Monday July 31, Day 30

Sault Ste. Marie to Blind River, 140 km

Last night Dave Warner, Berndt, Bob and I went to the 42 North (something or other) restaurant for dinner. I felt like I needed steak and we had a lovely meal, even a draft. Keith's is a popular beer here. I chose the Coors Light. Our waiter, who was also the manager (short staffed, hence he filling in) came to Canada 4 years ago from Romania. He told us how he started in the restaurant as a busser...but couldn't understand English or what people were asking...he then went as a dishwasher and learned to speak English, very well I might add. He worked his way up to manager.
It was back to the Baptist Church and Carol coloured my hair....a shade darker than normal, but I like it. Suits my dark skin (with white racoon eyes...from wearing sunglasses!) When I arrived back to join the rest of the group this morning everyone commented about "how nice it was"....obviously the grey was drab, even I knew that!!
We had some heavy rain and lightening but it cleared by 9 and we were on the road shortly after. As we didn't have a long day planned, we all set off in a leisurely pace. There was Berndt, Betty, Bob and I in our pace line and we would come among slower riders and pass but at one point we sort of got held up behind a group at around the 34 km mark, and I hit Betty's tire....and anyone who rides knows what happens when wheels touch...the person in the back goes down. I have never hit a tire before and although we weren't travelling at a high speed (somewhere between 22 - 24) when I our tires rubbed it was like a demon possessing my bike and I hit the dirt. The worst of it was that Dave who was behind me swerved and went down in the road and Chester hit him. I quickly got to my feet to get Dave off the road. He was still clipped in and stuck and took a nasty fall. I managed to get him out of the street but he was in pain having banged his knee and landing on his wrist. Chester is so light that he bounced to his feet uninjured. Dave is the Australian who we had dinner with last night. He is 69 and I wrote about him earlier about how interesting a person he was. When you fall the adrenilin hits....Bob was ahead and heard the commotion and came back. When I fell I hit my face, shoulder and the hip that I hurt in the fall in May...but the worst was my knee, with a good cut. I was more concerned with Dave who obviously had more severe wounds. I was cleaned up, my bike suffering the worst...bent the deraileur and bottom bracket? and bent the wheel. Bob and Berndt were able to get things sorted and I was able to ride to the lunch break where Bob straightened the wheel. Dave had to go to the hospital and unfortunately has broken his scafoid bone and now is sporting a cast. I feel terrible about this but when you ride in a pace line these things happen. I cut his meat during supper tonight...and I am sure he has other tasks that I will have to pay penance for over the next little while.
We are in Blind River. Bob and I as well as Iona and Len are being billeted with Bob and Anne Villeneaux, a beautiful home on the river. Bob is out for a swim while I write this. I opted to let my wounds heal before soaking them in a river. The community here is quite supportive as Warren Wiebe and his wife Sandy are on the tour and this is their home town. We arrived here around 5:30 to flags, people cheering us on and lovely showers at the new French High School. From there it was next door to the community centre for a lovely meal. We had a singer, Sandy ? Ross perform a lovely song for us and then our choir sang "This is Our Song For Canada"...we have only had two practices, so there were a few glitches, but it is coming. Mary, you will be glad to know that we are doing this wonderful song!! It can only get better.

Day 29, Sunday, July 30, 2006

R E S T DAY!!
It was nice to get up this morning, although it was only 6:30, and just leisurely do my own thing. There were only 8 of us staying at this church, so basically we had it to ourselves. The kitchen was equipped with food, so we made our own breakfast. We did have access to the computer and I could read my blog I could not post to it, or read any comments as the computer had a "block" on it. I was able to check my home e-mail and delete the 50+ junk mails and I could check Christopher's blog to see where he and Claudine are and how they are enjoying their vacation. I feel negligent that I haven't been in closer contact with my children or my parents....there just isn't enough hours in the day.

As I write this I am sitting outside the laundromat waiting for the wash (3 loads) to be done and then to the dryer. Bob is at the Pentecostal Church where the bikes are and he is going to clean them. I wasn't sure if he was going to church first? I wanted to find an Anglican Church as I felt I needed a touch of home. The singing and praise music with bands is ok, but I miss the comfort of a more regimented and reflective service. I am hoping to get downtown to the boardwalk and have our supper there. I need meat or chicken and potatoes. So far it has been: lasagne 20 times, roast beef 2, chicken 1, burgers the rest...oh how I long for seafood!!

The little Chinese lady at the laundromat is so pleasant and helpful. I have Ed's laundry as well. He joined us in Regina. It is overcast and looks like rain a good possibility. I regret that the group is seperated for the day off. We are back tonight for "choir practice".

I have now finished the laundry and am waiting for Dale to take us back to the Pentecostal church.

It is now a bit later. Bob is still working on the bikes. I found the kitchen and made us a bite to eat. We are going to take a bus downtown later and will take Sidney with us. It will be a treat to see some of this city.

Day 28, Saturday, July 29, 2006

Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie....226 km

WE DID IT!! The longest and hardest and the day I feared the most!! I actually had a great night's sleep and it is amazing how good you feel after a 6 hour night! I did wake up once as I heard someone on the floor above, walking about, but I fell back asleep. Woke up at 4:30, packed up and Bob and I helped the roadies organize some provisions for the day and I did the breakfast dishes for those who stayed and ate at our church. Then it was a mad dash to the other church to pump tires, clean and refill water bottles and head out.

It was a chilly morning and we needed arm and leg warmers and our nylon jackets. Great riding temperatures. I think we knew it was going to be a good day when the Lord provided a west wind and we did the first 10k in about 12 minutes!! We were riding with Bern again today. I think we may continue this routine for some time. We hadn't gone too far when the hills began....lots of climbing today and really steeper and much longer climbs. I was popping into granny gear almost immediately, but could get a good spin and rhythm going.

Today was a fantastic day for scenery. We hit the view of Lake Superior once again and followed it for the entire day. At times we were up high with great look off places. It is so vast and and it is like looking out at the Atlantic Ocean when you can see nothing but sea! Even with cloud cover it was a great sight. We cycled through Lake Superior Provincial Park and that was nice. Little lakes, marshes and swamps on both sides of the road. Last week going to Kenora it seemed like every car was towing a motor boat. Through this area the cars were carrying kyaks or canoes. I played the same game with myself and the odometer for today...turning it to the clock instead. I find it easier to watch the minutes pass rather than the miles. I knew that it was going to take about 12 hours in the saddle...so I would encourage myself each hour. We stop to take photos, or to refuel with fruit, energy bars etc. I don't know what is in the food that is causing us to be so gaseous, but man, look out! We could start a flatuence choir.

Becky, one of the young roadies is so enthusiastic and encouraging. She drives one of the support vehicles which hauls a trailor capable of carrying 20 bikes. There are three of these vehicles which also have a large sign on the back indicating that there is a bike tour ahead with cyclists on the road. I have come to the conclusion that most people do not read as they do not slow down. I do realize that the highway is for vehicles but we keep well to the side but the roads in some places are too narrow with no shoulder so we have to share. I firmly believe that some truckers are arrogant enough to like running us off the road! I figure these would be the ones that leave the discarded pop bottles filled with "waste" behind. There is a pattern when you see these on the roads edge and it is usually while climbing steep hills....I suppose that is when trucks are in lowest gear and going the slowest allowing driver to "do his business". Anyhow, back to Becky...the roadies travel along with the group stopping at different locations...Becky is always clowning around and dancing, standing on the roof, hollering and waving us on. You never know where to expect her! Yesterday while climbing a steep section cut through the rock I could hear this voice and there was Becky sitting on the cliff edge. Today as we went by a lovely section of Lake Superior, there she was...out on a rock in the middle of the inlet, standing and waving!! I admire her spunk and her maturity in the handling of her vehicle as she drives across this country.

We had one final hill about 15km before Sault Ste. Marie, and a killer it was. The worst of the trip...it took 18 minutes to get up. From then on clear sailing to our destination.

Day 27, Friday, July 28, 2006

Marathon to Wawa, 189.67 km

Last night was a frustrating one! Most of us were tired after the long hill climbing day. I actually enjoyed that but it was the frustration of where we would be accommodated. They were dividing the group among three churches and at dinner we were told who would be staying where. Of course you have the few individuals who are above the rules and have set up their bedding space when in essence they aren't supposed to be in that church. That created a shortfall of space...tempers flared and I was annoyed and extremely frustrated. It always seems that those who abide by the rules are at the back of the bus so to speak! Last at the table, last in line for everything. I am beginning to find this tour a bit of a "reality" show!! There are a few that I would love to vote off!! I guess my biggest complaint is one of the roadies who barks orders and quite frankly I am tired of being treated like a 3 year old. I am learning to ignore her. I actually went to bed in tears... having no place that I could be alone, or have peace and quiet. There were too many of us sharing floor space and my sleeping was interrupted all through the night with passer by's enroute to the bathrooms. Everytime they opened the door the light would shine out...and then someone's alarm went off at 3:45...so that was the end of my sleep. We got up at 4:30 and packed up. The group that stayed in the church were having breakfast here...afterwards we had to put the room back in order, tables and chairs stacked. We got gear loaded, and had some prayer. Len gave the talk and it was about forgiveness. His words were a good message; he spoke about the Group and how through the course of this journey how we would offend others and ourselves might get offended....and the reality of the moment...stress, fatigue etc. would cause this to occur...and to let it go, and forgive.

I will admit that I was so tired when I set off at 6:45 that I didn't think I would be able to stay awake on the bike. Bob and I hooked up with Bern again as he is a good engine and we can travel well together. Uli joined us as well. Both of them are of German descent so speak German to each other. Uli is 65, but doesn't look it. He is quite vain about his body. Bern is a sweetheart. He is 46 and like a big panda bear. He always knows the right time to give a hug or encouragement and I find that a special gift. The ride today wasn't anything like yesterday in hill climbing nor in beauty. The scenery was typical of any place in the Maritimes...lakes, trees, swamps and birds singing. We must be away from Lake superior as I cannot see it. There is a freshness in the air and this unique scent, which I cannot describe other than it reminds me of fresh laundry without the hidious scents of detergents. We had a quick stop for water by a lake where everything was calm and peaceful...the water was so still that you could see the reflections so vividly.

