Denver, Colorado

We are in Denver! The first stage of our cross country trek is over, and we are over the mountains. But first things first.

Last night we had an emotional communion service in which we said farewell to 15 cyclists who are leaving the tour. All of them spoke and had someone speak on their behalf, and the common thread was definitely the sense of community we are experiencing as a group. We also reflected on the fact that it was 3 years ago from this date that Elizabeth Woudsma had her accident during training for the 2005 Sea to Sea tour; that accident left her a paraplegic, and we remembered her in prayer.

Because of altitude sickness, Diane did not attend the service but rested inour cozy room. We both had a good sleep, and were glad to be inside, since the overnight temperature was only 8 degrees Celsius. Today she is still somewhat tired, but there is improvement.

Now to today's ride: it was spectacular! This was our last pass to cross - we crossed a total of 7 - and Berthoud Pass was a 30 kms ascent. Surprisingly,it was not as difficult as Rabbit Ears Pass of 2 days ago, as the grade was not quite as steep. We climbed from an altitude of 8700 ft to 11,300 ft - unbelievable. The pictures below tell some of the story....a waterfall on the way up, a view looking back while resting, purple flowers (can you see the bumblebee?), kitchen crew vehicles (Diane was not in them today as you'll see later), myself near the top, a SAG stop at the top, myself at the summit and thrilled to be there. All of it will give you some idea of the beauty we saw today, I hope.








Then came the ride down - a 30 km downhill ride with plenty of switchbacks so that you had to use your brakes. I reached 75 kph but didn't dare go any faster. At the first town, Empire, we piled into a cafe - see the group shot below, many others had already left again - for coffee and danishes. Diane was able to join the fun because she rode in the gear truck today, and driver Steve Dykstra from Abbotsford was able to find a spot to park the truck nearby. So enjoy the pictures of Diane and grandma (to the grandchildren).


After this brief oasis, we continued on our way, largely downhill for the next 30 kms or so. Then came another long climb, not as long as the pass, only a few kms but steeper. Following that came a wonderful, gently downhill ride through Bear Creek canyon that was almost like a roller coaster ride. I was in a pace line of 5 people and for about 45 minutes we average 35 kph. A brief stop on the way was made when 2 girls from Edmonton, daughters of rider Gerry Schenk, greeted us with popsicles and dropjes - delicious! And just so you know I don't ignore wildlife, note the elk grazing alongside the road without a care in the world.
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Now we are in Denver at the Christian High School, and we were greeted with a party atmosphere: balloons, music, food, drink, even cheerleaders from the school. We also met Joe & Margaret De Weerd, folks we know from Waterdown, ON. Margaret is joining the tour along with a friend from here on in. So everything is good: the ride, the camp, and now Diane is calling me to supper. Yes, I'm hungry!

We also got mail: from mom & dad Slofstra, Chris & Jeff Wubss, and the Zantings from Ponoka (for Diane and kitchen crew). Thank you! Alright, it's time to eat. And did I mention there will be an ice cream social at 7 tonight after supper? We'll sleep well tonight...

Today's stats:

Distance: 143.53 kms
Average speed: 22.5 kph
Maximum speed: 75 kph
Time in saddle: 6.22.45
# of flat tires on tour: 6