tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84370498668938655572024-03-05T13:13:36.785-08:00Always an Adventure"Since I discovered several years ago, that I was living in a world where nothing bears out in practice what it promises incipiently, I have troubled myself very little about theories. I am content with tentativeness from day to day." - Thomas Hardy, quoted in A Prayer for Owen Meany.Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-89478662378125154502013-08-27T17:46:00.000-07:002013-08-27T17:46:38.765-07:00The Last Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIhBu_W1yHSvN6bCC2eBH8oGlsjFojvpnc8FMVqaONMgiLFtWUwDWZimscVcGCynHJpcDbjAYx0GXhW8VTY_0-JWebCqDvbcW_PWqvxNrdzdWyBgPRvp6DXWDV9rCKqCZ5eAA-0W6pKg/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIhBu_W1yHSvN6bCC2eBH8oGlsjFojvpnc8FMVqaONMgiLFtWUwDWZimscVcGCynHJpcDbjAYx0GXhW8VTY_0-JWebCqDvbcW_PWqvxNrdzdWyBgPRvp6DXWDV9rCKqCZ5eAA-0W6pKg/s320/photo+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I don't write this now, I probably won't. It seems a bit premature to be reflecting, because my head is still spinning. Allow me some final thoughts and ramblings, and then this blog will officially close until the next great adventure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember back when I wrote that this was <a href="http://slmarcus.blogspot.ca/2013/06/crazy.html">crazy</a>? How about the post where I thought <a href="http://slmarcus.blogspot.ca/2013/05/real-riding-3.html">87km</a> was a really, really long distance, and I was exhausted? I've re-read those posts, and they make me smile. I shared them with the cycling guru last week, and he thought they were pretty funny too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took a risk this summer, devoting 9 weeks (and a million training/prep hours) to a task I wasn't sure I liked. I like it, I still like it! I love risk taking, and I'm glad I did it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I suppose one of the worst lessons I learned this summer is that you can do anything you put your mind to. That's a dangerous lesson, and I should probably rephrase it. I feel incredibly blessed/fortunate/protected/lucky that I was able to ride every day with very little incident (okay, those flats...). I started a list of the things that could have gone wrong, ranging from personal injury, complete exhaustion, accidents, and bike malfunction. None of it happened to me, and I was able to complete the task I set out to. Every Fun Inch. Praise be!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
People ask if the experience turned out to be what I expected. Of course the answer is both yes and no. Yes, it was incredible, and I had high expectations. It was a physical challenge, and an opportunity to see great things along the way. Seeing creation at 27km/hr was amazing, and even more amazing when zooming past it at 75.3km/hr. Still so proud of that! Obviously there were challenging days, and I hope that I conveyed those accurately on these pages. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I'd have more time and space for reflection and quiet time, both on and off the bike. On the bike I feel as though my mind simply emptied, rather than thought, and I liked it. I don't often clear my mind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't expect to be so challenged by the presence of other people. I struggled often with the presence of the crowd, much to the amusement of the friends who drew close. I keep blaming "that awful spring" but also admitted toward the end of the summer that maybe I'm just a selfish hermit when it comes to space and time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With regards to the friends who drew close, I didn't expect them either. Amazing people, and I miss them terribly this week. Sometimes when I approach an adventure of this kind, I know that I will have to say farewell, and I don't necessarily want to let people in. And then they just sort of force their way in and you are a better person because of it. (ahemChristyahem). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpD1lmIh_fS3CmVA2KWGPmxEPwYwr2NAOYIv_cK3V2WC6VgJToSII0QhTqBQ0aDoBOJdG8Gv3Mvgr1elb4xX-YT398gzrQNW4YVYrNginy1CYyMVpptExrZnOHogqDAfFGY0D21JqBdE/s1600/1149374_10153133166590331_1283284507_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpD1lmIh_fS3CmVA2KWGPmxEPwYwr2NAOYIv_cK3V2WC6VgJToSII0QhTqBQ0aDoBOJdG8Gv3Mvgr1elb4xX-YT398gzrQNW4YVYrNginy1CYyMVpptExrZnOHogqDAfFGY0D21JqBdE/s320/1149374_10153133166590331_1283284507_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupvTvGd8mEikeuewmodBpUyq4MtD0vi4ZhqpU-ODc5QkWC_Jvz8AI1cRqgVr7Lhp-remDEx0FlCK1cMXvtnn7EVlxKliYBSfZ-ejHHaY8xyNUbw6fU3ZgT0q0XMw7Bb5yS7-wrCocUUQ/s1600/P8240123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupvTvGd8mEikeuewmodBpUyq4MtD0vi4ZhqpU-ODc5QkWC_Jvz8AI1cRqgVr7Lhp-remDEx0FlCK1cMXvtnn7EVlxKliYBSfZ-ejHHaY8xyNUbw6fU3ZgT0q0XMw7Bb5yS7-wrCocUUQ/s320/P8240123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZgewgk1bu3btikKTVS8Er4UpV4ZjdVepQV5lz_-6O3q7UlGufeoM7cDq8k-UN90CmMxI792Uh-TSF2vfgsB4Y5nEqOi2hDs1p5M7Swuo5vTMOGOAeoa80d7dsnP6Pz9drXqQX29KwcE/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZgewgk1bu3btikKTVS8Er4UpV4ZjdVepQV5lz_-6O3q7UlGufeoM7cDq8k-UN90CmMxI792Uh-TSF2vfgsB4Y5nEqOi2hDs1p5M7Swuo5vTMOGOAeoa80d7dsnP6Pz9drXqQX29KwcE/s320/photo+(3).jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is the legacy of this journey? I can think of three very tangible things. The first is that the generosity of so many ($15 917.83) has convicted me. I have been challenged to give more generously to a wider range of organizations and to my church. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second is a gentle, persistent reminder that the poor are always with us. It is easy to get caught up in my own kingdom work at a Christian school and forget to be present in my community. I am still sorting this out, and deciding what that challenge looks like for the coming year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last legacy, or lesson, is that I have an incredibly supportive, and loving church family. I surprised everyone (including myself) by showing up on Sunday morning after driving through the night. There were hugs and tears, and so much love. When we cycled in to town on <a href="http://slmarcus.blogspot.ca/2013/08/day-47-homeward-bound.html">August 9</a> I felt like a rock star. God has given me an incredible church family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so as the t-shirt pictured above reminded me all summer, I did something beautiful. And now I box it all up, go back to work and dream about my next adventure. Thanks, all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0htKziWiOzvjbOpo9spD8u-RAueq-6cbyk-_4mhpy2iwqX-bOj_FGJ1Fw15I5xTcoc4pBgDA9_uwz-_SJGXpb_PzLuuuLNVp7ZZ62M8GqBehiJmhJDAfPRy4N7hkaWLgCFl41TQdP7Mo/s1600/SeaToSea-2033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0htKziWiOzvjbOpo9spD8u-RAueq-6cbyk-_4mhpy2iwqX-bOj_FGJ1Fw15I5xTcoc4pBgDA9_uwz-_SJGXpb_PzLuuuLNVp7ZZ62M8GqBehiJmhJDAfPRy4N7hkaWLgCFl41TQdP7Mo/s320/SeaToSea-2033.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-74657838351678496212013-08-25T19:42:00.001-07:002013-08-25T19:57:48.536-07:00Day 62: I did this<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sweet last day of riding. Words are almost impossible for this day. I think the pictures do it justice.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SzhKsTNs4De-yK99f8vGbBWisOGuDYl1yIvyG0KnInrLcBawhv0iawTiDmCKqwyiwCCs2aYqQpWzY8Nw_Qt9CeqpeBrHRQP7QudifJzvD4EMB46TJfGHHgnM94G6NmUp2N_VPOppU0/s640/blogger-image-1313595786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SzhKsTNs4De-yK99f8vGbBWisOGuDYl1yIvyG0KnInrLcBawhv0iawTiDmCKqwyiwCCs2aYqQpWzY8Nw_Qt9CeqpeBrHRQP7QudifJzvD4EMB46TJfGHHgnM94G6NmUp2N_VPOppU0/s640/blogger-image-1313595786.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I7EFPPdruuq93QU5oZYe-IRQAO2FPzP8jUavqPnI2ctl9ggz6mOtxFbIEqXHFvjYjVhJtg7DHgKUMMdRBsFT7PZNMPoQWxQkVC9Rzzpt4kmhmL34pNrT7VAJ5-zfUdbys5Ei-vMLcPU/s640/blogger-image--1658876173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I7EFPPdruuq93QU5oZYe-IRQAO2FPzP8jUavqPnI2ctl9ggz6mOtxFbIEqXHFvjYjVhJtg7DHgKUMMdRBsFT7PZNMPoQWxQkVC9Rzzpt4kmhmL34pNrT7VAJ5-zfUdbys5Ei-vMLcPU/s640/blogger-image--1658876173.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQM1JswWu89pn9kVdh2ghYUFa3Jx2I5QyYfS_qs29CKtqkue0y3la1pwFg4Hu8xFgWnW4p0a_72-lzE77ZAoL9UC3XdFaCU51565usPMSn61pMQQxA54YvUx-s32IJOPh9jwbCOpwlfA/s640/blogger-image-671038437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQM1JswWu89pn9kVdh2ghYUFa3Jx2I5QyYfS_qs29CKtqkue0y3la1pwFg4Hu8xFgWnW4p0a_72-lzE77ZAoL9UC3XdFaCU51565usPMSn61pMQQxA54YvUx-s32IJOPh9jwbCOpwlfA/s640/blogger-image-671038437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BP6vqW1L9t32I6y2DRN3IUPinAnCusg4xCLktsAiyMVUCOGe_kF5pKMQ0fNWhC2fV6eBq8dAlry9rscsbSFwS1MsoGx_JMmHI9kYv1uQ8LDp-A_nmLvyEvlz6cUi1z8kx6-2Vedl4kY/s640/blogger-image-165498882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BP6vqW1L9t32I6y2DRN3IUPinAnCusg4xCLktsAiyMVUCOGe_kF5pKMQ0fNWhC2fV6eBq8dAlry9rscsbSFwS1MsoGx_JMmHI9kYv1uQ8LDp-A_nmLvyEvlz6cUi1z8kx6-2Vedl4kY/s640/blogger-image-165498882.