I had to play games with myself today to keep motivated. I turned the odometer off and switched it to clock....and watched the hours pass. We had lunch at Winnie the Pooh's home in White River where he was born. He was named Winnie after the owner's home town of Winnnipeg. After lunch you could really feel the heat from the scorching sun and the humidity was high. Luckily a headwind blew to cool things but it did slow us down. We had the usual problems with over anxious truckers who like to show they are King of the road and pass by so close that they force us into the dirt.

The good news is that I endured the 189 km day and arrived in Wawa without quitting, which I had felt like doing several times throughout the day. I do praise God as I knew he carried me through!! We are now bedding down in the United Church...supper was at the Catholic church. The group is divided at 4 places, which causes confusion!! Bob and I are on kitchen duty tonight and in the morning so we have to be with the food and facilities. Tomorrow is the longest ride of the trip...230km to Sault St. Marie. And then rest day. YAHOO!

Day 26, Thursday, July 27, 2006

Nipigon to Marathon 190.45 k. We have covered 3,346 km in 23 days of riding!

We went to bed last night at 9:15 and got the giggles as it was so early and there were sleeping bodies all over, and it was so light out. Obviously we were tired as we fell asleep shortly after our heads hit the pillow. I woke up and once again tried to check my watch..again the same time as last evening...it was 11:30 but I couldn't tell if it was 5:00 or 11:30. I opted for the later and proceeded to doze off and on, but felt rested. I felt good when we got up at 4:30 and we had breakfast at the church and were on the road by 6. I love that time of day...everthing is so still and peaceful. The air has a crispness which is pleasant. The sun is beginning to dawn....it seems late but we are further north than home. Bob and I have been riding with Bern (and I know that is not how to spell his name), Uli and Betty. We cycle along enjoying the beginnings of the day and it is so pleasant. The roads are 100% better than yesterday. We get in to lovely scenery soon out of Nipigon.

We are challenged almost immediately with a steep climb and we know there are more to come as our itinery shows that we will climb 61.3% of today's ride!! It isn't long before we hit our first look off and AT LAST LAKE SUPERIOR!! And Superior it is. Splendid. What a wonderful view. It reminds me of the ocean. At this point we are high above but during our ride we descend down to be level with it. It is amazing. Sandy bottom, with beach rock...like the ocean minus the salt and the salty smell. We hear birds singing and I am sure that I saw bear prints beside the road. I do know that I saw dung on the side of the road! We didn't have any mandatory breaks but stopped when I needed water or granola. I did ask for bread and peanut butter at one stop though.

Today's ride was probablly the most challenging for me, but I was feeling really good and strong. We climbed at least 5 hills that would be similar to North Mountain along the Cabot Trail and two like Cape Smokey. Riding today feels comfortable..the saddle sores aren't too bad as they are turning into calluses. I overheard Bill A, one of the senior riders, say that the only way his saddle sores will heal is when his Dr. surgically removes it at the end of the trip! We climbed some roads that were carved through rock, just like being in a tunnel. I did notice lots of debris along the road...why do pople throw garbage out of their cars to litter?? One of the most disturbing things is the amount of discarded plastic pop bottles that are filled with a yellow substance that isn't pop!.. I am assuming that these come from truckers not wanting to make a pit stop!! Disgusting...and let me tell you that I spotted several hundred!!! Amazing the things you see on bike that you wouldn't see by car.

We stopped in Terrace Bay at St. Martin's Catholic church for lunch. Scenery lovely. It got hot after lunch, but we had bit of headwind to cool us, and later some fog from Lake Superior. We arrived around 4:30 in Marathon...feeling quite proud. We still have two long days ahead and I look forward to Saturday and a day off in Sault St. Marie.

Day 25, Wednesday, July 26, 2006

We had wonderful accomodations last night at the Evangel Church in Thunder Bay. A very large complex and there was more than enough room. We turned out lights at 10 and I think I fell asleep immediately. The problem was that I woke up, in the darkness and pressed the light on my watch and I couldn't tell if it was 11:30 or ten to 5!! I dozed off and on but had the deepest sleep from 4:30 on....I didn't want to get up when 6:00 arrived. It was cloudy with some rain falling, but it wasn't heavy. We had breakfast and I felt tired, most likely due to the big push yesterday. The group is learning Lianne Klaussen's song, This is my Canada, which we sing prior departure each morning. We headed off and it took some time to get through Thunder Bay to the highway on the other side. We stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial; he was a committed young man to do 26 miles each day!! And to think I complain about a sore butt!!

We headed out again and at about the 30 km mark the roads became deplorable!! It was awful as the sides would break away to NO shoulder and we had to share with the traffic. This is THE MAIN road that connects east and west and to think that it is ONE WAY traffic is ridiculous. SHAME ON YOU ONTARIO!! SHAME, SHAME. Cycling became treacherous, difficult and tricky. The truckers were impatient, giving no room, passing by only inches from your side. We stopped for a morning break at the 45k mark. A lovely lady who runs the Esso and restaurant provided the snacks which was nice. At that point Bruce had decided that cycling was too dangerous and we began to load bikes on trailers when a trucker assured us that the roads got better, with wide shoulder. So, we set off on bikes once more. Well, I kept waiting for the improvement and obviously what the truckers see from their vantage IS NOT what we experience! We were pulled from the road at the 57 km mark as it was just too dangerous for a large group! The bikes were mounted to the trailers and we waited by the side of the road awaiting the shuttling of vans to take us to the lunch break site. It didn't take long before we began to sing. My the men have wonderful voices!! So talented. The large green aphids were landing on us. Our turn came and we were taken to the lunch spot, and it began to rain. It didn't last for long. It was decided that the bikes would remain on the trailers and we shuttle the remaining 25 km to Nipigon. Not something we wanted to do, but understandable.

The road from Thunder Bay to Nipigon is apparently one of the worst in the country. We are told that it gets better and let's hope so, for we have a 220 km day tomorrow. While we waited for pick up at the lunch stop Janice, Kim and I painted our toe nails. We arrived at the rink to shower and the group is divided between the Anglican, United and Catholic churches. Bob and I have found a room in the Anglican, St. Mary's, which is brand new. I will walk next door to see the old church. Speaking of Anglicans, there is Paul Abell doing this leg of the tour. He is from Thunder Bay and is friends of David and Edie Boyle...who are now at our church. Small world, heh!!. We just had a great dinner and I am stuffed. Bob did some bike maintenance while I hung wet clothes and semi organized the room.

I have to go and e-mail Aaron as it is his 25th birthday tomorrow!! My baby!!
Tried to make a few phone calls, but cell not working here. Good old Telus!

Day 24, Tuesday, July 25, 2006

ATIKOKAN TO THUNDER BAY, 213 KM

Well this morning was the dawning of a good day for me. The "hor(rid!)mones" must be back in sync and I felt good. Julian drove us to the church. Bob discovered he had left his watch and headed back for it only to find Julian at an intersection bringing it to us. He was a sweet, sweet man...like I have said prior, people are so generous and kind to us; they treat us like celebreties!

We had a good breakfast, sang our song and headed on the road by 6:45, a tad behind schedule. THE SUN WAS SHINING AND YOU COULD TELL IT WAS GOING TO BE A HOT ONE WHEN it was 25 degrees at 8:30! There were a few good climbs getting on the highway so we quickly warmed up. Everyone was conscious of the long day ahead and tended to buddy up to help each other out. I will admit that the mood in the group is back to the normal, and fun. Perhaps everyone was suffering from "hormonal imbalance" the other day..or just stricken with heat fatigue. Bob and I cycled with Bern and Betty and soon there were a few more added to our train. Reg got a bee under his glasses and it stung him. His eye swelled shut. Luckily at our first rest stop 50 km) he found an icepack.

The scenery was lovely with lakes on both sides of the road. Green and trees, and still water with a slight heat fog...like an aura. It was still and peaceful and at one point I heard a bird call that reminded me of the "Hinderland Who's who" vignette that used to be on the tv showing various nature clips. I expected the voice to cut in... I also saw many inustooks (sp?) in various stages. The cutest one in the middle of nowhere sported a hockey helmet and stick!

What is it with Ontario? In any other province you get a Provincial sign as you enter that province...not here. They like to show how "big" they are and have signs saying Ontario every so many miles...like, where else would we be??! And their moose signs show this raging, charging moose...in attack mode. About 30 miles out we came to the Atlantic Watershed sign. Stopped to take photo. From this point, all rivers and streams flow towards the Atlantic. We were fortunate to have a headwind all day. It cooled us from the searing sun. Mind you, it made for a more difficult ride, but in the paceline it was ok. This group travels well above the 24 kph that was supposed to be. Bob and I have had to work hard to keep up, but our conditioning has improved. Today there were quite a few hills, which we love. We seemed to fly up them! Our lunch was at the 100 km mark. We ran into 2 female cyclists travelling with panner bags. They were from Quebec and did the Atlantic provinces first and flew to Vancouver from St. John's and were headed back to Quebec. We have met and passed members of The Tour du Canada.

The ride this afternoon seemed long, but I kept positive. My butt seems less painful, but not pain free. The blossom on lip still in bloossom. Bob broke a spoke about 35 km from the finish. He raced ahead once he did makeshift repairs as he went into Thunder Bay for a new rim. I am doing this from our room and Neil is asleep with lights on. We showered at Lakehead U. Bob missed that and dinner. We need to set up our beds soon as people want to get to bed. Tomorrow is a short run, only 114 km.

Day 23, Monday, July 24, 2006

FORT FRANCES TO ATIKOKAN 148.45 KM
My disposition from yesterday seemed to loom over the break of the new day. I blame it on hormonal imbalance...PMS week! Oh the joys. Pastor Sandy was very nice and made us coffee. Our driver arrived to get us back to the church and we were late. Upon arrival the roadies were flinging orders about getting our bags into the cube truck....they have no understanding that it IS NOT our fault that we are late. That was not a great start to the day and I hate being barked at like I am 3! This is an extremely difficult week and WE all are under stress. THe high mileage that we have to travel this week has changed the tempo, mode and the fun of the ride.

