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From Sea to Sea, bikers raise poverty awareness
More than 150 bike riders and 30 staff members took over Mountain Home Junior High School's lawn Monday afternoon as the Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour made an overnight stop in Mountain Home.
The bike tour, which claims to be the largest bike tour to ever cross North America, aims to raise awareness, funding and action to help end the cycle of poverty for families and communities around the world.
Riders were asked to raise $10,000 for that cause before participating in the nine-week, 3,881-mile trek from Seattle to Jersey City, N.J. Of the 220 riders, 127 will make the full journey while anoterh 93 will ride for at least a two-week portion of the course.
Monday marked day 15 of the tour as riders made their way from Boise to Mountain Home where they quickly set up their tents, showered, repaired their bikes and began relaxing or looking for the laundry mat.
Husband and wife Diane and Bert Slofstra from Abbotsford, British Columbia, are participating in the tour.
Bert, a pastor, is spending the nine weeks on his bike while his wife is part of the support staff as a cook.
Bert said there were many reasons to participate in the tour but the opportunity to raise funds to assist poverty was very appealing and his main reason for making the ride. He also liked the challenge of the event.
Diane, a preschool teacher, had wanted to ride in the tour but a knee injury forced her into another role. She also believed in the cause and wanted to be with her husband and liked the idea of the adventure and the chance to see the United States.
Bert said they were able to raise $17,000 for the tour, mostly by writing letters asking for donations.
"It helps to be the pastor of a large church," he said.
He is still trying to get used to the area's dry heat and called Stevens Pass outside of Seattle the most challenging part of the tour so far. He said the best part has been getting to know everyone on the tour.
Diane said it was good to be away from their jobs for a few weeks and that the couple is learning to live minimally.
Each member of the tour keeps their belongings in two laundry baskets kept on a shelve in the back of a semi-truck that follows the riders.
The Slofstra's brought a tent, two chairs, two blankets, two pairs of shorts, a few shirts and little else.
Riders and support staff members sleep in tents they set up mostly at school grounds and occasional parks.
"Everywhere we go, people are receptive, friendly and supportive," Bert said.
Riders normally hit the road around 7:30 a.m. and ride an average of 69 miles a day and even eat lunch while riding.
The group left for Gooding early Tuesday morning.
The Sea to Sea Bike Tour is presented by the Christian Reformed Church in partnership with the Reformed Church in America.
To find out more information or how to donate, visit www.SeatoSea.org.