John Vandersteen Cycling Across North America

Saturday July 12 Ontario to Boise
We had a little trouble getting out of town. Well, I was expected to know the way, and in the past we usually get a little lost, so the group had a few more chuckles before we were certain on our way.
The mixed farming and a variety of irrigation methods made the ride interesting. The terrain included onions, cattle, wheat, and beans.
The landscape changed to sage-brush and rolling hills again. The head winds and winding roads helped us miss a critical turn. We ended up asking local cyclists for directions to get on tract. Later in “Camp” we found out we had missed a big hill. The situation reminded us, of the need to be in need to create methods of relating to the locals.

Sunday July 13 Boise
Camp was set up along the River. We had a great service in the park. Louis and I connected with a few down and outers and invited them to the service. Perhaps the service was not the attraction they were looking for, but they did enjoy the lunch.

Monday July 14 Boise to Mountain House
Once again getting out of town was a challenge. Traffic along the main drag was heavy with early morning commuters. We passed a large prison which reminded us of the high percentage of prisoners in this developed country. We also were reminded of “global economy” by seeing Ontario Go-Trains in a manufacturing/repair facility on the way. We made good time on a section of the 84 Inter-State and connected with a number of service men. At Mountain House High School the sprinklers came on right after supper. Many times now the sprinklers come on during the night after we have been assured they have been turned off. This time it created quite a laugh.

Tuesday July 15 Mountain Home to Gooding
Well our 100 km ride turned into 125 km. We again got an early start which then allowed us to have another breakfast at Glenns Ferry. We connected with the locals who gave us an update on the roads in the area. The back roads to Gooding were in good condition but the fields and crops looked poor. We stopped to take pictures in “Bliss”.
In Gooding we scouted the town and ended up following the fire trucks to a prairie fire. Before the night was over, water bombers from Boise were flying over the area. Within a couple of hours the fire had spread for more than five miles.

Wednesday July 16 Gooding to Burley
I woke up early and was ready to go before breakfast had been set up.
Our ride today included a stop at a dairy farm that milked 1700 cows. This was an impressive example of automation and efficiency. Cows were milked on a continuous basis on a circular moving floor. We stopped at a few scenic lookouts, and spent some time in Twin Falls. The RCA Church there was very hospitable with a simple but filling lunch. With the many stops today our group changed frequently and even though it was hot we had a good ride. We were able to check out the local museum and the bike shop.
I ended the day again with more than 150 km.

Thursday July 17 Burley to Snowville
We had two good climbs today, but also the joys of going down. The wind and the heat picked up as we cycled again. I do like getting out early. Traffic is light. The wind is usually lighter. This also gives more time to check out our destination for the day. Arnie’s ankle is getter bigger. Looks like her will have to pack it in. He will be missed.
We only got lost once today. I think we did it on purpose, just so that we could connect with the locals.
This was the day that the portapotty let loose from the truck. Poop! Later we learned that the pantry trailer also separated from the pickup.
We cycled into Utah today. Snowville is a small little town with a big heart. There was a large welcoming sign to greet us.
Showers were held under a large blue tarp suspended over the back stop.

Friday July 18 Snowville to Willard Bay State Park

We left Snowville early and quickly got on to the Interstate84. With construction on one lane we had access to another lane. When a passing truck hit one of the safety barrels and sent it flying in front of us we were reminded how vunerable we really are on a bicycle with large trucks flying by. We meet Walter the support driver when we got off the freeway and soon spotted a doe with her fawn in a field close by. We pedaled past a rocket fuel processing facility along a quiet remote country side road. The salt flats reminded me of some of the salt ponds we saw in Saskatchewan in 2005. We meet Julie, one of the sag drivers in Corrine who directed us to the only café in town. Bingham City was a nice Tourist Trap stop. Ed sure did find a nice stop for us at Willard Bay State Park.

Saturday July 19 Willard Bay to Salt Lake City
Cynthia and I left our “Sweep” duties early so that I could connect with sister Rita and brother in law Tom. We made good time by keeping our stops short. Cynthia made a few quick stops and we connected with our riding group at First CRChurch in downtown Salt Lake City. The climb out of Salt Lake City looked difficult at first. It was challenging but the short little legs pumped me up the hill with no complaints. Rita and Tom meet us at Jordanelle State Park and we headed back to Draper with Barb, Cynthia, Louis.

