REFLECTIONS ON THE 2008 B4B RIDE
At Tsawwassen, meeting friends we have cycled with before, Recalling the joy of sleeping on the floor! Meeting the Calgary team who have joined the ride this year, Cycling with them brought us extra good cheer – and 5 coolers!
Abbotsford’s place mats and welcoming dinner, Every church’s greeting made us feel like winners.
The rumbling of trains through Merritt and Hope, Nightly hanging the clothesline made of rope, Meeting Raymond’s kids and wife, Who are the centre of his life.
Drinking gallons of Gatorade potion, Learning to love the taste of hand sanitizing lotion!
The music from the Blues combo, Praising the Lord, we loved it so. Patience and her words of wisdom Helped us think more of God’s kingdom.
Shirley and Chester gave us inspiration; Showers nightly relieved perspiration.
Seven families raised our moods – Thieles, Giffords, Pearces, Woods, Evans, Humans, Loots, rode fierce, With “Block Docs” daughter, Brenda Pearce.
Warren, the recumbent man, His strong legs made us a fan.
Thomas handy at fixing bikes; “How many flat tires, Sandy? Yikes!” Jannie and Barry also assisted When tires flat or wheels busted.
Jim took on the challenge to lead – He did a great job we all agreed. His instructions – “Now hear me! No roadie, no turnie! Please be courteous, don’t be mean – Don’t get up before 5:15.” Jim and his lost and found; Thanking God who kept us safe and sound.
Bill’s side trip to Royal Jubilee, But able to ride the rest of the trip – Yippee!
The chance meeting of Josh who joined us one night Who works with young natives to make their future bright.
Dustan and Amie and little dog Mocha – Liking chocolate milk better than cola.
“Passing on the left!” shouts out Ray when it comes to down hill, all the way.
Barry’s solos, and who can forget The“Yummy, yummy minuet!”
The joy at seeing the truck at rest stops; Hearing tire blow with really loud pop.
Wilma’s many steps up onto the truck; Doug often saying, “That’ll be five bucks!” Doug wearing tag so he’ll remember his name, Interviews with papers brought us some fame.
The food roadies shopping every night Hoping the food will come out right. Faith, a roadie many years, We were so glad to have her here. Trudy joined us, helped with food And on the road proved she is good.
The paparazzi, Ksenia and Richard – Sorting pictures later will be hard.
Brian, the sweeper who never was fast, We know that sometimes good men are last.
Meeting Menno on the road Carrying a heavy load.
At crash scene, Kathy and Estelle Comforted those injured very well.
Jonathan and Sara along with Teddy, Were our young cyclists, always ready.
In Alberta, Reg arranged accommodation. It was to our complete satisfaction.
BBQ, hamburgers luscious desserts, We were treated well at churches. A feast at the golf course at Revelstoke Thanks to the owners, such good folk. The music in the city square And our Bob brought laughter there. Bob is a REAL comedian, yes one of those, Giving Sheila a thrill putting sunscreen on his nose.
Andrew – “Let’s give the roadies breakfast in bed. Not me, I’m leaving early instead!”
We had two others join our throng – Ego and Testosterone!
Now homeward bound and memories fond We’ll help our projects carry on, Remembering blue skies and mountain peaks – And through our spokes, God speaks.
Tsawwassen, Abbotsford, Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Golden, Canmore, Cochrane, Aug 2-10/08 Written by Sheila Jakus