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm46dXtMKSoSiWafRU5-Dn4i7x-ubj6p5FvyVulQli5eAadBzmLlDHb1F5u0hBV7X5Rmub3avC6V8jlzxegKkUMEfcRAcBBLIaWg2ZbbfRJJJKU9uS8rw2-ksLXpBIlUia52ZFb_1-r0/s640/blogger-image-938673804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm46dXtMKSoSiWafRU5-Dn4i7x-ubj6p5FvyVulQli5eAadBzmLlDHb1F5u0hBV7X5Rmub3avC6V8jlzxegKkUMEfcRAcBBLIaWg2ZbbfRJJJKU9uS8rw2-ksLXpBIlUia52ZFb_1-r0/s640/blogger-image-938673804.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcQO6aD5R6PVKlQSCP_3vVQ2i7fsZuOZsVhxrxBoED-gikz1DG9tQ6U_gtx6AhTt6nkGyz4BLsGM5ezjbndIstSOKWkW1dZnS0QjbS0-JrNFGediO-QloI1dLits2em2BDwphRxiawOU/s640/blogger-image-1278803016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcQO6aD5R6PVKlQSCP_3vVQ2i7fsZuOZsVhxrxBoED-gikz1DG9tQ6U_gtx6AhTt6nkGyz4BLsGM5ezjbndIstSOKWkW1dZnS0QjbS0-JrNFGediO-QloI1dLits2em2BDwphRxiawOU/s640/blogger-image-1278803016.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX13_ngdVu4x5pcMYf6oSfiaZaiyYbSn_vvc3vMwJibH8CKfK7HW6s_fBDdF-E6kOZgHhd67rdfCXXz0xsGw1cc45ASLC6TW9uexfPnZbFvksbY6LQCWMfS8ZmM7LvihspKQ0liOBV0Js/s640/blogger-image-66180515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX13_ngdVu4x5pcMYf6oSfiaZaiyYbSn_vvc3vMwJibH8CKfK7HW6s_fBDdF-E6kOZgHhd67rdfCXXz0xsGw1cc45ASLC6TW9uexfPnZbFvksbY6LQCWMfS8ZmM7LvihspKQ0liOBV0Js/s640/blogger-image-66180515.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zRzT2D6-HNCoPz-99mEFgQo5RjCv10lQFxjuHxb0rYAuTUppHCz1nLwk1UfIZsBxY8m6ITMVWzuFdIOTIdLRVJYE8fr4jN7YfnxMpWralgpHyKqb53wkXrjwkrJrelD7Z7zp35ljc6E/s640/blogger-image--1169662711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zRzT2D6-HNCoPz-99mEFgQo5RjCv10lQFxjuHxb0rYAuTUppHCz1nLwk1UfIZsBxY8m6ITMVWzuFdIOTIdLRVJYE8fr4jN7YfnxMpWralgpHyKqb53wkXrjwkrJrelD7Z7zp35ljc6E/s640/blogger-image--1169662711.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXsqTU3wuB94lC72sTOOdIcKv_xH0Ykub11bIeP_eENOm04Ea4ND5XgZmZ4bOMGYUNvpf1edpvFH-NgYrJCd-daYCk1Pf5AnVe5p98HLbfimYT8IwLcEZXz0xLuAQ_LD16ttkOp7aPY4/s640/blogger-image-1452404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXsqTU3wuB94lC72sTOOdIcKv_xH0Ykub11bIeP_eENOm04Ea4ND5XgZmZ4bOMGYUNvpf1edpvFH-NgYrJCd-daYCk1Pf5AnVe5p98HLbfimYT8IwLcEZXz0xLuAQ_LD16ttkOp7aPY4/s640/blogger-image-1452404.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX0Y3_fVe9xPeYASh0VO-_qh3eR3-kyVueUo3OCz0uOaLTV5FUq-e2uB6c9u_VoBCl-BLQppR050GWM1s1dYioz3uFmCcEFYycINspjbH7Gvv6eLbSrFYvqSpHGbqgfzqV6pOa4ZVt38/s640/blogger-image--158793718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX0Y3_fVe9xPeYASh0VO-_qh3eR3-kyVueUo3OCz0uOaLTV5FUq-e2uB6c9u_VoBCl-BLQppR050GWM1s1dYioz3uFmCcEFYycINspjbH7Gvv6eLbSrFYvqSpHGbqgfzqV6pOa4ZVt38/s640/blogger-image--158793718.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeSNt8k8CZ4FRt5n-nu0ZupbhBOUIVRgkDSM1JaNWEYxruEg7Tcqd9OT4IBA9RH5dlhaCa3Xnttd53a-Qhv4q7M50EGXahqDEOF1nsPOW93EBCZtUItU3D5HMFdQELwgbTT6T75XlEmI/s640/blogger-image--160904701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeSNt8k8CZ4FRt5n-nu0ZupbhBOUIVRgkDSM1JaNWEYxruEg7Tcqd9OT4IBA9RH5dlhaCa3Xnttd53a-Qhv4q7M50EGXahqDEOF1nsPOW93EBCZtUItU3D5HMFdQELwgbTT6T75XlEmI/s640/blogger-image--160904701.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>
Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-46902298403695303982013-08-25T19:41:00.003-07:002013-08-25T19:41:58.285-07:00Day 61: the penultimate day of cycling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friday, also known as Day 61 was our second last day of the tour, but really our very last day.<br />
<br />
Soak it in. We started the day crossing the Hudson on a cool bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzSjLMyzdQIKzQ_pL1ChtscryWSF3mkdzigK-W62aupjwIzW_MlsdCHdYVH9drThF0B2-WKrE_yVS9DIehrJNMF4bZlT7FxJNCIFEJRKcrjLr-TbPjEnr7B5SjbkhtzUvtObcNs1nfkw/s1600/P8230072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzSjLMyzdQIKzQ_pL1ChtscryWSF3mkdzigK-W62aupjwIzW_MlsdCHdYVH9drThF0B2-WKrE_yVS9DIehrJNMF4bZlT7FxJNCIFEJRKcrjLr-TbPjEnr7B5SjbkhtzUvtObcNs1nfkw/s1600/P8230072.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After crossing the bridge, we had one last big hike up a mountain. In the words of cousin Bill the motor bike rider, the hill went "up a long ways, down a bit and then up a lot more." That was accurate. Of course, when you climb that high, you get to descend, and descend and descend. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8AwWtax23EfChxmv4Av2UDKm2LFpxaOqMATsdQvcsI0vZxBBIqhuD7szXqOt4RqLGbwCi_rgTAsWLKrfuQx4-wJPND4APCSVq2cIgMHOjCuak_AKSXaF92DZXl5d0pdCRREBBRT61YM/s1600/P8230075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8AwWtax23EfChxmv4Av2UDKm2LFpxaOqMATsdQvcsI0vZxBBIqhuD7szXqOt4RqLGbwCi_rgTAsWLKrfuQx4-wJPND4APCSVq2cIgMHOjCuak_AKSXaF92DZXl5d0pdCRREBBRT61YM/s1600/P8230075.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I managed to push 68km/hr on the downhill. That's a good day of cycling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68JxsV_50PmtUKgexqpVAgHl3Mf2kUzOARHQane2-wDEFODx8W-kBixcGfXfQjyeneZ8yXGecAox58QUv7xdhRPPASizeyJu62fMYrAIZsk-phj_hZhrg5ENbwI7EtKXZzH1UZwQ8he4/s1600/P8230077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68JxsV_50PmtUKgexqpVAgHl3Mf2kUzOARHQane2-wDEFODx8W-kBixcGfXfQjyeneZ8yXGecAox58QUv7xdhRPPASizeyJu62fMYrAIZsk-phj_hZhrg5ENbwI7EtKXZzH1UZwQ8he4/s1600/P8230077.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favourite part of our last independent day of cycling happened next. We'd been playing tag with Marc, Mike, Rachel and Adam, our buddies, all day. We had agreed that we would stop some time after km 70 for lunch or something, but these things are hard to predict.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Around km 75 Julia and I happened upon Rachel standing at the edge of a parking lot. She had taken the time to purchase ice cream, cones and a scoop, and found this beautiful spot for enjoying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sTmPQK0OeEjHz1NgV23-tSnuFRkB_0mVg0lixLGFvnEqpGhXkVra145c7XoNdK_zf62qyrQ85FtzmM3Bcjh3QEM7KaL3mqM6QiqGyc-uz_m6NYV9uKsa94XVnuw_t0H3qiFNf14J0rg/s1600/P8230078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sTmPQK0OeEjHz1NgV23-tSnuFRkB_0mVg0lixLGFvnEqpGhXkVra145c7XoNdK_zf62qyrQ85FtzmM3Bcjh3QEM7KaL3mqM6QiqGyc-uz_m6NYV9uKsa94XVnuw_t0H3qiFNf14J0rg/s1600/P8230078.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
This seems as good a time as any to comment on the beautiful people in this picture. These are my people, the ones who put up with all my moody crap all summer long, and still love me enough to enjoy ice cream in a gazebo on our second to last day of riding. Of course there are others who have made this adventure special, but there's something about these five. Adam (blondie, the kid, everyone loves Adam) has an incredible sense of humour but uses it with integrity and kindness. Julia (my other half) loves people and wants everyone to be included and feel welcome. Mike is quiet but when he speaks it's worth listening to. Marc is incredibly loyal and gives great advice about all things Sea to Sea. Rachel is intensely passionate about so many things, and loves to share stories with others. <br />
<br />
We toasted our ice cream cones and then headed in to camp for our last tenting adventure. </div>
Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-58762847072401429342013-08-25T19:18:00.001-07:002013-08-25T19:18:30.305-07:00Days 59 and 60<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wednesday and Thursday passed in a bit of a haze, looking back. More of the same beautiful, rolling scenery as we continued along Lake Champlain and the Hudson river.<br />
<br />
Julia and I continued our slow-ish riding, wanting to take it all in...and not kill ourselves on the hills.<br />
<br />
