog thing as camp is up the hill from here. Today was a nice day, a great day compared to the last couple, even though the distance was about the same. Why? Favourable winds and more gradual inclines. Also, it was sunny/cloudy mix, so not as hot.

Fred and I left at 7:15, happy to be out of Dinosaur camp where the washroom that had the best plumbing was close to a klm walk away. My legs still felt dead from yesterday, but improved as time went on. We caught up to Greg D (IA) and Frank F (ON) and rode together, taking turns in lead, up to Walters SAG near the peak of todays ride. At that point we were at 6,800'. I can tell we are "up there" as breathing is definitely more laboured. We are still higher than Denver, the Mile High City, but are still in the foothills of the Rockies. We have some serious climbing to do the next few days yet, and will hit 11,000' on Saturday before dropping into Denver.

We were on US-40 all day. But the road was way better here than in Utah for us. Wider shoulders and quite often none of those miserable rumble strips near the white line.

There was only one "populated" place between Dinosaur and Craig. Maybell had a gas station, an icecream shop, and a couple of other buildings. We stopped for a break in the shade there and a bite to eat. This whole stretch is pretty barren and desolate.

At one point, we noticed the white sand stone, which also put a lot of white sand along the shoulder. For a while I began to hallucinate that I was on the beach in Punta Cana. Then it was over.

So right now, I feel good and will make my way to camp to set up my tent, shower, etc. Totals for the day: 145 klm (87 mi), 5:45 on the saddle, 25.2 kph avg (15 mph)

Day 23 Duchesne to Dinosaur

Well, it's a pretty tired crew around here right now. The successive long days are taking their toll. However, after supper we will certainly feel more refreshed. Right now we are in Dinosaur, CO, state #5. Dinasaur is a very small town. Most of the streets are named after dinasaurs. I hear the town may go extinct. (badabing)

We left at 6:45 this morning. Didn't get up any earlier, things just worked out good I guess. The first 30 K (20 mi) went really fast, slightly downhill, and favourable winds. We biked a fair bit with Bert S today. We came by Jake K who had a bad fall after his seat post broke. He's OK now though and finished the day after getting his bike fixed.

Fred, Bert and I stopped at the A & W in Vernal for some food and drink (it was one of the first places we saw). Later we stopped at Walter's for some waltermelon. THat was just after the the half way mark. Shortly after, Fred had his first flat. The scenery was really neat today, kind of what I pictured Utah to be, red rock, red dirt, different type mountains etc.

The last 50 k (30 mi) are what took it out of most people. The wind was from the side or front and we were mostly uphill as well. To quote Fred at the 120 k point "this is a no ender" But we're here, and the grilled chicken smells great. A few more tough days this week, and then the rides ought to ease up a bit.

We got in at 3:15, after stopping for a dark cherry pop at one place and a choc milk at a gas station just after. So it was an 8 1/2 hr day, of which 6:05 was on the saddle. Avg speed was 25.1 kph (15 mph). I'm OK with that. Total distance was 153 k (90 mi)

PS Thanks friends for your supportive comments and prayers. It's appreciated.
It's about 8 now and the winds have changed to the right direction. Maybe we ought to get a head start on tomorrow?

Day 22 Salt Lake City to Duchesne

Today is our last full day in Utah, as tomorrow we cross into Colorado. Fred is on sweep today, and at 6 PM is still out there somewhere.

I headed out on my own at 7:30. There are plenty of cyclists on the road to pass or be passed by or cycle with though. We didn't really know what was in store for us today elevation wise, just that there would be a mountain pass and a net decline in elevation of about 1200'.

So the first 10 k (6 mi) was a continuation of Saturday's descent. Then it was a left on to UT32 which ran counter parallel to that first 10 k and was pure uphill for 7 k (4 mi). After that it was just a gradual climb for a while, then more serious until the 50 k (30 mi) spot where Walter was. The scenery was pretty good though. Kind of like Manning Park or the Okanagon. More pine trees etc in the mountains instead of sage brush.

The next 10 k (6 mi) were pretty tough going, a steady 8% grade. The sign at the peak showed our elevation to be 9453'! Crazy! Then we had a good descent, but a head wind kept my speed down somewhat.

By the time I hit Cory and his SAG wagon at the 120 k (72 mi) mark, I was pretty bagged. Should've eaten more on route. I guess I need Fred to tell me when to stop and take a break.
The next 30 k were alright though after eating at Cory's SAG.

I did cycle with a number of different people in the after noon, and at times had a good line going.

I got some good pictures I think. (should show up on Fred M's blog) That's Lou Haveman hanging onto the gov't truck which was doing some spraying on the side of the road. I had a spill right after that picture as I didn't clip in my rt foot fast after stopping to take the picture. No speed on hill = loss of balance = laying on left side of body. Nothing serious.

Bottom line: 150 k (93 mi) in at 3:30, total cycling time of 6:30, avg speed 23.3 kph (14 mi). We're paying now for our easier days in the first few weeks. It was nice today in that the clouds were out so it didn't get hot at all, although it has cleared up now. We're staying at the Duchesne Fairgrounds tonight.

