It was still almost dark when we woke up at 5am, as we had moved into a new time zone yesterday. Not cold at all, since we had 105F yesterday afternoon. Because of my long struggle to get onto the internet last night, and lack of typing speed, bed time for me was only at 1am, and we had to be up at 5am! Woke up with a big headache and neck spasm, thinking of the 154km that lay ahead in the heat. Dwelling on aches won't do any good, so I got up as best I could, deciding that this is going to be a great day and that hurts are not going to change that. Dear friend Gayle fed me some pain tabs during our morning routines and off we went, mind over matter. Upon leaving I took a photo of the rising sun through some tree branches, and rejoiced in this beautiful day that God has given us to enjoy. The birds and crickets were chirping happily around me. The area towards Minden is intensively farmed, and green pastures and fields rich with produce of many kinds were gliding by my bike in the early hours. Sometimes it is a blessing to ride alone, as one has time to think and get perspective and a balanced calm outlook on all the busyness that happen all around one on a tour like this. The information fed to one's brain through constantly changing places and landscapes can easily become overwhelming. There has not been any day on this tour that I did not look forward to getting on my bike, even if I did not feel all that good. The first challenge in the morning is just to get to sit on the saddle, as it sometimes feels like sitting on barbed wire depending on the current grade of tenderness of ones foundation. Then to spin the stiff muscles easy at first and warm them up into submission, which takes the best part of 10 km to happen. If the first climb of the day happens to fall within that distance, just tough it out and suck it up!
The morning was pristine, just perfect and still cool. Sweet smelling air.... I settled into a sustainable 25 to 30km/h. The road had a wide shoulder, but it was full of cracks and wide openings that threatened to hammer one's spine into the base of the brain....te-dum..te-dum...te-dum! Road bikes don't have suspension! The road surface was smoother, so the lure to ride there is very strong, to the annoyance of passing traffic, especially trucks. The deep rumble strip lies in between, and one has to jump-cross that obstacle with the bike to escape into safety from an oncoming truck. If you don't, you get angrily honked at!
Gradually my head felt better. The sights and sounds of the morning drifted to my senses....cocks crowing and familiar cattle sounds from farm steads, some dogs barking.... the wholesome "farm-fresh air" that is hard to appreciate for the city slickers amongst us. Also the dozens of passing ...uh...less fragrant cattle trucks. Barb Mellema's group got splashed with something questionably wet from one such truck yesterday, she said. Good thing it got all of them, like eating garlic, it would only be noticable to the odd one out that didn't get it...(I guess)!
At the first SAG I met up with Jim Holwerda, a real kind and understanding person to ride with. So the day turned out great after all. There were a couple of big rollers soon after the start, then a long flat section, and all of the second 50km consisted of big rolling hills. Soon the sun bit into our skin, especially when going slower uphill. At Walter's SAG we each got treated with a piece of watermelon, and I took a 5 minute powernap on Walter's doormat since I started to fall asleep on my bike, with Jim patiently waiting. The last 40km was a real blast since finally we got a good tail wind, and Jim and I moved briskly at around 35km/h to be in camp at 2. We beat the gear truck! What a joy to be riding through beautiful agricultural landscapes, tall corn yellow in seed, green pastures with cattle, and lovely rivers and streams to complete the picture. At one point I saw a small herd standing belly deep in the river. I will never grow tired of experiencing the world around me close up from a bike.....those little sights and sounds that get engraved in ones mind.....the things great memories are made of! Long live the tour!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
30th July - 150km - Wray to McCook
A wonderful ride today, though long and hard and HOT!(105F in McCook!) We all got up very early before 5am to get as much as possible of the 150km behind us before the heat and headwinds get at us. I was fortunate to meet up with George Vanderkuur and Eritia Smit on the road, and we promptly formed a flying paceline, where the 3 of us took 4km turns to pull. This made the miles melt away and around halfway we had an average of 31.3 km/h. Enjoyed coffee with the earlybirds (Barb Mellema, John vd Steen and others)and had some delightful laughs. We crossed the time line and a state line today, and went within 2 miles of the Kansas border, so some cyclists did the detour to get a photo at that border sign. For the last part of the ride I chatted for a while with many of the cyclists that I passed, as I am enjoying the social part of the tour lots and find the human interest side fascinating. Our much loved media man Jonathan Stoner, wished to experience for a day what we cyclists are living every day. I admire him for being so brave, to attempt a 150km day in 105F temperatures and heatwinds without any preparation! But he persevered so bravely and DID IT! Jonathan, we are all proud of you! May you not hurt too much tomorrow in places that you did not know you had!
The landscapes were rural agricultural, but greener than yesterday. Lots of grasshoppers about and their sad little demolished bodies were all over the road. Saw some oil pumps on farms, and lots of silos for silage. Corn fields for miles and miles!
We hail our fabulous kitchen staff for preparing a scrumptuous dinner for us in the intolerable heat inside the kitchen trailer today! YOU are our hero's...Thank you all!!
Tonight we had a fantastic visitor, an inspirational speaker, Gerry Traylor, who was born with cerebral palsy. Despite his immense challenges he did some unbelievable things, like running marathons and crossing the whole continent in 7 and a half months, doing 18 miles per day on crutches!!! (In 1985). He speaks to lots of VIP's and is a celebrated motivational speaker. He was born in this town of McCook, Nevada, but lives elsewhere now. I'm reading his autobiography. He is a living testimony of the power of God in one's life, and how much a person can achieve with a positive "I can" outlook on life.....If you believe you can...you CAN! "If you believe that you are going to or that you are going to lose....you will be right!" The mind, spirit and attitude of any person are immensely powerful. Just think of Canada's Terry Fox.... and the heritage he left behind! One's mind's eye and view of life can make life heaven or hell...a delight or a depressing misery ....happy and loving life or critical, sarcastic, negative and always cutting each other down with the tongue. The choice is ours!
