Day Six Sunnyside to Kennewick 80.5km Uphill 1236 ft Downhill 1498 ft

First off I must begin by saying a huge THANK YOU to the people at Sunnyside CRC. What a fantastic welcome and meal they put on for us last evening. Later on they held a ‘meet ‘n greet and treated us all to root beer floats. The evening finished with a BANG…fireworks of all colours sparkled in the evening light. I went to my tent before the show was over and promptly slept thru all the noise. Twas a tad tired, I’d say.

Last evening was my first really good sleep. I woke up refreshed and ready for an easy, downhill ride of 80km. The morning started off cool but quickly warmed up. Our bikes are cleaned, lubed, oiled and ready to go. Our fearless leader, Pete was biting at the bit to leave but we managed to hold him back till 7:30 am (I told him I needed to put on my lipstick and such….behind his darkened sunglasses I could see his eyes roll.) And so the day begins.

We are still biking thru the dessert. It’s interesting to see how they make the dessert bloom. This is quite an agricultural area. It’s quite common to see irrigation pump spraying water over the lush green orchards, and vineyards that dot the countryside. Passed some nice looking hay ready to be baled, and took a photo of a dairy operation just in case those reading this blog do not know what a holstein cow looks like. If it wasn’t for the endless supply of water this rural setting would not be possible. Oh, I even saw my first hops plant. Companies like Coors, Blue light etc are fans of this plant.
Haven’t heard how many flats we had today, but I’m sure it’s a new record. This area is known for its goat heads or as the native call it, ‘puncture plants’. A plant that has multiple spikes. It is usually found in patches of dried grass or on the sides of roadways. A bikers nightmare.

On the serious side, we are very aware of the purpose of this. If we are held up at a stop sign or take a break at a local diner we arouse curiosity (wouldn’t you look twice at someone with darkened glasses, helmet, and spandex to boot!) People ask, ‘where are you going?’ we reply, ‘Jersey City, NJ’. The next expression is one of disbelief. Then we hand them a business size card that explains the goals of the tour. We encourage them to check out the website, campsite, and if possible donate. Almost every evening Len, our head chaplan reminds us that we are ambassadors for the cause. Yes, the ride is a big part of it but we must also make sure the message gets out that almost every three seconds a child dies from poverty related issues. That the aid epidemic in Africa is slowly wiping out the middle age population (and children). That when disasters strike all over the world we can send teams of volunteers to provide help and at the same time spread the gospel. I could go on, but this is some of the goals of the tour. The monies raised from this tour can and will make a huge difference is peoples lives. Praise God for that.

Getting back to the ride. Again the sun was out in full force but thank goodness, no humidity. The ride was very easy, downhill most of the way with a few shorter climbs. We rode on some nice bike trails and managed to avoid the hwy for most of the day. Coming onto the Columbia Park trail was a treat. Again the scenery would knock your eyes out. Our campsite is right in the park. We were greeted from members of the Family of Faith CRC. Lemonade, cold water, along with fresh baked cookies (I think a younger member of the church, Hannah has a great career in baking coming up). Several cyclists decided to swim in the river. Very cold and numbing. They told me it was refreshing, I’ll just take their word on that one. The Family of Faith church is relatively small….40 families but they have gone far beyond what we could have imagined. On our gear truck they’ve posted activities that they will either host or bring us to. The activities range from floating down the river, to swimming in someone back yard and even a boat ride. They provided rides to local malls for either shopping, laundry, or just if you wanted to take in an afternoon movie. They stayed at the park for the better part of the afternoon but had to leave for a 4pm wedding. Later on they returned to arrange the rides for the billets (or as you Americans call it, ‘hosting’). Barb and I decided to take advantage of being billeted. We are staying at Pastor Dan’s and Kristy house. They are wonderful hosts. They are very, very busy people but still offered to do our laundry (‘no, just show us where the laundry room is and we can do it ourselves’). “Can we get you water, milk” ‘No, again, just show us where the glasses are and we can help ourselves.’ We have a quiet bedroom in the basement and use of the family room so we spent the better part of the evening catching up on our blogs and when we experienced brain freeze, off to bed we went. The end.

Day f Yakima to Sunnyside km 59.5 (or 37 miles for the US readers) Uphill 725ft Downhill 1123ft

Today is Independence Day in the States. As Canadians we decided we should show our support for the US cyclists by flying their flag on our bikes. So yesterday we went to Walmart and purchased 150 flags. The manager even gave us the employee discount when she found out why we are cycling. We put the flags out after the pelaton meeting along with a donation jar (funny part is we thought of the idea but an American footed the bill, cool aye!).