This was the view as we climbed into Albany, NY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeXNqwh5AH-FDTF_DxFZd-5AHXFPNd7Y8CMlRSVOHR2HtFyJuh1KBe2AeQXV2c4mx8XUf0ANWAYQ-z8RGuqW_lhgaXtzF2bH89m98XjxKX1Jfg7Q_w5OM8Lyd5I_Dcw3opEpgRI8wyHo/s1600/P8210067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeXNqwh5AH-FDTF_DxFZd-5AHXFPNd7Y8CMlRSVOHR2HtFyJuh1KBe2AeQXV2c4mx8XUf0ANWAYQ-z8RGuqW_lhgaXtzF2bH89m98XjxKX1Jfg7Q_w5OM8Lyd5I_Dcw3opEpgRI8wyHo/s1600/P8210067.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-68464197982211616712013-08-21T17:44:00.001-07:002013-08-21T17:45:54.062-07:00Day 58We have been spoiled by the flat terrain basically from Illinois to Montreal. That all changed today. <div><br></div><div>As you can see from the elevation picture, we climbed a lot, and descended just as much. That means our elevation stayed basically the same, but we rode hard. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHS9yZWg8dbk1Tk57Cgy7Q4k1QbqaaJOluc11ibHctncaAUKR0eQw2j8WYktbR6S6JE7vTDpAFbROgJYcUlFR1WmJHmNV8kU7t9mGzcb_1_tINe44amKxEJjYlog1vKGD5pgJtTnW6n8/s640/blogger-image--750805878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHS9yZWg8dbk1Tk57Cgy7Q4k1QbqaaJOluc11ibHctncaAUKR0eQw2j8WYktbR6S6JE7vTDpAFbROgJYcUlFR1WmJHmNV8kU7t9mGzcb_1_tINe44amKxEJjYlog1vKGD5pgJtTnW6n8/s640/blogger-image--750805878.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I wish I could say that it felt easier than 7 weeks ago in Colorado, but I'm not sure it did. I must be stronger though, right? I do think my climbing strategy has changed, and we focused on riding steady, not on heroics, all day. </div><div><br></div><div>We averaged 20.3km/hr, and my maximum speed for the day was 65km/hr. there was some debate at supper about whether this was the hardest day of the tour. I'm personally not convinced, I think day 16 or day 37 would be top contenders for that prize.</div><div><br></div><div>Fortunately we had beautiful scenery all day long, which definitely made the day go quickly.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqauNhf-bYp9qOVI5Uaal7_4x3dHUb-zU57JaU4ZPNRLeiH2W1YEeOLmQIOHNP_yfIxcxd8v90N8YD-wrffdhBELrpufdEz7pQY_Jw9utFgxCt1X757alRvPM9N9bekiGpapVGofqw1U/s640/blogger-image--233187990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqauNhf-bYp9qOVI5Uaal7_4x3dHUb-zU57JaU4ZPNRLeiH2W1YEeOLmQIOHNP_yfIxcxd8v90N8YD-wrffdhBELrpufdEz7pQY_Jw9utFgxCt1X757alRvPM9N9bekiGpapVGofqw1U/s640/blogger-image--233187990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-57349667794782015032013-08-21T14:59:00.001-07:002013-08-21T17:45:30.596-07:00Day 57: back in the good ol' US of AOn Monday, after a not-really-relaxing day off in Montreal, we headed back to the US. We rode south fm Montreal and crossed basically in the middle of no where. It's odd to cross the border on a bike. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YyK30DWBfXsg_WyInvEPV-sSkt-QMCSmIJ0K8-CFy3mLegNasB5q9o1XZWUOm-ImPIOhDzKDLeOBNl5OuZSpJnWe45QgZZ7Q9DVzzMrbnCmVpyxt5R2b8uPdMcdIzWsu9qo5ncawAyY/s640/blogger-image-1007129532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YyK30DWBfXsg_WyInvEPV-sSkt-QMCSmIJ0K8-CFy3mLegNasB5q9o1XZWUOm-ImPIOhDzKDLeOBNl5OuZSpJnWe45QgZZ7Q9DVzzMrbnCmVpyxt5R2b8uPdMcdIzWsu9qo5ncawAyY/s640/blogger-image-1007129532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to New York!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8-LD9WwvO3DFBkcHv9fbz9d7dA2gKchm8AgA501QR3o5j41Lz-EiI5HrYYeSkGX0opq3m6Wq32rD5UbgjDpC0CGlfhFyjnNPuCry421s1C-XAUcA3ABRYz430ENnGBp8DXJ5oTzWcso/s640/blogger-image--1776819980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8-LD9WwvO3DFBkcHv9fbz9d7dA2gKchm8AgA501QR3o5j41Lz-EiI5HrYYeSkGX0opq3m6Wq32rD5UbgjDpC0CGlfhFyjnNPuCry421s1C-XAUcA3ABRYz430ENnGBp8DXJ5oTzWcso/s640/blogger-image--1776819980.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Upstate New York is incredibly beautiful, and our ride took us along Lake Champlain. We stayed at Au Sable Chasm park, which was just magnificent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcomKXwB-61TzLBBIc9-5OIBR46C5crNRD0866ROFS_M7pgSLCcBXv0395M_o9jcgfMFG4-byZTxH5t4lxCu3VC9ICEAVdo252B-y6-TtocKtyUIRQxf6k1VTdJOuEQe1OWCqdl9wloCk/s640/blogger-image-1405021675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcomKXwB-61TzLBBIc9-5OIBR46C5crNRD0866ROFS_M7pgSLCcBXv0395M_o9jcgfMFG4-byZTxH5t4lxCu3VC9ICEAVdo252B-y6-TtocKtyUIRQxf6k1VTdJOuEQe1OWCqdl9wloCk/s640/blogger-image-1405021675.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Ab3t_HC3gaTI4HteYv_PE88mNC0CFRmUzYKvVP_35t26WBBvfkT23KBZLcfmpjKaprIp1pfRkqWxoMen27rflil9XfhkuSAvKvLtSzi4uHnwaUleiqMSbRU5P23DzK9e6QsaMIz9Bo/s640/blogger-image-1011664908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Ab3t_HC3gaTI4HteYv_PE88mNC0CFRmUzYKvVP_35t26WBBvfkT23KBZLcfmpjKaprIp1pfRkqWxoMen27rflil9XfhkuSAvKvLtSzi4uHnwaUleiqMSbRU5P23DzK9e6QsaMIz9Bo/s640/blogger-image-1011664908.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Along the way we rode past this funky park. Check out the last supper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvWkUsPbVq6DdXRvS00dBbiQwTb1saALNJ3lJK9RaC305IWoDT_1lusaFrW1lPVmU16fFwBv6vOdfDrY21D2jfeNK56Q3MROgzd93LCskqrpFqdwJsTOp3ncEH3eCrh_b1KB-ThMD6WI/s640/blogger-image--459379262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvWkUsPbVq6DdXRvS00dBbiQwTb1saALNJ3lJK9RaC305IWoDT_1lusaFrW1lPVmU16fFwBv6vOdfDrY21D2jfeNK56Q3MROgzd93LCskqrpFqdwJsTOp3ncEH3eCrh_b1KB-ThMD6WI/s640/blogger-image--459379262.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-87420167249845444392013-08-18T18:27:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:27:10.300-07:00Jour 56: the real reason I biked from LA to MontrealIt's very possible I've been talking about this sandwich since I made friends on this trip.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXmkAqOGq4KPTfDbjZTOBQ5l-sFisBCgAuMAxUjcn2_ZeCXgS90-BrvYdLMf3COBrkhuGe3y0NxyfJ49iIosMEhVNyTlYAOcdIkaTUZP_ANMBtoXZVA9ZCbD-bycVxGkH0BbRZ3jYc6o/s640/blogger-image--125089730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXmkAqOGq4KPTfDbjZTOBQ5l-sFisBCgAuMAxUjcn2_ZeCXgS90-BrvYdLMf3COBrkhuGe3y0NxyfJ49iIosMEhVNyTlYAOcdIkaTUZP_ANMBtoXZVA9ZCbD-bycVxGkH0BbRZ3jYc6o/s640/blogger-image--125089730.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we approached la Belle Province I talked a lot about my favourite little restaurant in Montreal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we were bused in to the city for church. Ryan randomly met up with a college friend at church, and as we were discussing lunch, I asked him if he had heard of café Santropol. And because he's a good 30 something Montrealer, it was his recommendation for lunch as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">14 of us ended up together ordering funky sandwiches and milkshakes. Santropol, I'm sorry I haven't been by in 4 years. I'll try to do better in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUdYy5G4WjrtfGOINUwyRh1VnENgcxKkdIC52LjCfq0vT2HJOEjBs8TRUeKbc3SSwSIdlew-x_F_zdSe8dXEs_7ySErcD2AZxwii58_dHuj76oBeVmPGJPQ6ISL3uXY5xvqEajDDDZ4I/s640/blogger-image--1509998352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUdYy5G4WjrtfGOINUwyRh1VnENgcxKkdIC52LjCfq0vT2HJOEjBs8TRUeKbc3SSwSIdlew-x_F_zdSe8dXEs_7ySErcD2AZxwii58_dHuj76oBeVmPGJPQ6ISL3uXY5xvqEajDDDZ4I/s640/blogger-image--1509998352.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That pretty much sums up our day of rest - wandering Montreal, and eating good food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, and this happened to Billy D's tent too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssee7VOWXBsLNF-SaL6aeTEQJbaGItaJh2AVpmnhlZMG5VOpxbN8zG54vGFS1RHReIkrWXHMa4v_YZkKZ7dDniUbBL1i7YaW-l8OkAEpkSe7DdW7D1FEKbh87wpPyVfKhYe68C13ocGk/s640/blogger-image-1756487888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssee7VOWXBsLNF-SaL6aeTEQJbaGItaJh2AVpmnhlZMG5VOpxbN8zG54vGFS1RHReIkrWXHMa4v_YZkKZ7dDniUbBL1i7YaW-l8OkAEpkSe7DdW7D1FEKbh87wpPyVfKhYe68C13ocGk/s640/blogger-image-1756487888.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6 days left. Crazy of a different kind. </div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-45133301130650917312013-08-18T18:25:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:25:52.287-07:00Jour 55: bienvenue à Québec!Today we rode from Cornwall to Montreal-ish.<div><br></div><div>It was another day for meandering, though not quite as bad as the day before. That would have been hard to top, in all honesty!</div><div><br></div><div>Julia, in case I haven't mentioned it before, is also a French teacher. We had fun making little comments to other cyclists <i>en français </i>along the road.</div><div><br></div><div>Not being on a major highway, this is the best we could do for a Provincial sign.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3d_2ETTOKTnVkuBWW3PMAmXWdUnLu1MVWgUOfG4ypefrFI9FiO2JnwDO-vJJ3_Rla0VHx8Yxuj3U854szajJc2A2HXtgkk2BWS1erdr_KP_kgLgnX_vbggdcyZb7Q9WoTDqLwFBVpSM/s640/blogger-image--1797238004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3d_2ETTOKTnVkuBWW3PMAmXWdUnLu1MVWgUOfG4ypefrFI9FiO2JnwDO-vJJ3_Rla0VHx8Yxuj3U854szajJc2A2HXtgkk2BWS1erdr_KP_kgLgnX_vbggdcyZb7Q9WoTDqLwFBVpSM/s640/blogger-image--1797238004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We caught up with the three boys here because they of course had to walk across a muddy field, with their bikes, to get to the big sign on the 401. Julia and I didn't feel so inclined. With their permission, we hopped on to the draft for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After SAG 1, we got mixed up in a huge pack, and when it was all settled just Ryan, Steve, Julia and I remained. So we meandered some more, and took this great series of pictures:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C60aKC_1AsjZP2QmVqOwDmOK5aXdc_4QaNGg1A3lLSUgwts_ArwUIJ42wYMNrdMHwyjOpykYDweNBZL3NBvZ4hnK4I_XCaTz2oScf1X-Eq_F4_LmRr7SQKUjzPvFwQFBso2DMHLvGx4/s640/blogger-image--1254501389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C60aKC_1AsjZP2QmVqOwDmOK5aXdc_4QaNGg1A3lLSUgwts_ArwUIJ42wYMNrdMHwyjOpykYDweNBZL3NBvZ4hnK4I_XCaTz2oScf1X-Eq_F4_LmRr7SQKUjzPvFwQFBso2DMHLvGx4/s640/blogger-image--1254501389.