day 13 Ontario to Boise 104km Uphill 2400 ft Downhill 1815 ft

When my alarm beeped at 5 a.m. this morning I thought it was a cruel joke. Darkness was still all around me and I was still tired. So I rolled over and slept for another ½ hr. I’ll just pack my tent up super fast today.

Barb had a flat when she came in last evening, so John set about changing it and we were off by 7 a.m. We had only been on our bikes for 10 minutes or less when we came to the state line. Another photo opportunity. Idaho here we come.

The ride today is up and down. At 10 a.m. we happened to come upon a coffee shop, ‘Sandy Hollow’. They had the best cinnamon buns and the coffee was a great pick me upper.

Back to the ride. We had rollers and it didn’t seem that difficult. The area we biked through today had a lot of field crops that were irrigated by flood irrigation (ditches that allow water to flow to the crops in small amount). We saw sugar beet fields, beans, onions, corn, wheat and who could forget the fragrant field of mint. It was so fresh, a treat to my senses. One wrong turn had us miss a huge hill (so sad) but we did add around 3km extra to the day. Some local cyclists directed us back on the right path to Boise. They probably wondered how we'll ever find New Jeresy! I did have one moment of panic, don’t know why, but all of a sudden I couldn’t catch my breath. It was like I was hyperventilating. I was second from the back of a rather long pace line so thankfully the other riders didn’t realize what was happening. Andy stayed back with me till I was able to breathe normally again (it only lasted like 1 minute) and then we started to catch the gang, but it happened again. So we slowed down till the problem had corrected. The rest of the ride was uneventful. As we neared the town of Boise we are passing many equestrian farms. What an economical contrast to Huntington.

The line of cyclists keeps growing. We passed thru Hyde Park, a delightful village. Then we continue on to Boise. Tonight we are staying at Timberline High school. Another beautiful facility. The private showers were to die for, very private, lots of pressure and ever so clean.

I’m typing this at the Jiffy Clean Laundromat. Jean Hammond (a wonderful woman that has been following Gayle’s blog and came here to meet her) offered to drive us here. We are so thankful because the thought of getting on the bike and lugging our laundry 2 miles just seems overwhelming. That the internet is free at the Laundromat was an additional bonus. Should also mention that across from the high school we have a coffee shop, drug store, etc. No need to travel far this weekend. Tomorrow we need to cycle 3 miles to the park where they are holding the celebration service.

Temperatures ranged today, but it peaked about the time when I was setting up my tent (low 90’s F).

Jean is here waiting to take us back, so I’d best get this posted.

Till next time, Cynthia

Day 12 Huntington to Ontario 56.3km Uphill 1150 ft Downhill 1129 ft

Last evening as we where eating supper one of the cyclists tent was lifted up by the wind and tossed over the fence and the freeway. It was rescued by two cyclists and returned to the rightful owner. This sets the stage for the evening excitement. Around 11pm I heard a lot of commotion outside of my tent. The wind was gusting and blowing sand all over. Did I mention that we were camped in a football field at the highest possible point of Huntington? Ed W came around and mentioned that if you felt safer you could opt to spend the evening in the gym. Around 2 dz cyclists took advantage of this offer. I was situated in the inner circle of the camp. Bill & Mary D were my neighbours and when I overheard Mary ask Bill is they should go inside, my heart stopped. If they went inside and took down their tent then there would be no wind block for me. Thankfully they decided to stick it out. Most people got around 6 hours or less of sleep.

The time zone changed for us today. Just outside of Huntington we had to bring our watches forward 1 hour. Ed W has made the decision that since the day is very short we will start breakfast one hour later (7:30 am). Our group of 5 (minus Barb because she was sweep) left the campground around 8 am.

We started off with the first climb right off the bat. No problem. On route we took some photos of the changing scenery. We are following the snake river. The farms appear to be doing well. We saw a variety of vegetables being grown; radishes, onions, cabbage, etc. It reminds me of the Holland Marsh area. Below is a photo of one of the irrigation systems they use in this part of the country. Only two SAG stops today because the ride is so short.

We took a different route into Ontario because we wanted less traffic. Once we had located the high school that we are staying at, we headed out for a breakfast/ coffee joint. Julie, one of the SAG drivers is off today, so she joined us in this little adventure. The pancake house fit the bill. I ordered 3 crepes with a tad of whipping cream. Below is a photo of what the waitress brought out.We handed out a number of C2C business cards promoting the tour at this restaurant. Two hours later, refreshed and full we headed to the visitors centre to pick up a map of the city. Found out that this city is actually named after Ontario, Canada. Yep, the name was decided on with a coin toss between two gentlemen and one woman. Then it was off to the campsite to set up our tents, etc. After showers several cyclists headed to the local library to send out yesterday’s blog and hopefully work on today’s. How disappointing to hear that the library closed at 4 pm and we didn’t get there till 3:45. I quickly sent out yesterday’s blog (without proof reading it…hope I don’t have to make any retractions!). Rumor has it that the internet is still not working at camp. This frustrates the cyclists as well as the people responsible to set it up. Again the motto, ‘just go with it’. If a situation is beyond your control then make the best of it. ‘ It is what it is.’


