A Surprise Visit

So I am stopping on the road, because my tire was slowly get flat, in order to change it. Along side comes an old pickup truck, which slows down beside us. I am expecting a local person willing to offer some assistance. But when I look, it was Ralph and Marge Norg (members of my church). They had come to visit me. What a turn of events for what otherwise would have been my most miserable day so far.

It was a miserable day because of the rain. It rained off and on for the whole ride. Sometimes it was dry, other times it was just a light drizzle, but other times it was simply raining. Add to that a flat and then a slow leak, which I pumped up from time to time. At camp, we found the little piece of wire that caused it. The tube was replaced. Hence, two flats for the day. The rain and the flats slowed us down, so that I arrived I camp past 3pm (for a 145 km ride)--a late arrival for me.

But the bright spot was the unexpected visit by Ralph and Marge. We couldn't talk too long on the road, though they witnessed me change a tire (and discovered that my bike pump was missing a piece so that it would not work. Thankfully, my biking partner had one.) We met Ralph and Marge again at a SAG stop, where the gas station offered free coffee or hot chocolate. Then at camp, they had dinner waiting for me-- my favourite comfort  food, lasagna and cherry cheese cake. Afterwards, I took them on a tour of our camp. Afterwards, I rejoined them at their trailer and slept on a pull out couch, instead of my tent. It was good to see and talk to someone from back home. THANK YOU very much for the surprise.

That was Tuesday. Wednesday was another long ride--basically another century, 160 kms. Though it is not my official count, as my little computer on my bike (which tells me my speed and distance etc) fell off somewhere at the beginning of the day and it is lost. I will probably have to replace it. Today, we made good time, as we got in at around 2pm. We were pushing it. There was a middle section, though where the route was not marked. Thankfully, we did not get lost, as some other riders had the directions (I usually just follow the markings on the road as the sheet of directions is confusing to me and often has errors.)

We are now in Lansing, Illinois, staying at Illiana Christian High School. Today started foggy and then low clouds, but no rain. The last two days have been relatively flat. After three long days, the next three days should be shorter.

Out of Iowa

It was a good Sabbath rest in Coralville, Iowa. In the morning, I attended the Methodist church which  was just outside of the park. In the afternoon, I enjoyed the indoor pool, which was part of the city park where we were staying. It also had a hot tub, which was put to good use to massage my muscles. At 5:30, the whole group attended New Life church, a RCA church plant that held a special evening service for us. Afterwards, they provided supper.  

A word about the weather: yesterday and today it was very cool. In fact, I read today that the area is having record low temperatures for over night. It was in the 70's during the day. It was great for biking. At camp, with the wind and in the shade, you needed long pants and at night an extra layer. I didn't mind the cool temperatures. At least it stayed dry.

On Monday, we had a 153 km ride (almost another century) to get out of Iowa. Finally, the hills disappeared and the winds were calm on a cool day. In other words, a great day for cycling. Right at the end, we crossed the Mississippi River and entered into Illinois. We are staying just across the border in Fulton at a Christian school, who will serve us supper tonight.

Iowa days continued

It was a 84 km ride into Pella on  Friday. I was there around noon and soon got settled into my dorm room at Central College. This allowed the afternoon to explore this small town of 10,000 that has a very strong Dutch flavour. Even a bank used a windmill theme. I first had lunch, then visited two museums: First, the house of Rev. Scholte, who in the 1850's brought 800 immigrants from the Netherlands to establish the new town of Pella. Second, I visited Vermeer Mill, a large windmill build a few years ago in the style of the 1850's. Admission also included a small historical village. Around the town square the buildings were built with a Dutch flair. There were also a number of Dutch bakeries so of course I had to sample some of their offerings. The afternoon was soon filled.

After supper in the cafeteria of Central College, we had an outdoor worship service lead by a local CRC. Afterwards we still had a group meeting (called Pelaton) and then refreshments. It was soon 9 and off to bed.

It's early to bed because we are early up. In fact, my roommate set his alarm for 4:45. I knew that was coming. He was quickly off and made it first into camp. I took it a little slower, but I was off by 6:15. We biked to Sully, 30 kms away, for a full breakfast (pancakes, bacon, hard boiled eggs and juice/coffee.) Then the journey continued. Altogether it was a 150 kms, not quite a century. The hills were not too bad, but the wind was stronger. Most of the time, it was a crosswind, with some tailwind.

