Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Ian Lucas Buitenwerf
Last night at 10:19 PM Anita and Tyler Buitenwerf welcomed Ian Lucas Buitenwerf into their family. He weighed 4 pounds and 13.5 ounces and was 18 inches tall at the time of birth. Continue to come back periodically as I will ad pictures throughout the day.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
This is Anita. I thought that I would help update the blog for the past week. We have not had access to internet this week, except briefly yesterday at a McDonald's in Missouri Valley. Tyler's doing more route planning right now for next week. As Ed can probably attest, planning a safe and feasible biking day is a work in progress. Tyler's not following the exact route that Sea to Sea took last year so that he can spend time with family and get their help with day to day support. So, without further ado, highlights from this past week:
Prep ride in Fort Collins - Tyler rode up into Rist Canyon on the suggestion of Doug and Renee. Doug took me up there on Sat while Tyler was riding. This was quite beautiful. It was a great preview of the foothills around Fort Collins. Huge THANKS to Doug and Renee for hosting Tyler and myself. They are great hosts.
Sat. June 13, 2009 - Fort Collins to Sterling, CO
Tyler, myself, Doug, Renee and the kids rode together on the extensive bike trail system in Fort Collins to Tyler's send off point for the day. One could ride for miles on the trails there. Fort Collins is a very bike friendly city. Tyler and I both commented how green CO is this June. There were fields of wild flowers all along the route 14. The high plains are beautiful - vast open spaces, both sky and land. The birds kept playing playing chicken with the car and two lost. Sat. night was the first a many storms this week. We camped at North Sterling State Park. We had sustained winds of near 40+ and a tornado warning! Tent held up great. Throughout this week we were on the edges of each of the major storms and so avoided the worst of the weather.
Sun. June 14, 2009 - Sterling, CO to Ogallala, NE
Long day. Tyler began struggling with stomach upset, but was able to finish out the day. Camped at Lake Ogallala State Rec. Area. We got a site right on the lake. Thunderstorm #2. I definitely would go back here again to camp. We took the scenic route to Paxton, NE for dinner ate Ole's Big Game Bar. The scenic route means the map indicated a paved route; it was not. Not much in that part of NE except ranches, so few and far between they actually are labeled on the map. Also, if you've never eaten at Ole's, it's worth stopping once just for the experience. Ole was a big game hunter on seven continents and the results of his hunting are displayed throughout the bar.
Mon. June 15, 2009 Ogallala, NE to Maxwell, NE.
Tyler's stomach so upset, he was unable to ride a full day. We abandoned that day's planned route completely, and in order to make the next day easier, he rode from Maxwell to Gothenburg. We stayed at a private campground right by Fort McPherson National Cemetery -thunderstorm #3 and tornado warning #2. We were instructed by the owners to use the storm shelter by the main house if needed. I've never experienced a true storm shelter on an old farm. We looked at it just in case, and I'm really glad that we didn't have to use it.
Tues. June 16, 2009 Gothenburg, NE to Shelton, NE
Tyler feeling a little better today, but not able to eat much while riding without feeling ill. We're now following US30. Best part about taking this route are all of the trains. We saw a train about every 10 minutes today. Most of the trains were carrying coal, but one train had blades for wind turbines. It is completely amazing how long they are. Tyler met a couple of other cyclists biking cross country. They started in San Francisco. We camped at Fort Kearney State Historic Park. Tyler and I went to the Archway Monument on I80 as an excursion - meaning I dragged Tyler. Probably won't do it again, but now I can say that we've been there.
Wed. June 17, 2009 Shelton, NE to Columbus, NE
It really started to get hot this day. It topped out in the low 90s. The wind also picked up in the afternoon and changed direction causing a stiff head wind for Tyler. He really had to work hard towards the end of the day. During his trip planning, he found a cabin at Windmill State Park with air conditioning, so we stayed here for the next two nights. I drove him back and forth to his start/stop points each day. The park is on the Missouri River by Desoto National Wildlife Refuge. The "big muddy", as the Missouri is commonly called, was a rushing mess of mud, trees and debree.
Thurs. June 18, 2009 Columbus NE, to Missouri Valley, IA
HOT AND HUMID 93 degrees with blazing sunshine. Tyler worked really hard to make sure he stayed well hydrated and kept up with his electrolytes. He had a bit of a tail wind this day. As he got within 30 miles of the Missouri river, the ride got a little more interesting again as he encountered more hills. I30 traffic started to really pick up. While the best thing about I30 might be the trains, the worst thing, is that like I80 it follows the Platte River Valley the entire length of NE. This means it's a very flat ride, but after a few days, not so interesting. We were a little concerned about road safety today and tried to find an alternate route in the morning for the next day, but were unsuccessful. We had another mini-adventure on the NE back roads. We met a road construction worker who thought that they'd gotten 6 1/2 in rain in the last 2 weeks. This gives new meaning to "BIG MUDDY"! Big thunderstorm #4. We actually got up at 3 am to watch it. We heard that there was a tornado in Columbus, NE with this storm.