(6:30 now and people are still rolling in)

Day 21 Sunday by Salt Lake City

We're actually about 20 or so miles past SLC in a state park (Jordanelle). It's just past Park City and the winter Olympic site. The park is very nice. Our tents are about 1 k walk from the eating area and gear truck, but we have a great view from our site. I spent most of the after noon at our site, reading, napping, MP3 player in ear.

The SLC churches put on a great supper for us, after which we had our Celebration Service. The speaker was a former gang member from a troubled home who now heads a poverty ministry in SLC. He used a portion of Ezekial as his text.

Day 20 Willard to Salt Lake City

The whole camp is set to get up and leave a 1/2 hr earlier today as this is supposed to be one of the tougher days. So we left at 6:20. We biked with a number of different groups this morning as the ride to Salt Lake was more congested than usual. The open spaces have given way to small farms and acreages, then housing areas, and commercial and retail areas. One community basically blends into the next.

While leaving the Willard camp, Fred figured he do neck stretches while cycling. This made him lose his sense of direction and he was soon pedalling off the road into the weeds, but recovered. What he did though was pick up goat heads, which he found after getting two flats within the first 30 k. Froster.

This day is basically a two parter. 100 k (60 mi) to the Salt Lake City CRC, then another 60 k (36 mi) of "hills". We got to the church at 11, avg 26 kph. So far so good. Had some water and snacks there, then proceeded to head out.

The hill climbing would start immediately with a 14% grade right off the bat. Short but steep. The first climb was 17 k (10 mi) and the church also had power bars and water etc at the peak. That was great. It took about 1.5 hr to get there. That part of the ride was interesting, a brook to the right and lots of houses and landscaping to occupy the mind.

The second hill was largely on hwy (pic) with trucks etc. Then there was a steep descent where I finally broke the 70 kph mark (over 43 mph) followed by another long hill. So there were 3 hills to climb today. We are now at an elevation of 6800'.`Our total climbing today was 5700' spead out over the 60 or so k (36 mi). Fred had his 3rd flat on the last hill.

Jordenelle State Park is nice. The only drawback is that our tents at the group site are a long ways from the gear truck and eating area (pic). But we are getting over that. A little walk is OK anyhow.

Totals for the day: 164 k (100 mi) 7:18 in the saddle, avg speed 22.5 kph (13.5 mph)
I'm not sure how many people got trucked in the last couple of hills, but the Chillibillies all made it. Fred and I were in around 5, but some were still rolling in after 7. It'll be nice to rest up Sunday.

Day 19 Snowville to Willard

We had an early start today, 7 AM. We started climbing right away, about 800' over 20 k (12 mi), but it wasn't bad. We had nice fresh pavement on the I84.

We passed by the ATK rocket building plants. The bldgs were laid out over 10 k at least. Set against the hills to the left (the Wasatch Mountain range). Wonder what's going on inside the hills. Bet SMERSH would like to know!

As we are very near the Great Salt Lake, we passed by some ponds and salt patches. It smelled a little like the ocean. Later we came by some marshland. There was more agriculture happening as we got closer to the town of Corrine.

At Brigham, around 11, we stopped at the grocery store. They had chocolate milk on sale, only .59 each. May as well get two (each). Not the low fat stuff either. We drank one in the parking lot, then went to the grassy area across the street for our sandwich and the other choc milk. After getting on the bikes again, we agreed that one choc milk is enough.

Brigham City has a nicely tree lined entrance with some neat brick houses. There are also fruit orchards, fruit stands, a couple of drive-in restaurants along the way, and a nice looking main street (pic). Pop 18,000

We arrived at Willard State Park at 11:45 and found our way to the group area. It's a nice spot here. Today makes up for yesterday. A nice ride and nice place to stay, and no head wind to speak of.

Bottom line: 108 k (65 mi), 4:05 ridng time out of 4;45 trip, avg speed 26.9 kph (16.2 mph)

btw, the flat totals for the group have dropped to less than 10 per day from 20 plus. No more goat heads here?

Day 18 Burley to Snowville

Each day is completely different from any other day while on tour. It has given a whole new meaning to the phrase "Tomorrow is another day". We don't know how it's going to turn out, just where we're going.

Today was a difficult day. As hard, perhaps, as the Stephens Pass day way back on Day 2. That seemed to be the general consensus as people came in today.

Fred and I started off with Greg D (IA) and David T (MI), but ended up losing them on the first big hill. That one started around 15 miles out. Our speed for that 5 k section was about 12 kph (7). Then a drop, followed by a second climb to our peak of about 5700'. After that it was a 2 mile descent. Very nice.

We stopped in Malta 60 k out as that was the last opportunity to see civilization until we hit Snowville 85 k (50 mi) later. This was the hard part, due mainly to wind that was either against us or at our sides. Much different than yesterday. We met Walter at the 100 k (60 mi) mark for some needed water refills. Right after that we crossed in Utah. Our 4th state now. The road to Snowville was straight as can be for the whole 40 k (24 mi). As far as the eye could see, there was the road. So today it was a mental challenge as much as a physical challenge.