Today was better riding although it took a bit to get going this morning. The zinc ointment that Bob is using on his face now adorns my butt, which felt a tad better today. I could see Bob wriggling around in his saddle so I would summize that he is sore too! We are at 2950 km...in 20 riding days, so I guess there has to be some impact on the body! Not to mention the bike...mine has bee acting up, it clinks, clinks when I shift to the middle and top ring in front and the two highest gears on the back. Those gears are needed desperately for the riding conditions we are doing. Bob has been able to adjust it for me, but today it was bad. I am considering chucking it off Signal Hill when we get to Newfoundland.

Back to the ride today...there was a big bass tournament taking place in Fort Frances. I believe it is Rainy River that divides Canada from Minnisota directly across. There are 2 pulp mills, sister companies located directly across from each other, one American and the other Canadian. Great water ways and lots of expensive boats passing by. It was a lovely sunny day and the scenery interesting as we crossed bridges getting out of town. Fairly decent roads with rolling hills. As it was only a 148 km day we were not in a rush, which pleased me. Mind you when we stopped at 70 km for lunch the sun was good and hot, over 30 degrees. I actually got under the tents that we set up for lunch and I dozed while the riders went through the lunch line..figured it not necessary to line up and to wait. There was a good talk and prayer regarding the "evil" and misgivings with the emphasis on us being a "team"..., and the purpose of the trip...and build forward from here. I guess the stress of the week is evident! Please keep us in your thoughts as we head to Thunder Bay in the morning. It will be a 230 km day.

As I write this, I am sitting in the basement of The Church of the Good Shephed Anglican Church (Atikokan) where we are having dinner. There is a line up, so I'll blog until it clears. We will be going to billets overnight, which is a worry seeing we have to be up at 4. The cold sore on my lip has not healed. I guess my body is using all of the energy to cycle and there is nothing left for healing.

I am now at our billet's home, Julian Habinski. He is a sweet man (85) who is happy to host us as he believes strongly in the cause. He has just provided us with chips and pop. His daughter, Janice, is visiting with us now as well and conversation is fun. We have been blessed with wonderful billets! Carol and Ron Freeman are with us too. We are waiting for the dryer to finish drying our clothes.

Sunday, July 23.....Day 22

We had a late dinner last night, and didn't finish until almost 9. I was getting tired, so headed to room to pack up and organize gear for the week. I did a few e-mails and then bedded down. I was awake through the night....must have been the late tea?? Then afraid of oversleeping. As it was, we were late rushing breakfast. we said our goodbyes to Mary Jo and Norm drove us back to the church. It was a quick pack up, loading gear and checking tire pressure. We had a little devotion and then were on the road by 6:45. It was a greyish morning, we had some rain before we left Norm's place...but it was peaceful and very pleasant for riding. The scenery was great as we passed so many places where the lake crossed from side to side, some just marsh area, more lake areas...really neat. There were good rolling hills which I love and although we had some head winds, it was a nice ride. We passed a pretty spot, resort sort of in Sioux (something??...forget the last part). We stopped for lunch in Nestor Falls where the United church provided a lovely lunch. This was at the 114 km mark. Back on the bikes, but the weather had gotton very hot and I was feeling very warm...you could feel the heat coming off the pavement. I was sweating and having more "short" issues. It was hard to get comfortable. I just wanted to nap and was hurrying along to the next rest break at 175 km so I could catch a 10 minute zizz. I feared falling asleep at the wheel. The drive through Finland was rather boring. The scenery had changed as we got away from the lakes. Roads flat and with inclines and you could see 8 miles ahead, I'm sure!! It was not fun. I managed to keep drinking but the water was now as hot as tea. When we finally got to Emo for a break it was at the 186 km mark, and almost 40 degrees out. No wonder I was so hot. High humidity as well, which really zapped my energy and spirits. It really was a tough slog. Back on the bikes for the final 40 km into Fort Frances. I was struggling to keep up with the pace line, so told Bob to ride ahead with the others. I had no energy left but tried to keep a good pace, knowing it was going to be over an hour before I reached the destination. I had a little cry now and then....wondering "what am I doing out here!!" Then of course, Murphy's Law strikes and I flatted at the 200 km mark. Luckily Jason came along to assist and I was back on the road in 6 minutes. We were sweaty, hot and I was getting cranky. Once we arrived in Fort Frances we discovered we were staying on the other side, so another 6 km to go. Just what you wanted to hear!! Arrived at the Victory Church where I cleaned up. I was exhausted and grumpy....look out. Bob and I are now at Pastor Sandy's apt. She offered to put us up for the night, which is delightful. The sleeping arrangements back at the church were a bit cramped. I am hoping that a good night's sleep may refresh and rejuvenate my body and spirit. Today was a tough 218 km ride. We have an easier day tomorrow with only 154 km to go. It will seem like a little training run.

Day 21, Saturday, July 22/06

WOW! Rest day, and what a terrific day it has been thus far! After the service last night, we anxiously awaited the calling of our names to be matched with our billet family. It is sort of like a lottery....and then if you are one of the last to be called, it can seem like the old days on the school playground, where you are the last chosen for a team! Man, did we luck out. Our host family, Norman and Mary Jo(an) Fanthorpe are so much like my parents that it is uncanny! Norman arrives out front in his new Lincoln...I felt like I was being chauffered, which in essence I was. We drive back out of the city to a house cottage RIGHT ON THE LAKE! (Lake of the Woods). It was 9:40 before we got there and once inside the lovely place discovered that Norm is an artist! So I had to explore all of the paintings that he has in his collection (most of other artists). I had a shower and Mary Jo made us toast and tea before we went to bed. It was a peaceful sleep and we could hear the loons on the lake. Woke up early but stayed in bed til 7:30 and then wrote my journal and blog.

Norm and Mary Jo made us bacon and eggs and waited on us. Norm drove Bob and I to the church so we could maintenance on our bikes and clean them for the next leg...which is going to be tough as we have three days of over 200 km per day. Norm came back and waited patiently for us to finish. Mary Jo kindly did our laundry! How am I ever going to learn to do these things for myself when this ride ends??? We went back to their place to sit and veg, swim and relax! The water is lovely and warm. Scenery on thelake glorious. There are thousands and thousands of islands in Lake Of the Woods. It is one huge body of water that stretches for ever. Norm took us for a lovely boat ride. This is definitely cottage country...but big cottages like mansions! All have garages down on the water, with a quay underneath with a carved out area for the boat to fit and then a mechanical device to haul the boat up and out of the water. This is how they leave them. Presently Norm is bbqing a chicken on a Keith's beer can for dinner.

They are remarkable people. Both were widowed and they met singing in a choir in Florida..a church choir. Norm is 84. They live in Kenora four months of the year and Victoria for 8 months. They intend to sell this wonderful spot next June as the upkeep is too much for them. They will then move permanently to Victoria. Norm is having to adjust to making the final decision. He has owned the place since 1962.
Oh yes I saw a beaver swimming by the dock last night as I was checking out the place. Kenora is a neat place....it will be hard to leave!! Especially seeing we will be on the road by 6 am.

To all of you who have been e-mailing me, thanks for keeping in touch. I love hearing from you and do hope to find time to respond.

Looks like the winds have shifted here on the dock.. oh crap, a raindrop. Suppose I should drag my lazy butt to help with dinner. The gin and tonic was great!

Day 20, Friday, July 21/06

Woke up at 4 having had a good sleep. Dozed off and on and finally got up at 5:15. Quietly packed up and out to kitchen, waiting. Gloria had made a "strata" for us for breakfast and Justin was supposed to get up and put it in the oven for us. I am assuming that he overslept because it wasn't cooked and we couldn't wait. He drove us back to the church and we were on the bikes and hit the road at 6:30.

Beautiful suuny day with little or no westerly winds. The roads in Manitoba are flat, flatter than in Ssskatchewan. We stopped at the longitudinal halfway marker of Canada for a photo before going on to our first break at Richer. I found the van with my daybag so was able to find a phone to send yesterday's blog. From Richer it was on the road....and man what ugly roads! No shoulder and extremely rough. NASTY. I had been having an issue with my shorts today, just not comfortable. Well they were deeply implanted by the time we finished the 25 km of rough section for our lunch break in Prawda. People of that community had a big sign out to welcome us! Fun. The road improved and we got in a pack of 8 and pacelined at 32 km an hour for the next 1 1/2 hours!! I have an odometer on my bike which also tracks average speed from mile 0. This includes our 7 days in BC through the mountains as well and we are at 27.25 km for the trip. Mind you the wonderful west winds have permitted that!! It will drop significantly as we encounter bad weather and hills. We saw the scenery change from flat and farmland as more and trees come into view. By the time we stop for our final break the terrain is much like home in NB. We leave West Hawk Lake where we had a rest stop catered by a church. I had homemade gingerbread cookies and a cold can of rootbeer...which Bob advised against as he figured I would get a short sugar rush and then bonk. Not so, I took off like a bullet and was able to fly. We were able to don our safety vests which were required while cycling in Manitoba.

We hit the Ontario welcome sign and stopped for photos. Yes, ONTARIO!! I still have a hard time realizing that I am actually cycling across this wonderful country and have completed 4 provinces!! Mind you my derriere feels it!! We are in cottage country now and the traffic extremely heavy as it is Friday afternoon and people heading to their cottages. We are anxious to hit Kenora.

I had been commenting to Bob how perfect the weather was for cycling. As we near Kenora, one of our roadies is diverting us to highway 1A... and we see thick storm clouds ahead. We turn in to a terrble head wind and the the temperature dropped, quickly. Then the heavy rain began. I was cold...and we pedalled for what seemed like forever before we hit the turnoff for Kenora...still lots of cycling until we hit Lakeside Baptit Church, cold, wet but thankful to have arrived safely, 216.45 km covered. We changed into warm clothing and had a great meal, so were warm and pleasantly sufficed. As ths was the end of leg 3, we will say goodbye to Craig, who was so livey and bubbly, Val and Sue - mother and daughter and extremely strong riders, Francine, Patricia, Dennis and Joan who rode the tandem. There was a service and then we were assigned to our billets. I will tell you how amazing this is in my next blog!! A great place for our rest day!!

Day 19, Thursday, July 20/06

Had a good night's sleep. We had Trevor's room, poor kids all lost their bedrooms to us cyclists. The Plett's home was large and very spacious. We all felt so comfortable with them and to be part of their family for the night.