Today, I had the first issue with my bike, other than my previous two flats. My chain started to come off, when I shifted into the large front gear. Five times I had to stop to put the chain back on. As a result, I tended not to shift the front gears, which is a challenge when dealing with hills. Back at camp, this problem got quickly fixed.

Others in our trip have had more serious bike problems. In fact, one girl could no longer ride her bike, after Wednesday because it was compromised and could not be fixed. When she was in the bike store in Pella someone who heard about her situation, phoned the bike shop and paid for a new bike for her. It was a heart warming story. She was so pleased to have ridden today.

We are now in Coralville, Iowa (just beside Iowa City), where we will stay for the weekend. While it would have been nice to have stayed in Pella for the weekend, we are walking distance to some stores (like the coffee shop where I am writing this.) It's hard to believe that another week has gone by. The days are going quickly. Next weekend, we will already be in Grand Rapids and closer to Canada.

I truly appreciate the notes of encouragement that I get to open each day, as well as the comments on Facebook and my Blog. They help me feel connected to everyone in Williamsburg. Thank you for your words of support. There are times when I really miss my bed at home and the routines of "normal" life, but I keep cycling on, raising awareness and funds to help end poverty, as well as seeing this huge continent on which we live.

Iowa Days

Let me catch up on the last three days.

Monday night we were staying at Oasis Bible Camp. While the majority stayed in the main building, a number of us still used our tents. We watched the moon and enjoyed a calm evening. It was calm in the morning until 5:45, when the wind quickly picked up. A look out the tent revealed dark and brooding clouds. We quickly packed our tents. We were soon securing the whole grounds as the winds picked up. Those in the main building were surprised by the commotion, but soon helped out. Breakfast was inside. Because of the threatening weather we were not allowed to depart until after 8. By this time the wind eased. Overall, very little rain came out of the system.

So after 8, we were on the road. We received some drizzle over the next hour and a half, but nothing too serious. The winds also claimed down. After three hours, we were back in sunshine. Today we did a 115 kms. Towards the end, we crossed into Iowa, crossing the Missouri River. At that point, we visited a Lewis and Clark Visitor Center (they were explorers.) It was very interesting. That night we stayed at a State Park, with plenty of trees (haven't seen too many trees lately.) An outlook provided a great view of the plains below as well as a wonderful sunset.

Wednesday was a long, tiring day.It may have only been a 139 kms, but it was up and down the rolling hills of Iowa. We went up 4800 feet, as much as some days in the mountains, yet at the end of the day we were only ten feet higher than when we left. I was simply tired when I entered camp and just sat in my chair, until I had to help out for dinner.

We stayed in the town park of Diagional. The local church offered pie and ice cream for us, as a fundraiser for their church. The next morning they also served a hot breakfast, also for a cost. That evening, some of our small groups also put on skits in which we made fun of certain aspects of the tour. We all had a good laugh.

The rolling hills were less intense on Thursday. It was also only a 120 kms. Towards the end, when I was riding with two others, someone yelled from a side porch: are you from RAGBRAI (an annual bike ride across Iowa that went through the area the day before.) I turned around and went up to the gentlemen who asked the question. He had seen the riders going past and was wondering what was up. So I explained what we were up to.  He, Ron, donated some money and we mentioned about last night. At the mention of pie, he invited the three of us to have a piece of homemade wild raspberry pie he had just bought from an Amish woman just down the road. Of course, with my bike along the road, other cyclists stopped. Soon four others were eating pie as well. It was an amazing act of hospitality.

Our camp tonight in Chariton is very basic. Showers required a shuttle, as well as Internet. But tomorrow it is a short ride to Pella, where we are staying at the dorms of Central College.

Relaxing Days

In Fairbury, we stayed at a city park, just outside of the old downtown area. It was near the train tracks. The trains went by at least every half hour, with their whistles blowing very loudly. (Most of the trains were coal trains. There must be a mine close by.) Since I decided to stay in a tent, rather than the community center, I was woken up throughout the night. The second night, I must have gotten use to it, as I slept through most of the trains.

On Saturday night, about 20 of us, mainly the young adults, went bowling. We played two games. It was a very enjoyable activity that took our minds off of biking.

On Sunday, the group attended the local Presbyterian Church. I stayed behind to help secure the camp, with one other person. We were picked up afterwards to join the meal, as they put on a huge potluck for the cyclists. There was so much left over, we took enough for supper. In the afternoon, we relaxed around camp and went to the nearby pool. By evening it was hard to believe we just arrived the day before. It was a good day of rest.

