Leave early, ride hard, get in…Yep—that summed up the day! We prayed that we’d be blessed with a tail wind—we had a head wind all day. We were blessed but in other ways. Cloud coverage and cool temps helped us rather than hindered today.
Andy & Louis were on sweep, so we added Mike Vander Horst—another Canadian—where are the Americans first thing in the morning besides Jerry K. (WA) & myself? Today Jerry & I pulled the whole group closer to the Canadian boarder. :-} Actually, we all took turns leading the line—I couldn’t fall back on the “weaker sex†excuse to get out of my turn and I won’t stoop to whining. We would take the lead for 3 miles, drop to the back & rotate up to the lead. We averaged 17 mph for the day—not bad with the winds and 95 miles. I think there may be a few people who will be ‘winded’ today.
Grand Rapids was a homecoming for many of the riders—but now we’re heading to Canada for a homecoming for many of the other riders.
A few things they’ve told me about Canada
· –they might have flush toilets at some places
· –the first place we’re stopping is at Timmy’s
· –we might be able to blog if we can get internet
· –Dini Meyerink’s husband used to have a polar bear farm
· –they’re not all lumberjacks
· –we’ll have to change our bikes in for dog sleds
· –you can get mukluks with SPD’s
· –pretty cool, eh?
Someone asked Art Mulder if he was part of a race. We do draw attention as a group and that gives us an opportunity to talk about poverty & the ride.
I don’t really remember too much about the towns today because we didn’t stop but for a quick coffee at a gas station, with a flush. Durand, what I do remember of it, was a pretty community with quaint homes.
When we arrived to Richmond we found a bike shop & I took the opportunity to have my bike tuned up. I’m going to need a new bottom bracket soon—I just need 10 more good biking days out of it first.
Tonight is supposed to get down to 49*–see we’re getting closer to Canada… 
You asked about my top ten ways to tell that you may have been on too long of a bike trip. Have fun with these, I am. RJ
10. Corn fields are valued for their privacy.
9. Guys shaving their legs in the shower is considered normal.
8. Eating at a table is a blessing.
7. May I have another helping of beans?
6. Riding a bike in the rain is a nice change from the heat.
5. Waking up at 4:30 seems a good idea. Why am I tired at 8:30?
4. Intestinal gas is not noticed.
3. May I have another helping of beans?
2. Saddle sores!
1. Weird tan lines are common.
I sure miss riding with you guys
Hi Barb,
Chery and I have been enjoying your blogs. You give a great description of what happens along the way each day. Not all prayers get answered in the way we ask. Have a great ride and some more tailwinds!
Gene DeBoer
Hi Barb,
Can’t believe you are about in Canada.
Cory is a little worried about getting the porta pot across customs.
I won’t probably hear much from him in Canada. If you are able to blog, let me know if Cory and the potty made it ok.
We will continue to pray for you all. What a neat experience for you all to go across on the ferry.
Carleen Nyhuis
Hi Barb,
Maybe we can have the 3 H’s when you are in Ontario - Hazy, Hot, and Humid.
I am sure that everyone in the tour would enjoy that, EH
Hope to meet you later this week
Betty-Anne
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, big sister! August 20 and I was so glad to read your blogs from the past two days…again. I hope you have a blesed birthday with lots of warm wishes and most of all, safety to you and all. Enjoy the beauty and blessings that God gave us. Thanks so much for your day-by-day events (notice I used the dashes?) =)
Love to you!
At the faculty workshop this morning Kae told me it was your birthday today. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I’m sure this will be a memorable one for you!
Happy Birthday, Barb!
Blessings today, what a way to celebrate!
Have a great ride tomorrow.
Barbie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
May God bless you with many more.
I love reading your blog and I am thankful for people like you who are willing to standup for a cause.
Hope to bring your dad some watermelon this week they should be ready but we had a “bad bug spring” they ate half our crop had to replant:) but God is good:) and we are blessed with more than we can eat so sad when you think of poverty.
Mike gave the Loa church all the sweet corn they wanted.
Kao said “my people eat anything”
Keep safe, Be strong, keep up the good work. We are praying for you and the team.
Your friend
Johnnie How to
Happy Birthday ya old fart!!! LOL
Hope you enjoyed your special day
Lynn