As I type this I am sitting in the sports locker room at Sunnyside Christian High school. The radio is tuned to the local station and the sound of the younger crowd of cyclists bouncing basketballs is right by the door that I’m sitting at. How long till I have to dodge a ball is anyones guess.

The bike ride started and finished in the rain. Thankfully we left later than usual because from 9-12 noon the Zillah Christian Reformed church was treating us to fresh water, coffee, cherries, watermelon, peanut filled cracker and cheese filled crackers. This was a treat especially when you consider that they took time off from their national holiday to serve us.

The photo below is rather interesting. Imagine our surprise when we went into the handicap washroom at the church and found a scale. Photo op. I stepped on the scale first (to my dismay I have already lost 2 Ibs..I think it is mainly from the heat). Now every women that stepped on the scale kept it at my numbers….hence the smiling faces!
The area we biked thru today has many wineries and orchards. Sorry we didn’t stop for photos mainly because of the rain. The other reason we didn’t stop is because after the church stop Bill & Rita Wymenga (Pickerington, ON) headed up our pace line with their tandem bike. Now Bill is a powerful cyclists and with Rita helping we hit an average speed of 44km. It was a very sweet ride, to say the least. You can imagine our disappointment when we heard Louie call out, “Pete’s stopping; probably a flat”. We pass this up the line and bid our leader adieu. When Pete did catch us we found out he was taking a photo and was just letting us know to continue on without him. For penitence he had to take the lead and pull us along. We eventually got into a pace line and would switch off the front rider to the back whenever they got tired. I never did see 44km again. Guess we’ll have to wait till the tandem joins us another day. Our actual bike time was just over 2 hours. Almost all the riders came in with mud streaked faces because it rained for most of the ride. Thankfully the sun was shining when we pulled into the school so we could set up our wet tents and get everything dried (it rained last night as well).

Once the tents where set up most cyclists spent the better part of an hour or so cleaning off their bikes and chains. The nice part is if you don’t know how you’re suppose to clean a bike someone is always there to show you what to do.

Tonight the local church is treating us to supper so that our cooks can have a well deserved time out. Apparently there will be a fireworks display later in town. Afterwards we will be treated to ice cream. Bonus! (if we can stay awake that long.)

Not too sure of the distance tomorrow but they have some great things planned for us…billets, swimming, and……to find out more, tune in tomorrow. Hopefully we will have a satellite connection or you’ll have to wait longer. Later, Cynthia

Day Four Ellensburg to Yakima 68km Uphill 1670 Downhill 2069ft

Alrighty, the pressure is on. Today we are in Ellensburg. As I was thanking Sandy, a woman from the local church for all the goodies they set us for us, she informed me that she had read my blog just this morning because I’m the first name on the list. Now that brings back memories of elementary school when I wished my last name started with a W or better yet a Y because then by the time the teacher got to me I could just copy someone else’s ideas or answer. Honestly folks, I do my best but my strong suit is talking, not journalism (as anyone who knows me in Chatham, Ontario will agree).

It was another wonderful day on the bike cycling thru the canyon that takes us to Yakima (sorry, I took a photo of the name of the canyon but sadly several cyclists are in front of the name….poor planning on my part. If a local wants to fill in the name for me, I be ever so indebted). I biked with the same people as yesterday, and ½ way thru Jake Kuipers from Trenton joined our pace line. We just took our time, snapping photos and marveling at the all beautiful creation that surrounded us. Every evening during our peleton they do a count of flat tires, falls and now wild life is being counted. We were told by a local cyclist that we might see some wild life. I don’t know if the skunk that crossed our path counts, but that was #1 for us. Two and three were the two deer frolicking in the meadow (one cyclists missed this because someone yelled out deer and he thought it was an endearment). Four, was a dead one at the side of the road. Five and six were two more deer by the rivers side. We were hoping to see a mountain goat but sadly it was not in the cards. So the final count for our group was six.

I’m not sure of the number of falls today, but in our group Jake took a nasty fall. His bike went towards the road and he hit the other side of the sidewalk. Thankfully he had a helmet on (children take that as a lesson to always wear your helmet). He sustained road rash on his right shoulder His fingers are a bit cut up along with his knees. If his wife is reading this, don’t worry, when we brought him into camp he was tended by the nurse and then he promptly went to unload the gear truck since it was his groups turn to take on this responsibility. So he’s going to be fine.

