Yesterday was the half way point in riding days & we’re having a mini celebration tonight. On Friday morning we’ll be half way in mileage. It’s so hard to believe when I reflect back on everything & everywhere…God is good.

I was on sweep this morning—set up breakfast & be the last ones in. Our sweep team Captain, Bob Brouwer, said we didn’t all have to do everything. So, 3 or 4 were going to sleep in & skip breakfast duties but then be the last ones to leave camp this morning & be the last ones in.

I was able to leave this morning with the guys—last time we had sweep I was THEE LAST ONE IN—EVEN BEHIND CORY’S POTTY! We headed to the Dutch Oven Bakery where we were promised rolls & coffee. It was great! John VS met the owner, Mr. Sehnert, yesterday & received the invite but then he was in camp last night & promised to bring rolls for every one this morning.

We left town a bit after 7:00. According to Bert Slofstra, “When you look at the elevation map for today it looks like a serrated knife.” We did have lots of up & downs but the wind wasn’t so strong & the temps didn’t get as high as predicted—while we were on the route that is. We went through 9 towns today—it seems to make the ride go faster. You hop from town to town instead of SAG stop to SAG stop.

When we pulled into Julie’s SAG today we had 3 guys that needed new tires. Andy ended up popping his & will get a new one when we get to a bike shop. Jake Kuipers bought the last one from Betsy’s van & John helped Nathan along until we got in. Nathan rode with us today—he too is missing his biking partner, Tyler B, & trying to find someone who rides his pace & style. We don’t ride as fast as Tyler but he liked hanging with the oldies for the day—and we enjoyed his company.

If I thought Sheryl T. was dirty yesterday…then Karen De Jong wins today. One guy commented on it at the SAG stop. She just told him she didn’t shave since Saturday–it took him a moment to realize she was kidding–it was priceless!

When we got to Holdrege it was 11:00 & time to eat. We stopped at the Villager & had a cheeseburger. It was a healthy eating day—bagel at 5:30, pecan roll at 6:30 & cheeseburger (and onion rings) at 11:00. I need to get the veggies & fruits in here somewhere yet.

When we left Holdrege we had a tailwind and soared down the flat section of Hwy 34 to Minden. We were going 26 mph when I reminded everyone we had 80 miles under our legs already—this is when people get fatigued and make mistakes—actually it was my way to slow them down so I could breathe…We dropped to 22 mph & had fun when we didn’t have stay on the shoulder where they had done a crappy job of resurfacing.

We averaged 19.5 today. When we got to Minden we missed our turn—the map directions didn’t line up with the streets. As they guys started heading out of town I refused to follow—I’ve been here before on other rides. I, like a true female, stopped & asked directions. Cynthia—they followed John again only it wasn’t up an unnecessary climb.

Brian is in town tonight—he’s on his way home from the other side of CO. After he met me in Denver he went to Alamosa to visit Don & Myra Smit (family), then to Creed to see Jim & Jenny Van Ry (friends), & then to La Veta to see Lance & Melissa Smit (family). Greetings to you all—I’ll catch you the next time through. We’re staying at the Pioneer Motel. Minden, NE is known for Pioneer Village—it has more than 50,000 items from every field of human endeavor, 28 buildings on 20 acres—I got that off the brochure—didn’t have time/energy to count them all.

Some of my relatives drove up from Smith Center, KS to check this out. I’ve invited John VS along—I owe him a few paybacks because so many of his relatives have been so good to us on the tour. Marideen & Junior Vander Geisen & Ronald & Teresa Boxum treated us to dinner—I warned them I eat! Thanks so much for the time to drive & dinner.

I’m going to give peloton & small group a miss tonight—our small group leader, Cynthia, would understand—family first. We haven’t had too many SG meetings since you left Cynthia. We’ve had long biking days & mid week service—no one has SG meetings on mid week service night. I made a point to visit with Julie W, Melinda B & Theresa M…let me say they made a point to find me—they’ve been very supportive & kind.

Tomorrow—headwinds predicted & into the 100’s—I can hardly wait…

Thanks for all the support & comments through the blog. I’ll (we’ll) miss her humor in camp, on the road & late nights in shared rooms. Here are a few of the comments that I didn’t get in the other blog entries.

When she was laying there & the EMT’s asked if she knew where she was—she replied, “On the side of the road.”

While she was in the ER they had a code green. I couldn’t go in to ER & no one could come out until it was lifted. Turns out a man had serious issues. Cynthia asked that they not put her in his room just because she was Canadian.

When in the hospital & the aid is trying to fill out paper work & asks if she’s employed she says, “No, I’m a kept woman.” How is your home life? “We’ll, I saw him this weekend but he didn’t do this to me.” I’m sitting there laughing with her & the aid is looking at us like were nuts—well we were! Good thing I met Ralph & know her sense of humor—and all this was before Killer walked in.

