2/3 of the Way....And a Touch of Home

Sunday morning and the alarm goes off at 6am. I could sleep in as we don't have church until 9:30 but there is a lot to get done and so I get up and start with laundry. The laundromat is close so I load up my bike and head off into the sunny cool morning. This is how I like to bike. Solo with the world waking up around me. I am the only one at the laundromat so as my clothes go through the cycles, I actually get to read the book I have brought and escape in peace. I miss having this type of time and space. I head back to camp, all my belongings clean and prepare for church. I am not riding into church today. Vonda, who is from Wisconsin, has asked to. That is a good reason to concede and the right decision. The service was lively and the pastor was terrific. During the greeting between the congregation, for the first time since the tour has started, someone came up and asked if I was on the support team. Nope, I'm actually cycling. I told Nick who was sitting beside me. He just shrugged, "Be happy that it hasn't happened more!"
After church we had an enormous lunch prepared by the church. Delicious! I finally got to meet Marti's husband, Coby who has joined us as SAG for our final weeks. He was kind enough to take me on some errands.
My air mattress has given up it's ghost after 6 weeks. It has been wonderful but sprung a leak last week. I woke up wondering what was rubbing my tender behind and behold it was the ground! Pathetically, every hour found me half asleep,blowing it up again. Dale had helped me patch it but last night I was working to keep it alive again. Time to buy another one. $15 well spent!
Back to camp and to my delight my friend and pastor, Pieter and his wife Margaret had arrived! Hugs from home brought tears to my eyes. Pieter is joining the tour for the last three weeks. It was exhilarating to see his excitement and joy. As Pieter settled in, Margaret asked if there was anything I needed to do. Yes, Movies and still needed to find an Old Navy for new pants that fit. Margaret was game and Barb decided she could use the escape of a chick flick too.
As Margaret carted me around, I realised just how much I appreciated her willing service. To her, I was not a pain or burden to be tolerated politely but a friend in need who she could help. I realised that this was something that I had been dealing with on SeaToSea. That I have, at times, by a few people, just been an inconvenience that was interrupting the community and tour. Some one who just didn't belong, who didn't know what they were doing and probably shouldn't be doing this. But then God whispered to remind me of the many in this group who have cared and loved me over the last 6 weeks, with grace, appreciation and love. And on my blog were many comments encouraging me along once again and my spirit was renewed to my goal and purposes for completing SeaToSea.
Margaret and Pieter also brought renewal in a change of wardrobe options, shipping some of my unnecessary and old stuff home and greeting and gifts from friends. Heather, Holly and Hannah sent a great package including a sign "Help Wanted" for when I needed to flag a SAG.
A rubber chicken stress ball and a package of water bomb balloons that might be beneficial in warding off approaching sweep teams!

My tent looked like a bomb had gone off as I tried to re-organize and divide into staying and going piles. Several people came by and laughed- That all going to fit into 2 baskets and 50lbs? Sure...give me some time.
As I loaded my stuff back into the gear truck, once again there was a debate over the weight of my bike and whether it was appropriate for the tour. Here was my reasoning.
Listen, it is the right bike for me. I did a lot of research before I bought it.Dealt with a great bike shop that knows both me and my life. I also consulted with physios, an ortho surgeon and a triathlon coach. This bike fits me. It probably isn't what would work for you. It probably isn't as light as it could be. It probably could have thinner tires. Here's the truth. I like that bike. Although it has been tougher, it is still getting the job done. I could have easily spent 3X as much on a better road bike that was lighter, more aerodynamic, professional but then what? What would I do with it after the tour? This is not about becoming a serious cyclist for me. I just wanted to take something I do casually and practically and see if I could push the limits and do something for someone else. Buying a road bike that I wouldn't use after just doesn't make sense for me. Buying this bike and using it regularly to run errands, commute to work and go for a real "short" ride- 30-40kms a few times a week after the ride will mean each time a chance to relive a small piece of Sea To Sea in my daily life for years to come.
That is the right choice for me. Is it too much to have some respect and understanding for my well thought out choices even if they aren't the same ones you would make?
I'm 6 weeks done. I can't believe it's really happening. I'm really cycling across the continent. I'm really meeting some amazing people. I can really make a difference in some one's world-one pedal stroke and one stop at a time.