Fri. June 19, 2009 Missouri Valley, IA to Guthrie Center, IA - but went further to Panora, IA
Route 44 - RAINED all day. Tyler probably felt the best this day since Sat. The roads are hilly on the west side of IA because of the Loess Hills, a unique land feature that can only be found 1 other place in the world -China. I spent an hour in the morning at the wildlife refuge. This is really neat park. I really liked all the animals. I wonder what the turkey to deer ratio is? The visitor center has a display on the Bertrand, a steamer that sunk in the Missouri in the 1860s. They recovered the cargo in the 1960's, and it's on display. We didn't feel like camping in the rain, so we drove ahead to his parents in Altoona, IA. Tyler will ride Panora, IA to Altoona, IA tomorrow.
Next week, Altoona, IA to Manitowoc, WI. His Dad is going to do support for him. Continue to pray for safety and good weather. So far, no falls, no flat tires, and no serious health or other bike issues. He misses the camaraderie of the riders from the tour last year. We appreciate all of your support and words of encouragement this year. Tyler's going to add some highlight pictures later and maybe a few comments of his own.
Prep ride in Fort Collins - Tyler rode up into Rist Canyon on the suggestion of Doug and Renee. Doug took me up there on Sat while Tyler was riding. This was quite beautiful. It was a great preview of the foothills around Fort Collins. Huge THANKS to Doug and Renee for hosting Tyler and myself. They are great hosts.
Sat. June 13, 2009 - Fort Collins to Sterling, CO
Tyler, myself, Doug, Renee and the kids rode together on the extensive bike trail system in Fort Collins to Tyler's send off point for the day. One could ride for miles on the trails there. Fort Collins is a very bike friendly city. Tyler and I both commented how green CO is this June. There were fields of wild flowers all along the route 14. The high plains are beautiful - vast open spaces, both sky and land. The birds kept playing playing chicken with the car and two lost. Sat. night was the first a many storms this week. We camped at North Sterling State Park. We had sustained winds of near 40+ and a tornado warning! Tent held up great. Throughout this week we were on the edges of each of the major storms and so avoided the worst of the weather.
Sun. June 14, 2009 - Sterling, CO to Ogallala, NE
Long day. Tyler began struggling with stomach upset, but was able to finish out the day. Camped at Lake Ogallala State Rec. Area. We got a site right on the lake. Thunderstorm #2. I definitely would go back here again to camp. We took the scenic route to Paxton, NE for dinner ate Ole's Big Game Bar. The scenic route means the map indicated a paved route; it was not. Not much in that part of NE except ranches, so few and far between they actually are labeled on the map. Also, if you've never eaten at Ole's, it's worth stopping once just for the experience. Ole was a big game hunter on seven continents and the results of his hunting are displayed throughout the bar.
Mon. June 15, 2009 Ogallala, NE to Maxwell, NE.
Tyler's stomach so upset, he was unable to ride a full day. We abandoned that day's planned route completely, and in order to make the next day easier, he rode from Maxwell to Gothenburg. We stayed at a private campground right by Fort McPherson National Cemetery -thunderstorm #3 and tornado warning #2. We were instructed by the owners to use the storm shelter by the main house if needed. I've never experienced a true storm shelter on an old farm. We looked at it just in case, and I'm really glad that we didn't have to use it.
Tues. June 16, 2009 Gothenburg, NE to Shelton, NE
Tyler feeling a little better today, but not able to eat much while riding without feeling ill. We're now following US30. Best part about taking this route are all of the trains. We saw a train about every 10 minutes today. Most of the trains were carrying coal, but one train had blades for wind turbines. It is completely amazing how long they are. Tyler met a couple of other cyclists biking cross country. They started in San Francisco. We camped at Fort Kearney State Historic Park. Tyler and I went to the Archway Monument on I80 as an excursion - meaning I dragged Tyler. Probably won't do it again, but now I can say that we've been there.
Wed. June 17, 2009 Shelton, NE to Columbus, NE
It really started to get hot this day. It topped out in the low 90s. The wind also picked up in the afternoon and changed direction causing a stiff head wind for Tyler. He really had to work hard towards the end of the day. During his trip planning, he found a cabin at Windmill State Park with air conditioning, so we stayed here for the next two nights. I drove him back and forth to his start/stop points each day. The park is on the Missouri River by Desoto National Wildlife Refuge. The "big muddy", as the Missouri is commonly called, was a rushing mess of mud, trees and debree.