If one starts the day choosing to be optimistic, cheerful and with faith in God, the day will be good, despite huge challenges one may face. A friend I respect immensely always says: "How you start off, is how you'll end up".... so true in all aspects of life! On this tour, as I see around me some people that defy the odds every day...doing the almost impossible, making the utmost of what limited giftedness they may have as athletes, or physical challenges due to health or age, finishing each brutal testing day with a blind faith, tenacious determination and "never give up" - courage. Day after day they face hardbreaking suffering due to their challenges and limitations....it sometimes bring tears to my eyes. It is a very humbling experience for me to see the brave and dogged determination of some, enduring on the road what I don't need to and can avoid or escape because I may be younger or faster or riding an easier bike....so I can be in camp earlier. Honestly, if I were in their shoes, really doubt if I would have in me what it takes to do what they are doing day after day. With every passing day my respect grows for those ones that have it so hard, but make each long, searing day pass with a resolve and passion for the cause of the destitute, one grinding pedalstroke after the other.....till it is done! I salute those of you! Experiencing you at times leaves me without words, but with a growing admiration for the potential God placed in each person....waiting to be unlocked....by choosing life!
The landscapes were rural agricultural, but greener than yesterday. Lots of grasshoppers about and their sad little demolished bodies were all over the road. Saw some oil pumps on farms, and lots of silos for silage. Corn fields for miles and miles!
We hail our fabulous kitchen staff for preparing a scrumptuous dinner for us in the intolerable heat inside the kitchen trailer today! YOU are our hero's...Thank you all!!
Tonight we had a fantastic visitor, an inspirational speaker, Gerry Traylor, who was born with cerebral palsy. Despite his immense challenges he did some unbelievable things, like running marathons and crossing the whole continent in 7 and a half months, doing 18 miles per day on crutches!!! (In 1985). He speaks to lots of VIP's and is a celebrated motivational speaker. He was born in this town of McCook, Nevada, but lives elsewhere now. I'm reading his autobiography. He is a living testimony of the power of God in one's life, and how much a person can achieve with a positive "I can" outlook on life.....If you believe you can...you CAN! "If you believe that you are going to or that you are going to lose....you will be right!" The mind, spirit and attitude of any person are immensely powerful. Just think of Canada's Terry Fox.... and the heritage he left behind! One's mind's eye and view of life can make life heaven or hell...a delight or a depressing misery ....happy and loving life or critical, sarcastic, negative and always cutting each other down with the tongue. The choice is ours!
If one starts the day choosing to be optimistic, cheerful and with faith in God, the day will be good, despite huge challenges one may face. A friend I respect immensely always says: "How you start off, is how you'll end up".... so true in all aspects of life! On this tour, as I see around me some people that defy the odds every day...doing the almost impossible, making the utmost of what limited giftedness they may have as athletes, or physical challenges due to health or age, finishing each brutal testing day with a blind faith, tenacious determination and "never give up" - courage. Day after day they face hardbreaking suffering due to their challenges and limitations....it sometimes bring tears to my eyes. It is a very humbling experience for me to see the brave and dogged determination of some, enduring on the road what I don't need to and can avoid or escape because I may be younger or faster or riding an easier bike....so I can be in camp earlier. Honestly, if I were in their shoes, really doubt if I would have in me what it takes to do what they are doing day after day. With every passing day my respect grows for those ones that have it so hard, but make each long, searing day pass with a resolve and passion for the cause of the destitute, one grinding pedalstroke after the other.....till it is done! I salute those of you! Experiencing you at times leaves me without words, but with a growing admiration for the potential God placed in each person....waiting to be unlocked....by choosing life!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesdat July 29th -Wray to McCook
Somehow I managed to lose yesterdays blog....our intermittent internet signal remains a challenge at times, but we are thankful to have it and also for our great media staff that do their best.. Couldn't log on last night, thought I stored my blog after 12pm, very tired, and can't seem to retrieve it now, sorry. Monday was a good fast day and I rode with Dale Mowry at an average of about 28km/h. We started with a very long stretch on a bike path hugging the river. Later an even longer stretch on the interstate. We did good time as we worked as a team, taking short turns at pulling against the strong headwind.
The landscape was mostly sage brush. At one time I could not see any sign of civilization anywhere all around, except a couple of deserted windmill waterpumps. It was so hot that even the sky seemed to lose its deep blue...seemed as washed out as we felt being pelted by the stinging rays, sweating buckets. It felt to me that I'm cycling in a huge blue dome, the rim horizon dotted with scattered woolly cotton ball clouds. Higher up there were some broad white paintstrokes, almost carelessly applied, looking down on this grey sea of sage brush and sparse grass quivering in the heat. It crossed my mind that size is a matter of perspective...like a russian matruska doll within a doll witin a doll... If I should cup my hand over a few square inches of soil, it would cover a universe of millions of micro-organisms. This huge blue sky dome covers this seemingly lifeless landscape, which actually teems with millions of small animals, and humans... elsewhere. Gods hand covers the globe, the planets and the universe of galaxiesthat He had created in intricate detail. Our awesome God...indeed!
Last night at around dinner time we had a windstorm again. Despite that I cleaned some bike chains and bikes in a protected corner.Wonderful that my tent stayed up, but I got new stakes at Walmart, big enough to anchor an air balloon!
The custodian at the school in Ft Morgan is a Christian, and very much in favor of what we are doing. So he allowed us to set up dinner in the foyer. He makes little crosses of nails wound with copper wire, and gave 20 to our support staff. During the night a helicopter landed at the hospital across the road, where the road, where the injured Cynthia Aukema was, and took off an hour later right over our camp, louder than the trains nearby.
This morning dawned crisply, and people were eager to be off to try and make use of the cool time of grace before the forecasted headwind comes up. I rode with Bill Wybenga for half the ride before I gave it up on the last climb of the day. Bill is a rocket.....like an over-powered tractor trailer without the trailer, as he is riding a single bike now, as Rita is. Their tandem is resting....and got swopped for single bikes in Denver. Bill did the whole 140 km at an average of 33km/h into the wind. I rode half of it with him real fast, but then decided I had my speed fix for the day, and wanted to take some pictures and stop once in a while. The road was like yesterdays a bit monotonous compared to the mountainscapes. Here it is not flat, but low rolling hills. The headwind once again punished everyone. There were many cattle ranches, and the largest feedlot I've evr seen - Yuma feedlot, with more than a mile road frontage with cattle paddocks, and as far as the eye can see going inland. Several hundred thousand head of cattle, the rumour says. Towards Wray there were lots of irrigation again. Many corn farmers also have huge silage silos where they make food for the cattle in the feedlots. Towards the end of the ride the wind got really strong and I was glad to get into camp. I was back early and got a nice shady spot for my tent, and set up 3 other tents for people that are coming in late.
