Reflections After the Tour

First of all - it was NOT easy (...except for our week in Ontario). And I couldn't have done it without my cycling team- "Zack's Angels". Most people were surprised to hear none of us knew each other before the tour- we had such a strong connection and had gone through so much together starting from day 1. We survived biking up the steepest hills/mountains, heat wave (you can die in the desert), cold and heavy rains, hail, cold mornings, days and days of nothing but corn fields, but through it all we persevered and made the most of it... and still had fun!

We started wondering ourselves if we would have been such good friends if it wasn't for the tour- and I would say the answer is "YES" because these are seriously beautiful people with beautiful hearts. We really lived as a cycling family and looked out for each other. I was so touched the time I saw Matt bike over to a homeless man and give him all the food he had on him. And every time I arrived to camp and saw my tent had already been set up for me by Karyn, Zack, or another teammate. When you're living together in a community 24/7, you really expose yourselves and see a person's true colours shine.

There was so much anticipation and build up for this tour, I had no idea what to expect. Every day seemed to go by slowly, but the weeks flew by in the blink of an eye. And now suddenly it's over :( It really was bittersweet for the tour to come to an end. My first day at home I quickly became depressed as reality set in. My friends and family were all at work, it was raining, and I had nothing to do. For the past 9 weeks I had been surrounded by people all the time and we had a set routine to follow. A coworker from Bayfield called to see if I was ready to come back to work and I eagerly accepted a shift for that day from 3-10pm. The overnight staff called in sick and I eagerly accepted that shift too. I didn't want to sit at home all alone. Since coming home on Monday, I've already worked 5 shifts, and am heading back today for my 6th.

We've been warned from other cyclists to watch what we eat AFTER the tour ends- that's when you gain all the weight. All summer we've gotten used to eating anything and everything because we feel hungry all the time. We hardly felt any guilt taking seconds or thirds of deserts because we knew the calories had already been burned. I wrote out a meal plan for myself and hung it up on the fridge. Nothing too strict, but a lot more strict compared to how I had been eating. It feels good to eat normal portions again, and to get back into running. The first time I went for a run, I could only do 7kms and it felt awkward - using muscles I hadn't been using all summer. Each day I continued doing 7kms and I'm gradually building up to a faster running pace. I plan on still biking as well, but maybe only once a week. And definitely no more 100 mile rides any time soon!

What intimidated me the most about signing up for the tour was the fundraising. Each cyclist doing the full tour needs to raise $10, 000. In Edmonton when I signed up for the Underwear Affair (running 10km in my underwear to raise money for prostate cancer), I only had to raise 300$. I was able to raise 250$, and covered the final 50$ myself, because it's so hard to ask people for money. However, my church community, friends and family were overwhelmingly generous though when I found the courage to fundraise for this tour, and I ended up surpassing my goal and raising $11,740! I'd like to thank EVERYONE for their prayers, donations, and support.

Now that the tour has come to an end, my "traveller's itch" has been temporarily scratched for now and I am ready to settle down. My sister Bethany is pregnant with her second child and alone (hubby is overseas), so I'm going back to Edmonton to help her out. I will never forget the summer of 2013, or the generosity of my community here in Ontario. I hope you enjoyed following my blogs and facebook photo albums/updates. I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to participate in the next Sea to Sea tour. Thank you and take care <3

Day 51; Tuesday, August 13- Trenton!

Ajax - Trenton, ON = 135kms
Bike Team = Zack's Angels + Carla + Jessica

Woke up at 6:30 and took our time getting ready. We had tail winds all morning so we were able to cruise so fast! At km 20 we stopped at Joan, Alice, and the Baker's church and were treated to a candy buffet, freezies and Timbits!

 

 

At noon we reached Hope CRC for lunch and more treats. As we were eating inside the church, it started raining - so we were able to avoid it perfectly. There were just some light showers after that.

 

Next church was mine! Fellowship CRC in Brighton - I led my bike team into the parking lot and we had a nice warm welcome, olliebollen, ice cream and fruit! I was so proud of my church family's hospitality!