Then to save the biking shorts—I’m convinced they may have helped support her hips with the compression they offer—peel them down slowly. We were telling her she could buy new ones when she shops for a new helmet—hers has a big crack in the back.

It’s been hard in camp—I’m getting the support they can’t offer Cynthia—it’s good but I don’t want to break down. I feel sorry for the guys because they aren’t getting the hugs like me—can’t start any rumors you know…

Andrew, Jenessa & Jolene—she spoke of all of you often & with pride in a motherly way! Andrew—she said you might want to join the tour—I’m not sharing a room with you though. Ralph—she told me you signed her up for the tour so she’d be out of the house for 9 weeks—I know better.

Hope to see you all in GR or in Canada when we come through—stay strong & take good care of her—she’s afraid you’ll push her wheel chair in the corner & leave her there.

I’m starting this blog entry backwards today. I’m sitting in the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, CO. Cynthia went down today—and suffered a minor concussion—but it’s hard to tell with Cynthia. (I’m sitting in her room & we’re cracking jokes as I blog for the both of us—the pain meds have kicked in.)She’s getting a sponge bath right now & under the dirt we’re finding more road rash.

More importantly is the fractured pelvis she is suffering with. On the side of the road she was already telling us that her leg hurt. We kept her stable on the side of the road. As I started running back to her I was pulling at my Camel-bak for the cell phone. She was so still laying there that I started to call 911. When she found out I was calling for the ambulance she said she didn’t need one—I told an untruth & said it was for me.

Just as quick as we were calling 911 a car stopped to help—Sara, our angel, is an EMT from Massachusetts on vacation. She stopped to help and took over the phone call with EMS and explained the cuts on her face. She cleaned her face with Teresa’s bandana & water from the water bottles, and told us how to support her leg while asking Cynthia questions to determine mental stability. Shortly, an EMS worker came with a bag, Betsy Fox showed up, (I called her after 911) and then the kitchen truck & gear truck were there.

Len Riemersma, head Chaplin for the ride, just stepped in the room—and she can’t quit cracking jokes. Teresa and Paul Hoekstra also came to give greetings & sympathy. We had a prayer on Cynthia—she’s going to need more of those—it’s extremely tough for her to leave the ride. Paul & Teresa had to leave for sweep team duties & Cynthia informed them that she wasn’t showing up for duty tonight. That was something she said to me in the ER already, “I won’t have to do sweep tonight.”

Andy De Vries just showed up to offer support. “I’m glad I didn’t take you down with me” she told him. “I wish I could have gone down for you.”—that’s what Andy said back. That’s the kind of friends we’ve made on the tour & that’s part of the reason it’s so tough now.

Dr. Keller just came in to the room—she looked at him & asked “Killer?” & pulled a face at Andy & I. She doesn’t stop…

We were on Interstate 76 and there was garbage on the road, actually they almost looked like Rubbermaid steps that may have been bumped off a camper—we called it out. She missed the first one but nicked the second. I watched it all in my mirror. The minute I heard her give a shout I saw her twist her handlebars and over-correct. I knew then that she was going down.

I was on the tandem with Joel Schreus today. Joel and his wife Jill are living in Denver and he is a Pastor here at one of the CRC’s. I knew Joel from his Sioux Center days—he reminded me that I used to be his ‘guardian’ when he was on bike rides with Sioux County Bike Club. I know that may scare some of you but look how well he turned out!

Cynthia is going home tomorrow with Erinn Swett—please pray for healing, no pain, acceptance, and peace of mind. This is all the time I have to blog tonight. Thanks for your concern & prayers

Side Note—Teresa Hoekstra rode today after many days of altitude sickness. Cynthia was thrilled for Teresa but told her not to hold up any banks with the bandana Teresa was wearing. Little did we know we’d need that bandana to wash gravel out of her face on the side of the Interstate.

Yesterday I forgot to mention Mike Bolyut—if I spelled it wrong that’s because I lost my paper with his name on it. But, he’s related to Dave & Lu Goslinga from my church & half of Orange City. We played a bit of bingo & connected a few dots—they know of Sea to Sea but couldn’t believe they ran into us while on a family reunion in CO. We’ll try to see them again when we head to MI.

I ended last night on our way to peloton & Communion Service. It’s really hard to explain the community we have developed with this traveling group. After two weeks of riding we said goodbye to Agatha, Martin, and Joel. Tonight we say goodbye to 15 more—they will be missed. One less in this riding group or that evening small group…but they won’t be forgotten. They’re part of who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish with this ride. I also believe the Lord places on our hearts a mission that will always be with us—even after this ride. They will continue to fight poverty wherever they go after Denver and may God go with each and every one of them.