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKskDYoi_f6LJjLFZWe78SWuLZloWDg0ioVsZQ9w6VyGmpmj-jMtsh4Sefb0-43_7RHYaAh-oB97ptIBNnYEcXieTD1uJFBhpreIP5H6e5pGvXMnZaM8RjMUsUJ8rR43nSD3ZbadsSRA/s640/blogger-image--251602092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKskDYoi_f6LJjLFZWe78SWuLZloWDg0ioVsZQ9w6VyGmpmj-jMtsh4Sefb0-43_7RHYaAh-oB97ptIBNnYEcXieTD1uJFBhpreIP5H6e5pGvXMnZaM8RjMUsUJ8rR43nSD3ZbadsSRA/s640/blogger-image--251602092.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAmPq2ao3Zkrd2wH4eOwHdxRFWvH2Nw-isvUz0NFGmcefIP1O2ty_fBpRFJOdCw_G97ZB5p2bPWQpPEmCWmdg7Fci7Inh9ud-dTFOwZx3toOf6mKRKnMY4miC814tWo1QVNS7uvTQWVc/s640/blogger-image-813771833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAmPq2ao3Zkrd2wH4eOwHdxRFWvH2Nw-isvUz0NFGmcefIP1O2ty_fBpRFJOdCw_G97ZB5p2bPWQpPEmCWmdg7Fci7Inh9ud-dTFOwZx3toOf6mKRKnMY4miC814tWo1QVNS7uvTQWVc/s640/blogger-image-813771833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> That's better!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ryan, the resident American, needed to try poutine. Don't worry, he shared this plate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcCh34Y7I2FC7z-rY3Xe8UBB8N0I9t_3xapdvaQXoAROuHz8ZHRlrIAfjoVRbDBQA-daM0KP0LwdePbFB19npNiLi4CrGCrGVGAeiyy440BrE1inCg05gdW4IUYdSBfCgyteclPcpK-g/s640/blogger-image-197219677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcCh34Y7I2FC7z-rY3Xe8UBB8N0I9t_3xapdvaQXoAROuHz8ZHRlrIAfjoVRbDBQA-daM0KP0LwdePbFB19npNiLi4CrGCrGVGAeiyy440BrE1inCg05gdW4IUYdSBfCgyteclPcpK-g/s640/blogger-image-197219677.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made it in to camp mid-afternoon. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-4774737197950571712013-08-18T18:22:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:22:38.442-07:00Day 54: a meandering dayToday we rode from Brockville to Cornwall. Some days on the Sea to Sea are all about efficiency, or arriving at the destination in a good time. <div><br></div><div>Some days are not. Day 54 was all about meandering. Big time. </div><div><br></div><div>We stopped shortly outside of Brockville to witness some historical re-enactments.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAS8sGO1xNegl9YnQng23vOuhPLgzhp7ch6pcwGaRDL_CDWIo1CLkGakZh5AOM-MXYOW7-405Amf-VDSBEK5nh1_k-4DOEkzuzDSlYvanXS5_yEvbWLzu1W_6dflhBXxcJzTnCnWbArQ/s640/blogger-image-274216584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAS8sGO1xNegl9YnQng23vOuhPLgzhp7ch6pcwGaRDL_CDWIo1CLkGakZh5AOM-MXYOW7-405Amf-VDSBEK5nh1_k-4DOEkzuzDSlYvanXS5_yEvbWLzu1W_6dflhBXxcJzTnCnWbArQ/s640/blogger-image-274216584.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then at SAG 1 my cousin Chandra and her family (and in-laws!) showed up with cookies for our troops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rrP6HWWLFCGyUbKIfwQesaLg6Y8xFvxSivbgxDJ4kQjH0su-IZJfqpxYtLWGEy6bdj_m_N3KzfSqsC8m6oLdjvXeCSMaJDSEgyS2VlGANaGJLmcpiVwE9iL8sEi0v6OJ9NK2wCPxaJA/s640/blogger-image--307153581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rrP6HWWLFCGyUbKIfwQesaLg6Y8xFvxSivbgxDJ4kQjH0su-IZJfqpxYtLWGEy6bdj_m_N3KzfSqsC8m6oLdjvXeCSMaJDSEgyS2VlGANaGJLmcpiVwE9iL8sEi0v6OJ9NK2wCPxaJA/s640/blogger-image--307153581.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not 10 minutes later we rode past some of Julia's family and had to stop again. Shortly after that some people from Williamsburg CRC were out with treats. Of course we stopped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A large group of cyclists had turned the distance between rest stops into a time-trial race. We stopped at SAG 2 to meet up with them and picked up Ryan and Adam, who were officially exhausted after racing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We hit the road and then stopped for this gem of a photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsZVI_JEOK9IHKyCAgVStQlnpoAz7TOwri0ZtT4wP92iao9ZW_q3G6SxsK0gFaGy93FwiwzaTVv3MHi3ivgs1E5EOssyZz2b65s8QELjpfb34U3QA3BXTN2Dr7AhIWNls7dS9_iFoBhs/s640/blogger-image--1600388274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsZVI_JEOK9IHKyCAgVStQlnpoAz7TOwri0ZtT4wP92iao9ZW_q3G6SxsK0gFaGy93FwiwzaTVv3MHi3ivgs1E5EOssyZz2b65s8QELjpfb34U3QA3BXTN2Dr7AhIWNls7dS9_iFoBhs/s640/blogger-image--1600388274.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think after this we actually rode our bikes for quite a while... Except when we didn't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Upon arriving in Cornwall we enjoyed a coffee and helped Ryan calculate the times for the race.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then when we were literally turning into the driveway of camp, Adam twisted our rubber arms and made us go swimming in the St. Lawrence Sea Way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zXConduv_LjwbzzyYnmkVKMgLSTjUzlxmNsVPK7z3f-oeglVv2qL7YHHYr25WSKkeqnZMqhMmkPHg0tm3bauRq0yUlsDinUby6_dogJX7dSW9O3AWBVQ8CBiHOCXbyIuxwGRDs8E3cg/s640/blogger-image-1960350397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zXConduv_LjwbzzyYnmkVKMgLSTjUzlxmNsVPK7z3f-oeglVv2qL7YHHYr25WSKkeqnZMqhMmkPHg0tm3bauRq0yUlsDinUby6_dogJX7dSW9O3AWBVQ8CBiHOCXbyIuxwGRDs8E3cg/s640/blogger-image-1960350397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our time between camps was almost 7.5 hours. Our saddle time was 3.5. The sun was shining, the company was fantastic. What more could you want?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some new quotables from the ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My new bike name (can't believe it took 8 weeks to get it down): </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the Shannondale</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(This evolved from Shannon the Cannon...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Slogans for team Shulia:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Team Shulia - recover with us</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Team Shulia - a touch slower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh dear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-51315960900095030852013-08-18T18:21:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:21:08.477-07:00Day 53Today was probably the first day I woke up feeling done with the Sea to Sea adventure. Not the biking, but the waking up early (really, people, we are riding 84km), packing my tent, having spiders all over it, chugging my tea and being rushed to eat breakfast and pack a lunch. It's summer holidays and I'm not loafing!<div><br></div><div>Fortunately, once we hit the road for Brockville, the feeling went away. The biking is fun, and the scenery is new every day. And in my defence, who wouldn't be tired of packing up their bed and "home" every day going on 8 weeks?</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the group was stopping in Gananoque for the 1000 islands boat cruise, but Julia and I didn't want to, because we both had people waiting in Brockville.</div><div><br></div><div>We kept a fairly decent time and arrived at noon. </div><div><br></div><div>I finally got to see Bestie!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLMiK-OXobNh8mJSkNLSd97sbX04CN5UG-FKG98hSIV_hu8qJaU7JfMkzKfNYzBGrLHY37Pm1cNTZ_Iv5P8oegz_955XNc7PYcTkyeE4nX8ySa3h79nP3VgFtVxQgSTs3LU7d43v62ik/s640/blogger-image--1628187208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLMiK-OXobNh8mJSkNLSd97sbX04CN5UG-FKG98hSIV_hu8qJaU7JfMkzKfNYzBGrLHY37Pm1cNTZ_Iv5P8oegz_955XNc7PYcTkyeE4nX8ySa3h79nP3VgFtVxQgSTs3LU7d43v62ik/s640/blogger-image--1628187208.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And for those of you who didn't see it on FB or in person, my dear Nique is the creator of the official "Sea to Sea apron" which she sent to me for my 30th birthday. So blessed to have such a talented and generous friend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdtPEDCsqc2pvVqwuG8dLLRQ6V1qgLvPyvcuw5rsapdaHAhyphenhyphenop0b9cMqDmtMWxKI0XRw8rKPIjlwH-JcwiPO4NwdNkKNMrF-MOOEhMz_UU0MfyJE8vF1zrKSrqKIl4YxccyCsEeEiEM/s640/blogger-image-413866091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdtPEDCsqc2pvVqwuG8dLLRQ6V1qgLvPyvcuw5rsapdaHAhyphenhyphenop0b9cMqDmtMWxKI0XRw8rKPIjlwH-JcwiPO4NwdNkKNMrF-MOOEhMz_UU0MfyJE8vF1zrKSrqKIl4YxccyCsEeEiEM/s640/blogger-image-413866091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeByD12UNAyka2RHBWWMznzLvEzIT_WrHaiZ9WCLwXAbu2IBVbhulCWfwTKM-KCqsuVBoorSbKpVJku0eJyqQ38GJLvVH9dH5lVH1gFAAiy12TXS4ciBK3xAx0zLYjgn9N2sjOENy6wqs/s640/blogger-image-1317198101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeByD12UNAyka2RHBWWMznzLvEzIT_WrHaiZ9WCLwXAbu2IBVbhulCWfwTKM-KCqsuVBoorSbKpVJku0eJyqQ38GJLvVH9dH5lVH1gFAAiy12TXS4ciBK3xAx0zLYjgn9N2sjOENy6wqs/s640/blogger-image-1317198101.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-12920133001925837572013-08-18T14:29:00.000-07:002013-08-18T18:34:05.464-07:00How to not wake up hungry at 4:30am.