They came from as far as Michigan and Smithers, B.C.

More than 190 cyclists met at Redeemer University College Aug. 22 for the Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour, a nine-week trek across North America to raise money for poverty reduction initiatives.

Of the 220 participants, 127 cycled the entire 6,245 kilometre distance. Several Hamilton and area cyclists participated in the event. Presented by the Christian Reformed Church in Canada and the U.S., the tour raises funds for people living in poverty in North America and across the world. Organizers set a goal to raise $1.5 million and cyclists have risen to the challenge, helping to amass more than $2.1 million so far.

During their brief stay at Redeemer, riders enjoyed a barbecue and had access to the internet to update their blogs. Many riders also camped out for the night.

The tour, which ends tomorrow, in Jersey City, N.J., began in Seattle, on June 30. Most of the tour takes place in the U.S., with only a brief visit to Southern Ontario.

"This is one week where there's a Canadian leg, so we're pleased we can host the cyclists here," said David Raakman, communications coordinator for Sea to Sea 2008.

Ed Witvoet, an Ancaster resident, is the Sea to Sea 2008 tour manager. He spent more than a year planning the event and working out the logistics. For more than four months, he personally drove through the course route to ensure it would be suitable for cycling. He also accompanyied the cyclists as they made their way through Seattle and other urban centres such as Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago. Mr. Witvoet was accompanied by his wife, Denise, son Kyler, 5 and daughter, Jolene, 4.

He also manages cooks, drivers and a large tractor trailer that houses each cyclist's personal items.

Heat and humidity

Unlike the wet weather experienced through most of Southern Ontario, touring cyclists dealt with extreme heat and humidity.

"We spent the first five weeks in a heat wave," Mr. Witvoet said.

Sharon Davis-Payton, a member of the Ancaster Christian Reformed Church congregation, joined the tour for the final two weeks, beginning at Grand Rapids, Mich.

"It's been probably more challenging than I expected," she said at the Aug. 22 event. "This week, all week has been wonderful. I did 120 kilometres today."

Ms. Davis-Payton joined Deb Luimes, another member of the Ancaster congregation, for the two-week leg.

Ms. Luimes said tour organizers took good care of the cylcists, ensuring everyone was well-hydrated and well-fed.

"It's amazingly well-organized," Ms. Luimes said. "It's just so neat to be part of a community like this."

Cyclists are scheduled to arrive in Jersey City on Saturday where they will dip their bicycles in the Atlantic Ocean to mark the completion of their Sea to Sea journey.