Award Ceremony (June 17)

We had a "banquet" the last night, dinner at the trailer with a few extra treats. Don't ask me what they were, as I am back in the real world now and my brain isn't functioning too well. (What else is new?)

Linda R.'s husband met her at the finish line with a cool sign made by her son. Even though they live in Virginia, I believe they will be my company for clever magnetic signs! Linda's son is very creative! A cycling turtle! That's my kind of sign! He also made the Bo-Peep signs on the Subaru; where did he find cycling sheep?

This is Laurie, who sported the Sheriff's badge on more than one occasion during the trip...once to scold Georgia for a rather daring challenge to Homeland Security. Laurie gave out several awards through the evening.

Linda received two awards. One, the Diet Coke, is from Barbara A who rode with Linda through most of the trip. Some of us are powered by Power Bars, some by caffeine, some by Pie, and some, apparentlyk, by Diet Coke! Laurie awarded Linda the Rookie of the Year Award for her amazing growth from a 20-miler to an 87-miler in just five weeks! Linda is also wearing the necklace that the group gave her when we gave the sag riders their gifts. Linda's says "Everything is Possible." We all thought that was fitting.

Laurie gave me the "Most Determined" award, prompted by two days in particular, the day she swept me in at end of the 109-miler, a 13-hour day on the bike for me, chased by the sunset, and the day into Hannibal with those horrible hills. The award has matches around it, for my use in lighting that cigar I intend to smoke in Canada. Laurie said I made those rides without whining once, which may be true, but I sure made up for it on the way to the Headwaters the day before!

Jenna, our youngest rider, got the "What If" award, for all the "What If" games she played, mostly during map meetings. "What if I want a ride after 30 miles?" "What if there is a tornado?" "What if...." I don't remember them all, but they were very funny. Jenna was always the last one on the road in the morning, and she steadily and seemingly without effort glided by us. She is a strong rider and could have been the first in every day if she wished, but she enjoyed her stops and she enjoyed her ride, even if she was with a bunch of old ladies!

Judy M. got the "Best Dressed?!" award for her fashion sense. Judy and Holly had a lot of fun showing off their "fashionable" attire during the ride. The morning after the banquet, Judy put the little pom pons in her hair, but my flash wasn't working, so the photos are no good! Too bad, because it was very cute!

Stephanie got her award for the most bike troubles, which included several broken spokes. The "Roll it in the River" award reflected her desire to do just that with her bicycle!

Judy N.'s award is for the "Most Flats in One Day!" (five!) Not the most total, but certainly the most upsetting. I don't think she got any more flats after that day, but she had seven total, and its a wonder she didn't roll her bike in the river!