from the Grand Rapids Press Sea to Sea is traveling through my home state. So youknow I had to put a mention of it on here. - KaleBy Paul KopenkoskeyPLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP -- Etched in Bill Dracht's memory is the quadruple heart bypass surgery he endured 20 years ago.Surviving the operation is a clear signal to the 70-year-old that God did not want him to fritter away his retirement years with self-centered pursuits.He said that's the reason he joined the Christian Reformed Church-sponsored Sea to Sea Bike Tour.Plus, it's a chance to dispel the notion that white-haired people are old fogies whose best years are behind them, said Dracht, a retired general contractor who lives in Missaukee County."It really hit me how God has blessed me," said Dracht. "I never dreamed I would do something...
from Mountain Home News by Robert J. TaylorMore 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...
from the Idaho Statesman Pastor signed up on a whim, and once his congregation found out it got behind himELSEWHEREBY SHAWN RAECKEHenry Devries, of Kamloops, British Columbia, had never ridden a bike long distance. In fact, he didn't even own a bike that could handle a cross-country endeavor.But Sunday morning, Devries was among 220 riders taking part in the Sea to Sea Bike Tour, a tour across America to raise money and awareness for global poverty, at a stop in Julia Davis Park in Boise. The trans-continental bike event from Seattle to Jersey City, N.J., is believed to be the largest cross-country bike tour ever, according to event coordinators.Devries joined other participants in a worship service at Julia Davis Park on Sunday as surprised as anyone to be there.For Devries, the whole...
from the Seattle Post Intelligencer By NOEL LYN SMITHClad in yellow and blue jerseys, 144 bicyclists gathered among the usual walkers and beachcombers Monday morning on the shores at Golden Gardens Park.Each dipped their rear tires in the cool waters of Puget Sound before departing on their 3,881-mile journey. For nine weeks, the group will ride from Seattle to Jersey City, N.J. -- then dip their front tires in the Atlantic Ocean.The Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour aims to raise $1.5 million to help those in poverty, and is sponsored by the Christian Reformed Church in North America in cooperation with the Reformed Church in America."It captures people's attention when you have 20 people riding in a group," local organizer Doug Houck said. "But over 100 people riding, that will make an...