On Friday we rode from London to Breslau. 72 miles. In contrast to Thursday, we felt good and strong on the ride. We did hear from other riders that the first week seems to be the most difficult, then the body seems to adjust to the consecutive days riding. It was a beautiful ride with lots of rollers (small hills up and down) that made for a fun ride.
Saturday was a short ride from Breslau to Ancaster. 54 miles. Beautiful, uneventful. We rode fast to our car parked at Redeemer University, said our goodbyes, and drove home to our girls!
For us, the ride is over but there are still riders making their way to Staten Island, NY. They will arrive August 24. Please pray for safety for the riders as they make their way there! During our week of riding, one rider did fall and break his leg.
Some people have asked where the donated money goes. Here are some of the initiatives that are receiving grants from the Sea to Sea ride:
Reformed Church of America: Rural Development in Niger, Community Development in Kenya, Anuradha Clinic and Blue Mango in India, Banyan Tree, Give-a-Cow, and School Programs in India, Migrant Workers in Korea, Healthy Children in Nicaragua.
World Renew: Disaster Response Services (in North America), Community Development (in more than 40 countries around the world).
Partners Worldwide: active partnerships in 23 different countries to create and sustain jobs.
Thank you for your support during our fundraising and riding.
God bless,
Mark and Katie
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Four pedal strokes
Wednesday we rode from Imlay City to Sarnia Ontario. We woke up to big storm clouds rolling in and waited out a pretty strong thunderstorm in Imlay City High School before we headed out on our 80 mile ride. We rode in light morning rain, then the sun came out as we pedaled south along the Saint Claire River. The water was beautiful, but we had a strong headwind to combat as we headed south. We took a ferry from Marine City USA to Sombra Canada and were met with many supporters armed with cookies as we rode up to Sarnia for the night. We were fed well that night by many local churches coming together to make food for the riders. More storms were predicted that night, so we decided to billet. That means, we stayed with a local family in their home. We stayed dry and met some great people.
On Thursday we rode from Sarnia to London Ontario. 69 miles. This was the hardest day of the ride for us. We were tired and sore from the days of consecutive riding, we had a late start because we misplaced something important and had to spend some time finding it, and we faced a strong headwind. We were riding alone because of our late start, so had to battle the wind by ourselves. It took a toll, and we were exhausted by the time we got to London. We were blessed by our small groups encouragement that night.
On our Sea to Sea jersey shorts, it says "Four pedal strokes." The idea behind this is that for every four pedal strokes we make, a child dies from poverty-related issues. This was incredible to think about today as we pedaled away many hours. Another saying on our jersey is "Poverty has a face." In our travels this week, we have been talking with people we meet about our cause and asking them to donate. We tell them about why we are riding, and sometimes who we think of when we ride. This is a great ride for a great cause.
If you have not yet donated, please do so today.
On Thursday we rode from Sarnia to London Ontario. 69 miles. This was the hardest day of the ride for us. We were tired and sore from the days of consecutive riding, we had a late start because we misplaced something important and had to spend some time finding it, and we faced a strong headwind. We were riding alone because of our late start, so had to battle the wind by ourselves. It took a toll, and we were exhausted by the time we got to London. We were blessed by our small groups encouragement that night.
On our Sea to Sea jersey shorts, it says "Four pedal strokes." The idea behind this is that for every four pedal strokes we make, a child dies from poverty-related issues. This was incredible to think about today as we pedaled away many hours. Another saying on our jersey is "Poverty has a face." In our travels this week, we have been talking with people we meet about our cause and asking them to donate. We tell them about why we are riding, and sometimes who we think of when we ride. This is a great ride for a great cause.
If you have not yet donated, please do so today.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Think of the poor!
Tuesday we rode from Laingsburg to Imlay City. 75 miles. We hit some rain right as we were riding through Flint which made things a little interesting. James, Mark's brother who was riding with us, made me laugh when he shouted "Think of the poor!" Meaning, when the riding gets tough, remember why we are doing this.
Riding in the rain... think of the poor!
Mark dealing with poison ivy... think of the poor!
75 miles of pedaling... think of the poor!
We are doing this for a reason. Enjoying it much of the time. Toughing it out some of the time. But remember the poor. Who don't always have a place to get out of the rain. Who can't get the medical care they need to alleviate their suffering. Who can't afford a bike and have to walk everywhere.
Riding in the rain... think of the poor!
Mark dealing with poison ivy... think of the poor!
75 miles of pedaling... think of the poor!
We are doing this for a reason. Enjoying it much of the time. Toughing it out some of the time. But remember the poor. Who don't always have a place to get out of the rain. Who can't get the medical care they need to alleviate their suffering. Who can't afford a bike and have to walk everywhere.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Serve doing something you enjoy!
So last Monday we got up early (5:30am), ate breakfast, prepped the bike, attended a short prayer service, and hit the road! We were excited to finally be riding, and rode pretty fast. We rode 65 miles from Calvin College to Sleepy Hollow Campground in Lainsburg, Michigan. We arrived before noon and felt great.
One of the coolest parts of Sea to Sea is meeting new people who have similar passions. We met with our small groups that evening and began to get to know some of the other riders better.
Many people have commented to us in our preparation for Sea to Sea about how great it is that we get to serve or raise money while doing something we enjoy. And this is true! It has been fun to train and fun to participate in Sea to Sea.