I checked my pocketmail to discover e-mails from: Margret, Bev, Joyce, Diane, Mom, Trevor, Joanne, Wendy and Tina. It was wonderful to hear from everyone and I was rather rude to be reading the messages at the breakfast table...but it was the only opportunity that I had.

My sister had surgery the other day so hopefully she is now home, recuperating and not in pain or discomfort. On a sad note Tina informed me that her grammie had passed away. I was sorry to hear that. Tina and her sister spent time going through old photographs to do a memory board. I am sure that through that they could find some peace and comfort as they relived the memories. Also on a sad note, Bev informed me that it was not good news about Peter's dad, Harold. He is very ill and very weak and they are spending their time with him in the hospital. I felt very sad during the ride today, thinking about their family and how they all must be feeling, and how difficult this time is for for them. Joyce informed me that she and Don would be on the same ferry crossing to Newfoundland as us. Great news. Thank you all for the encouraging words and I hope to find time to respond to you all.

Heather provided a great breakfast and then drove us to the church. She took us by the McCain plant along the way. We said our farewells and were on on the road by 9:15. Weather sunny and beautiful.

Our first rest stop was Oakville where the United Church gave us snacks. This is the town where our current priest, George EVes, had his first parish. I got to meet one of his former parishioner, Marie Dunn, who took us to the Anglican CHurch so we could take some pictures. Marie said that George was such an encouraging person who asked her to be a Layreader and spent a good year teaching her. She eagerly showed us her Layreader's license which is hanging in the foyer. Ironically the church is St. Luke's! Mind you it is a new church, built in 2000...on the same site as the older one.

We had another stop for lunch in Elie, at the Legion. The scenery today was interesting. Fields of potatoes, canola, flax and golden wheat. We had one final stop for PR at St. Francois Xavier. I did not have anything to eat as I was still stuffed from lunch. I needed to have a quick shut eye so napped in the shade. From here it was skirting around the perimeter of Winnipeg...trying to avoid construction. I do know that we crossed the Assinaboine River at least 5 times today! I am hoping that it was the river that was bending and winding and not us. We arrived at Heritage Park to regroup before cycling together to South Side Bible church for dinner. I called Mary Hawkins and we chatted briefly but I had a bad connection and eventually was disconnected.

Bob and I are being billeted with Pastor Larry and his wife Gloria and I believe it is in the South end...something that begins with a St. (and not Bonidice). Their phone is not working so I can't send the blog tonight... I did try to call Sarah Jane Eves on a cell, but her line was busy. It is 11 pm. We cycled 116 km today. Tomorrow is 230 km to Kenora!

Day 18, Wednesday July 19/06

Wow...I had a nightmare last night. I dreamed that I was cycling across Canada, and then I woke up to reality in a nice comfortable bed. I had the best night's sleep so far of the trip. I asked my host family, Carol and Jim Wood if they would adopt me, as I felt that I could stay put!! They were a very nice couple and treated us like royalty. Brandon was a great city and all of the cyclists raved about being so kindly treated by their hosts. Jim was telling us that Manitoba was a great producer of potatoes...almost up there with PEI in production. We are now in Portage La Prairie and across the street and field from us is a McCain potato plant!!! Just like being home.
Carole drove Bob and I back to the Calvary Temple to begin the morning's ride. We all were refreshed and headed off for a nice daily ride. We had 4 different church and community groups that were going to host by serving snacks and lunch. Our first stop was only 25 km out of Brandon at a place called Douglas. It was a PR day for all of us and we were relaxed and mingled with the people of the community. It was a glorious sunny day with a west wind!! From Douglas it was another 40 km to our next stop in Carberry. It was a lovely place. There were 4 different churches who provided a lovely lunch. People were again so friendly and happy to see us. It is a pleasure to be received in such a manner. The minister of the United Church, where we ate, was Rev. Patricia Reid and she was from Moncton!! Small world!! Back on the bikes to our next rest stop at McGregor where the community provided snacks. The cold water was refreshing and I had a cherry popsicle to sooth my blossoming cold sore. It actually is getting better, but it has been painful. From McGregor it was a 39 km ride into Portage La Prairie. I was feeling the effects of the heat, but it was a quick ride....the roads in Manitoba for the main part are good, but all of a sudden the shoulder disappears and there is nothing but the white line on the side and then the shoulder drops directly to the dirt. Can be scarey.
We arrived at the Church of the Good Shepherd to park our bikes and to have a wonderful BBQ dinner with lots of salads. We got to meet our hosts, my adoptive parents for the night. They are Abe and Heather Plett. It is wonderful to be at their home. They have 3 teenage kids....brings back some great memories. We arrived to blaring music and the two boys and a friend are having band practice in the basement. The house is large and there are three couples staying here. Len and Iona Baichu from Saskatoon, Dennis and Joan Hack from Rocanville Saskatchewan. Dennis and Joan drive a tandem and they joined the tour in Caronport and will travel with us to Kenora. Dennis has cycled Canada back in the 90's.
The scenery in Manitoba is lovely, green and trees...looks like many places in New Brunswick. The roads are nice and flat. It was nice to have such a good day to make up for our "humbling" experience of yesterday.
For those who are leaving comments on the blog, I love hearing from you. I can only get the comments off when I get to a computer which is twice a week. For those of you who leave e-mails, I intend to respond....just a matter of timing. So, be patient. Today our ride was 144.84 km. A pleasant little jaunt. Tomorrow is another short day into Winnipeg. I hope to make contact with Mary Hawkins, Sarah Eves...but it will depend on where we end up.
If anyone remembers me talking about Neil, who injured himself almost two weeks ago when he did an endo while riding behind me....he was trying to snap and photo and ride at the same time. Anyhow, he cycled for two days and then was checked at the hospital in Canmore to discover a broken collar bone. Yesterday Jack rubbed a tire and went down. He may have a hairline fracture of his wrist. Today in the few gusts of strong side winds, Steve rubbed a tire and went down. He was treated in the hospital in Portage and has some stitches, but nothing broken. We have been quite lucky with injuries, considering the size of the group and the conditions which we ride.
We are being fed well. I am learning to retreat from the food...and I weighed myself at Carol's this morning and discovered I was up a few pounds. So, I join Randy. Rod, who was also billeted last night with us also gained a few pounds.
This whole ride is an adventure, in every way. I consider it a job...8 hours on the bike a day. I LOOK FORWARD to my day off, which will begin on Friday night when we hit Kenora. It will be a long day of 245 km. Please pray for a western wind!! Or none at all.
Tomorrow it will be Winnipeg and someone told me that geographically it is halfway across the country.....mileage wise, not so. We have over 2200 km done so far. May be time to check for worn tires.

Day 17, Tuesday July 18/06 TROUBLESOME TUESDAY

Hit the hay around 9:30 last night as I was wiped. I managed to get the blog for yesterday sent, but it was late and I didn't have chance to read all of the e-mails that came in. Did read Deb's., but will do mom's and Judy Leclue's later. Anyhow, it was so peaceful and fresh sleeping outside UNTIL the lightning and thunder started around 1:30. Having lived in Saskatchewan prior, we know how the storms can circle around. At 2, everyone started moving indoors. I drug in my sleeping bag and air mattress only to take them back out and Bob and I braved the rest of the night...or little of it. By 3:30 we were packing up in the dark as fear of an onslaught of rain was eminient. Ever try packing in the dark!!?? So, our day started very early. We had the truck loaded and had to don our rain gear as we cycled to the legion for a great breakfast. The people in Grenfell were fabulous. We were held up a bit as the lightning was still flashing. On the road just after 6. When we turned east W O W. Our good fortune with weather came to an abrupt halt. The winds, oh..the winds. Strong 30 -40 gusts in your face. Flashes of lightening would still appear as well. Oh, I was hurting after 5 minutes in the saddle. Wondering, Oh my....how are we to do 243 km in this??? You learn to buddy up real quick and draft off each other. It was an effort to get to 20 km an hour. I stuck with 4 riders to the first break and then searched for Bob. Sidney told me that he saw him pass, so I headed off by myself. I needed the time to myself to reflect. The skies were clearing and the rays coming out of the clouds were heavenly. However, the wind did not let up any. I cycled for 35 km by myself...would play little exercise tricks pedalling, spinning and then getting out of the saddle to hammer for a bit. I came to the mandatory rest stop and waited for Bob. He, Kim and I took off as there was news that they were going to pull everyone and put the bikes on the trailors as we were expected in Moosomin at St. Albans, an Anglican church for lunch. (10:00) As it was we were already late. We hurried along and I thought I was going to die...trying to keep pace with them as they ride at a quicker level. I did hang on, not seeing much of the countryside as I was intent on hanging on to the wheel in front. It was not a pleasant ride. The lunch spot was 93 km from our start in the morning....we made it 84 km before the van hauled us over. It was disappointing, but we understood that this ride is a "team" and the decisions are for the team. There were some riders who didn't make it past the 20 km break and we were fortunate to get to 84. As I went to get in the van, feeling disappointement, I couldn't help but laugh when the door opened and inside were Betty and Carol....two fast riders who had flatted and were picked up before us. We all just laughed at that point. We arrived at the church to have lunch, which was nice. Bruce (tour organizer) had made a decison to hire a bus to take us another 80 km as we knew that we could never make the destination in such winds this day. Some were disappointed, but I feel that it was meant to be. I certainly sawed a few logs on the bus...we did stop at the Manitoba border for photos first (trying to hide the bus!!) We were let out about 45 km west of Brandon, where another community group provided another rest. It was welcome, the cold drinks as it was 31 degrees...still with the strong winds, which seemed to be switching. After a 45 minute stop we were back on the bikes for the final ride to the city. I certainly was hurting...saddle sores, heat and just fatique from the morning push. We were greeted at the Calvary Temple to a wonderful roast beef dinner, and then a nice church service. We all are being billeted all through our trek in Manitboa. Bob and I along with Rod and Carol are billeted with Carol and Jim Woods. I am having a beer while I write this, and will sign off now, not to be rude to the hosts as I want to speak with them. I did cycle 108 km today and tomorrow will be a short day of 106, so hopefully we will relax and enjoy the countryside as we motor. Today was an experience that is for sure. Unless anyone has experienced a prairie wind, it compares to nothing we have ever experienced before.