People are being kind to us because they identify with the reason why we are biking. Yesterday a restaurant gave about 40 of us free lunch and today free watermelon from a guy selling them on the street. The campsite is lovely, but the showers are 8 blocks away and cold, at the local swiming pool. We could swim for free, and was that ever good! Tonight we are having a pool party from 7 to 9. It is hot here, and will be for the rest of the week. Tomorrow we are going to McCook, 150km and a forecasted temp of 40C....WOW!!! The tour reaches its halfway mark timewise tomorrow, and distance wise Thursday. Tomorrow we are entering a new state Nebraska, as well as a new time zone. Time really flies, as happens when people enjoy what they are doing. The tour is in full swing, pushing ahead to the east! We miss all our loved ones at dearly and covet your prayers for our safety, as we had two serious accidents in two days, causing the injured to leave the tour. Our prayers are with Tyler (collarbone) and Cynthia(pelvis)!
The landscape was mostly sage brush. At one time I could not see any sign of civilization anywhere all around, except a couple of deserted windmill waterpumps. It was so hot that even the sky seemed to lose its deep blue...seemed as washed out as we felt being pelted by the stinging rays, sweating buckets. It felt to me that I'm cycling in a huge blue dome, the rim horizon dotted with scattered woolly cotton ball clouds. Higher up there were some broad white paintstrokes, almost carelessly applied, looking down on this grey sea of sage brush and sparse grass quivering in the heat. It crossed my mind that size is a matter of perspective...like a russian matruska doll within a doll witin a doll... If I should cup my hand over a few square inches of soil, it would cover a universe of millions of micro-organisms. This huge blue sky dome covers this seemingly lifeless landscape, which actually teems with millions of small animals, and humans... elsewhere. Gods hand covers the globe, the planets and the universe of galaxiesthat He had created in intricate detail. Our awesome God...indeed!
Last night at around dinner time we had a windstorm again. Despite that I cleaned some bike chains and bikes in a protected corner.Wonderful that my tent stayed up, but I got new stakes at Walmart, big enough to anchor an air balloon!
The custodian at the school in Ft Morgan is a Christian, and very much in favor of what we are doing. So he allowed us to set up dinner in the foyer. He makes little crosses of nails wound with copper wire, and gave 20 to our support staff. During the night a helicopter landed at the hospital across the road, where the road, where the injured Cynthia Aukema was, and took off an hour later right over our camp, louder than the trains nearby.
This morning dawned crisply, and people were eager to be off to try and make use of the cool time of grace before the forecasted headwind comes up. I rode with Bill Wybenga for half the ride before I gave it up on the last climb of the day. Bill is a rocket.....like an over-powered tractor trailer without the trailer, as he is riding a single bike now, as Rita is. Their tandem is resting....and got swopped for single bikes in Denver. Bill did the whole 140 km at an average of 33km/h into the wind. I rode half of it with him real fast, but then decided I had my speed fix for the day, and wanted to take some pictures and stop once in a while. The road was like yesterdays a bit monotonous compared to the mountainscapes. Here it is not flat, but low rolling hills. The headwind once again punished everyone. There were many cattle ranches, and the largest feedlot I've evr seen - Yuma feedlot, with more than a mile road frontage with cattle paddocks, and as far as the eye can see going inland. Several hundred thousand head of cattle, the rumour says. Towards Wray there were lots of irrigation again. Many corn farmers also have huge silage silos where they make food for the cattle in the feedlots. Towards the end of the ride the wind got really strong and I was glad to get into camp. I was back early and got a nice shady spot for my tent, and set up 3 other tents for people that are coming in late.
People are being kind to us because they identify with the reason why we are biking. Yesterday a restaurant gave about 40 of us free lunch and today free watermelon from a guy selling them on the street. The campsite is lovely, but the showers are 8 blocks away and cold, at the local swiming pool. We could swim for free, and was that ever good! Tonight we are having a pool party from 7 to 9. It is hot here, and will be for the rest of the week. Tomorrow we are going to McCook, 150km and a forecasted temp of 40C....WOW!!! The tour reaches its halfway mark timewise tomorrow, and distance wise Thursday. Tomorrow we are entering a new state Nebraska, as well as a new time zone. Time really flies, as happens when people enjoy what they are doing. The tour is in full swing, pushing ahead to the east! We miss all our loved ones at dearly and covet your prayers for our safety, as we had two serious accidents in two days, causing the injured to leave the tour. Our prayers are with Tyler (collarbone) and Cynthia(pelvis)!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday in Denver
Happy day, and we were spoiled and treated! Breakfast looked so colourful with all the cyclists in their yellow cycling jerseys getting ready to ride in a prosession together to the rally site, two miles away. It is always a delight to do this, and it gives us a real sense of belonging and achievement, all glory to our Lord who has His hand over this whole amazing tour. At the celebration rally there were many tents of ministries. I found the "Kalahari candles" from Namibia and the Beadwork from Kenya very interesting. The beads are made from rolled up magazines that are glued, varnished and nicely painted. I bought earrings that look like little bicycles, all made of recyclable wire and beads. These are all outcomes of projects run in the third world to get impoverished people to break the vicious and confining cycle of deprivation, and to give them a sense of self esteem and "I can". all cyclists got to ride in a procession around the stadium before we took our places on the bleachers. The band played our theme song "Something beautiful" as we lifted our hearts in worship to the Lord. The music was uplifting. A beautiful program followed, and Gerry Dykstra delivered a good message. The sun baked, and cold water bottles were handed out. Everyone was treated to a nice light lunch of Sloppy Joes and watermelon, chips and cookies. We cycled back and some were bussed into downtown Denver for sightseeing. I enjoyed that much to savour the flavourof the heart of the city, and we came back on the transit system after a couple of hours. Tonight we were again surprized by the wonderful church community here in Denver, with a great dinner of spuds, pork and chicken. Wonderful, enthusiastic, generous and hospitable people here in Denver! The 15 new cyclists were welcomed at peloton and we are looking forward to getting toknow them. This coming week has 6 days of near 100 mile rides, though fairly flat and definately no passes! It is a hard start for the newcomers, as it is going to be hot and long days this week.