Speaking of challenge, 3 cyclists tried a pizza challenge in Malta. A 15" pizza plus a litre of pop, and it's all free. Two made it, but the pizza didn't sit real well with them they say. No kidding. They told their story at peleton. Too funny. (inc Theo B)

So now we are at 4,450' elevation and it's cooled off quite nicely at 9. Everyone is feeling better now after supper and a bit of a rest.

Bottom line: 142 k (87 mi), 5:41 min saddle time (exact same as Stephens Pass day) at an avg of 25 kph (15). I'm surprised at that avg, but I think the one long downhill helped.

Day 17 Gooding to Burley

It's just before supper and I'm at the library in Burley, ID. (pop 10,000) Friendly, helpful people here. The public use computer wouldn't work properly so I'm in the library office. They're putting me to work once I'm done this.

Fred and I left with David T just before 7:30. A little cooler start to the day, but it got hot later on. Our first stop was at the Miller Dairy farm about 1 hr or so down the road. They have a mid sized farm, 1700 cows, and a 50 stall rotary parlour. We could get water and milk and a tour there. Here the land is farmed more intensively. Irrigation water is plentiful, and we saw our first potatoe fields today. (Idaho is famous for potatoes)

Just before Twin Falls, we came across the Snake River canyon. Spectacular views. Too bad my camera battery went dead, but others will have pics on the site for sure.
We dropped David T there as he wanted to hang around. In Twin Falls, the Reformed Church there hosted us for lunch. Subway sand, milk (even choc), and watermelon. Delicious. Steve P from CO said, "Better not let my wife see pictures of this. I'm supposed to be having it rough"

We had a good tail wind, so we could make pretty good time, but by 100 k (60 mi) our rears were getting a little sore. 30 or so to go. We stopped in Murtaugh for a Sobey's as we missed Walter who was still behind us. (just)

On the way to our stop, Burley, we passed Ed G (ON), Adrian K (ON) and Dale M (MI). A little later, they came zipping by us. Fred who was behind me says "we should pass them again". Well, not being competitive, I hesitated at first, but then went for it. As I passed them, Adrian said something I won't repeat. He passed me later on. So we smoked it into town, the 5 of us, missed the exit to the school, but found a nice sports place in town for a cool one. I told Adrian what he said and we had a good laugh (it wasn't that bad, really).

Burley also has a nice school. Only 10 years old. They've won State in basketball the last 2 years, but their football team has won only 6 games in 10 years according to the janitor. (Over 1,000 students, gr 9-12). Their football field has astroturf with that rubber compound mixed in. Huge stands either side. The gym seats 2,700, but will be standing room only for certain games.

Bottom line: Cycled 139 k, 4:45 in saddle, avg 28.7 kph (17 mph)

PS: Whoever wants to know about Wiebo, he is doing just fine. When I ask, he says "Good". Nothing really different than when I reported about him on Day 11, and Fred M in between. So all is well as far as I know. Everything here is so scheduled, we have little time to chit chat. I'll tell him an anonymous person is asking.

Day 16 Mountain Home to Gooding

Just to finish up yesterday, after I blogged I went to my bike in fear and trembling, to check my tires. Wouldn't you know it, flat front again, #6. Andy DeVries gave me a near new tire to try, so I put that on and today I am happy to report, 0 flats! Must be Kevlar. My tire must have something in it yet that I've not been able to see. Should have brought me readers after all.

Today we carry on with sweep duties, so up at 5:30 to get organized personally and then bring breakfast and lunch supplies to the tables. The sweep team eats after the others, then cleans everything up as required, and hits the road just afer 9. I enjoy my sweep team, we have a good mix of people helping out. When sweeping, our job is to help people who are "slow" or having trouble. It means we go slower ourselves once we catchup to the first such cyclist.

We caught the first one at 37 k (23 mi) or 63 k to go. He ended up getting picked up by the truck as he wasn't feeling well. We then had lunch in Glenn Ferry, a town that is trying to revitalize itself with tourism (pic of old bldgs). There is a state park for camping close by.

We got to Walter's spot at 2. It was then 100 degrees, but just around the corner we came to an area with a cool breeze. We soon caught up to a rider, struggling along. We all stopped at a place called Bliss, pop 384 at a gas/convenience store called Stinkers. Idaho's answer to 7 11. They're everywhere. Anyhow, they sold chocolate milk, so I was happy. Fred, cycling earlier, also had a chocolate milk at Stinkers and agrees, it's very good near the end of a ride. I put ice from their pop machines into my water bottles. The ice doesn't last long, but it's better than always drinking warm water.

We finally got into camp at 4:30, so today was a long hot day, but still enjoyable. Tomorrow we have our longest day yet, 130 k (81 mi) Today's totals, 110 k (66 mi), 4:30 cycling time (almost 3 hrs waiting, lunch, Stinkers time) avg 24.8 kph (15 mph)

Just talked to Fred M. He said he was reposting pictures. Hope that helps. I've got 4 from today. PS, Cousin Dick (aka Richard) I passed your greetings on to Alex V. How nice of you to gather 8,000 people together in Taber to follow along he says.
Tomorrow AM, I am to be interviewed by KDCR, Dordt's radio. Hopefully something clever and insightful will come to me while I sleep.

