It was a good day today, starting off in London, with refreshment stops in Ingersoll, Woodstock, Brantford, Jerseyville, and finally at Redeemer. Then there were the smaller stops along the way at people's homes. It's ironic of course that we are riding to raise awareness of poverty and hunger and meanwhile we are trying not to eat too much, because there is so much. But if hospitality is a gift of the Spirit, and it is, then we are meeting many gifted and Spirit filled people along our way in Canada, and we are grateful.
I didn't take many pictures today, but a few I couldn't miss. The first is looking off a bridge just outside of London early this morning. It looks darker than it actually was.
The second picture is of a road just prior to entering Woodstock. We did not realize there were so many hills in Woodstock!
Two highlights of the day were, first, meeting my former principal from TDCH, Aukje Masselink, in Jerseyville. I did not recognize her immediately but it was great to see her. Big hugs all around! I also saw one of my former teachers, Bill Barneveld, in Woodstock. Just a handshake there!! Then upon arriving at Redeemer there was Betty Beukema from Abbotsford (our church treasurer and a friend), fresh off her red eye flight, to greet me as she had promised way back in June. At least I had the sense to take her picture, because I forgot about my former teachers. Here we are at the finish at Redeemer.
The final and best highlight is that my son Joel is coming to pick me up to stay at their place in Cayuga (though they are moving, he is now principal at Christian school in Peterborough) so I get to see him and wife Marsha and 3 more of our grandchildren.
Thanks to everyone in all the churches listed above for your awesome hospitality today! Tomorrow we will have a minimum of 5 refreshment stops over a distance of 74 kms. Can't wait...
Today's stats:
Distance: 126.67 kms
Average speed: 24.0
Maximum speed: 59.5 kph
Time in saddle: 5.13.20
# of flat tires on tour: 9
1 comment:
Hey Brother Bert!
How thrilling to hear about all your adventures as you get closer and closer to your goal. I’m paying attention to your daily stats and realizing that when we ride together again, I may have to work hard to keep up to you. I look forward to that day. Fran and I are excited for you that you are among family and friends and both of you will most definitely be in our thoughts tomorrow as you baptize the newest addition to your family. We can imagine it must be nice to be back in Canada, if only temporarily. The US is a wonderful country; we’ve lived and studied there, been in numerous states on holidays, and visit Mike, Bethany and the boys often, but it’s always nice and a relief (and not just for insurance purposes!!) to be back on Canadian soil. Maybe I’m just feeling a bit more patriotic than usual because of the Olympics. Seeing the success of Canadians, occasionally accompanied by our national anthem (GOLD) and then feeling how that affects us makes you realize how thoroughly Canadian we are. Bert, I remember that “Three Little Pigs Story”. I think it scarred all of us. Next time you’re at Mom and Dad’s, ask mom to show you my little tribute to those disappointing moments. With the end of summer and the start of a new school year, I’ve picked up the exercise routine again. My goal is to bike/run/swim 100 km a week. Of course, the biggest distances are made up on the bike and being out there again makes me think of you. I really hope we can tackle another long distance together in the future. I understand Jane biked 101 kms the other day so even she’s getting in on the act. Perhaps our family could become the cycling version of the VonTrapps (The hills are alive, with the sound of cycling). We love you Bert and Diane and can’t wait to see you (what’s left of you) both once you’ve arrived home. Till soon…
John and Fran
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