Sunday July 20 Draper
We were welcomed by the Lutherian congregation of Draper. Karl and Dot, Rita and Tom, sure did everything they could to welcome the Sea to Sea riders. Wow. Their efforts will be remembered.

Monday July 21 Salt Lake City (Jordanelle State Park) to Duchesne
Louis and I slept in Karl’s trailer Sunday night. Karl joined us for the ride and set a fast pace. I found the climb up the 9500 foot pass difficult. I should have paced myself better. Karl left us after he had conquered the peak. Well done! I spent some time helping fellow riders with a blown tires and another with a broken spoke.

Tuesday July 22 Duchesne to Dinosaur
We left with our regular riding group and rode along IS 40 most of the day. In Roseevelt we handed out some Sea to Sea cards and finally stopped in Vernal for coffee. At the local bike shop we heard about Jake’s carbon fibre seat post breaking. Jake was forntunate no traffic was near by when he ended up on the freeway. The last 40 km were tough biking against strong head winds and a being on a very rough road. I can fore see tire trouble developing by next week.

Wednesday July 23 Dinosaur to Craig
We rode together for 20 km today and then the group changed throughout the day. The rough ride the day before was evident. Barb and I left together at about 50 km and then we too split up to do our own pace. I got some post cards written and tried to make a few phone calls.
It was nice to finish the ride today

Thursday July 24 Craig to Kremmling
Cloud cover in the morning again made this a nice day to ride. The climb up the pass was a “piece of cake”. Aaron Carpenter’s parents and grandparents meet us at the top. We viewed the valley from the trails along the meadows on top of the pass. Beautiful. The trip down to Kremmling High School was all down hill. Who made these mountains?

Friday July 25 Kremmling to Winter Park

Saturday July 26 Winter Park to Denver

Sunday July 27 Denver

Monday July 28 Denver to Fort Morgan

Tuesday July 29 Fort Morgan to Wray

Wednesday July 30 Wray to Mc Cook

Thursday July 31 McCook to Minden
The “gang” stopped at the Dutch Oven in McCook before we really started our cycling. Matt Sehnert, the owner treated us to coffee and pastry. We had to use the alley entrance as he dose not open until 6:30 AM. McCook was good to us.
The ride was hot with temperatures close to 100. We passed many small towns today that were showing signs of becoming like the dinosaurs. The people complained about the brain drain, as their young were leaving for the city.
Holdrege was our second breakfast stop. We passed two large ethanol plants.
We missed Minden at first because it is on the other side of the tracks behind the grain elevators. We were not really lost. We only wanted to complete our 100 mile ride.
It was another good ride. Small towns are neat.

Friday August 1, Minden to York
Today’s group started out slower with Peter, Louis, Barb, Gerry, and I. We stopped at the Oregon Trail sign which was about the half way point of the tour. Watching the sun come up as we rode toward the east was something we won’t forget. (I am sorry I did not stop for a picture.) The memory is stored in my own hard drive. We stopped for our second breakfast in Hastings and received a donation for C2C. Our next stop was for Louis flat tire.
In Sutton the changing neon light gave us a big welcome. Fridays the Bank has free popcorn and coffee. We were also informed about the hamburger booth at the edge of town where burgers were selling for $1.25. Our ride went through corn and bean fields and more corn and bean fields. Irrigation for these fields were supplied by large truck diesel engines.
We joined a group of the younger crowd and drafted in the last 20 km with them. In spite of the head winds and the cross winds it was enjoyable day.
Monday I have been invited to ride with the “young” crowd.

Saturday August 2, York to Fremont
Too much bacon and Gatorade do not mix on a hot day. Running on only three of four cylinders, the day went well. More fields of corn and beans. The east – west sections of the ride were against the wind. It was nice to get to Wahoo by noon for food and ice-cream. I used Barb’s phone and was able to connect with Mark for an interview on his radio program.
The route was changed due to construction. This at least gave us a break from the wind, but we had to deal with that on the final west to east stretch. We heard later on that a few people took the “sag” wagon again.
We still got to the YMCA park quite early and were glad we did not get the brunt of the hot sun.
I drove with Barb to Omaha for supper and returned to Fremont with bike parts for other cyclists.