Day 15 Boise to Mountain Home

Fred and I biked with a couple of the younsters today (David T, Manley B, and Nathan B from MI, ON, and MI). My tongue is still hanging out of my mouth. We had a good tail wind most of the day so our speeds were up. But there was one part where we had a head wind and a bit of an incline. Manley B took the lead so I would draft him. He was still going 27 kph, so it was hard work keeping up. He is a very strong rider.

The scenery was mostly dry land and sage brush. There were no towns in between the start and finish and where was the C2C portapotti to get rid of the water we drink? Oh, there it is, at the 3/4 done mark. Bear in mind it's pretty hard to hide behind sage brush.

I got another flat today. Very frustrating, I'm starting to catch up to Fred. I think mine came going over some cattle grates. This at the 37 k mark (23 mi). Rest of day went good. Poor Brian G from PEI had 3.

It's hot again, but pretty breezy here, and some white clouds in sight. There is an Air Force base here. My sweep team is serving supper tonight, so I've got to run. Tomorrow we ride sweep, meaning we leave last and come in last after any stragglers.

Bottom line: 93 k, 3:15 cycling, with a 28.8 kph avg (17 mph)

Day 14 Sunday in Boise ID

It's Sunday afternoon, the internet is working good here at camp, so here's a little update on the day. First off, a few sprinklers went off last night by the tents. I had just about fallen asleep and heard people outside my tent and figured out pretty quick what was going on. Joanne T (NY) and Hans V (Surrey BC) got soaked. Not fun.

We had church in a park a couple of miles from here. We all rode our bikes there. (how else?) It was hosted by Valley Community Church and they put on a bbq lunch afterwards. Jason and Wil Krul from Chilliwack were there as they are training for their Mission Aviation position close to Boise. They will soon be off to Haiti in Sept once their training is done. Jason is a pilot and Wil was recently our office receptionist. It was good to see them.

After lunch a little reading, then watched a Legion baseball game at the school diamond. These are HS aged kids, but it was a 7-0 game so..... I'll do a little reading before supper yet (maybe) btw, that's Fred M you see relaxing at the game

Fred E, good tip about the map. We have a map in our gear truck which gets updated with black felt at the end of the day. It would seem we have little to show distance wise for 2 weeks, however much community building has been done. This coming week the distance bar will be raised.

Again it's a very hot day, most people are in the shade, reading or computering. A good day of rest.

ps, funny thing about Idaho. No laws for motorcycle helmets, and riding in the back of a pick up truck is OK too. Giddyup.

Day 13 Ontario to Boise

Today we crossed into Idaho. Ontario, the town we were in last night is right near the border. We also are now on Mountain Time.

It was a cool morning at wake up time, around 55. When it was time to go, I noticed my front tire was flat. Bad start card! So we didn't leave until just after 8 today. Biked with Fred M and Greg D. Again, there are a lot of different crops grown here.
The picture that should show up on Fred's site was of a crop that had a good smell to it. Some kind of spice?

We ended up on the new Hwy 30/Interstate 84 instead of the old 30. I think it shaved a few km of off our ride, but of course has a lot more traffic. The route today was otherwise all on country roads. As we neared Boise (the state capital of Idaho), we came by some nice golf courses and some very nice new housing. Boise, being the capital and also home to Boise State University seems to be doing quite well, at least from what we saw on our route today.

We made a pit stop at a coffee shop in the Hyde Park Historical District where about 20 or so other cyclists were sitting in or outside. I have a picture of an antique shop with a BMW parked in front of it. I was waiting for Alma to walk out. ha. So this was a pretty unique area of older homes, all in good shape, and many turned into businesses. Fred got a flat here. We were biking with Ed Vanderpol from OR at the time and he passed on some good tube replacement tips.

We passed by the Boise State Univ football field, so took a quick peek there. They were installing a new astro turf field. Bike around the school a bit and found the book store to buy a shirt. Had to pay for it this time.

Just before arriving at our school, my front tire went flat. Darn! I put Ed's tips to work, a fine opportunity for doing so. Hope it doesn't happen again.

We got to Timberline HS around 3:30. It's quite hot, but I don't mind at all. Baseball seems to be the most succesful sport here. The school is very big and pretty new. We did 105 k (63 k), 4 hours on the bike, avg speed 26.2 kph (15.7 mph).
So it was a nice Saturday bike ride.

Day 12 Huntington to Ontario

Another short but sweet day. This will be the second shortest day of the tour. Fred M was on sweep duty today, so I biked with Joel Pel from Vancouver BC. Joel is leaving this weekend, as he his working on his thesis to get his PhD.

Again we had a good tail wind. The uphills and downhills evened out over the course of the ride. It's another hot afternoon, close to 100. But it hasn't been too bad cycling as this week we've been in before the afternoon heat hits. There is a lot of different crops growing along the route today. We saw wheat, onions, peppermint. Irrigation is mostly drip and we can see the water "troughs" along the road where the drip lines take the water out of. Walter says it makes him feel like "home". Not sure if he means Chilliwack, Lacombe, or Mexico. I think Lacombe, ha.

