The views have been fantastic and the riding has sometimes been challenging,” said one bicyclist. “On our toughest day, we climbed 2,200 meters in near 90-degree heat. The elevation, the heat, and the hilly terrain were rough, but the riders worked together to encourage each other and we all made it safely to Calgary by the end of the day.”

Once the tour members were away from the coast, the roads are mostly flat through eastern Alberta and Saskatchewan. However, when the wind blows in the wrong direction across the plains, even the flatter routes can be quite harsh for cyclists. Another rider mentioned on a post in the Sea to Sea Facebook page that, “We’ve got a long pull to get into Regina this weekend [July 15-16]. Thursday was a 160 km day, Friday is 120 km, and Saturday will be another 160 km.”

In spite of the distances, Sea to Sea riders embrace both the beauty and challenges they have had to face throughout the summer’s journey.

The tour members operate as a family and this past weekend included a tragedy. A rider preparing for the tour and a companion were involved in a biking accident just south of Grand Rapids, Mich. Clarence Doornbos and Claire Elgersma were struck by a vehicle on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Doornbos passed away at a local hospital, and Elgersma had serious injuries. Please pray for the Doornbos family during this time of grief and for the Elgersmas, as Claire recovers at home.

The tour members are deeply grieved by this injury and loss to the riding family. They pedaled a silent ride on Monday, July 17, and attended a service of remembrance for Clarence on Monday evening.

Drawing on their faith and community, the Sea to Sea riders are continuing their journey while raising funds and awareness to fight poverty, both locally and globally. The riders are close to reaching their fundraising goal for the summer, and you can help by donating to the cause through the Sea to Sea website. World Renew is a sponsor of the Sea to Sea Bike Tour 2017.

Visit the Sea to Sea Facebook page, Twitter feed and Instagram page for up-to-date photos and happenings on the route.