Day 15 & 16 - Sun & Mon, July 16-17

Yesterday was a rest day. I had a fairly decent sleep on a "real" bed, although I was awake and up early. Bob went to clean the bikes afterbreakfast. He did't finish before church, so after te service he continued. I noticed that my front tire was low, so we decided to pump it up and check on it early evning. Once bikes were cleaned we went to Moose Jaw with Don and Louise. We were headed for the Mineral Spa and were parking the car when I noticed quilts hanging in the park! Amazing! We strolled through the park admiring some wonderful quilts hanging; it was really neat! I did notice that most were machine quilted, and were done nicely although I found that the quilting pattern on all seemed the same. In my opinion...and this is only MY opinion, I feel that the overall quilting takes away from some of the pieced blocks. There were two beautifully hand quilted pieces which were superb. One of my favourites was a double wedding ring.

From the park we went to the mineral spa, which was neat. I found the water too warm though. I soaked my muscles under the jets. I did have to get out for a spell to cool off and enjoy some ice water. We stayed for an hour and then went down to the restaurant for nachos and beer. Refreshing! We then tried to fnd a place to have supper but ended up at the church to join with our group for dinner. Lasagne, again! Back home by 7:15 to discover my tire going low again. Bob changed it and in the process found a small piece of wire that worked its way inside the tire and punctured the tube. I was in bed by 9.

We had a 4:00 wake up. Much too early and I felt like going back to bed after breakfast, The sun was shining and we we were on the road at 6, enroute to Grenfell...220 km away. The cycling was good, scenery beautiful. We passed two large potash mines outside of Regina. We arrived in Regina at 10 for "lunch", as we were approaching the city camera and van from CTV were filming us and they followed us to the church.

Louise and Don were heading back home after spending a week on the road with the group. It was wonderful to see them again and to spend some time together. It is Louise's 65 Birthday on July 20 and there is a large party planned for her. Happy Birthday Louise!

It was back on the road after our lunch. We made it through Regina and back to the highway with the sun hotter. We travelled in a pack of 8 riders for 120 km or so as it is the most efficient way to cycle. Pedalling seems easier too. We arrived in Grenfell, 219.45 km done today, at 4:45. It was a tiring day.

We are to sleep in the rink but I felt it musty and dusty so we are spending the night sleeping in one of the group's lunch shelter, netted in, under the stars. Grenfell seems a nice community. The people provided a great supper...roast beef, mashed potatos, gravy, coleslaw, bean salad, Yummy!

I am beat, coldsore is SORE! We have another 243 km km day tomorrow. Heading to Brandon. Wake up at 4! GOOD NIGHT

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - I am Jean, a good friend of Jill's ... here is the way the posting of her blog works .... Jill does her write up on a 'pocketmail' computer, a small hand machine that sends messages through the phone line. I receive them in the form of an email ... and then I post them to her page. Due to the different time zones, and the time Jill sends me her email, it may be the next day before I get her write up on her blog. So if you wonder how she can be posting a blog and biking down the road, remember its me helping at this end. Whenever Jill has a chance to use the Internet, she checks your comments, so she does read them and says they are a great support and a joy to get, so keep 'em coming.

Day 14, Sat. JULY 15/06

I had a decent sleep although had to get up twice through the night. I guess I am hydrating well during the day. I usually go through 6-7 water bottles on the ride.

We were up at 6, packed up and had a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs, scones, ham, muffins, all kinds of fresh fruit. I am doing better of limiting portions. They say it usually takes about 2 weeks for your body to adjust to the riding and intake of food. I know see that process happening as I am not as hungry. When one of the groups went to have a shower yesterday at the billeted homes they had an opportunity to weigh themselves. All had lost weight with the exception of Randy. I will admit that we should never judge a book by it's cover! Randy is a large man, 270 pounds. At first glance you wouldn't think he could get on a bike let alone cycle. Well he is from Smithers, BC and can buzz along with the best of them. Mind you he isn't too swift on the climbs!

Another glorious day for cycling. Bright blue sunny skies. There appeared to be a bit of a cross wind, but not too bad in your face. Started off just after 8. I cycled on my own for over an hour. It was so peaceful and beautiful, my time to be alone with God. I have not heard any news or read a paper in over 15 days and that suits me fine. I feel that we are sheltered within our own litle cocoon.
The pasture and fields surround me and the sun dances on the deep blue water in the ponds, it shimmers. The blue hue of the flax crops is beautiful, striking contrast to the yellow canola crops beside. I want to tell you that Saskatcewan is NOT flat. Between yesterday and today I have climbed 18 gradual hills, for those who know the Gondola Point area, it would be like the climb up the arterial from Meenan's Cove. Only difference here is that there are NO downhill when you get to the crest!

We stop for our first break at Hebert at the 50 km mark. It is just before 10 and is already 30 degrees. There is a lake, Reed Lake, which runs along beside the road. There are all kinds of birds: killdeer, American Avocet. I catch up with Chester and we cycle and talk together as the roads are in good shape with a wide shoulder. It was interesting to learn about his life. The scenery again changes and we see lots of sodium sulphate which looks like snow. Very unique and a contrast to the green fields.

We stop in Chaplain for lunch which the kind people of the community prepared for us. It was very hot and we took cover in what shade we could find. Back on the road for the final 60 km to Caronport. I am still intrigued with the trains and the number of them which I can see in the landscape. At one point there is one travelling beside me and I got a nice 'toot,toot'. There were 3 engines hauling 119 cars!

We arrived in Caronport at 3, having only covered 154 km today. We are staying at Briercrest Bible College so have REAL beds tonight!

Don and Louise took us to dinner in Moose Jaw to Hopkins House which was super. I had a prime rib dinner. Scrumptous! Also 2 Ricker's Red. Nice and cold. They went down tooo quick. After dinner we drove to DOG RIVER, to the set of Corner Gas! Great fun. Thanks Don and Louise for a wonderful evening!

I have met a neat gal from Edmonton, Kim Chaisson, who knows Nadine Miekle, an old friend of my sister. Small world, eh.

Day 13, Friday, July 14/06

Marcus picked Bob and I up at 4:30 and we drove to meet Evelyn, who was working at "Connie's" boutique. She is a very nice person and gave me a lovely bracelet, a momento for our visit to Medicine Hat. She was working until 7 so we went to their home and Marcus showed us around. They have a beautiful place, very nicely decorated. It overlooks a "coolie" which is sort of akin to having "waterfront" property! We helped Marcus prepare dinner: salmon, fresh potatoes and onions from Evelyn's garden, all done on the BBQ. YUMMY. I also had two Korona and later a coffee. We took a brief stroll along a path overlooking thee coolies before Marcus drove us bac to the church at 9;15. It was a lovely evening and nice to get away from the group for a change of pace.

I arrived back in time to change, share in prayer and then I snuck to the bathroom to do my journal, which I also keep besides the blog. Joan Lawrence had given me the journal last September, specifically for the trip. I got back to the room the ladies were sharing by 9:40. It was lights out as we face a 4:30 rising in the morning. I fell asleep but woke up after midnight due to the consumed beer. Now that was an experience, trying to find my way to the loo in the pitch black without walking on a sleeping body. I took baby steps and tried to feel along the wall. Fortunately I didn't trip or walk on anyone!

We got up at 4:30 and packed up. Breakfast was at 5 but Bob stopped to help Betty fix a flat, so we were late to eat. The sunrise was amazing. We were on the road by 6, heading to Swift Current. God blessed us with sunny and blue skies and a WEST wind. yahoo. The trip today was pleasant as we cruised along with little effort. Very enjoyable as we chatted with different groups of cyclists. We enjoyed seeing swainson (sp?) hawks, plentiful here, as well as seeing 6 antelope, very unique. We watched a train traveling along the pastureland in the horizon.

Our first rest stop was at the Saskatchewan border sign. YEs, we have cycled two provinces and are in Saskatchewan. The sun is getting hotter, the sky a marvellous blue with wispy clouds. The countryside exxtends forever, in all directions. Wonderful! We have our lunch at 10:30 at about the 100 km. After a good fueling, back in the saddle until another rest stop...and then on to our second lunch at the 170 km. !

The sun was hot and we got our lunch and looked for the shade. Back on the bikes for the final 50 km. I began to get sluggish around the 200 km mark, but regrouped and we arrived at Trailview Alliance Church at 4:15 or so. It was 30 degrees and we covered 220 km today. I got a bit of a burn and my lips are dry. My tongue still feels like it is stuck to the roof of my mouth. We were met by a couple named Helena and Ben who took 4 of us: Bob, me,Jason and Graham home to their house to shower, Really nice! Helena provided us with a lovely ice cold drink. Back to the church for a great spaghetti dinner.

For info: Chester, our senior 75 year old rider, went buzzing by us by us at 42 kph! HE truly is amazing!

Day 12, Thursday, July 13/06

I had the best night's sleep last night, but actually had fallen asleep after sending a few e-mails..it was only after 9 and I fell asleep on the floor... someone woke me up at 10 to get ready for bed and I stumbled down the hall like a zombie. Washed my face and brushed teeth and back to bed. The room was nice and cool and dark and other than a few bodily sounds emitting from John, it was rather quiet. I did get up at 6, having had enough sleep. I did a few e-mails and then packed up. Had shreddies, yum yum, eggs, yogurt, juice and banana.

It was a relaxing morning, we were not rushed, so we didn't head off until 9. God again was with us, providing a west wind. The trip to Medicine Hat was 115 km. The sun was shining and it was warm (HITTING 33 degrees by the time we got to Medicine Hat). The cruise along at 33 kph was peaceful. I seemed a bit anxious today riding...trying to push to get to our destination. The highways are great, smooth with wide shoulders.

We stopped for a break at the 50 km mark. There was a sign telling about the discovery of natural gas, back in 1885 when the CP was digging for water and discovered natural gas! When we hit the road again the shoulder was no longer smooth, but became like the chip seal that we are used to back home. Bob complained for the next 30 km about it. We hit Medicine Hat before 1 and had lunch outside the the tourist centre. I took advantage of the complimentary internet to check e-mail on my home computer. After lunch we moved to the gigantic tee pee for pictures and then cycled to the church where we will stay.

I am bunking in the ladies room tonight. I have just cleaned up in the sink and am waiting for an old friend, Marc Coneys, to pick us up.

Interesting sights for the day: pasture land, oil wells, bulls, hay bails...smell of hay and sweet clover. There were loose cattle on the road but were herded by the time we passed the area.