So we were in by 10:45, having left at 8:25. My walk to the library shows that Ontario OR is night and day different than Huntington OR. The lawns and houses I saw were neat, watered, and clean. Again, Fred will have a couple of pictures and you will see the difference yourself.

Bottom line: 59 k (35 mi), 2:20 min on the saddle, avg speed 29.4 kph (close to 18 mph). All is well, my neck doesn't bother me too much, maybe b/c the rides have been short, or I'm just getting used to it.

Day 11 Baker City to Huntington

Hi everyone. I'm actually in the library in Ontario OR now along with a dozen other cyclists. The library in Huntington was closed for a couple of days.

We left Baker City a little later so we could catch part of the Baker City HS Bulldogs morning football practise. It is to be a short ride anyhow, so no rush to leave. Coach Johnson gave me a souvenir t-shirt. Sweet. I always say, cheap is good, but free is better.

Everyone here is doing fine. Wiebo is trucking along as well and the ladies are taking good care of us. They are busier than we are right now I think.

We were on the OR30 and the Interstate 84 mostly today. The 30 was fairly rough, and the 84 had lots of crud on the shoulders. But the trip was fast, a 600' climb to start, then downhill with a tailwind. I finally cracked the 60 kph mark, still too slow, I need to carry a 50 lb rock on my back.

We were in Huntington by 11 so we stopped at Howell's Cafe for some pie. The bldg, which should show up on Fred's blog, was built in 1891. Huntington is a poor town. Lots of unemployment and people on disability etc. Pop maybe 500. Used to be over 10,000 years ago when the RR was big here. But the people are great. At the laundromat, any cyclist got to do their laundry for free as apparently we donated some money to their HS basketball program. 1 school, K-12, 87 students of which 17 were foreign exchange. Speaking of the heritage bldg, I have a picture of the side that says the name of the restaurant and the note "only white help". That refers to the time when they had lots of Chinese people working on the RR.

The town is generally in a state of disrepair. I wondered if people lived in the big white house I took a picture of. Yes, when I walked by a little boy playing on the front yard called out "Hi" to me.

When I walked back to the school, I noticed it. My first flat! I was hoping to make it to NJ without. Fred had a flat earlier, on the 84. There were 23 flats today.

It was very windy at night. We took Florene Y's tent down as it was turning into a mess. I was afraid Gayle H's tent was going to roll over mine. Many people slept in the gym. The shorter (less high)tents were alright.

Bottom line for the day: 76 k (46 mi) 2:20 on the saddle, and an avg speed of 32.4 kph (19.4 mph)

Day 10 La Grande to Baker City

Another beautiful day in Oregon. We sure can't complain about the weather. Right now it's about 80 and I'm at the library in Baker City.

We left just after 7 AM today, a little earlier than planned. But we took our time through some of the small towns along the way. The first place was Union, calling itself the Victorian Heritage town. I've got a few pictures there, the old house, the library donated in 1912 by Andrew Carnegie and a couple of others, one you can maybe make out Levi Strauss painted on the brick a long, long time ago.

Form there we met Walter at the 40 k (24 mi) mark for a water refill. Our support staff including Betty T, Dini M, Diane S, Geri V are doing a great job. (thought I'd throw that in there a second). There are others helping too of course and they are fantastic as well. We met Walter just after 9.

We hit North Powder before 10. There is a picture of an old mercantile bldg from that place. That was about it. No chocolate milk anywhere I could see. But lots of cyclists stopped at a road side java stand in Haines. Pop 402, no 404, a lady across the road had twins last night. Thought she was only having one! That's what the lady at the store selling chocolate milk told me.

At Haines we only had 20k (12 mi) to go and Fred and I rode in with Barb M (Sioux Ctr IA)and Gerry K (Yakima, WA). Barb can haul like you wouldn't believe. She's pulling and I have to work to keep up. She's in the lead at about 34 kph (20 mph).
So we were at Baker City HS before the gear truck at 11:20.

We biked to town, had lunch, then I went sight seeing. If you see the pictures, the tall bldg is the Baker Hotel, built in 1929, a world class hotel at the time. You could buy shares from a total pool of $ 300,000. At the time a lot of money. The Geiser Grand hotel with the top turret was built first, in 1889. The new Baker Hotel didn't help business at the Geiser. (Stopped at the museum, that's how I know all that stuff). Btw Alma, lots of antiques and old things there. I was thinking about you. The museum used to be a natorium or indoor swimming pool, complete with a ball room on the second floor. The Catholic church was built in 1908. (Again, my pictures should show up on Fred Meyerink's site. No flats for Fred today also. Things are looking up).

Well, I best be off to camp and set up my tent etc. Totals for the day: 81 k (49 mi), 4:15 total, but only 3:12 cycling (we'll pay for it later, trust me), avg speed 25.4 kph (just over 15 mph)

Day 9 Pendleton to LaGrande

I'm at the library in LaGrande along with several other cyclists. It's close to camp and the interenet works! Before I forget, Jim and Tony, good on the haircuts, I'd like to see that. Thanks for the interest and the comments from our readers as well. It keeps us connected to home knowing you're out there.