We reached our final destination, Trenton Christian School, around 3:20. My sister Jenna drove us (Zack's Angels) to my house and we quickly changed into our bathing suits. We met Dad in Rossmore and he took us all boating! We made the mistake of wearing shorts and tank tops and were freezing out on the bay of Quinte, but still had a blast. The wind was super strong so we had crazy waves and were splashed by water continuously. We decided to be hard-core and jump into the water for a swim - turned out the water temperature was warmer then the air temp.

 

 

 

 

On the car ride back to Carrying Place, Matt read us excerpts from the book 50 Shades of Grey - we were dying of laughter. Back at the house we did laundry and showered. Mom made us penne, salad, and bread for supper. We drove back to TCS to pick up some final things. They still had dessert set out so we helped ourselves. Went to Wal Mart- I bought hair dye because my hair has been bleached badly with all the direct sunlight this summer!  

 

We watched "The Other Guys" and had a blast, it felt like we finally weren't on a bike tour and were just friends hanging out in a basement. I dyed my hair, and Laura used the leftover dye for her hair. We also put some on Zack's moustache - it started burning his face so he took it off right away.

 

So many people said to me, "You must be looking forward to sleeping in your own bed tonight", but I haven't had my own bed in this house for so long. The bedrooms have turned into guest rooms. I slept in Jenna's bed tonight.

 



 



Day 48; Saturday, August 10 - Redeemer!

Breslau, ON - Ancaster, ON = 70kms
Bike Team = Zack' Angels + Corey (Matt's little bro)

Woke up at 6:15am- my tent was so wet from the morning dew. Karyn has a friend that lives in Breslau so he offered to take us out for breakfast. He told us that the restaurant was called Oscar's and it was 2kms down the road from the school we were staying at. Never give cyclists an approximate distance, because we only go by exact measurements haha. After biking 2kms down the road, we didn't see any restaurant called Oscars and we started to panic thinking we had passed it. We continued biking, and Karyn called her friend to see if we were lost. He told us maybe it was more like 6kms. We kept biking and found it.

We enjoyed a huge and hearty breakfast, then continued on our way to Hamilton. Matt was excited to be back in his familiar territory since he lived in Hamilton for 4 years. He took us to a pizza place he did deliveries for and the manager gave us all free pop. Then he then took us to Sherman falls in Hamilton.

Oh my goodness I never realized how many hills are in Hamilton - it was ridiculous. Even though it was a short riding day, it took us longer because we were biking up so many steep hills. We finally made it to camp by 1:30. This weekend we're staying at Redeemer and sleeping in dorms!! Each dorm holds 8 people; Laura, Karyn and I lucked out and got assigned to the same dorm. We all showered and settled in. I finally finished watching the Bachelorette Season Finale with Laura. Gavin Ewing came by to cheer me and Kaitlyn on- that was super nice!

 

Supper was at 5:00 and served by Meadowlands CRC. They had bbq hamburgers, salads, corn on the cob, and special mocha cakes from a local Dutch bakery.

 

Karyn had a friend, Kat, come to visit from New York to hang out with us. After dinner I went back to my dorm to nap, but Elaina (5 year old niece) ended up phoning me and I talked to her for a while. She's getting really frustrated that I keep biking every day- she told me to come to Edmonton to take a rest at her house.

 

At 8:00pm we decided to hit up the downtown of Hamilton. Miranda Devries (high school friend) sent me a facebook message to say she's living in Hamilton and would love to meet up! All together Zack, Laura, Kat, Karyn, Matt and his girlfriend Hilary, me, a new cyclist named Jessica all went to Augusta Street - to the Ship for drinks and Miranda met us there. I asked for the best deal they had, which was Amsterdam Ale pitcher for $13.50 and split it with Jessica. Then had a cider. Afterwards we walked over to the Winking Judge. We walked over to a pizza place at midnight then took a cab back to Redeeemer. What an awesome Saturday!

 



Day 46; Thursday, August 8

Sarnia, ON - London, ON = 120kms
Bike Team = Zack's Angels

We woke up in Zack's house after a refreshing sleep in beds! Zack's dad, Peter, woke up early to make us breakfast sandwiches, greek yogurt, and fruit. It was so nice to sit around a table and eat breakfast together as a cycling family.