Total for today 115 km. Tomorrow is a big one...234 km to Swift Current. We will be in bed early tonight!

DAY 11, Wednesday, July 12

I think I had a fairly decent sleep last night, finally. Got up at 5 and packed up. Breakfast at 6. We are learning some interesting concoctions to go with our gruel. Like peanut butter and yogurt mixed in with it, along with banana. I find it hard to eat such a big breakfast so early in the day, but I know that I have to, so force it down.

We had a bus take us to the otherside of CALGARY..had we not, I'm sure we would still be battling the traffic to get out of the city. We set off from 22 Street at around 8:15 and our destination was Brooks. The highways in Alberta are super. Very wide shoulders and great pavement. The traffic seem to give us a wide berth and are most considerate, especially the truckers...quite the contrast from our experiences in British Columbia.

This morning it doesn't long to get away from development and we are in the country. The road is straight and you can see it up ahead for miles and miles. The Lord has blessed us with a west wind! We move along at a great pace of 32 kpm for what seems like forever. The fields are a lovely colour with canola in bloom, but the thing I enjoyed the most was the lovely smell of clover...it was so sweet and pleasant smelling and it followed us the entire trip. Today was a long ride, 174.45 km and at times the wind shifted and was in our face, but not too bad. There are no houses along the #1 highway, and after a while you get quite bored of seeing "nothing". Bob did get a lovely picture of an old farm shed, in the middle of a canola field, surrounded by green grass on the perimeter and the blue sky and white clouds. Quite unique.

The roadies provided lunch at about the 90 km. It is always good and I usually eat too much, which makes it hard to get going once again.

I ended up riding without Bob as he had stopped to take some pictures and then he busted a spoke, so had to do makeshift repairs. I did meet up with him at the rest stop. He has since had the spoke replaced once we arrived at Victory church where we are staying, in Brooks, Alberta. We arrived here shortly after 4 having joined a pack of 8 other riders and we did the final 25 km at 34 kph. The church is big and we all race to claim a sleeping spot. We found a small room but gave it to Don and Louise and we moved into the Board Room with John and Sandy.

For my church family at St. Luke's, you may remember Don and Louise as they came to church one Sunday when they were visiting us. I first met them when we lived in Saskatoon and Don was the priest at Holy Trinity, the church we attended.

I got an e mail from Angela to say my my glasses were ready and she wanted
to know where to send them. That is a problem because I don't know how long it will take to get here and should they arrive after we have moved on then that would be a problem. Not to mention that it cost $38 to purolate them back and I don't want to have that expense again. I also just purchased a pair of sunglasses for $40. This eye care has be costly!

Day 10, Tuesday, July 11/06

Had a deep sleep for first part of night but woke up having a bad dream! Seemed to settle back but then I could hear screaming/talking from the other room. So, not only do the men snore,but they yell out in their sleep!

I got up at 5:30 and we had our gear ready to load. Some of us stayed behind to clean the seniors centre..we vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms and mopped/washed the floors. Over to the Anglican church for breakfast which the roadies supplied. Nice bowl of gruel. We had ro wait til 7:30 before we set off as we had some new riders who were coming to join this leg. There are 64 riders on board for this leg. Bill Bridle and his wife Marlene are another 2 roadies on the trip. Bill is our "chaplain" for the group. Marlene is very organized and Bill told me that she even cleans her house in alphabetical order..bathrooms, brdrooms, dining..etc. Len and Iona, from Saskatoon, informed Bob and I that Don and Louise Cochran will be joining us today in Calgary and will be roadies for the next few weeks. I am anxiously waiting to see them.

The cycling today was sweet. We were on the road just after 8. It was a brisk morning and I could see my breath. I donned my leg and arm warmers as we set off. The roads were flat, at first, with the wind at my back. We clipped along at great speed as we said good bye to the magnificant mountains...Bob stopped to take pictures and I sped along, catching up with various riders and drafted off them and then would pass on the few hills and find another group. How quickly the landscape changed to flatter countryside and pasture land. We flew into Calgary and arrived before noon. The roadies provided lunch by the side of the road where we packed the bikes on the trailers and then a bus came to take us to Bow Valley Christian Church where we are staying. What an amazing COMPLEX. Bob and I found a private room and I am sure that most of the cyclists are pleased with their accommodations.

Bob just came back and has Louise with him. Nice to see her..Don just arrived. Great to see them!

DAY 9, MONDAY, JULY 10

The women were nestled in a nice sleeping quarter for the evening. We have a huge screen tv in with us and we finally had to boot out the men who were watching the "TOUR". We just wanted to get to sleep... It is so much more peaceful sharing sleeping quarters with the women..no snoring! I was awakened shortly after 1 by Bob who was trying very quietly to set up his bed. He was moving out of the "snoring" quarters so camped in with us. He wasn't the only male to move in! There definitely was some music roaring on the other side of the door.

I slept so so, but stayed in bed until 8, wow..big sleep in! It was pouring out...big, big rain. We assembled laundry and headed off to the laundromat. I called my mom and dad. Dad is home recovering from a knee replacement. He is suffering with lots of pain, whch I know will last for several weeks. Be patient Dad, you'll get through it and be back on the tennis courts before long. Bob and I wandered around Canmore all morning picking up some supplies. As I write this he is cleaning up the bikes getting them ready for leg 2.

Canmore is a very beautiful town, surrounded on all sides by mountains. I would love to spend more time here and perhaps in future may entertain a house swap for a few months.

Tina, how are things going? Do you miss me? I feel like a traitor because I was in this fabulous quilt shop...wow, it was amazing. I did purchase a few patterns... hope to work on them in the fall. I also purchased a new pair of sunglasses. As mine had broken, I had been wearing a pair of Bob's which were too large. The new ones seem to give good coverage and hopefully will block the wind. My eye has been bothering me at night, the dryness. As I write this, I am in a lounge area with four dozing men. Why do they sleep with their mouths agape? Not pretty.

Bruce Kempt is the organizer of this tour. He works for the Canadian Bible Society in Edmonton. He had been planning and organizing this ride for 3 years. Mega work to accomplish this. His assistant Wendy Jeatt is also on board and they do a fabulous job of keeping things running smoothly. Bruce updates the Bible Society web site for this trip. Check it out, look at the photos and read his daily writings of the trip.

www.bikeforbibles.ca

Sunday, July 9, DAY 8

Slept fairly well, although woke up cold and didn't want to disturb the others in the room by digging out my sleeping bag. We were back to the Lutheran Church for breakfast, but as usual I was in the back of the pack getting seated. Lots of food though. They were bussing us out of Golden, 14 km to avoid the construction. As we drove through it is quite something to see what they are doing...building a 4 lane road, carving through the top of a mountain. After travelling through by van, I am glad that we didn't have to cycle that section. No shoulder, lots of debris and dirt from the construction and endless back to back traffic. As it was, we started today's ride at the base of a mountain....not a great start to the day. Bob and I were in one of the last vehicles to arrive, so it was 9:15 before we got on the road. I was a bit antzy because I knew it was going to be another 154 km day. The climb was a killer with breakfast fresh in the belly!!! We made it and the legs were a burning. Bob was pacing, trying to get my speed up and I was struggling...and then I got a flat, only 18 km into the ride. I picked up a staple that went right through the tire and was well embedded. The staples must come from the transport trucks that haul packaged lumber? Actually having stopped and getting the tire changed, improved my mood....as someone had said earlier "breathe out with the old and in with the new"...and it actually worked. Praise the Lord!! We traveled along through some beautiful scenery, as always. The rivers and lakes are the lovely aqua blue colour, from the glacier run off. Splendid. We followed along and could hear the trains. One thing that I have found constant on this trip....the flow of trains, shows how they connect hauling goods. We arrived and followed through the parkland at Kicking Horse Pass. Then up a steep 6.6 km climb...it was just like North Mountain... I could have used a kick up, but I did make it and it wasn't that bad. Just took time. At one point we pass the spiral tunnels which were made for the train traffic. The trains cannot climb the steep grades of the mountains so these spirals were created to allow passage. Neat. We come in to Field for a break and then on to Alberta!! We made it through British Columbia..yipee. Wonderful sights and memories. We stopped at a turn off to a lake for lunch. When I arrived there were people sitting on the tracks eating, then the bells to the crossing sounded as everyone scurried away. The train was long....really long. At lunch, Mary, a native of Alberta and familiar with the area gave an informative talk on the types of trees, animals and named the mountain ranges that we would be seeing. From there it was on to Highway 1...with a tail wind!! Honestly, what a blessing. We were travelling at ease cruising at 42 kph for over an hour. The mountain range changed again. These were the Rockies...all rock, high, rugged, wierd shapes. It appeared as if they had a story to tell. Man, they surrounded us and my head ached from looking side to side. Bob is doing great with the camera and he stops frequently to take pictures. He is quite organized with them as well, numbering them and keeping a journal. Unfortunately we cannot post them to the blog as we don't have our computer with us, but we will have them for later to show everyone. The tail wind shifted and we had head winds for the final push into Canmore. Really neat spot and I am glad that we have rest day here tomorrow. We are staying at the Senior Resource centre, but a few churches are feeding us and they had a grand spread for dinner. As usual, I pigged out. We joined them for their Friday night service, praise music which is wonderful as most people on the tour can sing. Bob is even adding his voice!!! Caroline, look out, we may have a convert to the choir come September!! I will admit, that I fell asleep during the bible talk...not only me, but I would suspect that over 3/4 of our group did the occasional nod. I woke up when someone knocked over a chair!!
This group that we are with have become family. Even though it is day 8 and we are tired and a bit cranky, we have tolerance for each other. We really had an amazing week, hard to believe that we have covered over 1000 km in the past 8 days. Today's ride was 154 km. I do look forward to having tomorrow for myself. The hardest part of the tour is keeping organized as we are constantly moving. Despite trying to organize my suitcase, I can NEVER find the things when I need them.
Tomorrow we will clean the bikes, they are full of grime from the busy week. I just want to wander around Canmore as it is such a neat place. I would recommend it for a stopping place on a vacation.
To Jean, thank you for posting my blogs...you are not out of a job, but I happened to find an internet cafe to do this one....you will be getting plenty. The pocket mail is a great source, but a bit slower.
They were moving our bicycles to a more secure location, closer to where we are, so that is good.
We have completed leg one of the tour. There were 73 cyclists on board for this leg, and 57 of them will be doing the full tour. We pick up 4 new riders on Tuesday to begin leg 2. Some of the roadies will be leaving us and more will join. The roadies for this trip were Linda Lloyd, Donna and Dean Perkin, Engeline, Margaret, Andrea, John, Len and Iona...Len cycles as well but spits time as a roadie with Wendy. They are from Saskatchewan and know Don and Louise Cochran, friends we made when we lived in Saskatoon. Becky Best is 18 and a roadie. Her mom, Sandy and her dad, John, as well as her brother Luc are cycling the entire tour. She is remarkable for a young gal to manoever the vehicles and give direction. Cudos Becky. Art and Betty and another Margaret make up the roadies. They have the toughest job of all. They have to prepare our snacks, breakfasts (when they aren't provided) purchase the food, drag the containers in and out. You can imagine how much that would entail to feed 86 people!! 40 gallons of chocolate milk a day alone. They have to be up early and are still in meetings at night to plan the stops and arrangements for the following day. Truly they have the hardest job and I admire and appreciate everything they do.
I must find my way back to my bed. The lack of sleep seems to be catching up. I thank the Lord for our safe journey thus far!! We have become quite accustomed to sharing the road with the vast amount of traffic.