Our communion service that followed after was one I will never forget. Pastor Dave De Ridder talked about us using our senses. We’ve seen our awesome God in creation and nature in ways that we try to explain in blogs or pictures—but it doesn’t do it justice. We’ve used our ears to hear the early morning birds, we’ve heard the traffic whiz past us or another rider give a safety warning to others. Our noses have had a workout…we smell each other (not always pleasant) and we’ve smelled mint fields, pine trees and sweet clover. Our eyes have seen the smiles on faces of people in lines for meals at soup kitchens, the grandeur of mountains, an ocean, lakes, and rivers. Our mouths have tasted salt from our sweat, ice cream, and sweet Walla Walla onions—and spoken words of encouragement and kindness. And our sense of touch has been heightened as we touch lives and hearts—and have ours touched in return with a hug. Some have touched the pavement and have road rash to prove it. But it is our hearts that will forever be changed because of this journey—that won’t end in New Jersry—it’s a journey we’re on for life. Once you’re this aware of something, like we are of poverty and our Christian response, it will continue to be with me and I’m sure many others.

After enjoying our stay at Snow Mountain Ranch it was time to mount up for the last riding day of the week. We had a brisk morning (48 degrees)—I even wore socks, leg warmers & full-finger gloves to start with.

As we went along to Winter Park I could see a rainbow in the sky—only this time it was on a hot air balloon. It was a distraction to take my mind off my slight pains. I also see the damage of the pine beetle. Local ranchers are cutting down many of the devastated trees—if they catch fire from lightning or human carelessness it will be difficult to control & contain. Acres & acres have been hit in upper CO& into Canada.

As I headed down the road my left knee felt a little mushy. “I’ll see you at the top. I’m spinning the low gears.” Thank God for granny gears! It was cold as we made our way to Winter Park—up to 52—but I warmed up fast. I ran into Tyler Jones, Dave De Ridder’s son-in-law, and asked if I could store my warm clothing in his vehicle. Tyler & his wife, Mary Jo, are taking photos of the riders today & tomorrow so we saw them along the route.

The mileage didn’t add up with our given map so I wondered when we would actually start the official countdown to the top. Then I saw Art Smit—he’s helping out as an extra SAG until his knees feel better—and he said, “6 miles to the top!” Up Berthoud Pass—11,315’ Elevation. Berthoud—pronounced ‘Birth-id–and I “Birthed IT”! It was a long, slow labor but the final push at the end was worth it. It was a climb that had scenic switchbacks, and a gentle rise—a crowd of others cheering me up! And then we were zipping down again. I got up to 43 mph & couldn’t blink the tears away fast enough. I think I’d like to go back & see by car so I can observe what I missed through the tears.

I don’t know if I mentioned the grasshoppers here—when they fly they sound like hot electrical wires arcing. It’s a loud snapping sound. Reminds me to keep going to avoid a shocking experience—I hate grasshoppers on my sandals when I ride.

A group of the young ones went up to Evans pass today as an extra side trip—the climb was into 14,000’ Elevation—just because they could & they’re not coming back tomorrow! I give them so much credit. Way to go! Eritia Smit was the only girl. She’s also gone with the guys on other side trips…she is a delightful young woman who is an award winning baker—and a very strong rider. We find each other once/twice a day for a hug.

James Van Hemert, a nephew of John Vander Steen from Denver, did the day with us & showed us the route so we could ride & not pay attention to the map. Then we started thinking…if he “knows” the route like John we could be in trouble. Let’s just say that John has taken us a few alternative routes this trip. But all was well.

While a SAG vehicle went past us we saw Tyler B’s (MI) bike on the back. Tyler is a very strong rider but when we got into camp we saw his arm in a sling. He was at the end of a draft line & they all had to make a sudden stop. Tyler, at the end, ran into Peter Krannenberg, went over & landed on his shoulder. I think I have it right when I say he broke it in 3 places. He’s leaving Monday morning for home—the last day of the first stage. Tyler will be missed.

A part of the ride from today that I would love to do over is the stretch from Evergreen to Morrison—beautiful downhill canyon area that has a few quaint communities to pass through. When we got to Morrison John recommended that we stop for ice cream. I DON’T THINK SO!!! I tried to explain that my husband was already in town—he said he could wait 10 minutes. I said, “But I can’t!” John got vetoed so we continued to our last rest-stop at an RCA church six miles from Denver Christian High School. I really don’t remember those last few miles. I did pick Brian out of the crowd & went that way.