I thank you all for your support, prayers and the mail I received here in Denver. It made my day to be loved in such a way! Since I slept on the stage in the gym, I need not break up camp tomorrow and hope to get away early. yes we climbed around 32,ooo vertical feet from Saturday to Saturday, and Mt Everest is only 29,000 feet high! O yes, and I learned that the Oreo cows are Lakenvelders or Dutch banded Guernseys.
I thank you all for your support, prayers and the mail I received here in Denver. It made my day to be loved in such a way! Since I slept on the stage in the gym, I need not break up camp tomorrow and hope to get away early. yes we climbed around 32,ooo vertical feet from Saturday to Saturday, and Mt Everest is only 29,000 feet high! O yes, and I learned that the Oreo cows are Lakenvelders or Dutch banded Guernseys.
Celebration Rally in Denver
Corinne Schmienk and Bill Marble( right behind her) in the front of our procession at the Denver rally
Claire Elgersma ready to roll around the track at the Celebration in Denver.
People beginning to fill the bleachers at the rally
Gerry Dykstra delivered a beautiful message. Next to him is our tour chaplain, Len Riemersma, who is cycling Sea to Sea. Gerry and his wife Linda will be joining us in GR.Below is a scene on 16th avenue in downtown Denver, which has been closed off for traffic, decorated with lovely trees with lights, and lots of colourful flowers. Interesting shops and cafe's. We went exploring there on Sunday afternoon, and returned with the "Light rail"
Amazing Rockies!
At the top of Berthoud's pass....11,300 feet, with a stunning view over the range of mountains and deep valleys below.
Looking up, I saw the towering magnificent rocky peaks, and looking down the rushing river and rapids.....
The warmest welcome imaginable at Denver Christian School....happy colours, a festive mood, upbeat music, an announcer welcoming the cyclists, care packages and cool treats!Most of us got mail here as well....delightful....it made us feel very special and loved....THANK YOU to everyone at home who remembered us on the long, tough road! we love you!!!!
The deep tree covered valley as seen from the top of Berthoud's pass. The red hue is due to the millions of dying trees. Fortunately a use has been found for the wood of those trees. The beetles stain the wood blueish on the inside, and it is becoming quite popular for furniture. No cure has yet been found to stop the beetle infestation.
Berthoud's pass - Rockies towards Denver
Art at the SAG stop withwater before the real climb started which is visible in upper left corner
Always a welcome sight that make us whoop and wave....our home away from home, the gear truck honking its encouragement for us up the mountain pass!
Jim Holwerda, riding up the mountain steadily. A great cycling companion and a very positive person, who was bound to a wheel chair with MS and recovered enough that he can do this challenging tour!
Markus Lise, Brother of Henry Lise of Newmarket,ON halfway up Berthoud's pass. He has a vivid interest in birds and wildflowers, of which there were many along this road.
George Vanderkuur, a ,knowledgable and strong cyclist. I rode into Huntington with him one day doing 54km/h on level road.
A nice stop at Walter's SAG at a bird refuge observation area near Granby, CO. Our well loved camp sergeant -major Billy with his Harley is joining in the fun.
Those mountains still need to be crossed....
The impossible animal that the cowboy antler seller -animal stuffer put together,called a Flying Jack-a-lope!
Antler chandelier
The high altidudes caused my head to feel dizzy....and legs with little juice for the climbs.Impressions along the road
Audrey, our guest rider from Quebec city, switched bikes with Nick,who is having a challenge driving her 80 pound machine. Secret is to go faster to get enough momentum so steering is easier with the huge pannierbags. She scales mountain passes on this! Sharing in the fun is our own brave Gayle,in the middle.
Awesome rockfaces on the way to Snow Mountain ranch.
Sulphur deposits on th erock at the hot springs
More great landscapes and rocks...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Snow mountain ranch YMCA to Denver Christian school - 140km, not 129.
The best day of the tour for me as far as the beauty of nature is concerned! Up at 5:30, I went through the morning routine asap and left at 7:30am. The visit to the 5000 acre YMCA facility was great - and my air matress did survive the rough camping ground! We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast - very popular with the cyclists. The area towards Winter Park, a ski town, is very scenic with colossal mountains on the other side of town. There are numerous ski resorts all around, also famous ones like Aspen.
In the town there was a carnival atmosphere, as it is Saturday and art and craft fairs were taking place. There are exceptional bronze works of art in town, a double life size moose bull by R B Tate, and two depicting the pioneers on their horses (by Remington). One depicts a pioneer cowboy breaking a young bucking colt, and the other one really touched my heart, as it shows a pioneer going down a very steep mountainside on his horse, with the animals' nose almost touching his hooves and ears hanging because of the stress and exhaustion. It reminded me of the extreme sacrifices of man and horse for many years, to make it possible for us to enjoy this easy and safe life style today, and smooth highways to drive on.
Right after Winter Park we started climbing slowly at an easy grade. I happened to come across Jim Holwerda and we chatted about life issues while climbing the initial approach to the real pass. It was so interesting to hear about his ministry among substance abusers and mental health, that the miles flew by. We noted that many cyclists are starting to share about emotional issues or struggles they face personally, as the trust grows in the group. Last night when we said goodbye to those who are leaving us, there were many emotions shared, as Pastor Len gave each one a turn to greet the group and then someone else could say some good things about that person. It is amazing how closely knit the friendships in this big family of ours grew in only 4 weeks....maybe because we struggle, sweat, laugh and eat together so much.
At the first switchback Cory waited with water and the portajohn. Dear Cory is very meticilous about his job, He stood next to the road to welcome us all with a cheer and always a smile.
