Dzien Dobry sports fans!
Well, we made it through dinner, but we were roughing it… Roast Beef, pork loin, sauteed zucchini and summer squash, Veggie lasagna, Mesclun green salad, fresh rolls… It was tough, but we suffered through. Then came the awards ceremony- LOTS of fun! Some recognition for the volunteers, and recognition and welcoming the newest members to our very exclusive family… Ryan also had some great gifts for the Champions, those who raise double their minimum or more, and also for the Team Captains of the top teams. There was lots of laughs had by all as we poked fun at ourselves, and each other.
As the week starts to wind up, I always get sad- Sad that it’s going to be over soon… And by this time tomorrow, I’ll be in the middle of a 22 hour nap. As I think about the coming sadness, I’m reminded of the kindness of strangers that have also been a part of our New England Classic family this week, even if they weren’t on a bike, they made a difference- The ladies of both the West Ossippee NH and Bellows Falls VT Rotary clubs that brought our cyclists fresh fruit, snacks and PB&J sandwiches- And since apparently, one of the members of the Bellows Falls club is, like myself, into canning homemade foods, the sandwiches they brought were all made with homemade jams- What a treat! Yesterday, (I would have told you about this last night if I wasn’t so drop-dead tired I couldn’t see straight) we also had a large group of riders go “Off Route”- Only “Off Route” usually means they have a friend in the area, or want to go to some nearby local landmark during their ride… And since it’s THEIR vacation, they can do whatever they’d like… Well, THIS year, they took it to a new level and created “Tube de Cure”- Yes, you read that right- Tube. They stopped in the middle of a 65 mile day, rented tubes, and went tubing for 2 1′/2 hours, then got back on the bike to finish the route. WOW. And I used to think I was edgy for stopping for a few trips down a water-slide…
Again this year, we’re staying at the Best Western in Keene- Which, unfortunately means that we’re not using Norm’s Ski and Bike as a rest stop, since they’re only two miles away from our hotel… JayCee and Patty, and the whole gang there have been GREAT to us for 15 years that I can personally attest to- And this year, while looking for a few old-style parts, they proved it again- By digging them out, blowing the dust off them, and donating them to us.
So many wonderful people, all coming together to do something good… No, something GREAT- Something that matters… Something that can literally change people’s lives.
It started when the ride was organized.
It continued when your friend or loved one decided to join us.
It grew when all these great clubs and businesses wanted to help.
It now, thanks to your support, includes YOU.
Sounds like a “Chain Reaction” to me…
Keep the wind at your back, and the downhills in front of you
GearMan
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