After our hellos I greeted Sheryl & Curtis Taylor—Brian took them up with him. Sheryl is joining us on the ride & Curtis is taking our S2S route home by motorcycle tomorrow. Also, Uncle Alf & Aunt Jean TeBrink were there to greet us. We’ll be guests at their home this weekend.

Our biking group, John, Peter, Andy, Cynthia, Jerry & me gathered in a group, included our spouses who had come to see us in Denver, and offered a prayer of thanks—for safety, for friendship, and for all the grace that has been showered on us this past four weeks. Just so you know…Louis who is usually with us didn’t get out of the washroom when we left and we had a few others jump on our train so we didn’t know he wasn’t with us—otherwise Louis would have been with us. We apologized but he told us he stopped to help Claire E. with her flat—he was where he was supposed to be.

Brian’s here—end for the day!!!

Right after I signed off last night some of the sprinklers went off in camp—Ed’s right on the phone requesting they double check that the rest of them don’t go. It’s not for lack of trying on Ed’s part.

We were camping at a high school that had limited, level tent space. This morning when I awoke I thought I should stand on my head to get a bit of blood to the brain—I know some of you think I should do that on a regular basis…but sleep was limited too. I don’t think Cynthia & I will again drink iced coffees late in the afternoon while doing laundry. Coffee wasn’t the only thing—Cynthia placed her tent right beside the school under the roof overhang. Water dripped all night on her fly—not a steady pattern with a rhythm, but rather a keep you guessing/waiting for the next drip to drop. Five hours tops before a 95 mile day…

Up & out of camp at 6:40. It was tough riding this morning because it was chilly, headwinds, & rumbles. After we warmed up our legs we started doing 18 mph & cut back to 15 mph because of the headwinds. Don’t burn your legs before you have to. At mile 20 the group stopped for coffee in Hayden & 10 miles later we met up with Cory’s rest stop. Time to drop off arm warmers at the SAG—body temp was up.

With 44 miles under our legs at 10:00, we rolled into Steamboat Springs. (Elevation 6695’) Pretty place with pretty price tags through the windows of this ski/tourist community—keep rolling Barb…you’re beyond 60 lbs. with no room & no need for anything here… It was just so opposite of camp life that it was fun to look.

Then we started to climb—we’re in foothills & going to the knee caps. We’re going through Routt National Forrest country and it smells so fresh. I had to ask someone what was up with the pine trees that are dead but standing. They’re not burned by fire but many are reddish brown & look like the needles are waiting to drop—it is pine beetles I’m told & that’s all I know about it for now.

It’s hard to believe my bike can go so slow & still be upright…We started climbing at mile 50 & went up 7 miles of 6-7 % grade & hit a false summit, six more to go…Julie had her SAG stop there so I topped of my water. “It’s rolling hills to the top.” Yeah, right—I’ve heard those lies before on bike rides! But it was a bit more climbing & when we were at Walton’s Peak, (2 miles from the summit) Aaron Carpenter’s parents & Grandparents were there with Icees. What a pleasant surprise! A brief walk through the trees at Walton’s Peak shows this great valley that has a river running through the bottom. Then it was on to the Continental Divide Summit!!! Elevation9426’ and we were at the top of Rabbit Ears Pass. Our toughest part of the day was the prettiest.

Then 10 miles of downhill—eyes watering & blinking so I can watch for stones or traffic. As I was going down the road I thought I saw a bird but then didn’t see it again. Jerry K was a bit behind me & told me I killed it with my front wheel—road kill with my bike.

There were many times I didn’t feel safe on this road all the way to Kremmling. If I’d had a hole punch tool attached to my handlebars I could have done scratch damage to the vehicles they got that close.

At 2:00 we’re at Walt’s with 15 miles to go. Great! Down hill! Hah, headwinds again! We finished strong but are dead on our feet & glad to be done biking for the day. But it was a great day again! Any day we all finish safe is a great day.

I know I’ve brought to your attention a few people behind the scenes, but I didn’t mention Len Reimersma, our head Chaplain. He leads our peloton meetings, mixes well with all the age groups, is quick to listen and smile, and bikes. I’m sure his church in Celeryville, Ohio is missing him this summer.

I think I’ll sleep well tonight after peloton—if I don’t start during peloton…

We had our mid-week prayer service tonight & the focus was the injustices in Haiti. It was very interesting to listen to Leanne Talen G talked about the situation in Haiti—high AIDS stats, people living on less than $1 a day, pregnant moms eating dirt cookies as mineral supplements. Ad de B. talked about the hope for Haiti and the work that God is doing there. Stats are up & 40% of the population there are Christian.

By the way, if you haven’t made a financial gift to this cause we’re still open for your business. Visit www.seatosea.org –you can donate in my name or in general. Thanks again for all the support in all the different ways.