The climb started with a sharp kick up at maybe 7%, for a mile, then switched back again. Ascending vehicles roared by, especially the heavy ones. Soon our very own gear truck came around the switchback, honking happily at us, and I got a nice picture of our "home away from home"! The road went on switching back like this for many miles, and I stopped at scenic areas to admire the pristine mountain views! Near the top at 11,300 feet was a place with a breathtaking view of the whole mountain range. Kodak moments followed. I rode with Jim Holwerda and later with Markus Lise as well for a while. Took nice pictures of them, as I do for many others as not many cyclists can do photos in motion while riding. (Balance/coordination/craziness issue). The grade of the pass was not as difficult as Wednesdays'. The traffic was very intense and their emissions and the lack of oxygen above 9,000 feet were the biggest challenges, as it weakened many of us. I could only climb at a slow steady pace, to avoid blowing up and panting too hard. The mountains really fascinate me....I can't stop admiring them. The views are stunning, to say the least! Still lots of snow on the summits. It saddened me to see the devastation that the beetles are doing to the trees. Whole mountainsides look reddish-brown because of millions of dead trees. apparently it is because of global warming that these beetles don't die off in winter any more, so they attack the trees in vastly overwhelming hordes, totally out of control. The dead trees don't sponge up water, which runs down in greater quantities causing erosion and floods below. What have we humans done to this fabulous and generous earth that God has given us to live on?
At the top of the long, long pass some C2C friends were waiting with water melon and jelly beans. Awesome! The views were absolutely breathtaking!!! The downhill on the other side went really fast, but I had to feather the brakes continuously as the sharp switchbacks, cross winds and heavy traffic made it dangerous. Did reach 74km/h at some spots. We descended into a beautiful canyon leading down to Denver. We shared it with a fabulous river with rapids and trout, and the highway. This pass was just a delight for me to ride! The sheer beauty that God created all around gripped me deep in the heart, and the wind dried some tears of exuberance and thankfulness from my cheeks as my bike flew down unaided. What a delightful, willing, smooth and fast little thing it is...such a joy and blessing to ride! A few times on the down I stopped to photograph the towering majestic mountainsides above and the rushing rapids below.Along this narrow canyon there were many small towns that were very touristy, alive with people. By this time I rode with Dale Dowry, a fast strong guy. It was fun seeing the many picturesque small towns squeezed into the canyon. The river gets used for commercial white water rafting. After a Pepsi in a village, halfway, we continued. Some local church members had freezies for us where the road twists around sharp bends in a narrow "gulch" I think it was called. Dale and I had great fun whipping around those bends at 50 to 60km/h, and many times we went faster than the cars or motorbikes could, so by the time we saw the C2C welcome posters and freezies we could not stop in time and just waived and shouted our thanks.
Some of the way we rode on a bike path. Our fun had to be tempered with two more long uphill grinds in the heat of the day, but we survived. Many groups of motor bikes, vintage cars, 50cc mopeds and lots of cyclists passed us from the front. Everyone is having a great summer!
We arrived at the school at 4:30ish and were overwhelmed by the warm welcome. Upbeat music was playing and a MC welcomed us to a table of cold drinks and cookies. We've never been welcomed like this before! The Christian school is so kind to let us use their nice facilities, and internet in the lab. We could sign up for a free haircut, which I did, and also a sight seeing tour tomorrow. About 2 dozen of us are billited out to hospitable homes. Tonight we had an ice cream social....mmmm!
Our sweep team had to clean out the gear truck - everything to be removed and the shelves and floor washed (hosed) off and dried. Big job, as we were only 4 as some went with the young jocks on a different route for the day in which they climbed the highest paved road in North America, and did 225km, up to 14 210 feet of elevation. They were freezing when they went above the tree line. One girl , Eritia, went with the group of 8 guys. Brave girl!
One great young guy, Tyler Buitenwerf, fell off his bike today and broke his shoulder in 2 places. He is OK but to his utter disappointment won't be able to continue the tour. This accident happened in a paceline when the front runners braked suddenly without warning and wheels touched. We thank the Lord that Tyler's injuries were not worse.
Just heard that the sprinklers on the field went off and some tents got it! See....NEVER trust a sprinkler head....looks dead, but they are silently conspiring underground to catch us unawares!
In the town there was a carnival atmosphere, as it is Saturday and art and craft fairs were taking place. There are exceptional bronze works of art in town, a double life size moose bull by R B Tate, and two depicting the pioneers on their horses (by Remington). One depicts a pioneer cowboy breaking a young bucking colt, and the other one really touched my heart, as it shows a pioneer going down a very steep mountainside on his horse, with the animals' nose almost touching his hooves and ears hanging because of the stress and exhaustion. It reminded me of the extreme sacrifices of man and horse for many years, to make it possible for us to enjoy this easy and safe life style today, and smooth highways to drive on.
Right after Winter Park we started climbing slowly at an easy grade. I happened to come across Jim Holwerda and we chatted about life issues while climbing the initial approach to the real pass. It was so interesting to hear about his ministry among substance abusers and mental health, that the miles flew by. We noted that many cyclists are starting to share about emotional issues or struggles they face personally, as the trust grows in the group. Last night when we said goodbye to those who are leaving us, there were many emotions shared, as Pastor Len gave each one a turn to greet the group and then someone else could say some good things about that person. It is amazing how closely knit the friendships in this big family of ours grew in only 4 weeks....maybe because we struggle, sweat, laugh and eat together so much.
At the first switchback Cory waited with water and the portajohn. Dear Cory is very meticilous about his job, He stood next to the road to welcome us all with a cheer and always a smile.