If you read earlier postings on this blog, you might have read "Katie's Turn" when I talked about how God was making me feel uncomfortable and pushing me to do more. I met with a great friend who works at Mel Trotter Ministries and told her about how God was prompting me to do something local, I just was not sure what it was. She asked me, "well, what do you like to do?" I told her I like to be outside and I like to work with kids. So together we brainstormed a summer day camp for the kids at Mel Trotter to get outside and have fun. The camp was in July and was fun for all the kids and volunteers.
So, yes, I have been serving this summer doing things I enjoy. What about you? What do you like to do? And how can you serve there?
One of the coolest parts of Sea to Sea is meeting new people who have similar passions. We met with our small groups that evening and began to get to know some of the other riders better.
Many people have commented to us in our preparation for Sea to Sea about how great it is that we get to serve or raise money while doing something we enjoy. And this is true! It has been fun to train and fun to participate in Sea to Sea.
If you read earlier postings on this blog, you might have read "Katie's Turn" when I talked about how God was making me feel uncomfortable and pushing me to do more. I met with a great friend who works at Mel Trotter Ministries and told her about how God was prompting me to do something local, I just was not sure what it was. She asked me, "well, what do you like to do?" I told her I like to be outside and I like to work with kids. So together we brainstormed a summer day camp for the kids at Mel Trotter to get outside and have fun. The camp was in July and was fun for all the kids and volunteers.
So, yes, I have been serving this summer doing things I enjoy. What about you? What do you like to do? And how can you serve there?
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Our Adventure Begins
So Mark and I are home from our Sea to Sea adventure. We decided to go "tech free" and just enjoy the process while we were in it. So here is our story, just a week late.
We started our adventure at Calvin College last Sunday with a short orientation, a celebration service, and a dinner. How humbling to meet all the riders who have been pedaling their way across the country and are now in their seventh week of their adventure! Mark and I went from our home community who were so impressed that we planned to ride for a whole week on our bicycle... to being in a community of strong bikers who lamented that we were only able to ride for a week. We were known as one of the "week-lings."
So did we prepare well? We were about to find out.
We started our adventure at Calvin College last Sunday with a short orientation, a celebration service, and a dinner. How humbling to meet all the riders who have been pedaling their way across the country and are now in their seventh week of their adventure! Mark and I went from our home community who were so impressed that we planned to ride for a whole week on our bicycle... to being in a community of strong bikers who lamented that we were only able to ride for a week. We were known as one of the "week-lings."
So did we prepare well? We were about to find out.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
GIrls in Day Care means we can ride together!
It's summer which means Mark isn't working, but Katie still is. You would think that this translates to lots of riding time. Well, dear reader, I must admit it is still a struggle to find all the time. With two little girls it is quite difficult to find the time to ride together, so we are riding separately now.
Today we had the girls in day care so we could go for a longer ride to Lake Michigan together on the tandem. We are still trying to dial in the fit of the tandem. It is quite different than our single bikes.
Check out today's ride HERE.
We were grateful to not be riding in the heat that the Sea to Sea riders are enduring right now. Yesterday the group dealt with 112 degree heat. YOUCH!
I was at Ada Bike shop picking up a helmet for Katie and some gloves for me when fellow Sea to Sea Rider Gary Nederveld walked in. His bike had fallen off the rack on 131 at highway speeds and was pretty banged up. It sounded like he needed a new bike. I am praying he gets a solution in time. Shiprock rolls out on July 8!
Today we had the girls in day care so we could go for a longer ride to Lake Michigan together on the tandem. We are still trying to dial in the fit of the tandem. It is quite different than our single bikes.
Check out today's ride HERE.
We were grateful to not be riding in the heat that the Sea to Sea riders are enduring right now. Yesterday the group dealt with 112 degree heat. YOUCH!
I was at Ada Bike shop picking up a helmet for Katie and some gloves for me when fellow Sea to Sea Rider Gary Nederveld walked in. His bike had fallen off the rack on 131 at highway speeds and was pretty banged up. It sounded like he needed a new bike. I am praying he gets a solution in time. Shiprock rolls out on July 8!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Surviving the end of the school year.
Sorry readers. I have been neglecting you. The end of the school year has me quite busy with track and field coaching and all of the school work of getting ready for the end.
Katie and I have been out on the tandem a few times. We are ready for the summer break to come and free up training time. We scheduled the training on the calendar and are excited to get on a set schedule that we have both committed to complete together.
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am amazed at who all is obviously supporting us in this effort. One of my teacher friends at school Kristin Dyk was telling me her father in law rode in 08 and he constantly asks how we are doing and that he prays for us! So to all of you who are upholding us in prayer; thank you.
The tour starts soon. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all involved. We also pray that the tour will be used by God to have a real impact on those in poverty--may this be a kingdom builder.
Katie and I have been out on the tandem a few times. We are ready for the summer break to come and free up training time. We scheduled the training on the calendar and are excited to get on a set schedule that we have both committed to complete together.
Thanks for all of your prayers. I am amazed at who all is obviously supporting us in this effort. One of my teacher friends at school Kristin Dyk was telling me her father in law rode in 08 and he constantly asks how we are doing and that he prays for us! So to all of you who are upholding us in prayer; thank you.
The tour starts soon. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all involved. We also pray that the tour will be used by God to have a real impact on those in poverty--may this be a kingdom builder.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)