Amy Hives said...
The story of "Ride Official Rick". At about mile 55 or so our group was struggling--it was getting hot the legs were burning and along comes a Ride Official named Rick. Just checking in on the girls, he wanted to make sure we were OK. He soon found out Julie had MS and how close we were to finishing. Her 4th ride and so close to completing every mile of this year's tour. He told Julie if he had to push her those last 10 miles he would. We thanked him for his kind words and he went about his way.
The story of "Ride Official Rick". At about mile 55 or so our group was struggling--it was getting hot the legs were burning and along comes a Ride Official named Rick. Just checking in on the girls, he wanted to make sure we were OK. He soon found out Julie had MS and how close we were to finishing. Her 4th ride and so close to completing every mile of this year's tour. He told Julie if he had to push her those last 10 miles he would. We thanked him for his kind words and he went about his way.
An hour and half later our group cruises into the last rest stop. As we were re-grouping I noticed a quiet man sitting patiently on his bike, it dawned on me with his helmet and sunglasses off he was our ride official! We were overwhelmed, there he was waiting for God knows how long to ride Julie in -- I couldn't believe it. Julie pedaled every mile without a stop those 10 miles and Rick quietly encouraged her along the way! Wow what a moment. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of such a special experience and team!
This ride for me has evolved over the years -- crossing the finish line with Julie, Kristin, Cici, and my sweet husband Glenn was my "be all end all". A huge heartfelt smile and thanks goes out the Hinies who waited for our group to come in so we could ride over the line together! Dimitri, Kristen, Roxy, Josh you were great to do that! Susan and Katie great job as well! See Rick in the blue in the middle of the pack.
To all the new Hinies and old Hinies I look forward to next year already!
Jennifer -- words can't say! :) Amy
2 comments:
My Aunt Sharon (Julie's Mom) was also at the rest stop. When she realized that Rick was going to ride with us, specifically Julie, the tears started flowing. In a very choked up voice, she thanked Rick and told him what a relief it was knowing he would be with us.
We all know how stubborn, and determined Julie is! Her parents had been very concerned on day 2 about her overdoing it in order to finish. Rick's presence gave us all the needed boost to finish up!! We are really grateful for his selfless act.
Despite the fact that Ride Official Rick kept lying to me telling me there were no more hills, he was amazing!! What a selfless act to wait for us and give us that final boost we needed. To have he and Glenn ride side by side to shield me from the wind simply overwhelmed me. I was so overcome by emotion (and exhaustion) from the moment I saw him at the rest stop until after we crossed the finish line that I wasn't able to say much to him or anyone else so I want to take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. WOW!!! What an experience - the most difficult thing I have ever done but by far the most gratifying!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you!
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