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is a long list of reasons a Sea to Sea-er might wake up at 4:30am: the desert required it, trains, someone else's tent or sleeping bag zipper, snoring, farting, or chugging a water bottle just before bed time. But one of the worst ways to wake up at 4:30 is because you are very, very, hungry. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The cooks in our mobile kitchen are accounting for at least 5000 calories of food per cyclist per day. Not to mention that our metabolism is kicked into high gear right now. That's a lot of food!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I never thought I'd say it, but I might be getting sick of eating. Maybe I should qualify: I'm getting sick of eating high calorie food that fills you up quickly like granola bars, cheese strings, bananas and pasta.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So how exactly do we replace the calories we burn, and ensure that we have the energy to ride day after day?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a breakdown.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breakfast: bowl of cottage cheese, half bagel and orange juice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SAG 1: banana, granola bar, cheese string</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SAG 2, 3, 4: apple pieces, orange slices and watermelon galore.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lunch, usually starting at 10am and spread throughout the next few hours: 2 cheese strings, granola bar or two, sandwich with some form of protein, and grapes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKG51rJ1aC72Yiq0M0fR34gpf1K6-QggLUNWNeBTjmNCOXz2U81TiceZhfE6Glwhy1Ke-6ubYZxmNyynXuEzcfs2IIHzCa4EHf0PM_lP0PoPZmSb37sxus9MJ-qb4D9esbaPhkCFPFDE/s640/blogger-image-156566832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKG51rJ1aC72Yiq0M0fR34gpf1K6-QggLUNWNeBTjmNCOXz2U81TiceZhfE6Glwhy1Ke-6ubYZxmNyynXuEzcfs2IIHzCa4EHf0PM_lP0PoPZmSb37sxus9MJ-qb4D9esbaPhkCFPFDE/s640/blogger-image-156566832.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now you've all seen the many other pictures of donuts, ice cream and more. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Upon arrival in camp: chug lemonade and eat fritos to replace the salt. There is usually yogurt and granola out for consumption as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course through this all we are drinking bottle after bottle of water and sometimes electrolytes, especially when it's really hot. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And supper. Supper is glorious. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_wgIt-PFaotZezgQExqtkGD83AopCULnOmPJ0mamCu05MEIyA7eNBEpnfdgkdbnGrPtK8pcj6BVWiXcGfRnruLTSZ85iHZIJlwLXDERvtjbmV6Vv0bkx3b802kf6bADblqg_UCzQfPg/s640/blogger-image--2049256197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_wgIt-PFaotZezgQExqtkGD83AopCULnOmPJ0mamCu05MEIyA7eNBEpnfdgkdbnGrPtK8pcj6BVWiXcGfRnruLTSZ85iHZIJlwLXDERvtjbmV6Vv0bkx3b802kf6bADblqg_UCzQfPg/s640/blogger-image--2049256197.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Why yes, that's two desserts AND chocolate milk you see on my plate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After this is gone we have to start the seconds debate. "I'm full now, but is this enough food to sustain me ALL the way to breakfast, which is 12 hours from now???". Marc, our cycling guru, points out that if you're not sure, you should probably be eating another plate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Cycling guru has also warned that it will be Very difficult to stop eating like this upon quitting the Sea to Sea. I'm probably going to have to learn how to embrace the hungry feeling again in September. And I'll probably have to give up ice cream and donuts again too :(. Gosh, September is going to suck. </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-46632028787097066332013-08-16T16:29:00.001-07:002013-08-18T18:19:41.217-07:00Day 52:<div>We started the day saying "by for now" to Dad, whom the boys have nic named "the boss."</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aXNFzwk4kHdzR5Lek-8LicCK0yvOm4gltLcAoRuJ6BdQHEzZ1li4QcLfcPa6Beo5snRA0iynmvG-DudG2IXWjmJVXLDihXqznj7s4MwuvkYG-Q-0-EA4D8b55xm2Q8ixUTB0vhvqr1g/s640/blogger-image--1439698305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aXNFzwk4kHdzR5Lek-8LicCK0yvOm4gltLcAoRuJ6BdQHEzZ1li4QcLfcPa6Beo5snRA0iynmvG-DudG2IXWjmJVXLDihXqznj7s4MwuvkYG-Q-0-EA4D8b55xm2Q8ixUTB0vhvqr1g/s640/blogger-image--1439698305.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div>Today was another day where I really appreciated being on a bike instead of in a car. I've driven through Prince Edward County countless times, but had never seen it at 27 km an hour. I was surprised at how spread out the little towns were. The night before we were encouraged to take a very brief detour to Lake on the Mountain. I think most of us were a bit disappointed when it wasn't more of a ... <i>Mountain. </i>Either way, we had a fun little run up the hill and enjoyed the incredible beauty of this mysterious lake.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwbXLNYuRh5vzeH8n3Nn9ffFdgQwvuTNrZTGgomMFFcJkzxxohVsxs_GNUeuICfXc17VjZ9YFFGt4A82rGwScJ0oo7lKYBCbfPmiQ82cRuI5ee8CBv5ZPJTyewe_B4xWfGzCpg78hyphenhyphenG0/s640/blogger-image--2081581596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwbXLNYuRh5vzeH8n3Nn9ffFdgQwvuTNrZTGgomMFFcJkzxxohVsxs_GNUeuICfXc17VjZ9YFFGt4A82rGwScJ0oo7lKYBCbfPmiQ82cRuI5ee8CBv5ZPJTyewe_B4xWfGzCpg78hyphenhyphenG0/s640/blogger-image--2081581596.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Lake on the Mountain we rode the Glenora Ferry to cross the Bay of Quinte, a first for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn2Co7xTiZWc5z2GDCGkLb7VKA9e87KNnLmrNX2EguW0KiAGfegezyc-irmGzvS6z32ysD1AEF7LJ4DB0SibKrhWj24i6HRnkCQ8_me147JjCZKlyvc8VhmNhNbLTVf-VT6DEIvG1GLc/s640/blogger-image-1343236167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDn2Co7xTiZWc5z2GDCGkLb7VKA9e87KNnLmrNX2EguW0KiAGfegezyc-irmGzvS6z32ysD1AEF7LJ4DB0SibKrhWj24i6HRnkCQ8_me147JjCZKlyvc8VhmNhNbLTVf-VT6DEIvG1GLc/s640/blogger-image-1343236167.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LwnDtDULtrhEgdiuPhgk0D1-YnfsUhMwhKfDAMLcVh9kyQXQlu-dsNTX0s4nzYXAv_b4YVVo8IpgDiSW3texE9HS1c_SINqReGwy-zPyGFdkFieWjqwa6joIvSDltlwazmcGPYHric0/s640/blogger-image--449730138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LwnDtDULtrhEgdiuPhgk0D1-YnfsUhMwhKfDAMLcVh9kyQXQlu-dsNTX0s4nzYXAv_b4YVVo8IpgDiSW3texE9HS1c_SINqReGwy-zPyGFdkFieWjqwa6joIvSDltlwazmcGPYHric0/s640/blogger-image--449730138.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We rode the rest of the day without any major happenings into Kingston. Upon arrival I finally had time before dinner to take my first nap in Canada. Seeing everyone has been a ton of fun, but this girl was tired right out!!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-23681222931071345482013-08-16T13:58:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:59:55.068-07:00Day 51: Trenton boundI was excited to cycle in to Trenton, my <i>other</i> home town. It was a longer day, but because of the stops, it didn't feel too long. <div><br></div><div>We continued our ride along the lakeshore, and loved the scenery all day. We stopped at Hope Fellowship CRC in Courtice and caught up with some Durham region friends.</div><div><br></div><div>Then, these two lovely ladies flagged us down in Bowmanville. And now all my Sea to Sea friends know yet another nic name for me...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_ZdtTUj4PejCFMHLJCWq0vBmg7TcpAtbfiOJIk_d-MnnBYKfBqlrX1sIywRxsHhu8Q6mCDrfbD1GDETjhyALD_nOu_2f7Zhno514vy3QEwlEgo2tM51s7Gx3s8zvmS3ZMzm4B6ECQwk/s640/blogger-image-1694279112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_ZdtTUj4PejCFMHLJCWq0vBmg7TcpAtbfiOJIk_d-MnnBYKfBqlrX1sIywRxsHhu8Q6mCDrfbD1GDETjhyALD_nOu_2f7Zhno514vy3QEwlEgo2tM51s7Gx3s8zvmS3ZMzm4B6ECQwk/s640/blogger-image-1694279112.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Julia and I were unlucky enough to get caught in torrential downpour in Colbourne, just outside of Brighton. The CRC there had olibolen and ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I enjoyed a surprise visit from my aunt and uncle upon arriving in Trenton. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2s-vGg1GQbJOHsRXbuuskvxI4KLCCItQ9XzF_9BC9rVlDR-Qj9HphEvovLlq5NQTevqjOv_untmO00uv59RF5DtueB4Umu1Y62-4WsfZl-GSor8RpE7SuTkSDdcexuhIU7FdzcHAugM/s640/blogger-image--1013468210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2s-vGg1GQbJOHsRXbuuskvxI4KLCCItQ9XzF_9BC9rVlDR-Qj9HphEvovLlq5NQTevqjOv_untmO00uv59RF5DtueB4Umu1Y62-4WsfZl-GSor8RpE7SuTkSDdcexuhIU7FdzcHAugM/s640/blogger-image--1013468210.