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.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, July 22, 2013
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.)
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.)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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.
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.
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