Day 7 - Saturday, July 8, 2006

We stayed last night at Crowded to the Cross Victory Church in Revelstoke. We had arrived around 2:30 and picked out our "camping area". It was hot outside and arrangements were made for showers. I was beat, and just wanted to go to bed. The church folk cooked a great supper for us, a bbq, with lots of salads. Many from the church were in attendance as at 7:30 they would be holding their Friday night service. They had a band set up, and the music began. Unfortunately they didn't realize that we had cycled 106 km and had been up since 6 in the morning. At 9:00 most of us had departed the area and the band was playing to themselves...I was getting cranky due to being so tired. There were a number of us that were staying across town at another church, and our gear was already there. The hold up was that the minister, was playing in the band, and he was the bus driver!! We found a ride to the other church and quickly settled in to bed.

Were up and back over to the other church for breakfast. The church community again provided a lovely breakfast. We were on the road by 7:15, knowing that we had a full day ahead. The scenery was marvellous, as usual. The mountain ranges around here are lush, full of forest and trees. As we pass along, I can hear birds singing, all along. Quite a feat to hear along with the constant whirr of traffic going by. The rivers were rushing, full of white waves but the colour of the water was so clear and refreshing looking. The weather was perfect not too hot and comfortable for climbing the hills. And climbing we did. Up to the Rogers Pass....where we had lunch. Scenery again changing. Snow capped mountains as we are up high and the mountain ranges are becoming more rugged, rocky and high. No trees. Coming down from Rogers Pass was something else. We had 7 tunnels to go through, and man that was a bit hairy and scarey. Transport trucks whizzing by and most of the tunnels were lit so we could see quite well. The descent was steep down....and the pavement a little choppy at times. We came to construction about 30 km before Golden, which slowed us up somewhat. We arrived in Golden around 3:00 BC time, although the Golden is on Alberta time. We are staying at Karen Purcell's home and she is a physiotherapist. As I write this she is tending to Jim's knee. We have had showers here, she is doing our laundry and I am using her computer to post this blog. Amazing and friendly people all over.

We did have a fright during the ride earlier this morning. As the week progressed we seemed to find riders who travel at the same speed and Bob and I hooked up with Neil. His wife, Carol, is also on the tour, but she is a faster rider so is in the lead pack. We were traveling along and Neil decided to try to snap a photo while cycling. NOT RECOMMENDED! Bob was in the lead and I was in the middle and the next thing Iheard the crash...and smack. A sound you don't want to hear! By the time I got stopped and turned around Neil was running down the road picking up pieces of his bike and camera. Apparently he had hit the cement barrier with his bike, did an endo and his shoulder landed on the top of the cement barrier. He is a very strong individual and was up before I saw him down. John J was travelling behind and saw the whole thing unfold. He was shaken. Neil had some great road rash starting and was more concerned about his bike. The mechanic van arrived and had him back on the road to continue. He did the 156 km today!!! Amazing.

The Lutheran and Anglican church provided dinner for us and will do breakfast in the morning and also have made sandwiches for lunch. Great support all along and we are most appreciative.

We have the bikes now loaded on the vans because of road construction heading out of Golden. We will be transported for 10 km to get beyond the construction as I have heard that it is really hard to get by.

Tomorrow we head on to Canmore, which will be another 150 km day. I am really looking forward to having Monday as our rest day!! I hope to catch up on some sleep and just play tourist, having the day to myself.

I can read my "comments" when I get to a computer, so please feel free to post to it. I have started to describe the group in yesterday's blog, but you will have to wait for Jean to get it up so you can read about it. When I get to Canmore, I hope to have more time to tell you more about all the wonderful people on board. Right now, I just want to sleep...... I have travelled 850 km since Sunday.

Day 6, July 7, 2006

Hard to believe that we have completed day 6...time flies when you are having fun!

We now are in Revelstoke having cycled 106 km today. I find when we are cycling along and I am pushing hard to maintain a 26 km pace I feel that we should be going faster as it seems as if we are going downhill. With the mountains surrounding us it creates an optical illusion because we are actually going straight with a slight incline.

It was a pretty drive leaving Salmon Arm. Loys of traffic though but in most cases there is a good shoulder for us to cycle on. We stopped in Sicamus at "The Flying Dutchman" for their home made ice cream. YUMMY! As it was only 9 am, Bob and I shared an irish cream scoop.

We stopped for lunch at Craigellachie which marks the spot where "The Last Spike" was driven for the railway to connect east to the west. It was lovely and sunny and we stayed about an hour. I always have difficulty getting "back into the saddle" after stopping. It takes me about 10km to get my legs going again, more so if I have pigged out at lunch! I burped banana for a long time..yuck. Beautiful scenery to follow and with the sun shining makes it more spectacular. We stopped once more at Three Valley Gap for more fuel...I was feeling the effects of the sun and at one point wanted to crawl under a park bench to sleep. Back on the bikes for the final 24 km into Revelstoke, more mountains, some snowcapped and we could even see a glacier up one!!

Arrived at Victory Church around 2:30 and admittedly this was the hardest day for me. I am waiting for the bus to come to take us to the shower, I stink!
Back to my mattress after showering. I am becoming quite efficient in showering and washing my biking clothes at the same time!

There will be an outdoors serv service here tonight. I think music will be an intregal part as I can see them setting up their equipment now. Hope we get to sing too.

For Joyce who left a comment regarding the participation of women on the tour; I believe that there are 12 doing the whole trip. On this leg there are more but they will finish in Canmore. For the 12 there is Yvonne, a pastor's wife from Australia. She is 50 and the mother of 6. We have Joanna, 19, also from Australia. Sarah, 29, a nurse from Tazmania. Mary, 52, Betty 57 and Kim 49, from Edmonton. Carole, Joanne, June, Adrienne and Robyn Lloyd in their late teens. Their sister Merriam who is only doing the first leg as she is working in youth ministry in Victoria. Their dad , David, is riding too! I thiink that their mom, Linda, has the toughest job as she is driving the last vehicle...the one that has to remain behind the last cyclist always. She is always the last to arrive which makes for a very long day. She has her 13 1/2 year old dog, Reba, with her. Reba is like my Jessi was; deaf, partially blind...they couldn't leave her behind as they knew she wouldn't survive 10 weeks in a kennel. When I see Reba, I think of Jessi and get teary...Oh how I miss my faithful friend...

DAY 5, Thursday, July 6/06

Bob woke up around midnight due to snoring in the room and dug out his earplugs. The door was open to the outside and he wandered there to the light so he could open the package. He gazed to where our bikes were to discover they were no longer there!! Apparently Robert had heard and then saw a youth on a skateboard who jumped the fence and was inside our compound. He figured it safest to bring all bikes indoors so that is what he did. Took Bob a few minutes to locate our bikes inside and then he settled back down to sleep. Obviously we must have had some sleep as we missed all of the activity.

We stayed at the Living Lord Lutheran Church in Kamloops. They were so kind and helpful to each of us. The food for dinner last night and breakfast this morning were the best. Ample of it and a great variety. We were very grateful. I called the optomitrist's office where I purchased my sun glasses to tell them of the problem and advised that I would Purolate them back to be replaced. Shirley, from the church was going to box them and get them off for me today. How kind!

The drive today was from Kamloops to Salmon Arm. We were facing a strong headwind so tried to buddy up in a pace line for easier riding. We met up with Neil about 5 km out and we buddied up as we cycled at the same pace. At one point a "train" of 6 riders passed us and we hooked on to them. How easy it was to cycle along at 27 - 30 km with little effort. We hung on until a long climb and then we were dropped. The weather for the day was ideal. Partially sunny but not too hot. The scenery, as always, is so diverse and beautiful. The mountains around Kamloops are sandstone based covered only with grass. They are very dry and dusty but the thundershowers and rain last night turned them greener. These sandstone mountain range runs along for miles. I remember seeing signs with Kokanee in it, then Pritchard and a turn off for Chase and then the scenery changes as we ride along the Shuswap lake. Very picturesque. The roadies have set up lunch stop at Sorrento. We had arrived at 11:30 having covered 72 km in just over 3 hours. We left at 1 for Salmon Arm..took awhile to get going again after the big lunch! The view coming into Salmon Arm is spectacular...lovely large lake running between the mountains. We arrive at our destination, St. John's Catholic Church just afer 2. Total distance today was 108 km.

Bruce had arranged for the group to spend the rest of the day at the Waterslides. What fun! We were just big kids running up to the platforms to be first in line for the next turn. I feel battered from being tossed around about on them!

Bruce and some of the roadies took laundry to the laundromat. We left our belongings inside our mesh bags. Some articles did not dry and are now strung over chairs.

We had a wonderful meal of lasagna, salads, rolls..we could have seconds, so I did! I was starved. Once again the hosting churces have been wonderful to us. Bob has walked back to the waterslides to retrieve his bathing shorts, which he forgot!

I was able to access a computer this morning to check my home account. Had notification of pledges from Gary Macfayden and Dana Nyborg. THANK YOU!