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent the evening at a BBQ on the bay of Quinte, introducing my out of town friends to Trenton hospitality. (Thanks Mare :))</div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-24224213760969085462013-08-16T13:38:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:59:20.151-07:00Days 49 and 50We enjoyed our day of rest in Ancaster. The dorms were lovely and the downtime was divine. Julia had us to her place in Brantford, we played ultimate frisbee and attended a fantastic celebration service in Ancaster. Let's hear it for church services that are coherent, relevant and well executed.<div><br></div><div>On Monday we traveled com Ancaster to Ajax. Having spent all my driving time on the 400 series highways, it was interesting to actually cycle through towns and cities like Oakville. We enjoyed the waterfront grandeur and had fun navigating Toronto.</div><div><br></div><div>After weeks of corn fields, it was great to be in an urban setting. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WmPiQHa-L_8EKR9zNNhbyuzKrVtUrHsg837dZhbwJHEHUrVHVuKt2BKUG5IHWX5gbjXkdUvbr4CKxZfDnrS0pbhC4D1XR-874-ZLwe90RKGOAj3F85YEo3L2I9dKU5FC-FjuUy0Kp3s/s640/blogger-image-934970358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WmPiQHa-L_8EKR9zNNhbyuzKrVtUrHsg837dZhbwJHEHUrVHVuKt2BKUG5IHWX5gbjXkdUvbr4CKxZfDnrS0pbhC4D1XR-874-ZLwe90RKGOAj3F85YEo3L2I9dKU5FC-FjuUy0Kp3s/s640/blogger-image-934970358.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-92110268370640053862013-08-11T20:34:00.001-07:002013-08-11T20:34:41.035-07:00Day 48 yet another Dutch MeccaFortunately for my tired body, Saturday was a very short training ride to Ancaster, a whopping 72km.<div><br></div><div>We were quite tired from an evening out on Friday night, so much so that Adam snuck in a post-breakfast, pre-ride nap!<br><div><br></div><div>Rachel matched my excitement for yesterday, and hauled our tired bums into camp at an average speed of 29.4km/hr. Her family was waiting!</div><div><br></div><div>It wasn't as hard to leave Kitchener as I thought, maybe because I know I'll return soon enough.</div><div><br></div><div>I got to visit with the lovely Jenn and her wee ones. This little man has been avidly following our bike ride. If yo look closely you can see the bike in southern Ontario. So much fun.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI75cIjhvEMPlu9DyPzep3RbM7vz3wRssvyIlbyTlKZJp1YoUd6RTUiFBHMu9dtttgDacwTBy6LdI2FL5SJXTYqh-Y73a-Q0HBxIc6-xkaC4Cu9A3YBKazFs-suNRUF0N2eYrDm0bSLOc/s640/blogger-image--184522785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI75cIjhvEMPlu9DyPzep3RbM7vz3wRssvyIlbyTlKZJp1YoUd6RTUiFBHMu9dtttgDacwTBy6LdI2FL5SJXTYqh-Y73a-Q0HBxIc6-xkaC4Cu9A3YBKazFs-suNRUF0N2eYrDm0bSLOc/s640/blogger-image--184522785.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-37975785772226348372013-08-11T19:51:00.001-07:002013-08-11T19:51:45.890-07:00Day 47: homeward boundI can officially say I have biked home from Los Angeles.<div><br></div><div>Where to start... I was <i>bouncing</i> on Friday morning. Literally. Before 7am.</div><div><br></div><div>We left London in decent time and stopped to chat with Rachel's aunt and uncle a few KMs out. My aunt Aurelia tracked us down in Woodstock.</div><div><br></div><div>In New Dundee this beautiful family was waiting, and maybe giggling just a bit.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmhJzCFehm5vswJn6t-C5tGB0_3sL-_1c7G0r0oOA1XF4QlD7zCrKByvcxLXjJwi3Fq_KzWIAgzz5IOY5dVOMd4fnpufhrW65zo20LlMSz5sUUvgCTOm_vy2KpisRmRbvSfOdaarVE2I/s640/blogger-image--2019565361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmhJzCFehm5vswJn6t-C5tGB0_3sL-_1c7G0r0oOA1XF4QlD7zCrKByvcxLXjJwi3Fq_KzWIAgzz5IOY5dVOMd4fnpufhrW65zo20LlMSz5sUUvgCTOm_vy2KpisRmRbvSfOdaarVE2I/s640/blogger-image--2019565361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then these crafty bakers popped up next:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQVyUGBjhAfwcsDzgzsQEyuSEGnOsB1AL9mhY7OyYXnufE6ENIuf_f1n9dbSuBUwYOfXFBv1kCGthaPYcSWvm7WfU6P9sTgoQ0VtUjDoXUFGYIZfAy8S1gNSny-BJsh6eTF5LJbGyzVI/s640/blogger-image--1861585340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQVyUGBjhAfwcsDzgzsQEyuSEGnOsB1AL9mhY7OyYXnufE6ENIuf_f1n9dbSuBUwYOfXFBv1kCGthaPYcSWvm7WfU6P9sTgoQ0VtUjDoXUFGYIZfAy8S1gNSny-BJsh6eTF5LJbGyzVI/s640/blogger-image--1861585340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then there was a lot of girly squealing and screeching with some of the many fantastic women of Woodland:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlHkHh9BVrYsxMLPWbfL0BWtzsqxAeP9WJlK_q2oJckEWdo7qeXT1DHrmGgVR1_mPGAKg29NqX1mVFWxCZLULlWx1MEA9ub2LFETa3Q1EuIdjwOmIhSyoGLt602YiskFqiQOCEQk6E0c/s640/blogger-image-2120829077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlHkHh9BVrYsxMLPWbfL0BWtzsqxAeP9WJlK_q2oJckEWdo7qeXT1DHrmGgVR1_mPGAKg29NqX1mVFWxCZLULlWx1MEA9ub2LFETa3Q1EuIdjwOmIhSyoGLt602YiskFqiQOCEQk6E0c/s640/blogger-image-2120829077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was finally time for hugs from Hunses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQUGYvM55IZn7YG4oR43yLXUPhFlUpbZbhVu1LRxdPBgXMwYY_vwsAcc4nFA0MMa0Noz3l4ySzPd282LlhswvQeXK3e_XZlqaSAFJBOXSK4o_eu7-w5DydZXPO9Wy7Y5D3GvTch0u0J8/s640/blogger-image-415020444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQUGYvM55IZn7YG4oR43yLXUPhFlUpbZbhVu1LRxdPBgXMwYY_vwsAcc4nFA0MMa0Noz3l4ySzPd282LlhswvQeXK3e_XZlqaSAFJBOXSK4o_eu7-w5DydZXPO9Wy7Y5D3GvTch0u0J8/s640/blogger-image-415020444.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then more patient cheer-ers showed up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwIhTtCTWN2jAFLazQ64-riae3sEK9HpM7Yh77eadtd99kXUjdxa9RYmQTUC38PBf3HHSDLFoMuyfoEpqMfrwRrGb_N7Aa1Iz6wuNQQyqDlvy4dKHo8UbbTcv54L5PEGixt4t30rVDto/s640/blogger-image--1635486019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwIhTtCTWN2jAFLazQ64-riae3sEK9HpM7Yh77eadtd99kXUjdxa9RYmQTUC38PBf3HHSDLFoMuyfoEpqMfrwRrGb_N7Aa1Iz6wuNQQyqDlvy4dKHo8UbbTcv54L5PEGixt4t30rVDto/s640/blogger-image--1635486019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a great day of colliding worlds. Thank you for all the love, support, encouragement and interest in our journey. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-2134909675788241082013-08-11T08:08:00.001-07:002013-08-11T08:08:11.348-07:00Day 46On day 46 we rode from Sarnia to London. <div><br></div><div>There was a wicked wind again, so the strategy was divide and conquer. Adam, Ryan and I set up a pace line and just kept riding it in.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQDXfyVaDQBEHMfpsKb6y0aEstT2Ovai6q710Jyx-3tYBfBNjCCfhFudKh0AANunFJP02uU79Z2MRX2HFXLiWwyhL2kEcvbu68oTAhWcmw-ouiFOJr1F9UdYIXMx3mCw2VhsgB4D8y8/s640/blogger-image-1462644681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQDXfyVaDQBEHMfpsKb6y0aEstT2Ovai6q710Jyx-3tYBfBNjCCfhFudKh0AANunFJP02uU79Z2MRX2HFXLiWwyhL2kEcvbu68oTAhWcmw-ouiFOJr1F9UdYIXMx3mCw2VhsgB4D8y8/s640/blogger-image-1462644681.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some cyclists from the '08 tour met us at the London sign to welcome and encourage. Other family and friends had a reception in the park, 8km from our stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very good friends from Waterloo decided to meet me in London because they couldn't be there on Friday. Jacinda and Terry and their beautiful children arranged for a hot shower, free laundry and a glass of wine on her uncle's porch. I of course didn't take any pictures, but thorough enjoyed catching up, being away from the crowd, and feeling spoiled all afternoon. </div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-47244856085048059072013-08-11T08:03:00.001-07:002013-08-11T08:03:32.249-07:00Day 45: Oh Canada!I'd been anticipating our arrival in Canada for quite a while, and the day did not disappoint.<div><br></div><div>I woke up saying "Hugo's coming, Hugo's coming!!!" I might have started this chant before 7am. </div><div><br></div><div>We rode 84 km to Marine City, south of Port Huron. The day started in the rain, and we did get quite wet. Fortunately it didn't last for ever. When we headed south along the river there was an extremely strong head wind, but Brandon was nice enough to pull Julia and I in and get us there in good time. </div><div><br></div><div>We gathered at the border and rode the ferry across. Can you see the excitement?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLXIgjp7pJhXzwXf5i6qQwj126BWHsM28c0oXttQhcqlcfQkYiC7sZG1DDhnYCNeAMgxzs_XYVzG97zwj_PadMPyMRaNJ9HULdbQr3igE_ttFhol3Ttwi5HinJz-SRGDqyZpwJ6qfSgs/s640/blogger-image-1898705155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLXIgjp7pJhXzwXf5i6qQwj126BWHsM28c0oXttQhcqlcfQkYiC7sZG1DDhnYCNeAMgxzs_XYVzG97zwj_PadMPyMRaNJ9HULdbQr3igE_ttFhol3Ttwi5HinJz-SRGDqyZpwJ6qfSgs/s640/blogger-image-1898705155.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We crossed into Canada with a small and mighty crowd cheering us on. Welcome to Canada!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5BSJ-2lEHBc_pkDlNzprVyXaqPNESozU5zE5GsDneHZaa3zHImBp0ly7WoJwyqQNGn9V0mf7Y5j6FcpDQIPb6r-hjYSWNBzsQ6Eszx8hmqpCenL6wyAYnvt4KQJDlaRDdjFFsvJqdtc/s640/blogger-image--1181106235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5BSJ-2lEHBc_pkDlNzprVyXaqPNESozU5zE5GsDneHZaa3zHImBp0ly7WoJwyqQNGn9V0mf7Y5j6FcpDQIPb6r-hjYSWNBzsQ6Eszx8hmqpCenL6wyAYnvt4KQJDlaRDdjFFsvJqdtc/s640/blogger-image--1181106235.