Dykstra Duo

The final chapter -- home again

2008-09-02T11:06:00.002-04:00

It seems a bit anti-climatic to be writing this morning, but I did want to share the experiences of the last few days. They were quite eventful.

On Friday morning, we left camp anticipating a very long, hard day of cycling. About one mile into the ride our rear chain (tadems have two chains) jammed in the rear sprocket. This is not an uncommon event, but in this case, the jam was so bad that it snapped the rear derailer in half. Needless to say, that is not an “on the side of the road” repair. We called the support folks and they had a SAG (support and gear) van pick us up. After a bit of wandering we found a bike shop. It was still closed so we were obligated to then find a Starbucks for our morning coffee. Once the shop opened, we were able to get the repair made.

The mechanic in the bike shop was great (as have been so many people we have met on the tour). He not only had the part (no small surprise in a small Pennsylvania town), but he was very knowledgeable. He replaced the part, adjusted the front and rear derailers and got the bike back up to snuff. I expected a $100 tab but when I went to pay, he only charged us for the part ($25.00) and wished us well on our Sea to Sea journey.

The SAG drivers then dropped us off at the 28 mile mark so we could join the rest of the tour. We finished our ride and arrived in Sussex just as the dinner was being served. By the time dinner and peloton (cyclist meeting) were over we still had to find a shower. The showers at the high school were already closed for the evening, so we ended up at the home of Pastor Joel Vande Werken. It was after 10:00 before we arrived back at camp and into bed.

Saturday morning was the beginning of a big day. Today we planned to dip our tires in the Atlantic Ocean under the watchful eye of the Lady Liberty. It was still a 60 mile plus day of biking, so the Dykstra Duo and the Bettens (one of the other tandem couples) started right at 7:00 to make sure we could be at the staging area by the 1:00 deadline.

About three miles into the ride, we got a flat tire. We managed to patch it but in the process, the valve stem cracked. Unfortunately, our spare tube was the wrong type. Once again, we were relegated to the SAG van. This time we had a much harder time finding a bike shop. We finally found one, fixed the flat, and rejoined the tour once again.

The tire dipping was a wonderful conclusion to tour. The folks who meet us and cheered us on were great. It was an exciting moment. I admit I would have been very disappointed to have cycled for two weeks and not have been able to cycle into Liberty Park.

On Saturday night, the churches of New Jersey and New York organized a wonderful dinner and great celebration service. It was powerful and very meaningful for the cyclists and support staff.

Saturday night, Linda and I got a hotel – enough of wet sleeping bags and tents. We left for home on Sunday morning and arrived in Byron Center about 9:30 PM. Monday we spent Labor (Labour) Day cleaning gear, doing laundry and catching up on home chores. It was good to be able to relax and enjoy a leisurely day. We had much to get ready since now Linda will now be laid up for six weeks.

Even as I write, she is in surgery. She is having her right foot bunion removed (the left was removed six months ago) and the screws taken from her left foot. We are praying that the surgery and recovery go well because we are both ready for more cycling. (We are even considering a new tandem but that decision will have to wait.) With winter coming and a long recovery for Linda, it will no doubt be spring before we ride again. We will miss it.

Blessings to you all and thanks for your support and prayers for our journey.

Jerry and Linda

Brief and beautiful – Day 11

2008-08-28T18:35:00.001-04:00

Good evening once again. This update come from the Lakawanna State Park in northeast Pennsylvania. Today we had what was probably the nicest ride of the tour thus far. Each day is different and brings different joys and different challenges.

We left New York and headed south toward Pennsylvania. The hills were rolling and smooth. The roads were excellent in many places and we made excellent time. We decided to stop at a coffee shop for a quick cup of coffee. Unfortunately, these small towns are not prepared to deal with 200 cyclists all seeking coffee at the same time. This particular coffee shop had one person working (cooking, serving, making coffee, etc). When 25 cyclists came in at once, the place was overwhelmed. Thankfully, everyone was in good spirits and it all worked out well.

Since we had only 56 miles to cover, we arrived at camp early (2:30 or so) and could set up the tent, hang up a clothes line (not always an option), and attempt to dry some towels and clothes. Last night we got in too late to dry things out. If the clothes stay on the line past sundown, they end up wetter than when we put them out – timing is everything.

We had our second flat today but we discovered the slow leak near camp. We just pumped it up on the road and fixed it here in camp. Linda is finally getting some down time and is reading – something that hasn’t happened much on the tour so far.

Tomorrow we arrive in Sussex, New Jersey. It will be the toughest and longest ride of the eastern leg of the Sea to Sea. We will need strength for the many hills (mountains), patience with the long miles, and grace so that we may be grace to others. Sometimes, when pedaling gets hard, cyclists can get more than a little testy – I know, I am the chief of sinners when it comes to cranking making me cranky. In any case, pray for patience for all the riders.