I was up at 5 today, and it was cool until the sun got up. We left at 7, our earliest start yet. Fred is always ready to go. He must eat while he packs his tent or something. Maybe he puts his cycling gear on at bedtime. Wouldn't surprise me, lol. We took a few wrong turns getting out of Pendleton along with others. One time I had to chase Fred as he was in the lead but heading down the wrong road. "Hey Fred! Wrong way!" Get the picture?

Today was a big climb day, starting 16 k (10 mi)out. We started at 1100' and went as high as 3800'. I didn't mind it, the scenery was great, lots of switchbacks on the road. We met Walter V, one of the SAG drivers at 9 and had a water refill and cookie and some old country music to listen to. (Elvis, Crying in the Chapel). At 10 we stopped at a view point looking over the canyon. Then we stopped for brunch (tuna sandwich) at 10:45 at the Oregon Trail and Deli. Yes, this is part of the Oregon Trail we're on, now Hwy OR 30. The place is called Meechem, and Quentin, the Harley owning Messianic Jew (he told us) said that Meechem was once capital of the USA for a day in 1923. Look it up as it would take too long for me to repeat the story. Anyhow, Quentin knows all about John Calvin too.

By this time, the terrain had already changed from desert in Pendleton to alpine meadow as we got around 2500' or so. Quite different. After our stop at Meechem (Quentin and the "deli"), the road was up and down for 20 k (12 mi)for an 800' climb, after which it was largely downhill. We went on the I84 interstate for about 14 k, and missed a detour which would have taken us out of a construction zone. We didn't realize it until later. The I84 was fast, quite often above 50 kph (30 mph) but a little hairy due to the traffic, but my knuckles never turned white. It's still better than driving with certain people. Uh-hem.

We got into camp, Pioneer Park, a city owned pool and park place the same time as the gear truck at 12:30ish, so we biked to an icecream place, Hought's 24 flavours, and cyclists were already there, and kept on coming. After that I biked to the Eastern Oregon University for a look around and stopped at a Catholic church built in 1914. Had a look inside the sanctuary, quite different from our Protestant churches. There are 2 pictures from there. The first one is looking at the parsonage, and the other mainly the church. The old bldgs have old trees, so it's hard to capture somethings, like the huge steeple. The other church was just down the street and it's an Episcopalian church built in 1924. LaGrande seems like Small Town USA. Pop 12,000 and not growing, according to a local.

btw, Fred had no flats today, so of our 5:40 hours 4:40 or so was cycling. The cycling was slower due to the all of the climbing. Avg speed was only 21.7 kph (13 mph)

ps, Fred (Meyerink)loaded the last couple of days pictures on to his web site
pps, Congratulations Rick and Henriette with your 25th wedding anniversary! May God give you many blessed and good years together yet.

Day 8 Kennewick to Pendleton

It was a nice day for cycling again, hot and sunny.
We started off before 7:30 with Fred M, Greg D from IA, and Bob Brouwer from MI. We crossed over the Columbia River on a long suspension bridge (the Ed Hendler bridge). Bob had a little spill just after that while trying to clean his tire while moving (slowly).

A good part of the day was spent cycling along Lake Wallula on US 730 S. Earlier we were on US 12E and the wind was pretty nasty. We did the pace line thing for that where we take turns in the lead. The wind died down just after we crossed into Oregon. We had brunch at 10:30, oatmeal cookies and tuna sandwich. Fred had a flat fron tire shortly after that, and a rear flat at the 80 k mark, and then again as we arrived at the school. A photographer from the Eastern Oregonian was taking our pictures as we biked by near the old school (there'll be a picture on Fred site)

The last half of the day was mostly climbing, then down, then up, etc. Not too bad but quite hot. We saw some dust devils in the fields. Lots of wheat here. We stopped at the Pendleton Safeway for some chocolate milk. Great stuff after a long ride. We arrived at Pendleton Middle School around 3.

For the day it was 107 k (65 Mi), 24.6 avg (15 mph). A good day all in all.

Day 7 Sunday in Kennewick

Breakfast is at 8:30 today as we get a day off from cycling.

The Family of Faith CRC of Kennewick has organized and moved their church service to the Columbia East Park. There is a good amphitheatre here for that. They also hosted us for lunch here at the park.

The Kennewick church printed out cyclist's profiles and pictures some time ago and the members received certain people then to pray for. If you watched the Amazing Race ever, you might recall when they have to match a picture with a person or object. Well, I had a fellow named Greg come up to me holding a card beside me. Turns out I've been hanging on their fridge for sometime. He asked me to sign his card and we talked for a bit. It's great that people you don't even know are praying for you specifically.

This afternoon I will relax, while some are floating down the Columbia River, or going to some people's pool. The Kennewick people had a boat here too so some people could do some water sports as well.

Sunday is a little odd not having Shelley and or my sons around and there's a little too much time to think about that. It'll be good to be on the road again tomorrow.

Day 6 Sunnyside to Kennewick

Sweep duty carries on from the day before, so I was up at 5:30 to unlock the gear truck. There were already a few cyclists there waiting. (easterners) Then we go to unload the breakfast supplies, eat breakfast, and load the bags back onto the gear truck and put the breakfast supplies back in the cooking trailer. We are the last people to leave camp as it is our job to "sweep" the stragglers along. We left at 9:30.