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then the world's best dad showed up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpEGJIgmgEi8Cx8DoV1or7NiAZT3NEHRInFY8jSkjlcdOH79D-1nuODZZ9wp3AOuHG8ZoWRNtKC8leS6V3ZftQrDj-4_WpVozynrDSsmNWnulPIbHemyNooyUvWWiIKnN5icXWTv1Aww/s640/blogger-image-2005737006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpEGJIgmgEi8Cx8DoV1or7NiAZT3NEHRInFY8jSkjlcdOH79D-1nuODZZ9wp3AOuHG8ZoWRNtKC8leS6V3ZftQrDj-4_WpVozynrDSsmNWnulPIbHemyNooyUvWWiIKnN5icXWTv1Aww/s640/blogger-image-2005737006.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And we rode with the wind at our backs back 40km north to Sarnia. There was a crowd there too, and they hosted an amazing banquet for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LGgw0e8bLU3CMC__G57CB1XEMoe7mdcpI3UBzEKFh9Dh3IwLB_WM_cUCAfdpMN9lTFQacVT-tyw0IsUE7HCyz3BgxijhbGdzp4wDEYQ5q2iBVV2K-gYlZoO3ADvjJIvLsrqJLJ77hRw/s640/blogger-image--550941317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LGgw0e8bLU3CMC__G57CB1XEMoe7mdcpI3UBzEKFh9Dh3IwLB_WM_cUCAfdpMN9lTFQacVT-tyw0IsUE7HCyz3BgxijhbGdzp4wDEYQ5q2iBVV2K-gYlZoO3ADvjJIvLsrqJLJ77hRw/s640/blogger-image--550941317.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The forecast for the evening included many severe thunder showers, and so six of us stayed with the Barnevelds, a friend of dad's. we tried unsuccessfully to walk to Lake Huron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5eIU73c7JwnLkYToIHkVrNI8TNF392mAG1Gm0X2R0bvlP3sl04fU__36uhESY3oNjwVWYpwbyl1dutoUI_B7xFVkPNw41I9cBuZd2N_tjcTFRGIvJEUxaab9kFmTwjhV5owI1RYPnzI/s640/blogger-image-301907570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5eIU73c7JwnLkYToIHkVrNI8TNF392mAG1Gm0X2R0bvlP3sl04fU__36uhESY3oNjwVWYpwbyl1dutoUI_B7xFVkPNw41I9cBuZd2N_tjcTFRGIvJEUxaab9kFmTwjhV5owI1RYPnzI/s640/blogger-image-301907570.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then we enjoyed Canadian phenomena like milk in a bag. Mind. Blown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1X47YOBis2YSTVzRuxQt_kn4j4HeJJDjgJmDE2TNJfIfzccjKXRB3jwEojUwWSXR-i3CAfqWvALxMOUFVn4A5XgiklM-_QWFUXGmovdX6MEB9ayvdM9WegDD5eQMi4irY-jtceOEBRA/s640/blogger-image-790206940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1X47YOBis2YSTVzRuxQt_kn4j4HeJJDjgJmDE2TNJfIfzccjKXRB3jwEojUwWSXR-i3CAfqWvALxMOUFVn4A5XgiklM-_QWFUXGmovdX6MEB9ayvdM9WegDD5eQMi4irY-jtceOEBRA/s640/blogger-image-790206940.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Such a great welcome to Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-85340600985854674662013-08-06T14:07:00.001-07:002013-08-10T16:13:02.529-07:00Day 43 and 44On Monday Julia and I rode together from Grand Rapids to Sleepy Hollow State park. Coming in at 103km, the day almost qualified as a training ride. We were able to keep a good pace, something around 28km/hr and arrived shortly after noon, AND we stopped for coffee/tea.<div><br></div><div>Of significance on this ride was that Marc, local to GR, was asked to paint the route. We couldn't really believe that the tour organizers would trust him with paint... And here are a few gems from the day. He tried to play with a few of our inside jokes. It was great.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnxJdnrq0-SxiklZEGmrx9q8JHPTipSY50tSl3rYGGhtK34puIYX6hMZefcf7EFs7OIwNXboV50IMxvtYMhQrQpLpviYFgycesSdCW1IZx0r96xJUZOTPo6LQaNFDNaegbArblLlNFew/s640/blogger-image-1819846983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnxJdnrq0-SxiklZEGmrx9q8JHPTipSY50tSl3rYGGhtK34puIYX6hMZefcf7EFs7OIwNXboV50IMxvtYMhQrQpLpviYFgycesSdCW1IZx0r96xJUZOTPo6LQaNFDNaegbArblLlNFew/s640/blogger-image-1819846983.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxfWhaOrd0pT5lSWm_XlRhvJKrRUDgQqfBovoDaPNsG5Z12DGC2eIwvsDa8hTVrSHOmdjcbXyD6KLa5gDutG44vozIPk6NlNf_j1mmHve3uFwfTzH93-BG24YwpDvCCvkhqf7KraeahA/s640/blogger-image-438813848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxfWhaOrd0pT5lSWm_XlRhvJKrRUDgQqfBovoDaPNsG5Z12DGC2eIwvsDa8hTVrSHOmdjcbXyD6KLa5gDutG44vozIPk6NlNf_j1mmHve3uFwfTzH93-BG24YwpDvCCvkhqf7KraeahA/s640/blogger-image-438813848.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It was nice to be in camp early. We napped, played euchre and had a campfire. We only had sprinkles of rain. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">On Tuesday Julia, Kaitlyn and I rode to Imlay City. Today was one of those days where you just work to get the job done. We went for long stretches of time where the only words spoken were of necessity: car back, slowing, stopping, left turn, right turn, etc. we kept pace at 26.5km/hr. </span><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-43774958109528834022013-08-04T09:58:00.001-07:002013-08-04T18:16:43.171-07:00Day 42: the second third<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This card arrived by mail yesterday. I love points #3 and 4.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpoV5In_G7fHkpcURJahJn5MHa0sSbJVtwr-Cn-6nyGev6qsIfhASvfq4aZXe82wppQKfrmeY1IcB3I0f_Xd-553vxuyFbP0E72GY0LFPVpuAVD8JMS7AAJsWo0suvvK93zTRhd7b4Gg/s640/blogger-image--844669399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpoV5In_G7fHkpcURJahJn5MHa0sSbJVtwr-Cn-6nyGev6qsIfhASvfq4aZXe82wppQKfrmeY1IcB3I0f_Xd-553vxuyFbP0E72GY0LFPVpuAVD8JMS7AAJsWo0suvvK93zTRhd7b4Gg/s640/blogger-image--844669399.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our tour de West Michigan has been a riot. So many unexpected familiar faces, so much love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today we celebrated the Sea to Sea at Calvin College. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Michigan dad cleaned my entire gear bag and I got a lot of laundry done. And had my hart warmed in general by the DeVries family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight here at Calvin the tour is brimming with a ton of new people riding the last leg or a week. In all honesty, I don't like it and I find them overwhelming. It might be better when we are on the road again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bring on the last third. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-55906255502796413692013-08-04T09:27:00.001-07:002013-08-04T09:58:53.728-07:00Day 41: the true Dutch MeccaOn Day 41we ended the week with a leisurely 60km training ride to Grand Rapids, home of the CRC and of course my alma matter, Calvin College. Miss Christy rode with us for the day, so our objective was to go as slow as possible and make it last as long as possible!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fqMJALxSCakrAfpTfjqVlaqdzFfn4qdKQ70rJs2sglIqd3oN_52K4U3_vvF2vmdCulQomnXg8oPWDbcpW-yhNUZgQZmsXcgbQfr7A4H_YwG9sENplc_fmKrXp-bipBBbzklQQ6Ly29w/s640/blogger-image-878100210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fqMJALxSCakrAfpTfjqVlaqdzFfn4qdKQ70rJs2sglIqd3oN_52K4U3_vvF2vmdCulQomnXg8oPWDbcpW-yhNUZgQZmsXcgbQfr7A4H_YwG9sENplc_fmKrXp-bipBBbzklQQ6Ly29w/s640/blogger-image-878100210.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We had to make copious stops on this short ride to greet all our supporters and well-wishers. Chocolate milk, cookies, you get the picture. And yet there was still a detour to the Wealthy street Bakery. Being easily identifiable was fun today, and people were coming up to us thanking us for our efforts. Neat-o.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6x0zVQj0nf9Lh8Ocuum-fICMInH4jxL3C-I3hGBqIfOLj2V8hcqB2Um9WGI4RvvN4HbGA2pHWFxZXtkGsNEnLozvMUzbC6whtCMCc0pJ9pW5xevHid1-IJdKKrijROpFkbG9esMaYlo/s640/blogger-image--806848860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6x0zVQj0nf9Lh8Ocuum-fICMInH4jxL3C-I3hGBqIfOLj2V8hcqB2Um9WGI4RvvN4HbGA2pHWFxZXtkGsNEnLozvMUzbC6whtCMCc0pJ9pW5xevHid1-IJdKKrijROpFkbG9esMaYlo/s640/blogger-image--806848860.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We have a silly tradition on the Sea to Sea where we race to "win" city limit signs. Since losing the Grand Rapids sign in 2008, Marc was determined to win GR this year. Team Shisty was up for the challenge, and we won. In all honesty, he didn't see it, and we crept up to it at a red light. We may have even had to safely blow the light to do it. But, since we learned that Marc's mom faithfully reads this blog, we figured it was worth telling the truth here. Looks like he'll have to wait another 5 years to win that sign...</div><div><br></div><div>We gathered at a CRC 3 miles from Calvin and rode en masse to the college. There was a great crowd of supporters along the way, and in all honesty, it made me homesick. Can't wait for Canada this week!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjfZKbn7KTqhpUTlMpYd68RA1EAnpbhNSOATwd-0GWoAThpJqUd4slNjU-sKdrF9NBYNKTPLFbnJACV1caGS2hcJP4Gyw9voIndtetNqnlg92tz_V3PNCUWFde8vmzapxc0v7yCQSXvw/s640/blogger-image--447193432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjfZKbn7KTqhpUTlMpYd68RA1EAnpbhNSOATwd-0GWoAThpJqUd4slNjU-sKdrF9NBYNKTPLFbnJACV1caGS2hcJP4Gyw9voIndtetNqnlg92tz_V3PNCUWFde8vmzapxc0v7yCQSXvw/s640/blogger-image--447193432.