The Group is Growing...

One of the many factors that encouraged me to take up this cycling and fund raising challenge was the knowledge that I would not be alone in this.

First of all, we have the SeaToSea Headquarters helping us with logistics, planning, support and much more more. And of course, there will be all the other cyclists who are cycling. When the actual ride takes place, I know I'll be surrounded by all kinds of encouragement and other group dynamics. And I trust that I'll be providing that to my fellow riders as well.

But sooner than that, and closer to home than that, are the other local cyclists.

Here in London at my home church we have a group of cyclists planning to cycle all or part of the trip. Yet we have also come together now, to plan and work together with all the fund raising, as well as the bike training that we need to do. We call ourselves the "Peddles and Prayers" group. (We also have several non-cyclists in the group, who are helping immensely!)

For myself it was the existence of this group that helped me make my own decision to join this tour. The thought of all that bike training -- hours and hours alone in the saddle -- as well as all that fund raising that we are expected to do ... well I can see how it would seem intimidating. But with a supporting group of people around you, it doesn't seem like such a daunting task.

Gayle was the first, and John soon after that. Then came Scott and Pieter. And then myself. Wow, five cyclists, that's a big group. But that wasn't all. We now have Mike, who joined a couple weeks ago, and just a few days ago Ralph signed up.

And then there were SEVEN.
(However, unlike in that familiar Agatha Christie mystery novel, our numbers have been going up!)

So, Kirsten, are you going to make it eight?