The climb started with a sharp kick up at maybe 7%, for a mile, then switched back again. Ascending vehicles roared by, especially the heavy ones. Soon our very own gear truck came around the switchback, honking happily at us, and I got a nice picture of our "home away from home"! The road went on switching back like this for many miles, and I stopped at scenic areas to admire the pristine mountain views! Near the top at 11,300 feet was a place with a breathtaking view of the whole mountain range. Kodak moments followed. I rode with Jim Holwerda and later with Markus Lise as well for a while. Took nice pictures of them, as I do for many others as not many cyclists can do photos in motion while riding. (Balance/coordination/craziness issue). The grade of the pass was not as difficult as Wednesdays'. The traffic was very intense and their emissions and the lack of oxygen above 9,000 feet were the biggest challenges, as it weakened many of us. I could only climb at a slow steady pace, to avoid blowing up and panting too hard. The mountains really fascinate me....I can't stop admiring them. The views are stunning, to say the least! Still lots of snow on the summits. It saddened me to see the devastation that the beetles are doing to the trees. Whole mountainsides look reddish-brown because of millions of dead trees. apparently it is because of global warming that these beetles don't die off in winter any more, so they attack the trees in vastly overwhelming hordes, totally out of control. The dead trees don't sponge up water, which runs down in greater quantities causing erosion and floods below. What have we humans done to this fabulous and generous earth that God has given us to live on?
At the top of the long, long pass some C2C friends were waiting with water melon and jelly beans. Awesome! The views were absolutely breathtaking!!! The downhill on the other side went really fast, but I had to feather the brakes continuously as the sharp switchbacks, cross winds and heavy traffic made it dangerous. Did reach 74km/h at some spots. We descended into a beautiful canyon leading down to Denver. We shared it with a fabulous river with rapids and trout, and the highway. This pass was just a delight for me to ride! The sheer beauty that God created all around gripped me deep in the heart, and the wind dried some tears of exuberance and thankfulness from my cheeks as my bike flew down unaided. What a delightful, willing, smooth and fast little thing it is...such a joy and blessing to ride! A few times on the down I stopped to photograph the towering majestic mountainsides above and the rushing rapids below.Along this narrow canyon there were many small towns that were very touristy, alive with people. By this time I rode with Dale Dowry, a fast strong guy. It was fun seeing the many picturesque small towns squeezed into the canyon. The river gets used for commercial white water rafting. After a Pepsi in a village, halfway, we continued. Some local church members had freezies for us where the road twists around sharp bends in a narrow "gulch" I think it was called. Dale and I had great fun whipping around those bends at 50 to 60km/h, and many times we went faster than the cars or motorbikes could, so by the time we saw the C2C welcome posters and freezies we could not stop in time and just waived and shouted our thanks.
Some of the way we rode on a bike path. Our fun had to be tempered with two more long uphill grinds in the heat of the day, but we survived. Many groups of motor bikes, vintage cars, 50cc mopeds and lots of cyclists passed us from the front. Everyone is having a great summer!
We arrived at the school at 4:30ish and were overwhelmed by the warm welcome. Upbeat music was playing and a MC welcomed us to a table of cold drinks and cookies. We've never been welcomed like this before! The Christian school is so kind to let us use their nice facilities, and internet in the lab. We could sign up for a free haircut, which I did, and also a sight seeing tour tomorrow. About 2 dozen of us are billited out to hospitable homes. Tonight we had an ice cream social....mmmm!
Our sweep team had to clean out the gear truck - everything to be removed and the shelves and floor washed (hosed) off and dried. Big job, as we were only 4 as some went with the young jocks on a different route for the day in which they climbed the highest paved road in North America, and did 225km, up to 14 210 feet of elevation. They were freezing when they went above the tree line. One girl , Eritia, went with the group of 8 guys. Brave girl!
One great young guy, Tyler Buitenwerf, fell off his bike today and broke his shoulder in 2 places. He is OK but to his utter disappointment won't be able to continue the tour. This accident happened in a paceline when the front runners braked suddenly without warning and wheels touched. We thank the Lord that Tyler's injuries were not worse.
Just heard that the sprinklers on the field went off and some tents got it! See....NEVER trust a sprinkler head....looks dead, but they are silently conspiring underground to catch us unawares!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, 25th - Kremmling to Snow Mountain YMCA -53km
What a great day this was! Slept in till 7, left at 9, and feel much better after a good night's sleep, though I'm still a bit light headed due to the altitude. It is really cold at night here in the mountains at 8,750 feet. The sleeping bag I brought is still from Africa and not up to even 5C, but it is very compact, which is its main advantage. So I'm sleeping wearing all the warm stuff I brought in layers!
Today's route was a short, very scenic road winding along the Colorado river. Saw many flyfishermen. Going through the Byers canyon, on the left there were the most magnificent rock faces! I got so enchanted by the raw rugged beauty of the rock faces that I drove off the road, fortunately not crashing. I surely have a thing for magnificent mountains! Colourful Colorado is .....for sure!! Many people call Colorado "God's country", because one can so clearly see His handiwork in these majestic mountains and landscapes that would inspire any painter to greatest heights! The landscapes are incredibly beautiful, wide, free and open, with mountain ranges in different hues of blue, with huge white bellowing cumulus clouds contrasting against the deep blue sky...funny that I never noticed that in the dusty semi desert conditions. There the sunsets were very stricking. Maybe the lush green accentuates the other colours sharper.
Just after the canyon we stopped at the hot springs, just to look, (though some of us did swim at the special rate of $11) and a candy store where they sell candy looking exactly like smoothed river pebbles. The next town was Granby, where the rodeo cowboys were practicing for a roping and cutting contest tomorrow.This part of the world focuses much on "cowboying" and rodeos, and along the roads we see herds of beautiful horses. One gruffy no nonsense cowboy sells antlers, in all shapes and forms and applications (chandeliers) as well as stuffed animal heads at the entrance to Granby. He put together the most funny looking animal: A rabbit with antlers, and the wings and tail of a pheasant! (Photo coming).
The YMCA ranch we are staying at is really beautiful! It is high on a mountain and the views all
are breathtaking! Distant mountain ranges and forests aplenty. So sad that millions of fir trees are brown and dying because of an overwhelming beetle infestation. The green foliage looks red-brown due to the dying trees. I wonder how these landscapes will look without these fabulous trees?
We have a whole pavillion to use, and we could use the lovely swimming pool for free. There is also large laundromat which we used gladly. There is a huge rustic looking cafeteria with wireless internet and a big flatscreen TV where I got to watch the only stage (19) summary of the whole Tour de France! This year is the first in many years that I could not follow the TDF, but that's with me- we have our own exciting tour on the go, and awesomely so! Our managing and support team are top notch people, very capable and well respected and appreciated by all the cyclists. We feel very blessed by the way it is all coming together!