Thurs. June 18, 2009 Columbus NE, to Missouri Valley, IA
HOT AND HUMID 93 degrees with blazing sunshine. Tyler worked really hard to make sure he stayed well hydrated and kept up with his electrolytes. He had a bit of a tail wind this day. As he got within 30 miles of the Missouri river, the ride got a little more interesting again as he encountered more hills. I30 traffic started to really pick up. While the best thing about I30 might be the trains, the worst thing, is that like I80 it follows the Platte River Valley the entire length of NE. This means it's a very flat ride, but after a few days, not so interesting. We were a little concerned about road safety today and tried to find an alternate route in the morning for the next day, but were unsuccessful. We had another mini-adventure on the NE back roads. We met a road construction worker who thought that they'd gotten 6 1/2 in rain in the last 2 weeks. This gives new meaning to "BIG MUDDY"! Big thunderstorm #4. We actually got up at 3 am to watch it. We heard that there was a tornado in Columbus, NE with this storm.
Fri. June 19, 2009 Missouri Valley, IA to Guthrie Center, IA - but went further to Panora, IA
Route 44 - RAINED all day. Tyler probably felt the best this day since Sat. The roads are hilly on the west side of IA because of the Loess Hills, a unique land feature that can only be found 1 other place in the world -China. I spent an hour in the morning at the wildlife refuge. This is really neat park. I really liked all the animals. I wonder what the turkey to deer ratio is? The visitor center has a display on the Bertrand, a steamer that sunk in the Missouri in the 1860s. They recovered the cargo in the 1960's, and it's on display. We didn't feel like camping in the rain, so we drove ahead to his parents in Altoona, IA. Tyler will ride Panora, IA to Altoona, IA tomorrow.
Next week, Altoona, IA to Manitowoc, WI. His Dad is going to do support for him. Continue to pray for safety and good weather. So far, no falls, no flat tires, and no serious health or other bike issues. He misses the camaraderie of the riders from the tour last year. We appreciate all of your support and words of encouragement this year. Tyler's going to add some highlight pictures later and maybe a few comments of his own.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I am in Fort Collins, CO right now
SO it has been a while since I blogged. I made it to Binghampton in NY and Anita and I then drove home on SUnday night. We got in really late and then Monday I spent the day getting ready for my drive out to CO. I then left on Tuesday to my parents in Iowa and today I made it out to FOrt Collins, CO. I am staying here for a few days until ANita flies in and then I am giong to start riding on Saturday.
On the way here today I was some of the most beautiful storms I have ever seen. There were some North and some SOuth of the Interstate and at one point it rained SO hard that I could only drive 35 MPH. It is pretty out here. I plan on giong for a ride up a canyon tomorrow and also checking out the New Belguim Brewery. I will post some pics of the storms and hopefully the the ride tomorrow. See ya later.
On the way here today I was some of the most beautiful storms I have ever seen. There were some North and some SOuth of the Interstate and at one point it rained SO hard that I could only drive 35 MPH. It is pretty out here. I plan on giong for a ride up a canyon tomorrow and also checking out the New Belguim Brewery. I will post some pics of the storms and hopefully the the ride tomorrow. See ya later.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Two decent days of riding
Sorry I did not post last night Ted Harris and his family were too good of hosts they took me out and showed me the sights of the city and I did not get a chance to sit down and blog.
Yesterday was an easy day of riding. I took it really slow and just relaxed. It was nice since my legs were hurting in the morning when I woke up. Eritia lives in the part of hamilton that they call down the Mtn. For the non Canucks reading. It is below the Niagara Escarpement that runs along the lake their all the way to the falls. It is what the falls go down when they actuall fall. Anyways, I had to ride up it first thing in the morning. I mean literally first thing in the morning. That was not a ton of fun, but I endured none the less. I then went through Hamilton and ended up on a road called Ridge Road. Named because it runs along the ridge of the escarpement. It was beautiful. I could see all the way across the lake to Toronto.
I then stopped for about an hour and a half at The Dutch Shop in Grimsby where Eritia is the Baker. She treated me to an excellent lunch. I had two sandwiches and some coffee. The second was the best Grilled cheese ever. Foccacia and Rosemary bread with Gouda chees. (go ahead and drool)
I then rode on into St. Catharines. On my way I happened across a winery called Wayne Gretzky Estates. Yes it is owned for Wayne himself since he is the owner. I picked up a bottle of wine that I am regretfully now carrying in my trailer.
