We were cordially invited to eat dinner with John and his wife, Twyla, last night. The couple are both originally from the Netherlands and last night we had some extra time to get to know his wife as John prepared the food. She is an amazing lady and it was a treat to have such a good conversation.

Folker and John realized a unique connection two years ago during our time here in Yorktown. Folker’s father is from Oppenhuizen, which is John’s Surname. John’s family not only shares the name of this village, but his family is also from Oppenhuizen. Being such a small village in the Netherlands, it would have been impossible for their families to not have known each other. John came to the United States in 1956 at the age of twelve. What a small world this can be at times.

Shortly after dinner, Ingmar Segebarth from Germany completed his thirty four day TransAmerica Bike Race riding in the velomobile that he built himself. The fifth version of this wooden piece of artwork made it successfully across America averaging 123 miles a day. It was nice to meet him as he was storing the velomobile in John’s garage for the next few days.

We had a nice relaxing morning as we slept in until the sun had already risen. We enjoyed a nice morning chat with John before going to a local cafe for the best cup of coffee I have had in a very long time along with a chocolate croissant and breakfast bagel sandwich. Folker and I enjoyed our time upstairs of the historic house where the cafe was located.

We said our goodbyes to John after our slow walk back to his house and felt lucky to have been able to spend time with such an amazing couple. I really hope our paths cross again someday.

Today was a short ride to Cory‘s house in Williamsburg. Cory is an American that had the opportunity to work with Folker for a few years. We have throughly enjoyed our day with him and it has been fun to hear him and Folker reminiscing.

Cory took us for a nice stroll around Colonial Williamsburg before dinner and it truly is a special place. We then had a nice dinner with the entire family and are about to retire for the night. The last couple of days have been really relaxing and tomorrow we will begin the push further north at our normal pace and distance.