Dinner will be served shortly, so I am going to sign off for now. Blessings all.

Jerry and Linda

Days 9 & 10 - Hills and more hills

2008-08-27T21:30:00.001-04:00

Good evening everyone!

It’s been a few days since I updated the blog. Last night we had no internet and my Verizon card was not doing well either. Besides, I was tired and more than a little cranky so I thought better of trying to write.

Yesterday was by far the toughest so far. The hills were legion and steep. We no more than climbed one and the next on appeared on the horizon. It was late when we finally arrived at camp but we managed to get the tent up, catch the end of the supper line and rinse our biking clothes in the showers. The routine has become just that – a routine. Up at 5:30, pack up our gear, eat breakfast (French toast this morning), make a lunch, get the bike prepped (air the tires, check the chains and cables, fill the water bottles, load the lunches and snacks). Then by 7:00 we are on the road.

Both yesterday and today were 78 mile days – with the hills, both days were very challenging. Yesterday as my patience, legs, and seat were all reaching their respective limits, I began to think about the reason for the ride and our (Linda and my) part in it. As I mentioned the hills seemed endless and there was nothing I could do. We had no choice but to continue to crank the pedals and push forward.

My thoughts turned to those who are caught in the cycle of poverty. Their lives are much like our bike ride yesterday. Just when they overcome one challenge or adversity, another awaits. I focused my thoughts on a young single mom in the inner city. She finally overcomes the challenge of finding a job and her car breaks down. Because she can’t get to work on time, she loses her job. Now she has no car, no job, and little hope. Each day she awakens to another day of climbing hills. There just seems to be no hope, no end to the challenges.

I can’t even imagine what that would be like. I become “cranky” because I have to climb a few steep hills on a bicycle. This woman faces what seem to be insurmountable challenges everyday. After two weeks, I get to go home to a job, a family, a church, a life that could be the envy of 99% of the world. It is then, that I realize why I am riding and my self-centeredness is replaced by a sense of shame and determination to do more.

I hope you don’t mind my sharing a little of what is going on in my head as I ride but you need to know that Sea to Sea is about far more than riding a bicycle across North America. It is about finding solutions and offering love and grace to millions trapped in the cycle of poverty around the world. Thanks for listening.

Tomorrow we cross the boarder into Pennsylvania and the mountains. There will no doubt be more high hills, more challenges, and yes, more frustration but not without a purpose.

One last thought as the tour draws to a close – please say a prayer of thanksgiving for all those who led and supported the riders on the tour. The have done a wonderful job. Organizing more than 200 cyclists is no small feat, and they have done it well.

Enough for now.

Jerry

Back in the USA today! Monday - Day 8

2008-08-25T20:08:00.000-04:00

Jerry’s been writing for the last couple of days and I don’t know what he’s been writing. I haven’t read it! J What a great day we had today!!! We started out in St Catherines, ON leaving the school where everyone was camped, about 7:00 AM. We had a nice ride, quite a bit of it on bike paths the first part of the day. Thankfully, we discovered we’d followed other bikers too far down that path before WE went too far!! Others discovered it much later, but they were too far ahead for us to warn them of the error. Has Jerry mentioned that we are some of the s-l-o-w-e-s-t riders here? Thankfully, our error only added a couple of extra miles to our day. We crossed back into the US about 10:00 AM, without a hitch. They formed us into 3 lines and waved us through, never checking our passports. It was a breeze!!! Yeah!!! The temps were perfect today and for the most part, no headwinds!!! We got into camp about 3:30 PM. I think that was the earliest yet for us. Still the 78.5 miles have taken their toll. We are tired! However, it is our day to be on “sweep.” Normally that would mean we were supposed to empty the gear truck of all the bags down the center of the truck, but it was all done by the time we got here. It also means we had to help set up, serve, and clean up supper. Tomorrow morning we have to help set up, serve and clean up breakfast. Once everyone has left for the day, we have to load all the bags back into the gear truck and make sure the camp is left clean. We’re staying in a campground tonight, which meant individual showers--YEAH!! The sweep team is also responsible to be the last riders, helping anyone who has a problem along the way. Some of the younger riders are going to do that. So, Pelaton starts soon and I want to post this before I have to be there. Love to you all!!!! More later...

