It's a short ride of only 72kms but there are so many churches and people setting up to host us along the way, I love days like this!
I headed out with Opa Ralph. It felt like back to one of our training ride and yesterday we had taken the route that Ralph took me on the first time we rode together. How far we have both come!
We were riding the edge of the escarpment which gave us an incredible view of the city of Hamilton and through the haze of the humidity was the faint outline of Toronto.
Just as we rounded the curve, a surprise waited for Ralph, his son and daughter-in-law with grandsons, Nathan and Rudy were waiting to cheer him on and had freezies for all the cyclists.
The route was beautiful with rolling hills until we came to the edge of the escarpment and flew down this 12% grade.
It was exciting, scary and a good prep for the hills we are about to take on in New York State. Fruitland and Grimsby had snacks for us and Beamsville spread out an impressive lunch which gave me my first salmon sandwich in a long time.....I miss salmon...THANK YOU!!!!
Alida's family were set up as a cheering station as we raced to beat each other to the pedicure that was waiting for me!
Alida thought that it should be the first one there that gets it....she was going to loose!
Also, Pieter's parents Jan and Maria were ready with freezies as we passed their house and Pieter's 10yr old son, Jonathan, joined us for the last 17kms of the ride.
Terry guided us to a historic Carousel that was only $.05 to ride so we paid for a bunch of people and asked the attendant to let any SeaToSea rider on.
We had a great ride with the Stehowers and Terry and even my bike got a break from the road.
Final destination reached, a foot bath and massage was a welcome break.
This is the type of pastoral visit I could handle.
Tonight, I am excited to be billeted with Pieter's parents but I do have to get a few movies in. A great way to end the 8th week!
5 comments:
Gayle, so glad I got to meet you in person, and thank you for all the great reading...put it all in a book, and sell some to buy a super cool bike for your next big ride.
Thanks for making Dale feel so welcome in London....great pictures. I know he wanted to get back to ride with you to your home town. Wonderful story.
I think I'll see you in New Jersey next week, until then, stay in the Lord's shadow, and have fun.
Deb Mowry
Gayle,
Soon to be welcome back to the USA!!!
Chuck Henager
Kennewick WA
I am so glad you went to Port Dalhousie! That is one of my favourite places in Niagara... I love the 5 cent carousel! My dad said he was at church cheering on people with snacks in Grimsby, but you probably wouldn't have noticed... I forgot to tell him to look out for the bike with streamers and an idiot pole :). I hope you have a great stay in Niagara and feel blessed by the Celebration Rally at Queenston Heights. It is another gorgeous place in Niagara... I love Niagara, can you tell?!
Hope the crossing into the US went well and that your "probation" situation didn't cause you too many headaches.
Cycle safe, see you in Jersey!
Heather
Gayle,
Could you do me a favour? I saw Terry V on your merry-go-round pic. Could you please grab his butt for me, and tell him I miss him?
john van sloten
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