Today I rode to Niagra falls and spent about an hour an a half looking at the falls from the Canadian side. I then crossed the border with no problems at all and then headed into Batavia, NY, Where I am now. I am staying with a gentleman by the name of Keith Andrews. I contacted him on a website called Warmshowers.org. It is for touring bicyclists. You can find places to stay as long as you are willing to host also. He is a nice bachelor in his 40s who used to ride a ton and still has 4 nice bikes. Yes Anita I said FOUR. Tomorrow I am off to Geneva NY where I am staying in a hotel just West of the City. I hope for a little less wind than today. I had a somewhat stiff breeze at my 10 o'clock. It made for some working harder than I wanted to.
I may not get to blog again tomorrow or Saturday so I will Update when I can.
Niagra falls
My camera sucks (I guess I should stop dropping it)
Eritia and I after lunch. MMMM good
Eritia and I after riding into Hamilton. Picture taken by Ed Witvoet. Tour directorTuesday, June 2, 2009
cool and long day
Today was another 80 mile day. It started out with John Vandersteen coming to escort me out of London. I probably would have gotten lost without the escort. We then cycled onto meet Eritia Smit about half way between London and Hamilton.
This morning was a slow ride. We had a nasty head wind in the morning and John was tired from escorting me in the day before so we took it easy and when we met Eritia he turned around and went back home. I am sure he is tired and ready for a day off the bike.
When I met up with Eritia we picked up the pace a little and made it into Hamilton at about 3:30. We stopped by to see Ed Witvoet (the tour director) and talked with him for about 20 minutes. After that we wen on to Eritias house were I am staying tonight. Eritia cooked an excellent meal and I got a lot of calories into my body.
Tomorrow will be an easy day. It is only 50 miles onto St. Catharines were I am staying. I plan on stopping about half way in a town called Grimsby and having lunch at The Dutch Shop. Eritia works there as a bakers apprentice. It should be excellent.
My legs are sore but doing well, my bum is also sore, but doing fine. My shoulder is really sore, but thank goodness for ALeve.
I will post some pics tomorrow hopefully.
Adios.
This morning was a slow ride. We had a nasty head wind in the morning and John was tired from escorting me in the day before so we took it easy and when we met Eritia he turned around and went back home. I am sure he is tired and ready for a day off the bike.
When I met up with Eritia we picked up the pace a little and made it into Hamilton at about 3:30. We stopped by to see Ed Witvoet (the tour director) and talked with him for about 20 minutes. After that we wen on to Eritias house were I am staying tonight. Eritia cooked an excellent meal and I got a lot of calories into my body.
Tomorrow will be an easy day. It is only 50 miles onto St. Catharines were I am staying. I plan on stopping about half way in a town called Grimsby and having lunch at The Dutch Shop. Eritia works there as a bakers apprentice. It should be excellent.
My legs are sore but doing well, my bum is also sore, but doing fine. My shoulder is really sore, but thank goodness for ALeve.
I will post some pics tomorrow hopefully.
Adios.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tiring and wet day
Yesterday I entered Canada and rode a total of 62 miles. I stayed with a couple that was on the tour last year. Paul and Theresa Hoekstra. They were very gracious and wonderful hosts. I was lucky enough to have a tailwind all day long. Nice way to start the week. I was tired and slept well.
Today I rode 80 miles to the city of London. It is Northeast of Chatham where I stayed the night before. I was met about half way in by three guys that were on tour last year. It was great to have some people to ride with the last 35 miles. I got quite wet today. About an hour into my ride it started riding. I ended up riding in the rain for about 2 hours. The rain stopped after lunch and made for a nice ride into London. My bike was a mess and needed some TLC when I got into Mulder's place where I am staying tonight. My dry bags were a mess, but all inside was good and dry. After some clean up time and dinner it is now time to blog and relax fr the rest of the evening to embark on another 80 miles tomorrow into Hamilton.
Here are some pictures from the last two days.
Today I rode 80 miles to the city of London. It is Northeast of Chatham where I stayed the night before. I was met about half way in by three guys that were on tour last year. It was great to have some people to ride with the last 35 miles. I got quite wet today. About an hour into my ride it started riding. I ended up riding in the rain for about 2 hours. The rain stopped after lunch and made for a nice ride into London. My bike was a mess and needed some TLC when I got into Mulder's place where I am staying tonight. My dry bags were a mess, but all inside was good and dry. After some clean up time and dinner it is now time to blog and relax fr the rest of the evening to embark on another 80 miles tomorrow into Hamilton.
Here are some pictures from the last two days.
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