Sunday -- Day 7 and we rested

2008-08-24T21:12:00.000-04:00

Good evening faithful readers,

Our journey across North America continues. Yesterday we arrived in St. Catherines at about 2:30 after a “leisurely” 42 miles from Redeemer University College. It took much longer than anticipated because of the incredible welcome we received along the way. Five different churches set up “rest” stops and, in addition, two families added stops. Every stop included refreshments and in one case a full lunch. At one of the churches, they actually served us ice cream and fresh sliced peaches (this area is famous for its peaches and they are in harvest season.) I seriously doubt that we lost a single pound this week but it sure is nice eating whatever we want without guilt. J

When we arrived at the Christian School in St. Catherines, we were greeted by Rose Dekker. She and her husband Jim were our hosts for the weekend. They live just a mile or so from the school and have graciously transported us back and forth for meetings and other functions.

Last night we visited Niagara Falls with a group of cyclists. The Sea-to-Sea organizers had arranged for two school buses to transport those who were interested to the falls for a free evening. Linda’s foot was a bit swollen so limited our walking to a stroll through the park along the Niagara River, where we has spectacular views of both the American and the Canadian Falls. We finished the evening at the IMAX Theater watching a film about the history, lure, and legends of the falls. It was an enjoyable break from the cycling.

Sunday (today) has been a true Sabbath. We rested from our bikes but stayed very busy serving God. We worshipped with Jim and Rose at Covenant CRC. Jim preached a wonderful message and we had the privilege of hearing from all the SERVE teams that had been working this summer. Just guessing, I would say that there were at least 20 -30 people who worked on half a dozen projects. It was a powerful service. After meeting and greeting folks from church and touring the church’s new coffee shop ministry, we returned to Jim and Rose’s for a marvelous home cooked meal. (The cooks on the tour are great but they cannot compete with charcoal grilled Salmon.)

This afternoon was the Sea-to-Sea Rally at Queenston Heights Park. I would estimate that there were over 1,000 people in attendance. The outdoor service began at 4:00 and the early afternoon rain stopped at 3:59. The service was outstanding and was followed by – you guessed it – another great meal.

Tomorrow we cross back into the US at the Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge. We have another 77-mile day. The first twenty are in Canada and the next 57 in New York. Our destination if Southwoods RV park. I heard they have a pool and other nice facilities. Unfortunately, we are the sweep team and will be on KP duty tomorrow night. With our slower than average speed and our duty, there won’t be much pool time. Fortunately, the weather report is calling for temperatures in the 60’s, no rain, and winds from the northwest. Any of those three would be great but all three will be wonderful. We will let you know what happens.

Thanks to all who have responded to our blog and we ask that you continue to pray for us and for the entire tour. Our pray is for safety and that the efforts of the cyclists will make a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Jerry

Redeemer Arrival -- Day 5

2008-08-22T21:57:00.001-04:00

Day five is now part of C2C history. I owe you all an apology for missing yesterday’s update. We arrived safely after some 75 miles of cycling. The tour is more challenging than I had expected and Linda and I are not as prepared as we could have (should have) been. We are certainly able to complete the miles (kilometers here in Canada) but not with any thing approaching the speed of most of the riders. Part of it is training, part of it age, part of it physical conditioning. I would like to blame our bike (it is older and certainly heavier than most on the tour) but honesty prevents me from shifting the blame. J

Yesterday we rode from the arena in Chatam to London, a total of 78 miles. We were on the road shortly after 7:00. It was a good morning ride and we had a wonderful lunch provided by the Mount Brydges CRC. The folks were very warm and friendly and the food was excellent. The afternoon was tougher than the morning – primarily because of the heat. I don’t do well in the heat and so I tend to slow down – not a good scenario.

Since we arrive near the end of the group, by the time we come into camp, most of the tents are set up and people are settled in. That means that we have to find a small piece of open real estate for our tent and bike among the hundred plus tents already in place. Soon it is dinner time, followed by the peloton meeting and then small groups. By the time everything is done, it is dark. We are going to have to pick up the pace or we will have no “down” time for email, reading, relaxing, or just chilling.

Today we left London at 7:00 am – we are getting better and packing our gear each morning. The morning was overcast (a welcome relief from hot sun). We made pretty good time (for us) but had four or five food stops along the way. Different churches had set up stops along the way so we stopped at each one and enjoy both food and fellowship. However, each stop added another 15-30 minutes to our day. We covered a total of 78 miles and climbed a considerable distance in the process. The last 15 miles were the toughest – both because of the rolling hills and some short but steep climbs but also because the clouds parted and the sun was extremely warm. The temperature climbed along with the humidity. Add those all together and it was after four when we arrived at Redeemer University College.

Jim Payton greeted us and took us to his home for the evening. His wife Sharon is one the east segment cyclists. Tonight we will be sleeping in a real bed and since my air mattress leaked last night, leaving me on the ground, it will be a welcome break from the tent. At the moment, Jim, Sharon, Linda, and I are watching the Olympics (Canadian TV). As soon as the laundry is dry we will try out the bed and hopefully a good night’s sleep.