DAY 4, Wednesday, July 5/06

It feels like we are at camp, everyone bunked on the floor. Last night while I was doing my blog, they came around with ice cream sandwiches, felt like "tuk" time at Guide Camp. I slept the usual 4 hours but find that I doze and snooze in between, so I am rested, somewhat.

This morning started early because we had to be out of the church by 8:15 as they were holding "vacation bible school". We do a great job cleaning up, vacuuming, scrubbing floors and cleaning bathrooms.

We stayed at Crossroads Community Church in Merritt and they provided dinner last night and breakfast today. We were on the road by 8 heading to Kamloops. We drove on highway 5a through the Nicola Valley and it was so beautiful and peaceful. We saw eagles overhead, ducks and loons in the lake. The Nicola Lake was long and ran besides the road. The mountains are not as high, but more pasture like, no trees. We shared the road with logging and other large trucks. The shoulder was very narrow and at one point a very arrogant trucker came so close to me that I was forced onto the dirt shoulder. I do feel that there was some "devine intervention" because even though I wobbled, I remained upright. When we stopped at the rest stop, other bikers had said they also had been forced off the road. Bob had a flat tire just before the lunch break. There was a good climb to a summit just before Kamloops. I appreciate all of Marci's teaching and the Quick Chices rides and of course the hills in NB which provide great training. Although I find the straight stretches tire me, I tend to move to the front portion of the pack on the climbs. I made this hill without stopping or getting off.

We had an escort through the city of KAMLOOPS as it was about 10 km through the city to the Lutheran church where we are camping for the night. The churches that host us are so obliging and helpful. A lady named Shirley drove Bob and I to the local bike store for degreaser and more tubes for our bikes. The people out here don't seem to know what "liquid x" is, and they use wd40 for degreaser.

We went to the rink to shower. The Aussies have a difficult time with the communial showers; a concept they can't get used to.

We just had a marvellous dinner and I am stuffed. It also started to thunder and lightening with some rain. It is supposed to rain all night, which is unusual for Kamloops as I am told it remains very dry most of the summer. We head off to Salmon Arm tomorrow.

Back in NB it seems to be Tim Horton coffee cups that litter the roads but out here I have seen dozens and dozens of 18" x 24" lids to Rubbermaid containers...lids only. Obviously fallen from campers, roof racks etc. Perhaps Rubbermaid needs to improve the fit?

To my family and friends, I have plenty of "thinking" time during the 120 km days, so I think of you all while I cycle along. This is one marvellous country!

DAY 3, Tuesday July 4

Day 3...went to bed last night and fell asleep around 9:30. I woke about 2:30, but did doze and was rested until I got up at 4:30. Figured I would get to the bathroom first....not to be, Chester, the 75 year old rider was in the Ladie's bathroom. I did my duties and then crawled back to bed until the wake up call at 5. The small church which is hosting us did a great job with breakfast and Elizabeth, the Pastor's wife, was a great help, along with other members of their church in hosting us for the overnight. We had a service last night which was very nice, impromptu and informal.

Before we hit the road I called mom to find out about my father who had a knee replacement last Friday. I had been nervous about calling, and with the 4 hour change it is hard to call the east at a reasonable time. Mom says that he is doing well, the procedure went well and he should be home on Thursday. She will have a busy task for the next few weeks playing nurse.

We hit the road by 7...heading for the Coquihalla pass. Weather was warm but on the cloudy side, which is good for cycling. The first climb to get from Hope to Merritt was the steepest!! I didn't have any problem and once we got to the Coquihalla, I figured that was it. NOT SO. We climbed for almost 47 km....and although the climbs were long, they were not too steep so it was doable. The roadies set up lunch at a side road. Then the weather blew in....bringing rain. It got a tad cool as we were wet and sweaty from riding and then the cool rain. We unloaded bags at this point to find jackets. Bob and I had been thinking ahead and packed our gear in our day bag, however it was located in the "back van"...the one that stays behind the last rider. We continued on to Merritt, with more climbing and downhills. The most difficult thing to get used to was sharing the highway with the transport trucks and all other vehicles that were whizzing by at 120 km average. At times I felt that the transports were only inches from my legs. I did settle in and became comfortable, but cautious. The Coquihalla claimed over 30 cyclists to flats, me being one of the victims. That caused Bob and I to become the last riders because at first we tried to pump up the tire thinking that it might have just been an air leak...not to be. So tube back off and a replaced. We have yet to find the hole, but will work on it after dinner. We managed to make great time and caught up and passed the last third of the group. The biggest thrill was the 13 km descent into Merritt....man, I have never done 13 km so fast in my life. I managed to keep my speed at 62 which I felt comfortable with.

We arrived at our accommodations Cross Roads Community Church where we found our quarters on the floor. We will have dinner and breakfast here so it is good that we don't have to change locations. We found the local recreation centre where we went to sit in the whirlpool tub...man that was soooooo nice. Bubbles for my muscles.

The roadies and other helpers are so terriffic for this tour. They are at the intersections to show us the turns, and encourage us at all times. They set up water and snack stops so we can always replenish our food and bottles. I made sure that I ate and drank every 15 minutes...I had 3 bananas this morning. Now that was a sight, trying to peel a banana while cruising along at 36 km and jam it in my mouth. Some ended up on my cheeks.

Anyhow, day 3 down with a 118 km ride for today. It was terriffic.

Day 2 - Monday, July 3, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHFAY TO PETER FREEMAN, my brother -in-law who turns 60 today!!

Woke again at 2:30 am but did doze back to sleep until 6. Packed up and am finding it is getting easier as we become more organized. Had a great breakfast, a prayer and then on the road. The weather is marvellous. Sunny, warm with a slight breeze. We left Abbotsforat 8:45 en route to Agassiz where the roadies would be setting up lunch. The road was fairly flat so we could clip right along. The scenery magnificant. I can't describe in words the amazing and wonderful feeling as we cycle along. I feel as if my head is on a swivel as I am gazing everywhere trying to take it all in. The mountains surround us as we travel the valley in between. At points we are close to railroads and the frequency of train traffic is noticable.

We arrive in Agassiz for lunch...it is a beautiful spot. The road crew has set up a great lunch buffet and we eat under the shade of the trees in the park. Back on the road for the final 40 km into Hope. More train traffic moving through this town.

We are staying at the Christian Academy, very small quarters for 85 bodies. Two toilets. I can see this will get interesting! The Recreation Complex allowed us to shower at their modern facility. That was great. I also washed the cycling clothes that I was wearing. I am sure that the other 65 riders did the same and now the fence around the property is adorned with hanging laundry. I have finished my dinner and have given up my seat as there wasn't enough room to seat us all at once. I can see that sleeping tonight will be be interesting. I am down stairs with the women for tonight. There will be a "service" of some sort tonight.

I am hoping to get to bed early as tomorrow we begin the "climbing" starting with the Coquhalla Highway. APPARENTLY THERE IS A 27 KM CLIMB. Guess there isn't any point worrying about this as there will be plenty more to come!!!I am sure the body will feel the effects by evening!!.

Bob wanted to thank Peter and Steve for their generous pledges.

Starting Sunday, July 2

We were mustered shortly after 5. I had slept very well until about 2:30 and managed to doze and relax until 5. Found myself more efficient at rolling up bedding, bags and air mattresses and getting packed into the one bag..along with our biking clothes and everyday clothes. Off to breakfast for 6.

Vans loaded with our bags as we cycled 19 km from the church down to MILE O. How exciting!! I walked down to the ocean and dipped my hands while Bob stood, freezing his feet. We then had pictures taken and then gathered together to hear a very moving song, "My Canada" by Lianne Klaussen. It was a very emotional and moving time and many shed tears. How wonderful to have over 80 people gathered who have something in common; our faith in the Lord and our love of cycling. From there it was off for the 31 km ride to catch the 11 ferry to the mainland. We enjoyed a marvellous buffet on the boat. Walked the deck and enjoyed the view of Mt. Baker, stiil white with snow. It extends into skyline for miles, a beautiful sight. We disembarked and were geared and back on the road by 1. Great flat roads as we whizzed along at an average speed for the remaining 75 km at almost 28kph.

Scenery beautiful and at one point we were beside the USA on one side of road and Canada the other. We got closer to Mt. Baker and it appeared to get smaller, but still a spectacular sight.

ALL RIDERS arrived at destination, The New Life Christian Reformed Church. There was a welcoming committee to greet and feed us, wonderful, They arranged for us to shower at the high school. Yahoo, my first since Thursday. My bike is NOT performing well and I am waiting for Warren, our mechanic, to return from showering when he told me he would fix me up.

The other wonderful news news is that my $300 glasses have broken and are useless. I had taken them back to the store shortly after I purchased them because I thought the lens was too loose. Now I figured that there was a crack and it finally let go, causing the arm to break away , unfixable. I will call the store where I purchased them to see what can be done!! Luckily Bob had brought my other pair!! Have to go and help bring in groceries....food for tomorrow.

The people on this tour are amazing..great fun!!

Sunny Saturday, July 1

HAPPY CANADA DAY
Another early awakening, we had a snorer bunked in with us. Wow.

Bob and I headed off for a ride but I was having mechanical difficulties so we headed back to the church, Knox Presbyterian, to await the move to our next location...Emmanuel Baptist. Got moved by noon and had "snacks" for lunch. The accommodations were larger here and we raced to find a spot. I picked a small nursery for Bob and I...and I saw Sidney Ng set up in the hall so we invited him to join us.

John, one of the mechanics on board adjusted the bike and Bob and I headed off towards Saanich to see if an old friend, Sue Coneys was home. We found her house, rang the bell and then knocked. She came to the door, but didn't recognize me until I removed glasses and helmet. It was lovely to see her but we were limited for time so only had 20 minutes to visit.

We found our way back to the church. Quickly changed and then we were bused to The Seventh Day Adventist church for dinner and our induction service. Peg Ryzak and Doreen Chaperone came down from Duncan to see me. They are members of Mothers' Union at St. Peter's and I have been corresponding with Peg for a number of years. I have met them previously in Victoria and Halifax at conferences. It was lovely to see them and to share in our "TOUR" send off ceremony. Peg had written me a poem which I will read daily, she also gave me a pledge.

It was back to Emmanuel church for bed. I was wiped.