Our first person in need was Gresham V. We would see lots of Gresham today as he got about 6 flats aong the way. A US postal lady we talked to gave a donation to the Sea to Sea.

Around the 40 k (24 mi) mark one of our cyclists needed a bathroom and we spotted a portabanyo by a cherry orchard. I asked the Mexican if we could use his banyo. He said no problem, where are you going? So we told him and he couldn't believe it. Here have some cherries, take lots he said. That was pretty neat.

The ride was nice, a tailwind, a slight downhill route, and interesting scenery. Two or our sweep team people also had flats today, so it took us a long time to get to Kennewick camp, a park called Columbia East Park. We are right beside the Columbia River. We arrived at 3:30, 6 hours on the road total. Tonight's menu was hamburgers.

At one point in the ride we came through a part of the road that was uphill and cut in between rock. No breeze and about 104 degrees.

The ride today was 83 k (50 mi) 3:15 min of cycling time (plus 2:25 of tire repair and waiting time) avg 25.6 kph (15 mph). All in all a nice road, just a little stretched out time wise.

PS, just talked to Fred Meyerink. All of my pictures, good or bad, are on his blog. You can see them there if you like.

Day 5 Yakima to Sunnyside

This morning we woke up to a light rain. They say it rains 4 times per year here in this desert country. This time I packed up my tent first before it could get too wet.

We got on the road a little later as the day was not to be a long one. Our cycling group today was Fred M, Andy H, Greg D, and myself. It drizzled the first 20 k (12 mi) or so. Our first stop was at Zillah CRC, where the roads were finally dry. The CRC church there had fruit and drinks ready for us. The church is right on the Yakima Valley Highway, which we spent most of the day on. Prior to the pit stop we ended up with a larger group for a while. That ended when Jenna Z from AB got a flat that needed 4 tries to repair. Later she had another flat and a spill. The SAG (support and gear wagon) patched her up.

Upon reaching camp at Sunnyside Christian HS, my sweep team went to work. FIrst job is to unlaod everyone's duffle bags from the semi trailer gear truck. It goes pretty good when several people are at it. A sweep team has about a dozen people in it. I believe there are 10 sweep teams in total.

After that it was time to clean my bike. Lots of people were doing that, as the wet roads make the bikes and chains a mess. Every good cyclist knows you gotta have a clean chain.

Tonight supper was hosted by the Sunnyside CRC. That's good for our cooking people and our sweep team as it would otherwise be our turn to set up and clean up (but not cook). Supper consisted of chips and salsa and watermelon as the entree. The main course was beef and pork tortillas with strawberry shortcake and icecream for dessert. Just enough to fill a hungry cyclist's stomach. Ater all that, we watched the 4th of July fireworks.

We didn't have our peleton meeting tonight so I don't know how many flats etc there were, but I did learn of a nasty culprit called "goat's head". It'll give you a flat tire for sure. It's basically a hard plant seed with a few points on it. It's like a little mine (about 1/4 in round). Oh, Fred M got 2 flats at the dinner.

Today's ride was 62 k (37 mi), 2:18 min ins the saddle, and a 26.7 k avg (about 16)

Day 4 Ellensberg to Yakima

Today was a great day, sunny, and a short ride with only 2 hills which were long compared to home, but short compared to Tue and Wed. The day had a different start though, with a rain shower and wind around 2:30 AM. I got up around 3:30 and stayed up until 4:15 as the lawn sprinklers went off. Some tents got a good washing!

Fred M, Kyle M and I left at 8 and picked up George VdKuur along the way and had a good paceline going for a while. We followed along the Yakima River most of the day.

In Selah, we met up with Barb M, Peter VanOort, Louis B, Jake K, Cynthia A, and Andy D. We did about 7 miles on a beautiful bike path along the river. There was a curb to handle at the end of the path and Jake K hit it the wrong way and went flying, scraping a couple of holes right through his jersey as his shoulder hit the concrete. I was just behind him and was glad I could miss him. He made it into camp on his own. We're staying at Riverside Christian School, a nice facility.

We got here around 11:30. After setting up, Fred and I biked back to the Shell station down the road to replenish. Let's see, chocolate milk or a cold Heineken? What a dilema! So I had both, with a Nutribar inbetween. Fred skipped the choc milk and bar, wanting to leave room for supper.

Today there were 6 flats and 3 falls. I did 67 k (38 mi), 2:25 min in the saddle, avg 27.5 kph (16.5 mi) It was mid 90 degrees, but didn't seem hot until we stopped riding.

Tomorrow is another short day. The sweep team I'm on starts chores in the afternoon, so we will unload the gear truck (everyone's duffle bags), help with supper and clean up. The duties continue for the next 24 hours, but I'll tell you about that after it's all done.

Pictures are coming soon I hope. It's past 11 now, so time for some sleep. I did have a bit of a nap this afternoon though, not getting very far in my book. There are people on laptops all the time here. It's like an indoor/outdoor computer lab.

Day 3 Leavenworth to Ellensburg

Hi everyone. Camp was abustling at 5:30 again, so why not get up. Fred M and I wanted to be on the road by 7:30 as it was to be a "big" climb again today.