Monday was an easy ride. We went just 83 kms and even stopping halfway at a bakery for coffee and  some goodies, we made it into camp by 11:30am. We are staying at Oasis Bible Camp. We can cool down in their main building that has WiFi. (We are feeling some humidity as we bike. The dry heat is now in the past. Scenery remains cornfields and soybeans.)

The Winds continued...

Now that I have Internet AND time, let me update you on the last three days of riding, where wind (and rain) continue to be the theme.

On Thursday, we had a 118 km ride to Prairie Dog State Park just outside of Norton, Kansas. While the previous day, the wind was a crosswind, today it was more behind us. Boy, does that make a difference. It pushed us along so that my average speed was 30.3 kph, the fastest so far. I was in camp at 12:30, where the winds continued to blow.

We stayed in a state park. In the afternoon, I went on a two hour leisurely hike and saw: prairie dog colony, three deer, some birds, and the natural prairie landscape. There was also a man made lake for swimming. We also had an awesome sunset.

There was concern about Friday's ride, as it was a century ride (162kms). What would the wind do? A head wind would defeat us. But thankfully it was a calm day. We stopped at Prairie View Reformed Church, for our first SAG, where they offered drinks and goodies. At the 100 km mark, we stopped at a burger place, who offered FREE ice cream to every rider (the owners were related to one of the riders.) We crossed the border into Nebraska.

We were just heading into the town of Red Cloud, our stop for the night, when the heavens opened with a torrential downpour. The rain was almost horizontal at times. I could barely see and the streets soon flooded. Thankfully, it was only for a kilometre to camp. Unfortunately, at camp, the sudden downpour got into the duffle bags. I wasn't too bad off, as just a small portion of my sleeping bag and      one side of my pillow got wet. We could stay in the community Center to sleep. By bedtime, they were sufficiently dry to use. I was tired from the day's ride and slept well. In fact, for the first time, my alarm woke me up at 6am.

We all expected Saturday to be an easier day. After all it would only be a 120 kms. Oh how foolish we were. Today, we encountered headwinds, slowing us down, as well as many rolling hills. Towards the end, we also had 16 kms of rain. However, two-thirds through, we enjoyed a second breakfast at restaurant that had a railroad theme.

We are now in Fairbury, Nebraska, a small town of 4000 where we will rest tomorrow.

The Winds of the Prairies

On Tuesday we encountered our first serious winds. We were heading to Burlington--Colorado, that is. The first 44 miles were along the Interstate. The local police required that we speak to an officer before we headed out concerning safety (even though with the wide shoulders it is safer to bike on an Interstate than the last 32 miles when we were on a regular road without any shoulders.) They also put a warning sign about bikers along the road and patrolled the road, sometimes following bikers on the shoulder.

Throughout the day there was a cross wind. It was about 35 kph, gusting up to 50 kph. In the second half, they turned slightly against us. With that section having up and down hills, biking became more of a chore. When I came into camp, I was tired. But we actually did good time. The wind just tired us out.

We expected the same on Wednesday, though the ride was only 109 k whereas Tuesday was 126k. But the wind was less intense and it shifted from a crosswind to slightly behind us. What a difference that makes. It was also cloudy, which made it a little nicer to bike as well.

We crossed state lines today. We are staying now in Colby, Kansas. As for the scenery, we are in the prairies now. No dramatic landscapes. Just fields of wheat, corn or pasture. An open view, where one can see the next silos miles before you reach them.

First rain ride

The climate did change and as for the landscape we couldn't see it for a while.

On Sunday night a system came through bringing rain. While most were staying in the school, a few of us stuck it out in our tents. Despite the rain overnight, I think I slept better than if I had to share open hall space. In the morning, it was overcast, allowing me to pack the tent in dry weather. But as we headed out of Colorado Springs, the rain began again. It rained for the next two hours, with heavy fog, which made seeing riders ahead of us difficult. It got down to 53 degrees F. It was cold and miserable. But misery loves company. We just continued on. Slowly the weather improved. The rain stopped and the fog lifted. A cross wind developed.

Into two-thirds of the 120 km route, we stopped at a small town cafe, for a coffee and cinnamon bun. This allowed us to warm up. We completely overwhelmed the two person staffed cafe. They couldn't make coffee fast enough. But it was what we needed. Eventually the sun came out and we are dried out by the time we reached camp.

