I rode every street and avenue of Sioux Center this past week—more miles than I thought it would be too.

Often, we think nothing changes in small communities, but in the nine weeks that I’ll be away on my bike, many changes are happening.

Campus for example– When I come through Sioux Center the parking area between the De Wit gym & East Hall should be really close to being completed –it may not be usable yet , but the cement should be in. And the green space between the Rec Center & BJ Hann Auditorium will give campus a new look too.

But around our community…the new Library will be open, new roads to the west of Sioux Center should be rideable (by bike ;), the Regency will be shingled, some of the homes around the golf course will be finished and more streets on the south side of town will be completed.

The locker room addition to the All Season Center will be ready for use. The half-mile road from Brothers Bike Shop to the county sand pile will be open. And the bike trail will be finished.

These are just some of the changes you notice from the seat of the bike.

Out west of Sioux Center a new water tower is in progress, (we’ll be going right past there as we come to town In August—then it will be a straight 7 mile shot to my own bed!

And a new school year will be started…but I’m not jumping that far ahead yet…I first need to get on the bike.

As we start this ride on Monday, I want to thank you again for the financial support, prayers, and well wishes. Friday morning on my last training ride I had many shouts from people saying they were praying for me. The hugs from the Walkie Talkies and the prayer time from our Advancement Office were also great sendoffs. Now it’s time to take my bike apart, pack it in the case, and pack my clothes.