It is nearing 6pm so that means supper time. I need to wrap this up and get going. Tonight will be early to bed (I’m nodding off already). Tomorrow is the last of the short days, so I hope to saunter along and just enjoy it.

Till tomorrow, Cynthia

Day 11 Baker City to Huntington 73.5km Uphill 1124 ft Downhill 2417 ft

Last evening during pelaton we were told that it was going to be a very, very hot day….high 90-100+ F. Our goal was to leave bright and early. It is quite wonderful packing up a tent that is dry (no humidity or dew in the morning). Today I’m biking with Pete, Barb, John, and Gerry K from Washington. Marti joined us 1/2 thru the ride. Andy is on sweep duty so he’ll be a late comer today. Pictured above are: Marti De Plessis, Cynthia, Barb Mellema

John likes us to warm up a bit before the actual ride, hence the climb up the WRONG hill right at the beginning of the day. I will admit that we all missed the US-30 sign but we like to blame these things on John, after all, he is the one reading the map.

Today’s ride was a breeze, everyone should make it in with out a problem. In fact, as I’m typing this up Andy came in, so that means everyone was in by 3:30ish. Once you were over the 450-500ft climb it was all downhill from there. You didn’t even have to pedal. Barb did have a soft front tire, but we managed to catch Cory on the way to his sag stop and after we, (John, that is) added air we were all set to go. Our We projects at home are defined as...I think of the idea and Ralph does all the work. I operate on the same mentality here at camp….We should pump up my front tire and either John or Pete does it. We have a flat….you get the idea.

First sag was Walter in his humble camper. He greeted us with a smile, told us where the facilities were….girls behind the first bale of straw, guys behind the second bale of straw. Walter even has toilet paper available along with a steady supply of hand disinfectant for us to use. After topping up our water bottles and a photo op of John pretending to be Lance Armstrong, we were off.

Second sag was Julie. She has no shade again today. It’s a long day for these sag drivers and we sooooo appreciate everything that they do for us.

It was a tad dicey on the interstate. We usually do not travel on the interstate but apparently when the valley narrows this was our only route. There was construction and I was grateful to get thru this one lane section with barely any shoulder before the traffic picked up. Andy said when they came to this section the construction workers told him to navigate thru the construction because they’d never get thru otherwise. Again, we appreciate all your prayers for our safety, we need them.

Imagine our surprise when we entered Huntington and some one had made a home-made sign welcoming our group to their town.We arrived shortly after 10 am and since the gear truck doesn’t usually arrive on site till after noon we found the local bookstore, grabbed a coffee and got to know the locals. What a riot. The women where invited to sit by the MAFIA table, which stand for Mature, Affectionate, Feminine, Intelligent, Articulate women.

This is a photo of the local women we sat with: Margie, Beverly, Mabel, Rhonda, Millie, Bev R and Sue.

I also joined some men for a bit and chatted about their lives. We found out that Huntington has a population of around 500 people, and that is counting the dogs and cats! 60% are either retired or on disability. They were grateful that we were staying at the local elementary/high school because that would generate funds so that textbooks could be purchased for the fall.

We also found out that there was a washing machine at the school, so Barb and I put dibs on the first load. Right now I’ve got the first load hanging on the back of the bleachers waiting for it dry so I can hang up the second load. We usually combine clothing so we have a full load. The wind is strong so it shouldn’t take long to dry.
The next two days will be relatively easy but sooner or later we have to get out of this valley and do some serious climbing. I haven’t looked ahead in the devotional book because it will just freak me out and as my son said, ‘Mom, it doesn’t matter what the elevation is….you still have to climb it. So don’t worry about it. Just do it.’ Wise word.

On my to do list for this evening is…shower (but at least today I will not have to stand in the shower with all my biking clothes on, spread soap all over, take off the cycling clothes, soap them down once more before actually washing myself…it really is a time consuming job but hey, if it’s the only way to get clean clothes you do it). I fear when I’m home that I’ll hop out of bed with my jammies on and just in the shower fully clothed. You can bet I’ll only do this once. Continuing with my to do list….hang up the second load, find internet service to post this blog, eat supper, pelaton meeting and get ready for tomorrow (which means, washing out the water bottles and refilling them and laying out my cycling clothes for tomorrow so that I’m ready to go. I should probably clean my bike chain as well….on that note, maybe we should clean my bike chain!

