Crossing the Border

Today -Monday- was our final 20 miles in Canada and we had to meet near Niagara Falls in order to all cross together. We were all pre-approved with copies of our passports by Ed the tour coordinator and were hoping this crossing would be just a smooth as our Canada entry. To our surprise, they had opened a lane just for us and we cruised over the Rainbow Bridge up to the border guards and then we biked right past the border guards and were soon on in America. Ed had such a great connection with the man in charge of the border that he had authorized us to cross without even stopping - what a God thing!



We were warned to bike with at least 5 other riders as we passed through the town of Niagara Falls in New York. The neighborhood was definitely shady and the attractions tacky, a complete contrast to the Canadian side which had been beautifully landscaped and interesting. I realized neighborhoods like this are part of the reason we are biking in the first place. I am embarrassed to admit that my thoughts were of riding as fast as possible to get out of the area. I should have taken the opportunity as I had a bike tour of the town to pray for the people who are poor and needy. Many times we do not like to remain in places that make us feel uncomfortable where people or buildings may "look" different or unkept. We should be bringing the message that God does not turn His back on these people and look to "get out as soon as possible." In fact His heart is with the poor and oppressed and ours should be too.



The rest of the ride was idyllic. The weather never went past the mid 70's. Thankfully Sandy was craving pizza and we stopped for a pie -it was surprising to find out that the others with us had no idea a pizza could be called a pie. Must be a Eastern thing.



Sandy and I rode with Mike Vandenhorst (spelling?)from Canada and Bill from Illinois for the first 2 hours as we made our way to the border. Both these men have stories. Bill is riding a recumbent bike -a 3 wheeler and started in Seattle. What determination it would take to ride every day through all kinds of landscapes with a bike that is not very aerodynamic and low to the ground. Mike actually fell yesterday after hitting a very deep pothole and was riding today with a fractured collar bone. The easy pace this morning let us get to chit chat with both men as we rode along the Welland Canal - the waterway that allows boats to bypass Niagara Falls as they make their way up the Saint Lawrence River- a very necessary detour.

Riding on the New York side went much faster 17-23mph - the wind was with us somewhat and the terrain was mostly flat. What fun to fly down some of these smooth, country roads - I didn't crash as I usually do for the last 10 miles of the ride. That day of rest has really paid off.

Tonight we had a real campfire (as if there is a fake one?) and s'mores. We were allowed 1 s'more. Since my normal ration is like 4 s'mores, I was thrilled when John said he didn't want his piece of chocolate and I quickly confiscated it. We were even treated to a bluegrass band tonight - some Christians are camping in the same park and wanted to share their talents with us. As I sat writing most of this tour members are swinging each other around and doing the 2 step. Instead of joining in the dancing, I heed the cry for "One more Euchre player" - a card game I played often in college. I played with Cheryl, Peter DeHaan, and Ralph all from Canada. What a hoot we had making jokes and "taking hands". In college I mostly partnered with the most serious player in our group - I don't remember much laughing until he was sure we were winning. But tonight I laughed so hard my sides ache and I'm so wired that I can't get to sleep. In fact, I can barely find my tent because everyone else is sleeping and I did not think to bring my flashlight. Oh, there goes a yawn - maybe I will try to snooze again. By the way, each team won one set in the card game so we're all going to bed happy.