Staying tonight in a small town called Limon,

p.s. Discovered that if I put my front light on, it interferes with my screen that tells me how fast I am going, as well as mileage. So my odometer will be off by at least 25 kms.

Colorado Springs

Saturday we did a 80 km ride into Colorado Springs. While not long, there was a section that felt we should have been going downhill, but we were still climbing. It was deceiving. Unfortunately, on one descent, one rider fell and broke her leg. We also had one broken tibi on the first day. And so, continue to pray for our safety.

In the afternoon, a van drove to the Valley of the Gods, an area of amazing rock formations. The red colour really stood out amongst the green trees. We didn't have long to explore. A thunderstorm also cut our walks short.

On Sunday we attended Cragmor CRC who also fed us after the service. In the afternoon, another van load went up to Pike's Peak. From the gate to the top of over 14,000 feet, it was an 19 mile of curves and steep edges, with no guardrails. But it provided amazing views. But at the very top, clouds prevented us from seeing anything. Lower down, under the clouds, we did stop for some pictures.

The day before six guys and one gal did the day's ride plus going to Pike Peaks. The gal left the six guys at the base, who continued on. Five guys made it to the top (one stopped half way). They headed into a thunderstorm. They got wet and cold. Thankfully at the summit, there were two vehicles from our group, who took them back to camp. After being driven up the summit, I am amazed that they were able to do it. A little crazy as well.

It's hard to believe that we have already done one-third of the trip. It has gone fast. One day quickly follows the next. Each day has provided different scenery. Thankfully, the weather while cycling has been dry. It tends to rain right at dinner time.

We are now heading into a very different climate and landscape. We'll see how it will be.

Thursday and Friday's ride.

Thursday:
Today's ride to Salida was a northern ride. On the left was the range we crossed yesterday. To the right another mountain range. In between was a wide flat valley. We headed north for 100 kilometres, as straight as an arrow, with little habitation. But we made good time. At one point I was leading a draft line, going up to 34 kph. At the northern part of the valley the two ranges met. We did a little bit of climbing to reach a summit. Then it was a 8 miles of going downhill. Many people reached 50mph/80kph. I reached 66kph.

We left at 6:45 and arrived at 1pm.. Our campground was the town's fair grounds. There was very little grass to put our tents, but I found a place. Went into town to McDonalds for smoothie and Internet. At night a group of women practiced roller derby. Our meeting was held in a horse barn.

Friday:
Today we decided to take it easy knowing it would be an easy day. (Since when was a 100 km day easy? When the last two were 130 kms, with climbs and this was going to be mainly downhill.) So three of was went to a restaurant for a full breakfast. We starting riding at 8 and was still in Canon City at noon.

The ride was one of the most enjoyable and scenic so far. For 80kms, we followed the Arkansas river, downhill. The river carved out a canyon so the views were great. We saw people fly fishing, as well as white water rafting. There was a steep climb at the end, followed by another descent.

Tonight we are staying on the grounds of a former abbey, which also housed a boys school. As a result, we had the option of staying in a dorm room for $14. I took up the offer. No tent for me tonight but a real bed, the first since Vanguard, nearly three weeks ago.

Wednesday's Ride

Today was a very different ride than yesterday, even though it had its challenges. Even though we crossed the Continental Divide yesterday, the mountains were still in front of us. Today's journey went from Chama to Alamosa, a 123 km ride. The first 36 kms was one long ascent to a summit. There was one short steep climb that I had to stop three times, because I was totally out of breath. The elevation got to me. After two hours of climbing we reached the top. Then in the next 8 miles, we descended. While I only reached a speed of 62km, others went much faster, up to 80kph. Two riders enjoyed it so much they went back up and did it all over again.

The views going up and down were fantastic. After the descent we followed a river, which was downhill. About 85 kms in, we stopped at the "the Dutch Mill" which served Mexican food. It's a good thing we did, as there were no SAG's set up for the last half of the ride. After the restaurant stop, we raced down the straight, good pavement road. For a good portion of the time, I drafted for Dan. To the left rain clouds formed. While we got nothing, late riders did, some even hail. The wind became very strong.

We arrived at 1:15 at Alamosa where we are staying at a recreational Center. Internet has allowed me to catch on the blog.

An easy day and the toughest day (so far)

Monday was an easy day of 90 kms (it's amazing how soon an 90 km day is easy.) It was easy though not only because of the distance but because of no major climbs and good weather. Because we leave early--up at 5 for a 6:15/6:30 departure--far too early for today's ride, I arrived at our destination by 11:20. Breakfast is at 5:30, so some are up at 4:30 already. By 5 most are up.