Maximum speed 60.8km Average speed 28.2 Bike time 2:40
Till later, Cynthia

Day 10 La Grande to Baker City Uphill 1443ft Downhill 817ft

I know what the town of La Grande is known for….the trains! They kept us awake most of the evening with their shunting back and forth. Just when I thought it was over, another train came by. I think the conductor saw all the tents and decided to blow the whistle on us (lame, but I couldn’t think of anything else to write).

I’m typing this in the Baker City High school gym. It is nice and cool in here, but very, very hot outside. Temperatures on my bike read 102F.

Today I’m biking with part of my sweep team. I think we headed out of town around 8:30am (we divided the sweep team into three groups and left at staggered times). Our job is to make sure everyone keeps moving and to report any mishaps, tire blowouts, etc.

Lois C, Teresa & Paul, Cynthia (Cory, a VIP... he tows the Portal -John ) and Lavonne K



The climb today was very gradual. We encountered no significant problems on the road. The nice thing about being on the sweep team is that it forces you to take your time because we are not allowed to pass the last rider that we come upon. So we managed a coffee stop plus another stop for a refreshment in a little town called Haines. The restaurant that we stopped at was very western….washrooms where addressed as Heifers and Bulls. Three men with cowboy hats sat in a booth. I wanted to take a photo but didn’t dare ask them. They probably thought we were an oddity in our spandex, just like we thought the cowboys hats where a bit over the top (don’t take offence anyone in the west, it just that in Chatham we don't see the cowboy hats very often).



I noticed this announcement on the bulletin board (something I would never see on the No Frills board in my city!).

Think about this, if her last name started with a D, would she still want a personal license plate?

One thing about taking your time is that you notice more. Paul saw this skeleton in the ditch. Not sure if it was the remnants of a deer or cow. We may have to call CSI Oregon to investigate.


It cooled down nicely last evening so I’m hoping for the same tonight. Tomorrow promises to be another hot one. I’ll find out for sure during pelaton tonight.

P.S. Last Saturday we hit our record of 33 flats in one day. We are over the 100 flat marker.

Till tomorrow, Cynthia

Day 9 Pendelton to La Grande Uphill 4538 ft Downhill 2946 ft

First off I must make a retraction. Someone pointed out an error in my Saturday blog. I have corrected it, but for those who read it…..no, you did not sponsor me $10,000 to spread the gossip (it should have read, gospel). Spell check didn’t catch it (gossip wasn’t spelled wrong) and I didn’t catch it when I proof read the blog. Usually my husband will tell me to, ‘open mouth, switch feet’ but this time it was my fingers that gave me the problem. So I apologize if I offended anyone, it wasn’t intentional. A few people in camp know about this error so before I rode off this morning I was greeted with, ‘have fun spreading the gossip’. I fear it will be a while before I live that one down.

Now, on to the day. We left early (6:30 am) because it promised to be another hot day and we knew we would be climbing quite a bit. We had some problems leaving town….the map can be a tad difficult to follow. I did get a photo of the fields of wheat before we started the climb. Oh, never crouch down in a wheat field to relieve oneself….you could end up with little prickles on the inside of your shorts. This makes for a prickly ride the rest of the day. Now mind you, I’m just giving you a ‘for instance’ here.

Today was my first experience cycling on switchbacks. The first long climb was over 10 miles. We started at just over 1,000ft and finished at just under 4,000ft. Someone figured that the climb was at a 5% grade. At one point I heard some rustling in the bushes, I put my head up and saw some cattle grazing at the side of the road. We also noticed to two fawns and several horses. In retrospect today’s climb was not as bad as last Tuesday. I found it quite manageable….difficult, but doable.

After the first climb was finished we had an up and down section, then another 500ft climb. The scenery changed from wheat fields to pine trees rather suddenly. The rest of the day whizzed by….downhill the rest of the way.

Just as we were coming into town (shortly after noon) we noticed an ice-cream store. The advantage of coming in early is that you beat the heat (when we climbed the first climb the temp was around 65F, for others later in the morning it was in the mid 90’) I had a peach cobbler ice-cream cone. Mmm good, another first for me (the peach cobbler, not the ice-cream cone.).

Tonight we are staying in Pioneer Park, a city park. Large shade trees offer much needed relief after a day on the road. We can also use the indoor pool and showers.

I’ve been told there will be no internet tonight. I wish I could post at the library, as some cyclists are doing, but alas I’m on sweep duty tonight. Not quite sure of all the details of this duty but we needed to unload all the cyclists gear bags before setting up our tents and then I helped set up the dining tents and tables. At 5:30pm we start setting up for supper, then we help serve supper and clean up the kitchen dishes. Tomorrow morning we will set out and serve breakfast (from 6:30-7:30am), clean up the camp site and then we’ll be the last cyclists out of camp. Our job is to offer encouragement and do whatever it takes to get all the cyclists in. We will also be the last cyclists in, so I hope that tomorrow has no climbs so that I’ll get into camp mid afternoon. One can always hope. As I type this up the sweep team from today is still not in (it’s 4:30).

