Greetings from Grand Rapids! As of today, I'm an official cycling member of the Sea to Sea Bike Tour 2008. This morning we registered and participated in an orientation session, had lunch where I've met several new cyclists to the tour as well as some veterans. This afternoon we were shuttled to a nearby ball stadium where a Celebration Rally was held. The weather was glorious: sunny, warm (but not too warm or too humid) and a cooling breeze that made the heat bearable. It was wonderful to connect with friends from Maranatha CRC (my home church) as well as see a friend from former university days.
The main speaker, Shane Claiborne, was inspirational and challenged us to really walk the talk as Christians, meaning live amongst the people as Jesus would and develop community relationships. I also got to see some ministries putting this into action by planting trees and beautifying an inner city neighbourhood, helping kids develop academic goals and learn how to maintain a bike given to them, working with local moms, and helping indigenous schools around the world.
After enjoying dinner with relatives of my brother-in-law, we joined the "Peloton" meeting and learned how such a daily meeting is conducted. (I was even interviewed by the media guy, so check out the Sea to Sea web site newsletter later this week to see if I get quoted!) Pete & I have the privilege of being on "Sweep Team" duty tomorrow, which means we have to be up by 6 a.m. to serve breakfast, clean up breakfast, load the gear truck and ride last to make sure all cyclists arrive at our destination. It promises to be a long first day (102 km)!
On that note, I need to sign off here and hit the hay. 5:30 a.m. will come awfully soon, I fear.
By the way, Peter and I appear in a photo at the rally this afternoon on Len Riemersma's blog. Check his blog out if you want to see us.
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