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And week 6 ended perfectly, sipping a beverage in this lady's family home. A wonderful way to rest for the last third of an incredible journey.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvivy-PZ9kcfWWdDLKXoIpvGQOKZkJRwTbA1cfSH-yaFmbrzCYbwEcr3JWG2YZv_K9jKB-u2talAaE4JyByb2tlLKIsPV-nNKzKi581DvqPANY2RWAcX24PBf6jZ6q3pbdQzU7BWoaWc/s640/blogger-image--1505516182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvivy-PZ9kcfWWdDLKXoIpvGQOKZkJRwTbA1cfSH-yaFmbrzCYbwEcr3JWG2YZv_K9jKB-u2talAaE4JyByb2tlLKIsPV-nNKzKi581DvqPANY2RWAcX24PBf6jZ6q3pbdQzU7BWoaWc/s640/blogger-image--1505516182.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-85701630545269243812013-08-04T07:42:00.001-07:002013-08-04T07:54:39.720-07:00Day 40: the second Dutch MeccaDay 40 we traveled from Benton Harbour to Holland, MI. <div><br></div><div>We generally call anything less than 100km a "training ride" and today's ride was 95 clicks. We set out in a rather larger pack with me, Julia, Rachel, Mike, Marc, Kyle, And Jason. As usual, the rest of them were recovering, and Julia and I were sprinting. Please refer to day 36 for more information on doing stupid things that are also fun. </div><div><br></div><div>Shortly after we woke up, it started to pour. It rained most of the ride. Please refer to day 37 for my opinion on that.</div><div><br></div><div>There were two churches treating us along the way, the second one was the oldest CRC, in Graafschap. </div><div><br></div><div>Our main objective was to get to Hope College and see miss Christy ASAP. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwno7UknTxf38zBVQ9IRjRmPoVbQSFybvNLq-KSu9xJOIX8rpcl2L5HCMgCvQgXVuz6SjqNjm1swpmNwUDHOoM-v2PKUJ0K6ewoRIPeiDI8OcwMBX0g6vBl4opXlajVrstSYcmQX_8PsQ/s640/blogger-image--1504548271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwno7UknTxf38zBVQ9IRjRmPoVbQSFybvNLq-KSu9xJOIX8rpcl2L5HCMgCvQgXVuz6SjqNjm1swpmNwUDHOoM-v2PKUJ0K6ewoRIPeiDI8OcwMBX0g6vBl4opXlajVrstSYcmQX_8PsQ/s640/blogger-image--1504548271.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Being in Holland was a lot of fun: I met up with a family friend, Dan, and then after leaving him, I ran into a former colleague and his wife on the street.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG3_5M5NNdp5RF6ltnRCe3RpOp7MGnCjxEAQeZSxO3kj43Fy3J0ozRu34N1VIFb7U0mHK-Wxo7CU5smpi1ck2lxNl6LfrjhOTaeQ8DyBLOjhAhpNEY1ueI7R640Ax8PxD3DgcEOpPr-A/s640/blogger-image--410778777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG3_5M5NNdp5RF6ltnRCe3RpOp7MGnCjxEAQeZSxO3kj43Fy3J0ozRu34N1VIFb7U0mHK-Wxo7CU5smpi1ck2lxNl6LfrjhOTaeQ8DyBLOjhAhpNEY1ueI7R640Ax8PxD3DgcEOpPr-A/s640/blogger-image--410778777.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> </div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-35257931352594202972013-08-03T18:13:00.001-07:002013-08-04T07:33:31.648-07:00Day 39After reluctantly leaving Kristin's warm, cozy, spare bedroom, we were ready to head to Benton Harbor, MI. It was a three state day. Unfortunately for photo ops, we were on bike trails most of the day. A small price to pay for smooth, beautiful riding. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywi01GosQBkEtRCzpTGiL0RH_jpT62azMTLg9eOPcSveFFFfJEtp0Hhg5xH1w7uuO8A1SkvbK7AFVmZb_ev5R2jzIFht5c0qoKbJI2gXmA_nSlYxZw0AoDywmVu2PdULAMJXBz84wKY0/s640/blogger-image-1884800444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywi01GosQBkEtRCzpTGiL0RH_jpT62azMTLg9eOPcSveFFFfJEtp0Hhg5xH1w7uuO8A1SkvbK7AFVmZb_ev5R2jzIFht5c0qoKbJI2gXmA_nSlYxZw0AoDywmVu2PdULAMJXBz84wKY0/s640/blogger-image-1884800444.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxlEV6lnCHHsbKt_8ARkugAIWx6W3UjAR0oXW2WoqXSfPPq-CMgL35kPtvsxt5wsiYS8zMR06fLbxtXonancNL4lM3tyjPIv8urgjKtApjt9jKpQQyPnpHVlfXZVgyBIqugYht1nJRck/s640/blogger-image--1537657984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxlEV6lnCHHsbKt_8ARkugAIWx6W3UjAR0oXW2WoqXSfPPq-CMgL35kPtvsxt5wsiYS8zMR06fLbxtXonancNL4lM3tyjPIv8urgjKtApjt9jKpQQyPnpHVlfXZVgyBIqugYht1nJRck/s640/blogger-image--1537657984.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>It was an amazing day - perfect blue sky, not too hot, breeze blowing off Lake Michigan...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfEXhOf7GEPOcJakuonlytGCXK8I9cY-FaF1ne6Zbu4p6IaulFm2spy_EKhyphenhyphenuQcMD03zOftN18rlZd5q_jPmwf5EknVGHWt-hRVyvEYzvPQPpWEQXL8D21c7IbV8yT6Ppt3i3_DmO9rQ/s640/blogger-image--1130779708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfEXhOf7GEPOcJakuonlytGCXK8I9cY-FaF1ne6Zbu4p6IaulFm2spy_EKhyphenhyphenuQcMD03zOftN18rlZd5q_jPmwf5EknVGHWt-hRVyvEYzvPQPpWEQXL8D21c7IbV8yT6Ppt3i3_DmO9rQ/s640/blogger-image--1130779708.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After SAG 2 our new friend Jason joined us for the rest of the day. We decided to give him the full Sea to Sea experience, since he will be only joining us for the week.</div><div><br></div><div>1. Come around a corner to watch one of our esteemed fellow cyclists drop her drawers and take a whiz in front of us. Scarred for life.</div><div><br></div><div>2. Gradually slow down as the day wears on. That shouldn't need any explaining.</div><div><br></div><div>3. Get off the bike to buy cherries and eat lunch at a picnic table. Can you believe there are crazy cyclists (like the ones Jason spent his week with) who eat WHILE they ride? Ridiculous.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Catch up to the Sea to Sea's very own "rehydration specialists" 15km from camp. Find rehydration at local convenience store and enjoy it under a tree in a local park. Follow the euphemisms, if you will.</div><div><br></div><div>5. Arrive at destination around 3:30 where Jason finds his tent already set up by the faster tent mate. This doesn't work if you tent alone. </div><div><br></div><div>The perfect Sea to Sea day. </div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-33048249249358680992013-07-31T20:53:00.001-07:002013-07-31T20:53:45.495-07:00Day 38:This week is developing a pattern that makes me nervous for tomorrow: good, bad, good. <div><br></div><div>Distance doesn't always dictate mood or ease of ride. Today we rode 153km and it was easy and fun. </div><div><br></div><div>Julia and I headed out at a good pace, picked up Mike and some others until we were too tired, dropped 2km/hr off our pace and just kept rolling. </div><div><br></div><div>We were on beautiful trails most of the day.</div><div><br></div><div>I got an epic flat tire:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUMnK1FNTTuGha-vU-8wHceTgc-ASTjI5mMABT1QEB6h9VLSTXGIRGcsHFRuLQoRGjjLNbCeEIEheWJ5MfSZ-9igVrHAOrQ3HCMkM4N_ysuNynJXdfhiWDZin4rbFDWHDMyqwvrPHDoU/s640/blogger-image--1225633758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUMnK1FNTTuGha-vU-8wHceTgc-ASTjI5mMABT1QEB6h9VLSTXGIRGcsHFRuLQoRGjjLNbCeEIEheWJ5MfSZ-9igVrHAOrQ3HCMkM4N_ysuNynJXdfhiWDZin4rbFDWHDMyqwvrPHDoU/s640/blogger-image--1225633758.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I might have been a wee bit energetic from last night's 10 hr recovery nap, or maybe it was that i knew we would encounter my favourite bicycle built for two:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt3vEQ7is1PLYztOmruNN4A6as5byOFoyXmmeNgx6GFmNmRSri1mrRzMp5zp3GRS0nkKQQ17ML2HpfJG7S4yffDpBqV3f0xVPYmc2W0dPOXF42SlSPsbQ3TIRBebT7XrvqbyxVDcgWS0/s640/blogger-image-559151090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt3vEQ7is1PLYztOmruNN4A6as5byOFoyXmmeNgx6GFmNmRSri1mrRzMp5zp3GRS0nkKQQ17ML2HpfJG7S4yffDpBqV3f0xVPYmc2W0dPOXF42SlSPsbQ3TIRBebT7XrvqbyxVDcgWS0/s640/blogger-image-559151090.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight I am chilling in a queen bed at my dear Kristin's place in Lansing, IL. College friend reunion part 2. It's the small things...</div> </div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437049866893865557.post-81145044346420467862013-07-31T20:47:00.001-07:002013-07-31T20:47:57.754-07:00Day 37: #%$&:Cycling through a thunderstorm 5km from camp can be refreshing.<div><br></div><div>Cycling 143km in the rain and wind is anything but. And then when you arrive at camp, find your pillow wet from the gear trailer and set up your tent in the rain and it rains all night? Let's just say that day 37 had me questioning my sanity.</div><div><br></div><div>Just as anticipated, day 36's antics haunted me. Sore, stiff and tired didn't help at all.</div><div><br></div><div>We averaged 20km/hr, which is slow. We had 6hrs28mins of saddle time. That's a long time to sit on wet shorts. </div><div><br></div><div>Julia flatted around 10:30am, I had a flat tire 6 km from the camp. </div><div><br></div><div>The showers were lukewarm, the food didn't taste good. I was in bed by 8pm and slept the whole night through. That was probably for everyone's benefit.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Cool Principalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198796705410403924noreply@blogger.com1