Algona, Iowa

We have left Sioux Center and Dordt College after a wonderful reception there and royal treatment. We actually got to sleep in real beds last night in the newest dorm, and the celebration service was a great success. Below is a picture of the crowd that was there.

Best thing of all was supper. Just prior to the meal, a lady who measures BMI had a ministry fair table set up and I got to weigh myself. I have lost 15 lbs so far on tour, and we were about to have all the pizza and fried chicken we could eat. Was I happy or what? I enjoyed every lip smacking piece and homemade banana cream pie for dessert. Man it was good.

So now I had gained 2 lbs back but I lost that again today, on the longest ride we've had yet - 185 kms. The biggest surprise happened first thing this morning: rain. And lots of it. It didn't stop raining until about 2/3 of the way through the ride. But I don't think anyone minded it for 2 reasons: it was cool, and we had a tailwind.

Two churches served us refreshments on the way: Hospers CRC and Sanborn CRC. Both served coffee, Gatorade, and donuts. Of course I didn't touch the donuts - I ate them without using my hands! Just kidding, but I only had one donut at each stop.

I rode the first 50 kms on my own, when I got passed by what I have come to call the Vandersteen Express, a group of 7 cyclists who always hang and ride together. I simply slipped in behind and rode with them until about 10 kms before our destination. So for the second day in a row - I know, this is not a race - I was the first to sign in, as the group of 7 had stopped at a cafe in town. Now I'm showered and shaved, and have just finished sharing 2 chocolate bars with Diane. courtesy of a care package from Gayla Postma (thanks, Gayla!) Because I'm on sweep duty tonight and tomorrow, I've got to go help serve dinner. Tomorrow is another 182km day, so ít'll be an early night. I should say that the riding is going really well. The bike is working out just great (thanks, Jeff!), and I have no aches or pains or saddle sores (Chamois Butt'r is the cat's meow).

Diane is doing well too. It's a busy life for her, and at times has seemed endless, but we have something to look forward to for the next few weekends. This weekend will be spent with Ada & Andrew, the following weekend we'll be at the Prince Conference Center, the next weekend in Kitchener where I'll preach and baptize our newest grandchild, and the Sunday after that of course we'll be on our way home. It is hard to believe that we are into our 6th week already. Where does the time go so fast?

Today's stats:

Distance: 185.10 kms
Average speed: 26.4 kph
Maximum speed: 59.3 kph
Time in saddle: 7.05.08
# of flat tires on tour: 6