Sunday August 3, 2008
Len and I drove to Omaha for Church. The message regarding our attitude to poverty as well as examples of local applications was well received. Lunch too was a hit.
The afternoon was spent helping a few more people get their bikes in shape.

Monday August 4 Fremont to Sioux City
Forecast: Hot, possibility of rain, head winds!
An invitation to ride with a couple of young serious riders was not turned down. Today I rode with Ruben and Nick. We joined up with Hans and Julie about 100 km into the ride. Cloud cover with only a few drops of rain made for another good riding day. We established a good pace and made good time. I enjoyed watching their sprints and was glad they did not expect me to participate. We said good by to Nebraska and crossed the bridge over the Missouri into Iowa.
We arrived in Bluff’s Center early and congregated at the Dairy Cream until the gear truck got set up.

Tuesday August 5 Sioux City to Sioux Center
Last night I drove with Barb and Aritia to Sioux Center. Aritia had been cut off by a car and was bruised and needed a place to get away and rest. We drove back the next morning by car again and made arrangements for someone to drive the car back so we could continue to cycle from where we had left off.
The day was a bad one for me. I had my head down looking at the days map and ran into a construction sign. Not good. My helmet was smashed. The bike shop was not far of course, so we made a stop for a new helmet.
When you drive a car do not use your cell phone.
When you bike, keep your head up. Do not look at your map too long.
The day continued with Andy getting two flats.
We arrived at Dordt College. Wow what a reception!

Wednesday August 6 Sioux Center to Algona
Today we had our first real rain before we left Dordt College.

Thursday August 7 Algona to New Hampton

Friday August 8 New Hampton to Fennimore
Today we crossed the Mississippi into Wisconsin. Since I was on sweep I rode with Andy Heimstra. We missed Cynthia. We started out by fixing a flat and changing a worn out tire. We counted a few bicycles of the stragglers and passed the late starters who were counting on a sag ride anyway. We helped two more people with flats on the way and took pictures of the welcome to Wisconsin sign.
The “crew” tried putting up my tent and broke a tent pole. Having a totally different kind of tent has disadvantages. However the spare poles I brought along were put to use.

Saturday August 9 Fennimore to Madison
We left without Louis and Andy as it was their turn to sweep. The weather was perfect for cycling and we made good time until we stopped at a Mount Horeb café for coffee. Part of our route was on a bike trail which was nice change. There were many turns but the route was marked with paint which gave us some reassurance. We got to Madison for lunch and then set up our tents.
Later in the afternoon we cycled back to a local park for a photo shoot of the whole group riding to the church.
Crossroards Church welcomed us. I was able to get to a bike shop and get some laundry done. We were treated to Culvers ice cream afterward.

Sunday August 10, 2008 Madison
The church service and reception will not be forgotten. I meet George Riemersma and his wife as well as Marie and Mark. Our relatives are scattered.
The afternoon was spent fixing a few bikes and attending a concert. It is now supper time and there is a University group doing a presentation this evening.

Monday August 11, Madison to Woodstock
We had a warm send off from the Madison CRChurch. The route was clearly marked except for one corner which led us to a small lake. we talked with two women who were fishing there and dipped our tires into the lake as if we were in Jesery City. Of course we took pictures of that and will learn to post them here eventually. The Delavan CRC had a lunch ready for us when we got there. Down the road from there we were greeted by people from Inspirational Ministries. The residents were there to give us cold water. What a treat. What a blessing to see their response for us stopping. We took them up on the offer to check out there nature trail. What a mutual blessing this stop turned out to be.
We crossed over into Illinois on a quiet country road. there was no welcome to Illinois sign, so we took pictures of the; "Stop Ahead, State Line Road".
A few of us made a trip to the bike shop to replace a broken rim, and then made it back in time for supper.