We rushed over to the school to pack a quick lunch for the day and our bikes. We were the last team to leave at 8:15am. We biked with ease along the 'London Line'. There was a lot of traffic and cornfields. We enjoyed a nice long lunch break at Tim Hortons.

Made it to London District Christian School at 2pm and had the choice of sleeping outdoors or in their front entrance- we chose indoors.

We lounged around, showered and facebooked because the school had Wi-Fi access set up for us. Zack's sister and brother-in-law live in London, so they picked us up for a little evening outing. First they took us to Lululemon because Laura really wanted to go. I was texting Bethany (sister) at the time and she warned me to stay away- it's always tempting to spend a lot of money there. I decided ahead of time I would not spend any money.

When we walked into the store, a sale's associate asked Zack and Matt if we were all one big family shopping together. The guys explained who we were and what we've been up to. The staff went to talk to her manager, who came back and asked to talk to us as a group. She explained that she was really impressed with what we're doing and as a store they would like to give us something free we can take along on the tour from their store! She offered us a free water bottle, underwear or a free shirt- we all chose to take a free shirt. Mine was worth 58$!

We then went downtown London. Zack's sister and brother-in-law treated us to dinner at Jack Astors. We all started with milkshakes and enjoyed delicious meals on an outdoor patio.

 

Zack's brother-in-law gave us a walking tour around London- such a pretty city. Then they took us back to London District Christian School. What a great day!!  

Day 45; Wednesday, August 7- Entering CANADA!!

Imlay City, MI - Sarnia, ON = 125 kms
Bike Team = Zack's Angels

Woke up at 6:15am. The breakfast/lunch tables were brought inside quickly because a major storm was coming. As we ate indoors, the lightening and rain started. We decided to stay in the school we were at and wait out the storm. It stopped finally around 8:00, but everything was absolutely soaked.

We biked hard and fast. Zack is from Sarnia, so he was in a rush to get home. Matt and I fell behind the rest of the group and went at a slower pace. It didn't matter because all the cyclists would be crossing over on the ferry at noon together. Once we got to the ferry, we ate our lunches and waited until all the other cyclists arrived. Once we crossed over there was a HUGE welcome to Canada for us! And Tim Hortons! I was so proud of my country's welcome.

 

 

The whole ride from Michigan had been terrible head winds, but we got lucky in Sarnia with fantastic tail winds. Zack brought us to a big bridge in Sarnia and we went to a fry stand where Wayne bought us all poutine! It was Laura's first time trying it- and her first time in Canada! On our way there, the route took us on a weird detour on tight pedestrian paths. I slipped on one and had my first fall- I cheered. It was about time I had my first fall - no battle wounds to show from it though.

 

 



We biked to Sarnia Christian School; they had treats and cupcakes set up for us. It was really neat.

 

 

We biked back to Zack's house- his family was SOOO nice. We told Zack it was like we were on the Bachelorette and this was "hometown dates". Based on this hometown visit, he would be given a rose for sure. We had beer, chatted, and showered. They told us they would sleep on their boat tonight just so we would have beds to sleep in tonight! That's true Canadian hospitality for you! We went back to the school for supper- porkchops, baked potatoes, salad bar, and a dessert buffet. We were sooo full.

 

A lady from the school was giving free haircuts to the cyclists so me, Laura and bearded Mark all walked over  to her house to get a free trim.

 

 

Headed back to Zack's house again. His brother, Mitch, made us martinis called "Blue Angels" - how appropriate for Zack's Angels :). We all drank, chatted and hung out. We watched "Horrible Bosses" and some of his other friends joined us. It's so fun having nights like these- where we can escape the camp and cycling atmosphere. We stayed up late - til 11:30 and then had a wonderful sleep in beds!! Thank you Van Reenen family!! 

 



Day 43; Monday, August 5

Grand Rapids, MI - Laingsburg, MI = 107kms
Bike Team = Zack's Angels
 
Woke up at 6:00 this morning and it was chilly! I went straight to the kitchen truck to pack my lunch before all the good food was taken; it was still dark outside. I took my time eating breakfast since it's a short bike ride today.
 
