Day 48 Grand Haven to Grand Rapids 72km

Yesterday our family (husband; Ralph, daughter; Janessa and son; Andrew) arrived in Grand Haven mid afternoon. The CRC Conference Grounds was a buzz of activity with many visitors checking out the gear and kitchen truck. How wonderful to be greeted and greet fellow cyclists. It’s good to be back.

We located my bike and I found a quiet, out of sight area where I could take my bike out for a short spin. Clipping in will not be a problem so it looks like everything is set to go for tomorrow.

The cyclists and visitors where treated to a wonderful steak supper by a team of volunteers from Home Mission. We had plenty of food and it was all tasted great. After the meal we had our regular peloton meeting and then each of the 10 cyclists that will leave the tour tomorrow said their goodbyes. Communion was then shared by all before everyone called it a night.

Saturday, Aug 16th
Last evening ‘the guys’ asked if I would be joining them for the ride today. I told them that they best go on without me because I would slow them down and also I’m a bit uneasy in a large pace line at this time. Gerry said he would gladly join Andrew and I so that we could take advantage of his map reading skills. We took him up on his offer on the promise that he wouldn’t add any ‘bonus’ miles to the ride.

One hundred and thirty additional riders are joining us today so I wanted to get an early start before things got too busy. Andrew was rolling out of his tent when we pulled into the campground this morning so we started closer to 7:30 a.m. than 7.

What a gorgeous biking day. Temperatures started off mid 50’s and quickly rose to the mid 70’s. We traveled on a few roads where the trees formed a canopy for us to bike under. Beautiful houses and how thrilling to see the groups of spectators gathered on the side of the roads with their, ‘Welcome Sea to Sea’ signs. Several churches also played host to us setting out baked goods, fruit, bagels, gatorade and water.

Since I’ve missed some of the welcome to certain States signs we decided to take advantage of the entering Grand Rapids City limits sign.

Tyler Buitenwerf and Arnie Issette set up a SAG where they served snacks to the cyclists. Earlier in the week I was asked to participate at this stop (it was to be manned by the injured cyclists). It was bittersweet to bike in. I was excited to bike but I felt for both Tyler and Arnie who would have loved to switch places with me.

All the cyclists gathered at a local school by 12:30pm from here we formed a peloton to bike the remaining 1mile into Calvin together. It was a sea of yellow and blue jersey’s. People cheered and clapped as we biked by. I wish I had the courage to take my hands off the handlebars because you, the people deserve the clapping. You’ve offered us your financial support, you’ve encouraged us thru replies made on our blogs, emails or in some cases thru the old fashion way….the mailed letter. You’ve cooked for us or for our families back home and most importantly you’ve remembered us in your daily prayers…so yes, I applaud you and all you do for us. We truly could not have undertaken this ride without all of your support. Thank you.

Oh, in case you are wondering, yes, I rode the entire 72km. My ‘sit bone’ is somewhat sore but I made it, something that I didn’t think was possible a week ago. Average speed of 24km. Thanks Andrew and Gerry for your protection over me today and also thanks to the other ‘pace line buddies’ for giving me the room I needed today. I’m confident we’ll be biking together again…you may have to slow down a tad but I’ll be there!

My plan still remains the same. I will return home to Chatham on Sunday evening and then join the tour on Wednesday when they cross the Ferry into Sombra. From this point on it’s anyone guess as to how much I can bike. I’ll take one day at a time…but wouldn’t it be cool to actually bike to the end?!? Ralph and I

Later, Cynthia