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!!!