The beginning

This morning we had worship and the first pelaton (information) meeting of the tour. We learned our small groups and how each small group will serve throughout the week. Chores/tasks will change weekly for each small group.

The afternoon was filled with somewhat comical bicycle training to go over simple skills. Skills like hand signals (left, right, slowing, stopping), riding in groups, rock/debris Dodge, and terrain change (riding into grass). The Canada bike representative organizing this skill training was thoroughly excited about his job, especially in the safety aspect. If he wanted a point emphasized he said it more than multiple times.

The most special time today was indian blessing on our journey. The first ritual was a burning of sweet grass to bless the bicycles. The chief, his wife, a daughter and nephew, and a friend sang songs over us and blessed us with healing crystals for sore and cramped muscles. We made a circle and went through something like a rebirth, making a human tunnel (with arms) and passing through. 

This evening is an evening to relax before the strains of the regular tour. Please support us in prayers and financially. The Stehouwer family would love to meet and exceed our goal of 40,000 Canadian dollars. This tour is our excuse to raise money for poverty, biking is our event. We will continue to share our cause and raise funds as we cross Canada.

• A man I'm sitting next to now from near Toronto, as an individual, raised his goal from 35k to 50k and now to 70k. He's now raised 60,000 Canadian dollars and easily expects to make it over 70,000 Canadian dollars.