But at least our destination is a very nice place to chill out for the rest of the day. After all, it is a winery. We were given a tour of the place, including some wine tasting. (Alcohol is forbidden in camp, a rule that today could not be enforced.) It had some nice sitting areas, allowing for some good conversations. At 6pm, we had an excellent dinner, followed by an improved Peloton (meeting), as it was kept shorter.

Tuesday was a very different story. It would be our toughest day (so far), much more difficult than the century day. Why was that?
-the distance was still significant, at just over 140 kms.
-it involved a lot of climbing
-we faced a strong head wind, the last 30 kms
- we are at a higher elevation.
Still having left at 6:30, Dan (my riding partner) made it in at 2:15.

We stopped for an ice cream, before heading into the campground. Because the gear truck was in the shop for repairs, we could not change or use Internet until it arrived at 6, at the same time as dinner. While the Internet was throughout the camp so many people were using it that I could not get much done. Indeed that has been a problem the last week, including at McDonalds. As a result, I am behind in uploading pictures.

Our shortest and longest days so far

Friday's ride was the shortest ride so far, 69kms, as we made our way from Zuni to Rehoboth in Gallup, NM. It was a pleasant ride with plenty of up and downs. In Gallup, we stopped for a coffee before heading to the Rehoboth Campus, which is just outside of town. I was there before before noon. It is a beautiful campus, with modern facilities. We slept in the gym. In the mid afternoon I hiked to "resurrection rock" which is beside the cemetery. It gave a great view of the surrounding area. There I could also see the approaching  storm. I made it back in time before hail and rain came down upon us. It was all over in an hour, but it was a good downpour.

Rehoboth feed us supper and then offered a ride into Gallup so that we could watch the nightly Native Dance that took place in the City Square. This lasted for an hour, 7-8. Came back to campus and soon to bed. But we could hear the thunder of another storm.

In the morning the skies were clear. We were ready to head out on our long ride--a century ride, 100 miles or 160 kms. But just as some were heading out, the news came. The highway was closed. A culvert was washed out. The ride was canceled. Disappointment, with tears. But then the good news. The police will allow the bicycles to walk over the washout area. The ride was on.

What a ride it was. The roads were in excellent conditions and because of the closure we only had local traffic, which was not much. The first half flew by. It was mainly down hill, but at a gentle rate. I hit my highest speed ever--63.6 kph. For an hour we were going at a clip of high 30's and low 40's, without spending much energy.

Still it is a 100 miles. Half way through one of our riders slowed down, as he wasn't feeling well. I stayed at his pace, while the others continued ahead. At a SAG stop, I left him behind to rest and wait for his parents, who would be slower riders. I found two others ride to finish the ride. The last 20 kms were more difficult, as we rode into the wind, with blowing sand. Still I came in at 2:40, having left at 6:40. A century ride is a major goal for cyclists and I now have mine.

Obviously I was tired. But I had sweep duty, helping with supper. Soon after supper we had our Peloton meeting. At 9:30, I was ready for bed. We are staying at Bethel CRC in Shiprock

These last three stops are in Native American territory. It was good to see the ministry of the CRC in Zuni, Rehoboth and Shiprock. They are very different from each other. It is good to see and experience a different culture.

Today, Sunday the group is staying at Bethel, worshipping with them. They will feed us lunch. A day of rest from our bikes.

Tomorrow we head out, but on a different route than scheduled. Because of the smoke by Wolf Creek Pass, we cannot go that way. We will make a different route to Colorado Springs, but we will bike it!

The Fourth of July in Zuni

A word about the weather. We discovered that this area has what they call a "monsoon" season. In the late afternoon, clouds form, with much wind (and in the early part of the season that we are in now, not much rain.) Yesterday in St. Johns while in the library, the storm hit. Since my clothes were out drying, I quickly returned to camp. Thankfully, someone put them away. A few more tents went down. The wind made the sand feel like sandpaper against your skin. Within an hour, it was all gone and the sun shone again.

At 4, we had our own time at the city pool which was part of the city park we were tenting in. We enjoyed the water and many people showed their skills on the diving board. In the evening, the town showed an outdoor movie (American Tail) as part of America Day celebrations. Since it was shown next to our tent city, we could not sleep until it was over (10), even though we were tired. Still I played some volleyball, during that time--since biking and swimming wasn't enough exercise!