Tuesday August 12 Woodstock to Palos Heights
Today was a God Day! We managed once again to leave early. Here is how the day went;
1. We saw a deer shortly after we got on the bike trail.
2. I gave part of my lunch to a homeless person laying on a bench along the river.
3. We helped a stranger fix his flat tire. He studied our map and questioned why we did not continue on the spur line to miss Aurora.
4. We stopped for coffee and handed out our Sea to Sea cards. Louis and Barb prayed with and ministried to two women. One had a son drying of Leukemia and the other women's son had died from it last year.
5. By accident, we ended up on the spur trail and had to ask for directions in Naperville. By connecting with the locals we ended up with a large bag of day old pastry. It qickly disappeared. I am sure it tasted better than my peanut butter sandwich.
6. We got to Palos Heights in good time and once again received a royal welcome.
7. I met Rick Van Dyken, who I had not seen since 1988 in Nigeria.
8. Fixed my biking shoe with Shoe Goo and a clamp from the Maintenance Shop at Trinity College.
9. What a wonderful day.
10. I need a shower now.

Day Five;
We finally had a day of rain. It went well. By the time we got to Zillah the rain had subsided and rain jackets were left in the support vehicles. The Church in Zillah was out to welcome us with food and best wishes. Sunnyside was alive with fireworks for Independence Day. Food was served by the local church. Another good day, and time to sign off.

Day Six;
My 80 km ride ended up with more than 110 km. Sunnyside to Kennewick trip was along the Yakima Valley Canyon. If have been riding with the same group of people for a few days. Within a very short time we have clicked as to riding style and speed. We also seem to share the same kind of humor. We decided to take a more leisurely pace today and enjoyed the scenery of the canyon and the mountains now further in the distance. A break in the ride was taken at a coffee shop in Benton.
Coming into the park, Louis fell on a gravel patch, which was unfortunate. The bike seemed fine and the skin damage minor.
We got lost in Kennewick trying to fine REI but that helped getting our bearings for later trips into town.

Day Seven;
The Kennewick Church looked after the Service in Columbia Trail Park. Wow! They sure treated us well.

Day Eight; Monday July 7 Kennewick to Pendleton
Our group changed a bit today with the addition of Christine from Sarnia. At the state border we were met by a Washington State Trooper who was very interested in our Tour. The canyon and river valley soon changed as we left the “730” to rolling hills and wheat fields.
In town I ended up helping Nathan get a new front wheel after he accidentally stuck his foot into the spokes trying to unclip.
In Pendleton a group of us did the underground tour. This city under the city dates back to the 1800 s’ when the Chinese were in the area for the railway construction.

Day Nine; Pendleton to La Grande
We started the day with a nice ride along the river. It was starting to warm up as we headed up Emigrant Road and up the pass through the “foothills”. This was a good climb to do in the morning. The rest of the route was “down hill”. A twenty-four flavor ice cream shop was near the end of our cycling for the day. We stayed in Pioneer Park between the baseball field and the soccer field. Wow the weather on this trip has been great.

Day Ten; La Grande to Baker City
This was my first sweep day. We started out helping two stranded cyclists in the coffee shop who were waiting to get their chain replaced. A quick fix got them on their way. We were able to take a lot of time in the small communities we passed through. I handed out quite a few cards indicating the web site regarding poverty issues and what the Tour was trying to accomplish. In Union we were treated to freezies at the local library. People were very friendly and interested in what the Tour was trying to accomplish.
We also stopped in North Powder and in Haines. The Haines Bar and Restaurant was a typical western establishment.
The temperature is rising. It was close to 100 degrees here today.

Day Eleven Baker City to Huntington
This was a short fast ride today. Part of the ride was on the Interstate 84 which was under construction. A few people had a hard time with the heavy volume of traffic, but there were no other roads through this canyon. Huntington is a poor dwindling town. We stayed at the “school” in town that has an enrollment of 88 students from K to 12. The welcome we received was a surprise. The people were excited to see their population increase by 30 % with the Tour stopping in their town. A few people work at the cement plant down the road. The others are retired or on welfare. When I tried to explain the purpose and cause of the tour one individual explained that poverty was right here in their community. Their church had moved out and had taken the town bell with them. This town also had a large Chinese community during the construction of the railway. One Lady pointed out the sign on the restaurant wall that stated, “White Help Only”, which meant that this was not a Chinese restaurant. Huntington too had an underground town below the town.

Day Twelve; Huntington to Ontario Friday July 1