Mountain Grove to Greenbank --Inspiration around the corner!

After such an enjoyable evening with the Hurtubise family and a great breakfast, we were ready to start a new day. The temperature was perfect -- mid-60s with a blue sky. Because of our accommodations, we started the morning in Kingston and decided to take a picturesque ride along Lake Ontario and its various inlets, then head north and west until we reached our destination. Our choice turned out to be challenging to say the least. Anywhere we went (along the lake or further inland), the winds whipped violently to the east (reminiscent of some of the winds that come off Lake Michigan), making every stroke of our pedals difficult. While bikers traveling east passed with great speed and excitement, we knew it would be a difficult ride. Now I know you might be saying: Mr. Grandy sounds like one of those people who talks about walking to school through the snow uphill both ways, so I'll try to attach a little clip later. Still, we found ourselves enjoying the beautiful countryside dotted with apple orchards and grape vineyards (seen below).





After traveling a bit over 50 miles this morning, we needed to get off our bikes. Our legs were tired, our spirits were lagging and it became increasingly easy to focus on the smattering of small aches that begin to accumulate over time. After stopping for just a couple minutes, a kind-looking gentlemen approached us and began to ask about our ride, its purpose and destination. After sharing a bit about TPCA and the ride, he relayed that his interest in cycling stemmed, in part, from a ride he took from Vancouver to Halifax as part of a church group over a ten-week period. The distance: 6180 kilometers (approx. 3708 miles). His age: 73 as of the day he finished his ride. His prior biking experience: none. Oma was quick to note that our ride should be easy given the fact that Mr. East is 37 and our acquaintence, Frank Westerhof, was 73. Although we continued to struggle against the winds, we suddenly had a new perspective. To me, it was just a reminder that a caring person can sometimes be helpful in bringing a little perspective to our own situations.



We ended late into the day and found ourselves at McDonald's for dinner (somehow, we're a little less worried about fat content given our exercise). It has been another safe day, a day that challenged our faith and helped us look beyond ourselves for strength.


A couple last notables for today: (1) In the recently announced and widely anticipated "Who Will Fall Off His Bike More Often" competition, Mr. Grandy is now leading Mr. East 2 1/2 to 1 (we have clip pedals and have been having a bit of difficulty getting out of the clips). While no one has been physically hurt yet, I've got to say that my pride is stinging a bit. (2) For your periodic bug/animal/reptile update, I had three bees hit me in the face today (one flying into my mouth -- not sure he made it), we saw several snakes and had several other large bugs hit us as well. Only two bugs flew into my mouth today, but I was quick to spit them out.



Keep reading. Keep exercising. Keep praying. The countdown is on for the 2nd Annual/Best-Ever TPCA Walk/Bikeathon!



Charlie

P.S. -- A special note to our families: we love you!