Our tents are pitched where a forest was taken down so we will have to find a symbiotic relationship with all the humps and logs under the tent floor. I hope my air matress survives the test!
This day was unhurried, relaxed and laid back, lots of laughs and playfulness....no pacelines and scurrying around, no apprehention of huge climbs....a real nice recovery day. I can't believe we've been on the tour almost a month. Time just flew by, since we were so active and busy all the time. Sometimes it feels almost unreal to be on the tour... and that we are actually cycling through the Rockies, in such great weather surrounded by this awesomeness of God's creation. Tomorrow the reality will surely hit home again when we have to scale that Berthoud's mountain pass up to 11,500 feet...... 3,000 feet in about 18 miles!
Everyone is in a happy mood tonight. We had a scrumtuous dinner again. Some parents and spouses came to visit. A few couples on the tour rented rooms in the lodge just for the feel of luxury, but the rest of us are happy to camp.
A lovely nineteen year old girl from Quebec City, Audrey, joined us yesterday for a couple
of days. She is touring the States all on her own, unsupported, with huge panniers on her bike. Her outfit weighs 80pounds! Concerned about her safety, I asked if she had some close calls. She said she keeps a spray can of mace to fend off bears and guys! Wow! (she had on occasion needed to sleep in her tent at the side of the road..... ???!!!)
Tonight at peloton meeting we had communion, and Dave de Ridder blessed us with a beautiful message) and said in a very speacial way to the 15 that are leaving us in Denver.
Today's route was a short, very scenic road winding along the Colorado river. Saw many flyfishermen. Going through the Byers canyon, on the left there were the most magnificent rock faces! I got so enchanted by the raw rugged beauty of the rock faces that I drove off the road, fortunately not crashing. I surely have a thing for magnificent mountains! Colourful Colorado is .....for sure!! Many people call Colorado "God's country", because one can so clearly see His handiwork in these majestic mountains and landscapes that would inspire any painter to greatest heights! The landscapes are incredibly beautiful, wide, free and open, with mountain ranges in different hues of blue, with huge white bellowing cumulus clouds contrasting against the deep blue sky...funny that I never noticed that in the dusty semi desert conditions. There the sunsets were very stricking. Maybe the lush green accentuates the other colours sharper.
Just after the canyon we stopped at the hot springs, just to look, (though some of us did swim at the special rate of $11) and a candy store where they sell candy looking exactly like smoothed river pebbles. The next town was Granby, where the rodeo cowboys were practicing for a roping and cutting contest tomorrow.This part of the world focuses much on "cowboying" and rodeos, and along the roads we see herds of beautiful horses. One gruffy no nonsense cowboy sells antlers, in all shapes and forms and applications (chandeliers) as well as stuffed animal heads at the entrance to Granby. He put together the most funny looking animal: A rabbit with antlers, and the wings and tail of a pheasant! (Photo coming).
The YMCA ranch we are staying at is really beautiful! It is high on a mountain and the views all
are breathtaking! Distant mountain ranges and forests aplenty. So sad that millions of fir trees are brown and dying because of an overwhelming beetle infestation. The green foliage looks red-brown due to the dying trees. I wonder how these landscapes will look without these fabulous trees?
We have a whole pavillion to use, and we could use the lovely swimming pool for free. There is also large laundromat which we used gladly. There is a huge rustic looking cafeteria with wireless internet and a big flatscreen TV where I got to watch the only stage (19) summary of the whole Tour de France! This year is the first in many years that I could not follow the TDF, but that's with me- we have our own exciting tour on the go, and awesomely so! Our managing and support team are top notch people, very capable and well respected and appreciated by all the cyclists. We feel very blessed by the way it is all coming together!
Our tents are pitched where a forest was taken down so we will have to find a symbiotic relationship with all the humps and logs under the tent floor. I hope my air matress survives the test!
This day was unhurried, relaxed and laid back, lots of laughs and playfulness....no pacelines and scurrying around, no apprehention of huge climbs....a real nice recovery day. I can't believe we've been on the tour almost a month. Time just flew by, since we were so active and busy all the time. Sometimes it feels almost unreal to be on the tour... and that we are actually cycling through the Rockies, in such great weather surrounded by this awesomeness of God's creation. Tomorrow the reality will surely hit home again when we have to scale that Berthoud's mountain pass up to 11,500 feet...... 3,000 feet in about 18 miles!
Everyone is in a happy mood tonight. We had a scrumtuous dinner again. Some parents and spouses came to visit. A few couples on the tour rented rooms in the lodge just for the feel of luxury, but the rest of us are happy to camp.
A lovely nineteen year old girl from Quebec City, Audrey, joined us yesterday for a couple
of days. She is touring the States all on her own, unsupported, with huge panniers on her bike. Her outfit weighs 80pounds! Concerned about her safety, I asked if she had some close calls. She said she keeps a spray can of mace to fend off bears and guys! Wow! (she had on occasion needed to sleep in her tent at the side of the road..... ???!!!)
Tonight at peloton meeting we had communion, and Dave de Ridder blessed us with a beautiful message) and said in a very speacial way to the 15 that are leaving us in Denver.
July 24th Craig to Kremmling -153km
Spectacular scenery met us along the way today. Upon leaving the school in Craig, the world started to look different than in the weeks before. No more semi desert! As we travelled along US 30, the hills were covered with grass interspersed with shrubs. The valleys and flatlands were boasting thick lush 3' tall grass. We passed many cattle and horse ranches, with interesting names.
The road winded along the lovely river, thus fairly flat, but the wind let us have it. From the outset we encountered this fresh headwind, which made the first 70km very strenuous indeed, especially for those that do not ride with someone else. It feels like going uphill all the time, as the wind keeps a steady and energy sapping resistance. After about 25km alone, I teamed up with three youngsters and we formed a paceline at a steady 28km/h - the best we could do in these conditions. Since last night I started feeling dizzy, and this morning as well.Some others have the same problem. One theory is that we may be feeling the effects of altitude, since we are sleeping at an altitude of 7400 feet, and have climbed up to 9500 feet three times in a week,while crossing the mountain passes. I decided to sleep an hour later in the hope that I may feel better, and left again at 8am. This time I had to fight the wind on my own since I did not encounter a suitable riding group to join. At 70km we entered the ski town of Steamboat Springs - a delightful and interesting tourist town. Impressive mountains loom tall over the town, with the green grasssy skislopes tantilizingly etched against the darker trees. I'd really love one day to try and ski on a real mountain, since in Ontario we ski on high hills, as those are the best we have. I learned to ski 5 years ago when we came to Canada, and find it delightful.