Temperatures on the bike reached just over 100F on my bike computer. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that the Christian school has welcomed us into there fine facility. The building is air conditioned, showers plentiful and as you can see on the photos we are all taking advantage of this break from the heat.
I do feel sorry for the cooks. They are busy preparing our meals in this heat (along with the sweep team…this is a group of cyclists that is assigned to unload the gear truck, help serve the food and clean up afterwards. The sweep team also makes sure the camp is clean before they leave in the morning and it is also their duty to make sure everyone arrives in the camp at night. They help any cyclists that are having a hard time, either with a word of encouragement or by just cycling along side them. They are also the last ones in.) Getting back to the cooks….what a job it is to feed us. They generally prepare twice the amount of food that a person would normally eat. I’m actually afraid to post any photos of the food we are eating because my family would be jealous. While they are surviving on Kraft dinner (not) I’m eating like a king. I really can’t say enough about this fantastic group of cooks. They have given up their entire summer to feed us nutritious food all for the end goal of the ride. I should also tell you about the SAG (support and gear people) but I think I’ll save that for tomorrow since this blog is quite lengthy.

I want to add one more thing. I’ve so enjoyed meeting new faces and sharing the laughter with everyone, especially on the road. When I first arrived in Seattle on Saturday evening I was roomed with Barb Mellema, she is in my small group and we just clicked. We have a lot in common. She has been married for 26 years (two years less than me). Our style of cycling is similar (although she is stronger than me on the flats). We both trained on the flats…no mountains for us. Her husband doesn’t peddle a bike, neither does mine and we share the same sense of humor. Oddly enough both our husbands enjoy the same brew of coffee. If you want to read an entertaining blog, check hers out. You won’t be disappointed because she has a way with words that will leave you in stitches. I look forward to getting to know the other cyclists, but for now its enough of a struggle to put a name to their faces.

Anyways, that’s the summary of the day. I still have supper, the peleton and small groups to look forward to, and as I sit here in the air conditioned gym two gentleman are busy trying to set up a movie for us later in the evening. How cool is that?! Tomorrow promises to be another short day (60 odd km). Can’t wait.

P.S. I have photos but I'm having a problem loading them to the blog today. I'll keep trying so check back later for the matching photo.

Till later, Cynthia

Day Three: Leavenworth to Ellensburg 93.8km Uphill 4002ft Downhill 3567ft

What a wonderful biking day.

Up and at em by 4:30 and on the bike just before 7am. One of the advantages of leaving early in the day is that we get a lot of our biking done before the temperature goes up. The temperature on my bike hit 94F.

US.2 was under construction so we had to wait till 15 cyclists or more had gathered and then a MTO truck would escort us to the Blewitt Cut off. I shared the ride with Pete, Andy, John Vandersteen and Barb Mellema. Our climb today was at 4% grade for just over 26 miles (sorry, can’t and don’t want to do the conversion into km). The climb was a lot easier then yesterday (6% grade ). When we reached Blewitt Pass, 4,021ft we blew right thru it.

Then it was coasting downhill most of the way to Ellensburg with only one other short climb (500ft). We did have some head wind but I usually place myself at the back of the line and enjoy the ride while taking advantage of the drafting, hey a girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do. On the downhill my speed reached 58.4km. Arrived in camp at noon (101 F) just when the Sea to Sea trucks were coming in. We decided to find an air conditioned lunch spot in Ellensburg and then off to the bike store for a few minor repairs to my bike. I had leaned it against another bike in the parking lot before we left to go the beach on Monday and it fell. Tomorrows ride will be sweet since my bike is now working like a finely tuned grandfather clock.

We did have some water works at around 3:45pm. To lay the ground work, when I was setting up my tent we noticed that the grass was still a tad wet and it hadn’t rained. So you can guess where this is going. Several cyclists had pitched their tents close to the school because it offered some prime shade... the sprinkler system went off and starting spraying all the tents. The day was saved when people placed buckets, and empty water bottles over the sprinkler heads and this took care of the problem. Now I’m wondering when the sprinkler head that is close to my tent will go off!

The horn just blew for supper so it’s time to sign off.
P.S. Tonight we will an opportunity to participate in a worship/prayer service organized by a fellow C2C’er. They do believe in keeping us busy.

Can’t wait till tomorrow, only 68km.
Till later, Cynthia

Day One and Two

Summary of Day One and Two

Day One: Seattle to Sultan…..83 Km (plus nine extra km biking to the beach to dip our tires).