In the morning, as is the custom in St. Johns for the Fourth of July, they shot off cannons at 5 am, thirteen times. Though I was already awake and putting down my tent, each time I heard it I still jumped.

I rode with Pete (63) and Dan (58) today. We left at 6:15 for the 100 km ride to Zuni, New Mexico. I felt a little more sluggish than yesterday. That's because the wind did not help us today, didn't really hurt us either. It was another ride through open country--nothing between the two places. No steep climbs or descends, just up and down. Got to see some mesas today. We arrived in Zuni, around noon (new time; 11 Pacific time.)

Zuni is a Native American town. We are staying at the Zuni Christian Mission School, with its new building. No tent tonight. We were given a tour of the old village of Zuni (this is one oldest settlements in America.) Since they do not allow photographs, without a permit, I have no pictures of the settlement. Poverty is evident here and the Mission school seeks to provide education as a means of providing a better future.

On the road again

It was good to be on the road again. On Tuesday we biked to Heber, a short ride of 84 kms, but with a long climb in the middle (about 1000m over 9 kms.) Because of last week's experience, riders left early. I left at 6:15, which requires a 5 am wake up call. For the first time I got into camp before noon. I rode with Joel, a 18 year old, who was worried when we got to the top of the climb that he had slowed me down! That was a boast to my ego. The reality is that my bike does better on long climbs than his.

The afternoon was spent just chilling out at the school we were staying at. I even attempted a nap. Though we had the option of staying in the gym, I slept in the tent, as the temperatures now do cool down in the evening. But dark clouds formed. At this time of year, thunderclouds form in the late afternoon, with much lightning and wind, but little rain. We experienced that since arriving in Payson. But tonight, it did rain hard, but for a short time. But it came at a very inopportune time--just as dinner was being served. I got my food in time, but others got wet. It was early to bed for me, as I was very tired.

On Wednesday we rode to St. Johns, AZ. Though 127kms, the actual ride took about the same time as yesterday. That's because the wind was behind us and for the first two hours we were going down hill. Today's ride was through open country, with one town, Snowflake in the middle of the ride, where we stopped for second breakfast at McDonalds. Towards the end there was a short steep climb, plus a 8% grade descent. I prefer ascending hills than descending.

We arrived at St. John's at 12:30 and after setting up the tent and showering, I, along with many others, went to the library for WiFI. Temperatures are still over 100 degrees, but not hot as last week.

Weekend in Payson

So we should have arrived in Payson Monday night, instead we were here Friday night. So how did we spend the time? Let me list the ways:
-some hand laundry, with the outside "laundry facilities"
-being driven to a river, where we walked along the river for two hours, playing around the waterfall, swimming in a few water pools,
-going to McDonalds or another local cafe shop to do WiFi.
-going to a movie (Man of Steel)
-going to church. The group went to two churches. I went to the nearby Lutheran Church, for a typical Lutheran service, followed by lunch at the church, where they served bratwurst. Right after the service, Claire shared about the tour.
-on Canada Day, many of the Canadians wore red, many with Canadian symbols. I had a Canadian bike jersey. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast.
-we biked to the river this time, which was quite an up and down road. It was good to get back into the saddle. The distance was 41km. Once again we walked the river, exploring the waterfalls, as while as an upstream pool area, good for jumping. Lunch was by the river. It filled the day, from 9 to 3. (I think that my waterproof camera got some water in it. Hopefully it will dry out, or at least that I can recover all the pictures.)
-getting ready to restart the tour Tuesday

And so the time was filled. If we had to be forced to stay in a place for a few days, this was a good place to do so. But I think we are all eager to get going again. The two times of the river helped soften the disappointing news of the tour suspension. It was also a good time to re-energize (though according to the scale I still lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the trip, which surprises me as I have eaten well.) I am also getting to know more people--I am already an honorary member to the Stehouwer family, a couple who are cycling with three of their sons, the oldest of whom it turns out interviewed for our youth position and I drove him around the area at that time.

Continue to pray for the organizers. This suspension caused a lot of logistical problems, as well as expenses. In addition, there is a concern for Wolf Creek Pass, which might be now open to cars (after fires had closed the road for over a week), but not necessarily to bikes. Speaking of fires, a fire broke out close to where we would have bike Friday and Saturday and caused the death of 19 firefighters. Flags are all half-mast here. Pray that the tour can continue without further obstacles.