Gotta go, I have to report to duty. Till tomorrow, Cynthia

Average speed 21.2k Maximum speed 60.0km Time on the bike 4:15

Day 8 Kennewick to Pendleton 111km Uphill 2777ft Downhill 2041ft

Another hot day on the bike. Kristy returned both Barb and I to the camp by 6:15am Then there was a quick breakfast of oatmeal and a glass of oj. John Vandersteen kindly offered to do my breakfast dishes so that I could pack my lunch and then we were off shortly after 7am. Christine N from Sarnia has joined our group today.

The first 38 miles where relatively easy.

We did have a nasty side winds, and then when we turned the corner we had the wind in our faces. Just before turning the corner we took a break. John climbed thru some brush and came back with a huge onion. He sliced a piece off for each of us and encouraged us to eat it. I’m wonderoing if this is some kind of cruel initiation that I have to go thru in order to ride with the group. Apparently it is suppose to keep the misquotes away. I think it will also keep your friends away! Now for John, I believe it made him a tad delusional. Pete had pointed out the lake just beyond the hill, and John was certain that it wasn’t water. We all said that it was Lake Wallula. He only admitted that he was wrong when we where riding along side the lake. It will be a while before he lives that one down. We left the state of Washington and entered Oregon. Trooper J.L. Klundt welcomed us. Actually he pulled over to the side of the road and allowed us to take some photos with him and his cruiser. What a trooper! Barb is getting a rash from the sun so we were trying to get her into the camp or the town of Pendleton asap. We managed both the climbs with not too many problems. The first one was worst than then the second. I will admit to you that the devotional books make the climbs look a lot scarier than they really are.

The scenery has taken a turn to the colour yellow. Heads of wheat wave in the wind. Farmers have hay ready to be baled in the fields. We even noticed ‘dust devils’.

When we arrived in the town of Pendleton we stopped in at the local ‘Christian bookstore’, (can’t believe they sell refreshments and food). I order chili and fries while a few of the others quenched their thirst. Then it was off to the school. You couldn’t miss the school if you wanted to, it’s bright yellow. I’ve decided not to go into town later today because it is a rather nasty climb up to the school. It should be sweet going down tomorrow morning.

Oh, I could mention on other thing. The other evening when Andy DV was setting up his tent he exclaimed, “hey, I’ve got grass in my tent’. I replied, ‘that’s illegal’ and Barb kept up the one liners with, “didn’t your Momma teach you to share’. By this point Andy and was rolling his eyes. So today when we met the Trooper Klundt, we mentioned to him that Andy should be arrested because he had grass in his tent. The officer took it all in good humor . So don’t worry, Andy is coming home and you won’t have to pay any fines.

My average speed today was 24km Top speed was 56.1km Time on the bike 4:45

Sunday, July 6th

Wow, we woke up with a start…7:10am and we’re suppose to be out the door for 7:30. That was one sweet sleep. After speaking with Kristy, we’ve decided to come back in the afternoon so we can post our blogs and just relax.

The church service was held in the park. We more than doubled their number. Pastor Dan Wolters opened the service and then Queen blasted over the sound system as all the cyclists and support people walked across the stage to the tune of “I want to ride my Bicycle’. Probably my first time I ever heard that during a church service (that’s a line from Barb’s blog, just thought I’d use it since everyone will read my blog first because it starts with an A). The setting in the park was one that just made you want to praise our Lord and Maker. After opening with song, several people took part in a drama using bikes and a tire pump as their props. Each person shared in a humorous way why they went on the C2C trip after which Pastor Dan delivered an inspiring sermon. This church has been very active in sponsoring a family from Burma and this family has in turn reached out to the Burma people in the community and so far the church has experienced growth (27 Burmese have joined the church). The Burmese people shared their gift of music with us during the collection. I can say with the Psalmist, “I was glad to go to the house of the Lord’.

The church provided ice-cream bars, cookies and refreshments and then hosted us for lunch. This is so incredible especially when you think of the size of the church. Later in the afternoon various members of their church provided rides to the many activities we could have signed up for. As I mentioned earlier, Barb and I took advantage of the offer to return to the Wolter’s home. We spent the better part of the afternoon and evening finishing up our blogs, and checking our emails. Tonight will be an early night as it promises to be a very warm day tomorrow.

Pictured here are: Cynthia Aukema, Kristy, Chris is on her lap, beside her is Pastor Dan with
Robert

Till later, Cynthia