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.
6 Comments:
Hey Uriah (NOT!) Glad to hear everything is going good there. I hope that the last half of the tour will be easier then the first half. We are addicted to your blog. Keep up the good spirits and we pray that God may keep you and all the cyclists and support team safe. Say Hi to Mr.& Mrs. Vink for us and Mrs. Terpstra
Hey Uriah, it's great you could spend a little time with Shell. I don't think you have to worry about her bathing on rooftops or anything like that. With no windows to wash, what would be the point ;-).
Besides, who has time to bathe when there's serious shopping to be done. It's getting late and she's still not home which tells me she's likely making a considerable dent in the inventory at the seattle outlets. Maybe you should change that Everly bros song to Bye Bye bucks.
I'm trying to drum up something good to say about Nebraska. To my recollection, it's all Casino's and Truckers. So if you find something worthwhile, let us know.
So sad to hear about Cynthia. We will pray for her. With a broken pelvis, there's no way she can finish with you except by riding on the bus.
We are thankful you are still in one piece and pray for health and safety for the rest of your journey.
Take care,
SD the sil
Well Uriah We were wondering when Shelly would break down and come see you. It's nice that she could make the trip. Harry and I read your blog nightly and we are keeping you and the whole group in our prayers. Have fun in Nebraska. It should remind you of good old Alberta.
Harry and Audrey
Take care
Harry and Audrey
Hey there Randiah the Hitite, tell me it ain t so. You did not give in to Bethshelly now, did you? Reading your blogs daily and enjoying them. My typing skills are improfing greetly.I am up to 9 words a minut. Got room fore a knew tipist in your orfice? Keep up the battle in the saddle. Praying for you all daily.
Hello Randy,
"Bye, bye love" - I can see the tears a flowin'. I'm delighted that Shelley could surprise you and join you for the weekend. Now you must have renewed energy to carry on. I'm enjoying the blogs. Praying for all of you on a regular basis. Must be disappointing for all of you when someone falls by the wayside. We will remember Cynthia in our prayers.
Carel Geleynse
Hi hon, we made it home safe and sound. It was so good to see you again, we had such a great weekend. It sure opened my eyes as to all that is involved in making this tour run smoothly. I can't thank the support crew (sag drivers, cooks etc) enough for all the hard work they do. We experienced it first hand this weekend what they all have to do and under extreme temperatures, they are an amazing bunch of people. I will also remember to say a special prayer for the people who are scheduled to do sweep for the day as Elly and I both realized how much work they have to do before they can head out on their bikes. After cleaning up the breakfast mess they then go to the semi truck and load over 120 bags each weighing between 40-150 lbs (only a select few weigh 150 lbs). Everything needs to be cleaned up before they can hop on their bikes. Sometimes they don't get started until 9:30 at which time the temperature is already in the 30's. So it is a very long day for anyone who is on sweep so please if you read this comment, remember to say an extra prayer for the riders that are on sweep duty. Also, Randy if you see Cynthia let her know that I will be praying for healing for her both physically and emotionally as I also witnessed first hand this weekend how tough it is emotionally to deal with the fact that one cannot complete the tour. I pray that you have a good ride today and that the wind may be at your back. Love Shelley
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