O Canada

Hi all, I can say that with a smile back on. Today has been amazing. We took a ferry ride from the U.S. over the Saint Claire River to Canada. And what a reception we received. Crowds of people lining the road out of the ferry. Refreshments galore (cupcakes and bags of jelly candy - some of my favorite food). Now I know how celebrities feel. The best part is that all of these fans know that God is the true Star of this show and that He welcomes all of our praise.

After the ferry Sandy and I rode with a group that "kept us hoppin." I felt a little antsy to go fast today - don't ask me how I had energy for any antsiness after yesterday's marathon ride. Amazingly, I woke up refreshed by the 49 degree morning air.
We are pleased to find out that when biking from one place to another is your main goal all day, you have energy to do that every morning. No more 60 mile training rides in New Jersey squeezed into the time between lunch and the end of my 2 year old's nap after being a mother, wife, dog trainer/sitter, etc. all day.

So back to today's ride. I felt beat up, but happy - sounds ironic but this combination is probably a byproduct of my competitive nature. Strong headwinds struck us again, but the temp stayed under 80 degrees, a major plus. Besides the great reception, we notice the Canadians are very friendly people and more laid back than most Americans (especially New Jerseyians). They don't honk at the car blocking the lane while someone goes over directions and they are offering their pools, shuttle service and even real showers and whirlpool tubs in their home for us to use. Glad we are here for the rest of the week. I hear rumblings that this is just the beginning of the future Canadian hospitality. Of course, there is the normal Canadian - American patriotic banter going back in forth in camp. Seeing that the Canadians on the Tour outnumber us, I am keeping my mouth shut on this subject - amazing things do happen.

I better go, we still have to set up camp and take showers or maybe soak in the whirlpool tub, which shall I choose? I know we are supposed to be roughing it, but I wouldn't want these people to have gone through all the trouble for nothing. Love to my family - I love you and miss you.