After a visit to a coffee shop, the next challenge was "Rabbit ears pass" - kicking up at a slope of about 5 % and sometimes more. We kept climbing since leaving the ski town, and it could have been 12 miles or so. I had little energy to climb and struggled without a granny gear, since the lack of enough oxygen and some dizziness presented some challenges. The views were magnificent! At the first "false" summit Julie's SAG waited with water. I was so thirsty! Today was cooler than yesterday, what a blessing! At the real summit a family member of one of us waited with freezies! To our left were the two rock towers, resembling rabbit's ears. On the downhill there were dangerous crosswinds and lots of traffic, so I did not dare go too fast. Long Sections of the road had no shoulder, so it was risky in the heavy traffic, especially the hugetrucks that can easily blow a cyclist off the road. The Lord protected us all once again! It was a long long 153km for me today, and I am very tired and still somewhat dizzy. The ride was great as I just loved the fabulous landscapes...wide, open and green.No wonder people talk about "colourful Colorado"! The mountains are also green, with brown rock faces in interesting shapes. The intense blue sky was filled with huge white clouds, and the sharp colour contrasts made for magnificent scenes! One fabulous mountain not too far beyond Kremmling has many snowbanks on, still at the end of July!
I had barely put up my tent and Gayle's when we had some rain just around dinner time. Tonight it is going to be ony 6 degrees C up here, so some of us may sleep cold. I'll just layer with what I have. Tomorrow we have a short 53km ride, but all uphill. My legs are pleading for mercy, as the cumulative effect of all the climbing since last Saturday and the relentless heat and very long distances really wore them out, as did some hard riding...but I loved that immensely.
WE ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO 15 CYCLISTS IN DENVER ON THE WEEKEND: WE WILL MISS YOU ALL!
The road winded along the lovely river, thus fairly flat, but the wind let us have it. From the outset we encountered this fresh headwind, which made the first 70km very strenuous indeed, especially for those that do not ride with someone else. It feels like going uphill all the time, as the wind keeps a steady and energy sapping resistance. After about 25km alone, I teamed up with three youngsters and we formed a paceline at a steady 28km/h - the best we could do in these conditions. Since last night I started feeling dizzy, and this morning as well.Some others have the same problem. One theory is that we may be feeling the effects of altitude, since we are sleeping at an altitude of 7400 feet, and have climbed up to 9500 feet three times in a week,while crossing the mountain passes. I decided to sleep an hour later in the hope that I may feel better, and left again at 8am. This time I had to fight the wind on my own since I did not encounter a suitable riding group to join. At 70km we entered the ski town of Steamboat Springs - a delightful and interesting tourist town. Impressive mountains loom tall over the town, with the green grasssy skislopes tantilizingly etched against the darker trees. I'd really love one day to try and ski on a real mountain, since in Ontario we ski on high hills, as those are the best we have. I learned to ski 5 years ago when we came to Canada, and find it delightful.
After a visit to a coffee shop, the next challenge was "Rabbit ears pass" - kicking up at a slope of about 5 % and sometimes more. We kept climbing since leaving the ski town, and it could have been 12 miles or so. I had little energy to climb and struggled without a granny gear, since the lack of enough oxygen and some dizziness presented some challenges. The views were magnificent! At the first "false" summit Julie's SAG waited with water. I was so thirsty! Today was cooler than yesterday, what a blessing! At the real summit a family member of one of us waited with freezies! To our left were the two rock towers, resembling rabbit's ears. On the downhill there were dangerous crosswinds and lots of traffic, so I did not dare go too fast. Long Sections of the road had no shoulder, so it was risky in the heavy traffic, especially the hugetrucks that can easily blow a cyclist off the road. The Lord protected us all once again! It was a long long 153km for me today, and I am very tired and still somewhat dizzy. The ride was great as I just loved the fabulous landscapes...wide, open and green.No wonder people talk about "colourful Colorado"! The mountains are also green, with brown rock faces in interesting shapes. The intense blue sky was filled with huge white clouds, and the sharp colour contrasts made for magnificent scenes! One fabulous mountain not too far beyond Kremmling has many snowbanks on, still at the end of July!
I had barely put up my tent and Gayle's when we had some rain just around dinner time. Tonight it is going to be ony 6 degrees C up here, so some of us may sleep cold. I'll just layer with what I have. Tomorrow we have a short 53km ride, but all uphill. My legs are pleading for mercy, as the cumulative effect of all the climbing since last Saturday and the relentless heat and very long distances really wore them out, as did some hard riding...but I loved that immensely.
WE ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO 15 CYCLISTS IN DENVER ON THE WEEKEND: WE WILL MISS YOU ALL!
A good moment for Marti.......
Experiencing a sense of achievement and relief on top of Rabbit's ears pass, with a thankful heart to our Lord for the privilege to be part of this awesome experience of C2C08!
Colorado landscapes
Colourful indeed!
Rock swallows nesting in this interesting rock face
Mountains, rivers and blue skies.....and lush green
is the Rabbit's Ears mountain, with 2 protruding rocks on top, after which the grueling pass was named.
A cheering family member of one of us greeting Johnny at the top of Rabbit's ears pass with a high five and a freezie!
Jim doggedly churning the pedals up this seemingly endless pass.
Beautiful Colorado en route to Kremmling!
A 15' high bronze statue of an Elk at the Elk river in the ski village of Steamboat Springs, CO
A nice reflection in a farm pond, Steamboat Springs
Wide open spaces....
The rolling hills en route to Craig....some were 7% grade and nearly 2 miles long!
Lynn Veros doing her best....
Mountains and colourful hardy schrubs
The chimney stone en route to Kremmling
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