Amazing Tour Photo Gallery: Netherlands

July 7,2017 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - A quick photo gallery and a list of some of the towns and cities I've pedaled through:

Amsterdam, Lisse, Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Monster, Hekendorp, Oudewater, Delft, Montfoort, De Meern, Breukelen, and Weesp.

Each day I feel like I've gone 100 or more miles but I think that's actually the amount of times I've stopped and checked my map or asked for directions. 

The churches, canals and city centers have all been brilliant, colorful and full of life and history. 

I am never alone on the bike trails. However, my skills are minimal compared to the Dutch. They bike with purpose and enthusiasm - they can also bike with no hands and text at the same time. 

There is a reason so much of the Netherlands is green. The powerful overnight storms knocked the weatherproofing right out of my tent last night. 

I'm headed north of Amsterdam for the next few days.  Locals say that's where a lot of traditional life is located with wooden shoes and women in Dutch caps. 

From the stories it sounds a lot like the Amish in Wisconsin where they rather frown on having their photo taken and the surroundings have also turned very touristy, probably similar to the Wisconsin Dells. 

We will soon find out. 

Thank you to all the supporters who have been so generous to give to the music and exercise programs at Cedar Community. 

And if you've received a post card please consider adding it to the collage on the second floor at Cedar Ridge. It would be nice to grow the photo quilt and I promise you can have your card back when the tour is over.

Riding in tribute to Donna Albinger

June 29, 2017 - Washington County, WI - Today I'll be riding in tribute to:

If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online OR

Checks should be made made payable to "Cedar Community Foundation" 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

VIDEO | Touring business district; treated to music from town's first church

June 28, 2017 - Leiden, Netherlands -  Spent some time cycling around Sassenheim. Two videos to share:

Lending a view of the town. Took a spin through the Sassenheim business district:

From Leiden tour guide: Famous for its annual celebration commemorating Leiden's liberation from the Spanish, the foundations of the Late-Gothic cruciform basilica that is St. Pieterskerk date from 1121 when the town's first church was built here. The current church was begun in the 13th century, with the choir being completed in 1339, and the nave with its double aisles added in the 14th century. Highlights include the building's timber barrel-vaulting extending to the west front, and the many monuments of various university professors. Of particular note is the tomb of John Robinson, a distinguished member of the group that was to become the Pilgrim Fathers; the Late-Gothic carved wooden altar dating from the early 16th century; and the organ built around 1640. For a truly unique experience, book a night in the adjoining Villa Rameau, a former 16th-century almshouse.

The video below is me standing outside the church as the church chimes play (above). 

Touring the seminary with Thea

June 28, 2017 - Leiden, Holland - Thea, who once lived in  Philadelphia but returned to Holland, said she remembered when there was a festival in Warmond and all the priests walked around town in black robes. 

Thea managed to talk our way into the neighboring senior rehab and an administrator opened the old seminary chapel so we could take a look. (See video)

Riding in tribute to Cliff and Ann Hale

June 28, 2017 - Washington County, WI - Today I'll be riding in tribute to:

If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online OR

Checks should be made made payable to "Cedar Community Foundation" 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Off to work today in Holland

June 27, 2017 - Netherlands - Off to work today in Holland. 

Leaving Lisse after 22 miles out of Amsterdam on Monday and a wonderful stay with Eduard and Marthy at Bed & Rest - De Dahlia. A beautiful house with energetic neighbor boys, Sam and Simon. 

Riding in Tribute to Donna Albinger

June 29, 2017 - Washington County, WI - Today I'll be riding in tribute to:

If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer's programs at Cedar Community.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online OR

Checks should be made made payable to "Cedar Community Foundation" 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

IN TRIBUTE: Pat Bohn

Today Judy Steffes is riding in tribute to Pat Bohn, courtesy of Peg Ziegler. 

CELEBRATION AT CEDAR COMMUNITY

It was a who's who celebration at Cedar Ridge this week as the “Moments to Remember” Campaign announced it exceeded its goal and raised $4 million to support the Cottages at Cedar Run, the new 60-unit memory care facility at Cedar Community.

Doug Ziegler was recognized for his commitment and fund-raising efforts. Others in attendance included Steve Jaberg, Amy Johnson, Allan Kieckhaefer, Betty Nelson, Sharon Ziegler, Ann Hale, and a special presentation on family and the benefits of Cedar Community was given by Jacci Gambucci.

300 military pushups a day

Phase II of workout - weights and walking

That's a birds-eye view of my cryptic workout journal. Push ups on the left. The gadget on the right is a pedometer courtesy ThedaCare. I'm part of their media team recruited to knock off 10,000 steps a day. It's the second year they're using media to try and set an example and encourage people to make exercise a part of their daily routine.

I'll be the first to chime in - it ain't easy.

I've been pretty consistent with the push ups and curling my 15-pound girly hand weights but you can obviously see things veered off course when aerobics came into the mix.

I'm calling it 'ME TIME' .... but that means the dishes are stacked a little higher, along with the laundry and the dust bunnies are now herding under the bed.

I've got my steps in for the day and I'm half way through the push ups. (My promise of 10,000 before I leave was a good motivator.) I should have 3,000 on the books before the day is out.

Finally, a might big THANKS to American Metal & Paper for a nice donation to the tour!

A quick list of upcoming speaking engagements - if you're in the area stop on by:

 - March 15 at the Trenton Town Hall - 1071 Wisconsin 33 just east of West Bend
 - March 27 at Cedar Ridge for the Foundation Social at 3:30 p.m.