Tomorrow is a “short” ride – 42 miles from Redeemer to St. Catherines. Stay tuned for an update tomorrow night. Sleep well.

Jerry

We are in Chatam -- day 3

2008-08-20T19:40:00.000-04:00

Good evening all. Linda has been faithfully writing so I thought I would give her the night off. We arrived safely in Maple Leaf country just before noon. It was quite a sight to see nearly 200 pour off the ferry and be greeted by a cheering crowd of what appears to me to be hundreds. Not only did they welcome us with applause and cheers but they put out a great “snack” spread. There were sweet-rolls, Tim Horton’s donut holes, home made cakes and snack, wonderful fresh fruit – since breakfast was very light at camp, this feast was very much appreciated.

From our wonderful greeting we bike another 37 miles (for a total of 57) to our destination at Chatam. Here we were greeted by another contingent of hospitable CRC folks. Tonight our bikes are parked inside – a nice change. This morning everything was so wet that even Linda’s bike computer did not work for the first 35 miles of our trip. Since her computer records our speed, distance, and cadence (pedal strokes per minute) she was a little unhappy to be without it. Thankfully, the water did not damage it and a few hours in the warm sun fixed things.

The last 12- 15 miles was tough today. Strong head winds and hot sun. It was, according to the “old timers,” nothing compared to Nebraska but it was enough to make me a little “cranky.” Linda was kind enough to remind me that I was to be cranking not cranky. Excellent, even if unwelcome, advice.

When we experience the tough parts of the ride, I try to remember that my discomfort pales in comparison to that of the we seek to help. We are so incredibly blessed in so many ways. In my message to the cyclists and the guests in Denver, I reminded them again that this is not about us, or even about the poor, it is always about keeping our God at the center of our lives.

Well, enough for tonight. Blessings all.

Jerry

Day 2

2008-08-19T22:11:00.002-04:00

It’s the end of day 2 of our adventure. Sorry for not writing before. Last night we did not have Internet connection. We stayed at Sleepy Hollow State Park. We got into the campground by 2:30 after riding 70 miles. Then we spent quite a bit of time learning the ropes of how to haul 2 incredibly heavy duffel bags and 4 laundry baskets (wasn’t there a limit of 60 pounds?) to the site… Did I mention we moved everything to 3 different campsites? Anyway, today we biked 95 miles. The weather was a perfect temperature, the bike performed well, but we had head winds most of the day. It made for some tough riding. Just as we arrived at Richmond High School, where we are camping tonight, Jer made too sharp a turn coming into the driveway and fell off the bike. You should have seen his perfect 3 roll tumble (thankfully on grass). He could have been in the Olympics!!! He’s fine and I didn’t fall at all. How that happened, I’m not sure. We started this morning at 7:15 and didn't get to camp until 6:00. Well, it’s 10:00 PM, tent city is pretty quiet and morning will come all too quickly. Good night for now!

Anticipating our Adventure

2008-08-16T20:43:00.003-04:00

It's a busy weekend as we prepare for the bike ride. We've been packing, which has turned out to be quite complicated. We are each allowed 60 pounds. This includes everything we don't carry on the bike. We had to purchase a giant duffel bag to house our tent, sleeping bags, and folding chairs. Another duffel is holding our air mattresses, air pumps, pillows, and dishes. Then we were given 2 laundry baskets, each, to carry our clothes and toiletries. We had quite a time of it buying the tent. We made numerous trips first trying to find the tent we wanted, then buying another in case it didn't come in, which it didn't. When we put up the tent we bought, we decided it was too large, so we returned it and bought a different one. Once we got that one home and set up, we discovered it was defective. So back to the store for another tent. Thankfully, all was good with that one. I commented last night that if I make another trip to the sporting goods store in my lifetime, it would be too soon! (Wouldn't you know...we were back there again today!) Anyway all that is transported for us on a huge semi as we bike across the miles. Today we welcomed the bikers who came across the country, some all the way from Seattle, some from Denver, to Calvin's campus (today's ride was from Grand Haven). They arrived and almost immediately pitched their tents near the Prince Center, so Jer and I got a picture of what it will be like for us the next 2 weeks. This afternoon we had a bike safety class. Tomorrow we have registration, orientation, and a worship service at 5th/3rd Ball Park. And then, Monday morning we take off on our 800 mile adventure to the Atlantic Ocean.

Jerry & Linda's First Blog

2008-08-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday night, August 14. Jerry and I are celebrating our 38th anniversary by setting up a blog. We hope to use this means to communicate with our family, friends, and supporters while we bike the last leg of the Sea to Sea Bike Ride, Grand Rapids to Jersey City. We are quite nervous about this venture because we are really not ready to bike 800 miles. Ready or not Monday is coming! Stay tuned for future updates...