Yesterday started out earlier than usual for me. My father-in-law picked my bike and I up at 8 a.m. From here we headed out to Sombra to meet the cyclists as the came into Canada. What a lot of excitement in Sombra. Many, many spectators and well-wishers. Looking across the river we could see all the yellow cycling vests (they’re pretty reflective!). When I seen the Kitchen and Gear truck I knew that they would be crossing soon. First ones off the ferry where cyclists from the area….Christina, Matt, Paul & Teresa, Jake K, etc. We cheered enthusiastically for each cyclists. Someone was plastering Canadian stickers on the cyclists’ jerseys, their faces or arms. Tim Hortons coffee was poured out for many, and if they wanted to eat; well there was an array of food to choose from. You could have a cupcake decorated with edible Canadian flags, a timbit, fruit, baked goods and the list just goes on. No one walked away hungry. The American cyclists were very impressed by the reception that the Sarnia and Wallaceburg churches put on (I hope I’m giving credit to the correct source). As Canadian we said, ‘this is only the beginning….welcome to Canada!’
As the paceline assembles I’m introduced to Mike from St. Thomas. He joined the tour in Grand Rapids and now is a member of the paceline. He’s great to draft behind and the guy can pull. Welcome aboard. So there we are…John, Pete, Louie, Jake, Mike, Barb, your’s truly and Gerry pulling up the rear. When ever someone tries to latch on to our line, Barb quickly asks them to either pass or pull away. They are calling our every bump and trying to protect me as much as possible. A group of three riders did try to join and Barb had just given them ‘the speech’, so two of the three passed us and then we heard an awful crack behind us. John DePotter (who helped organize the Sombra crossing and he was joining us for the day) his front fork snapped and down he went. Barb called out to his two friends to come back because John was down. Cyclists were already coming to his aid so we continued. Apparently he was taken to the hospital and he has a broken nose, a deep cut below his lip to this chin and his face is rather scratched and cut up. Thank goodness for a helmet….it could have been a very different story. John we are remembering you in our prayers.
The rest of the ride into Chatham was uneventful. We stopped for a photo op by the Chatham sign, wave to Dave Noordhoff who was busy clicking away with his camera and then headed to the Kinsman.
Again, you guys are amazing. What a reception Chatham gave! It was wonderful to see all the support from the churches and community. It took me two hours to make it home from the Kinsman (and I’m only two blocks way!) People cheering as we came in, wonderful food and ice cream bars.
The birthday girl, Barb and I
The 'tea gang' plus Shirley Singor and Wilma's sister, Flo Many people volunteered their pools, or shuttled cyclists to the bike store, bank, drug store, Laundromat. As I mentioned earlier in my blog Barb, Gerry, John, Pete & Lynda, Louie, Randy and Fred, and Josh stayed over last evening. We (Ralph) had set up the camper in our driveway and this is where we spent the night. No big sacrifice as there is a queen size bed in the camper.
I also wanted to host a number of people for supper. We had enough food for 14…so that meant we could have 11 extra’s. Janessa prepared several of the salads for me, Ralph bbq’d and when Siska (Andy’s wife) and Ann (Bert Steenbergens wife) noticed that I was tired they promptly kicked me out of my own kitchen and took over the final preparation. We had plenty of food and Ann makes a great apple pie and coconut cream pie (no offence Mom, but it was good).
I heard that the area churches provided plenty of food for the cyclists at the Kinsman. Thanks again for showing your support in this very vital way.
We did head back to camp for the peloton, again…so many visitors. The big surprise was that today was Barb’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Barg. She didn’t mention it to anyone, but Dordt College had sent 3 cakes to be shared by all for this very special occasion. It’s great to know that you can render Barb speechless at times!
10 pm was the time I headed to bed. I’ve heard a nasty rumour that it’s a 6:30 bike start tomorrow morning, so that would mean I have to up by 5:10. How badly do I really want bike??? Till later, Cynthia
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