It was sunny right from the start. That was good as the previous evening it spat a bit and apparently there was a big shower in Leavenworth the day before. So we started off fairly warm and the climb started a few miles out (I'm starting to think miles now). The climb was long, about 20 miles, but not as steep as the day before. We started at 1000 feet and the peak was just over 4000. We stopped for brunch #1 at 9:30, a tuna sandwich, then proceeded to the peak. We passed into Wenatchee National Forest. We could really smell the pine trees. We were at the peak at by 10:30. There we had brunch #2, a tuna sandwich. Walter V was ready with the water again. The early part of the descent was nice and fast. Fred leaves me in the dust on the descents. We figure that's b/c he's got 60 lbs on me. He feels a gust, I feel a breeze. That means the head winds don't bother him as much, which we experienced a little later. Like yesterday, the winds go up the mountain, so sometimes it's a fair bit of work to get to 25 or 30 kph.
I got in a pace line for a while with some of the youngsters including Matt Z and Alex V from Taber AB (my birthplace)and Nathan Beach from Ann Arbor MI who later got a flat. Pace lines are great, and it's easy to tell who the strong riders are.

Later on we had another 500' climb over 5 k (3 mi). There was a nice view from the top. Then another 30 k (18 mi) into Ellensberg. There, the prevailing smell is that of hay. We got into camp at 1 PM, after stopping at the Fred Meyer in town for some eats. At camp, the temp was 97. That's pretty hot, and 2 long days in a row have me a little tired. But now it's 10:15 and am feeling alright. I had a little nap around 5 in front of my tent.

Today there were 2 wipe outs, including Dave T who wiped out biking back to town and received a few stitches on his forehead. Ouch. Only 5 flats today. Hilena Z set a new record with 7 bathroom breaks during the ride.

I finished with 97 k (58 mi), 4:25 min in the saddle, avg speed 22.1 k (13.2 mph)

Day 2 Sultan to Leavenworth

We woke up to clouds and cooler weather. I was up at 5:45 along with most people, but didn't start cycling until 8, at the back end. Tomorrow better. I have a new plan.
I started catching up to people about 15 k up the road and also passed a temp sign, it showed 59 degrees. I biked up to the peak with Gresham V. We had lunch with Matt Z as well at the 60 k mark. We had been climbing pretty good for a while already and it was now about 94 degrees. We hit the peak at 71 k (42 Mi) which was about 9 k sooner than what I was expecting. so that was nice. Walter V was at the SAG there. (Hi Shirley). So the climb started at about the 50 k mark (30 mi) and went for 21 k. It took us almost 5 hrs including stops and lunch to get there.

Going down was pretty quick at first. I was doing about 55 k when Louis B whizzed by me at 70 k (42 mph) (he told me later). He wanted to hit 75, but started wobbling a bit so slowed down.

Going downhill later wasn't as fast or easy as the wind was coming up the mountain, so I had to work sometimes to hit 30 k (18 mph. With out the wind it would be an easy cruise at 40 or so.

Near the end I caught up to Barb M and Gerald K who were just going again after a short break. Barb was in the lead and she can haul! It made for a faster, easier last 10 k (6 mi) for me. So tomorrow I will have to try an peleton some more.

We stopped in Leavenworth for some ice cream for about 45 min and made it into camp at 4 PM. The last people came in just as supper was starting at 6 PM to a rousing cheer. Pretty neat. Ralph F spoke at the peleton meeting about his 41st wedding anniversary today and we also sang O Canada after supper. Supper was good. I may be gaining weight.

I have pictures, but they will come in a couple of days as it's now after 10:30 so it's time to get to my tent. Tomorrow is a big climb day as well.

Today there were 6 wipe outs today, nothing serious though. There were 12 flats, one poor guy had 6 of them. Fred M had one too. Fred M was on sweep team today so he came in around 5. Tomorrow we will cycle together for the first time.

The ride today was 131 k, my longest ever (79 mi). 5 hr 41 min in the saddle, average speed 23.0.

Day 1 Seattle to Sultan

Sorry I'm a little later here. There was no connection Monday, so I'm catching up Tuesday night at 10 PM.
So Mon morning we cycled from the U of W to Garden City Park at the ocean. The Seattle area CRC's put on a nice breakfast for us. We left in groups of 12 every 2 minutes. I was in group 7. We all left to great cheers, and it was wonderful to have my family there. Our group had bike trouble at 0.1 k, so we split in two. I went with the younger ones as someone had to "watch over them" ha. It was a slow 85 k ride as we could only go as fast as the slowest person in our group. It took us a little over 4 hours plus stops. Eric Stehouwer blew a tire at one point, so we stopped at Bellvue Christian School to have lunch at take care of that.
It was a hot day, 97 degrees in the early afternoon, so it was very hot as well in Sultan where we set up camp. The staff put on a great supper, so I haven't lost any weight yet.
There were 12 wipe outs today, one was bad. Agatha V, an older lady from Vancouver had to go to hospital after running into an obscured post on the Burke Gilman Trail. She's OK, may be a slight concussion, so no cycling for 2 days. Two people wiped out twice. There were 9 flat tires.