We stopped at 40kms at a place called Germaine's to eat a 2nd breakfast. They had exactly what we were looking for - good food for a good price. We were talking to 2 ladies at the restaurant and they gave us a 15$ donation.

 
We pulled into camp at 1:00 and ate our packed lunches right away. Today we're staying at an actual campground. Sites 1-50 were reserved for us. Zack's Angels stuck together and claimed our own site. So fun!
 
We showered and then got invited to the Kooy's campsite for a campfire. They had marshmallows to roast, hot dogs, speculaas cookies, and chocolate bars. Felt like we were on a real camping trip.
 
We had an early dinner at 5:00 of pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, beans, salad and fresh fruit. Dessert was apple/berry crisp. As we ate there were scattered showers, but we managed to stay somewhat dry by crowding in a sheltered picnic area. One new cyclist introduced himself to me and said, "Your Uncle Adrian says hi!" - he's from Exeter, ON and goes to church with my uncle.
 
At our peloton meeting we found out our overall total of 300 flats since the beginning of the tour.
 
Afterwards there was small group. Len Kooy reformed and started a new small group for people who wanted to leave their assigned groups- called "Group 31". I signed up, and so did Karyn, Stretch Mark, and Joan. We had a short/fun meeting and then it was over- we agreed instead of meeting every day like everyone else, we would only meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
 
Since it was still early and fairly light outside, I went for a 1 hour hike by myself. When I got back to the campground I joined the Westra's at their campsite for a campfire before heading to bed.

Day 41; August 3 - Calvin College

Holland, MI - Grand Rapids, MI = 60kms
Bike Team = Zack's Angels

Since we have a short ride today, we got to sleep in until 7:00! I packed all of my things up and loaded them onto the gear truck. We had a pancake breakfast served by the church on campus. As usual... we waited for Matt forEVER, and were the last team to leave camp around 8:30. We had to peddle sooo fast because we had a deadline of 11:00am to get to our destination of Calvin CRC for lunch. There were additional stops along the way that churches and friends of cyclists set up.

We got there around 11:15, and Aunt Mare was there to greet me!! :)

 

She was my first visitor so far- just so happened to be in Grand Rapids and able to stop by to say hi. We quickly ate lunch of turkey/ham on buns, macaroni salad and desserts. However, cyclists kept pouring in after us and they quickly ran out of food because the church had been given the wrong number of cyclists requiring lunch. They had to order pizza for those who hadn't eaten. When we were all fed we all biked to Calvin College together. There were people there to cheer us on.

 

 

 

 

I got my very own dorm suite!! This is the first time on the tour I truly felt like I had privacy and independence- I even had my own private shower! What a treat. We also found out there were free laundry facilities in the basement. I brought every piece of clothing I had down to get washed. We enjoyed treats Calvin College provided for us in the shared kitchens.

 

Calvin College welcomes Sea to Sea Riders! Please enjoy the peaches and baked goods. Bottled water is in the refrigerator.

 

We got a ride with 'bearded Mark' to a local coffee shop for tea and Wi-Fi. We ate dinner on campus of Calvin College- it was the best dinner so far! Grilled chicken, wild rice, salad, steamed vegetables, strawberry shortcake for dessert. Super fancy. Most cyclists missed out on dinner because they ate at restaurants or with their friends/families' homes.

 

 



I watched Bachelorette Finale Part 1 with Laura on her laptop in our pj's. Bearded Mark came over to our lounge area with his friend Karl and they invited us over to Karl's place for drinks. We changed back into regular clothes, Karyn and Zack joined, and we all went to a grocery store to pick up liquor. We brought it to Karl's place and drank and just hang out- it felt so good to do something 'normal' on a Saturday night!!

 

Bearded Mark and Karl raved about "yesterdogs" - apparently the best hot dogs in the world. So we went to try them out. They were pretty tasty! Bearded Mark even paid for them.

 

 

 

Bearded Mark, me, Zack enjoying Yesterdogs

 

The guys dropped us back off at our dorms at Calvin around 1:00am. I wanted to take advantage of having a whole dorm suite to myself, plus Wi-Fi, so I watched another episode of the Bachelorette until 2am :) Seriously- it was SOOO nice to have my own place after over a month of camping with over 100 other people.