All the cyclists were up bright and early to pack their supplies in the gear truck, grab their bikes and head off to Golden Garden beach. Seattle is such a bike friendly town that visitors can’t help but notice all the bike paths through out the city. Once at the beach the area churches had a wonderful buffet breakfast set up. Thank you, Seattle for all your wonderful hospitality.

9 am, cyclists, and support staff gathered at the water’s edge. We recited the Lord’s prayer and then on the count of three stepped back into the water and dipped our back tires in the Pacific ocean. After this cyclists left in assigned groups, every three minutes. We cycled on the bike paths and had to watch out for the posts, in fact one of the cyclists hit a post head on, tumbled over her handlebars, cracked her helmet and suffered a mild concussion. She will not be riding for a few days.

It was good to get off the bike path and pick up our speed. Today we climb just over 2000 ft. The first climb had me in my granny gear in the lowest possible gear. I fear what tomorrow will bring with the major climb of just over 4,061ft. Once these two climbs were out of the way we flew downhill for the rest of the day. Very, very sweet. Temperature on the road hit the high 90’s.

I arrived in camp shortly after 3:30. It was hot setting up, but I did manage to get the tent up on my own accord (another first).

We have a great cooking staff. They are very conscious of what we need in regards to protein and carbs. Another blessing.

The evening ended with a pelaton meeting, and then we gathered in small groups for a short time of devotions. I’m still working on that three hour time change so lights early for me. Tomorrow will bring enough challenges.

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Day Two: Sultan to Leavenworth …..127 km Net uphill 5056ft, downhill 4024ft

4:30am and I’m awake, so I take down my tent and proceed to pack and lunch for the day. It is already warm outside. Today I’m biking with Pete VanNoord and Andy DeVries, both from St. Thomas. Paul and Teresa left the camp just before 7am and we left shortly afterwards. I’m very nervous about the large climb, in fact I was almost reduced to tears before leaving camp… could I do it?

When we caught Paul & Teresa we biked with them till the first SAG wagon stop. We are going slow trying to save our energy for the 4,061ft climb that looms ahead. I wish I could have taken you all on my back (or rather that you where pushing me up). The scenery is breathtaking. Mountains all around us, the sound of rushing water, the feel of the water’s spray as you bike past. Words and pictures do not do it justice.

Today the challenge was to make it up to Steven’s Pass and I’m happy to report that I made it. We where greeted by another SAG wagon at the top, lots of smiling faces. Now all we have left is another few hours and it’s downhill all the way. We did make a stop in at a rest room that was advertisings FREE coffee. Had they known that there where approximately 140 (give or take a few) cyclist of mainly dutch descent, I think they would have changed that sign! When we pulled into the rest stop it was also cookies and lemonade…Bonus! One more stop to dip our tired feet in the cold water, very refreshing.

The town of Leavenworth is an eye candy treat. It’s quaint and I really wish we could have stopped to sight see, but we heard thunder in the distance so we pressed on.

P.S. Tomorrow I'll insert some photos, but it is now 1:35am and I need to get some sleep because tomorrow promises to be another day of climbing. Till later, Cynthia

Synod and Gear Truck

Reality is setting in. If I want to see my bike, tent, summer clothing ever again I need to fly out to Seattle and claim them.

Yesterday, Ralph and I made the trek to Grand Rapids to drop off my bike and gear. We got a glimpse of the gear truck (lots of racks, plenty of power bars, and even florescent lighting above to help with the visibility). Very cool.

Synod is also in session this week. We where privileged to participate in a presentation updating Synod on the number of cyclists and the goals of the tour. It was great to meet a number of other cyclists and some of the staff that has been instrument in organizing this Bike Tour.

Only 8 more sleeps till Seattle.

The countdown

Wow, I can't believe that the bike training is coming to an end. The last two weeks I've spent several days at my parents home in Alymer, Ontario. This enabled me to do some much needed hill training with two fellow cyclists from St. Thomas; Pete Vannoord and Andy Devries. They allowed me to tag along on their 140km jaunts. Although 5 rides does not make a hill climber, I do feel a tad more confident and am thankful to them for showing me the ropes.

As I type this my cycling clothes are scattered in a spare bedroom. My 'borrowed' hockey bag has taken up permanent residence in our kitchen and is filled with all the necessary camping equipment. Beside the hockey bag is a weight scale so I can constantly check how close I'm to the 60Ib limit.

In less than three days, my husband, Ralph and I are on our way to Grand Rapids to drop my gear and bike off. We will also make a brief appearance before Synod....another first for me! Below I have posted a photo of my bike and tent. I'm not sure which of these items I will spend the most time in or on.....I'm hoping it's the tent.