Tour De Friends 2003 - Day 1:
Raleigh to Warrenton, 68 Miles - Theme: Love
Woke up early again (a theme for this trip), got ready, had breakfast, and took the shuttle to the arena for Opening Ceremonies. Everyone agreed to wear our officially unofficial TdF jersey that Glenn helped design. At one point, almost everyone was congregated together so we got a team picture.
We were all really anxious to get started so it was great when the ceremony began. We did some stretches and then they had a processional of the names of people who riders were riding in honor of. They had members of the Positive Peddlars (riders who are HIV+) walking the banners down the aisle. It was so moving, especially since I know and am close to a lot of the people who participated in the processional. After that very emotional moment, we lined up to begin the ride.
It was great to see the crowds of riders. There were fewer participants than last year (around 700 riders and 300 crew) but it was a great crowd! As we were leaving the arena, the cheerleaders who were at cheerleading camp surrounded us and cheered for us. It was fantastic.
There are so many little anecdotes from Day 1, I'll just list them out:
- Rubber Ducky - As we started our journey, there was a man wearing a hat with a yellow
rubber duck on it. I said "Hi" and started singing "Rubber Ducky" from
Sesame Street. People didn't know what they were in for, since I know most of the words. So
I sang the whole song! The rider said he wanted to find me every day to have me sing the song
for him.
- Lemonade Stand - We're riding along the route and all of a sudden see this lemonade
stand. Turns out this local family set up a lemonade stand for the riders and were handing out
lemonade and asking people to sign a guest book so they would know who stopped by and where
they came from. Alice's lemonade was so good - it really hit the spot. Another family was there
with their dog greeting us. It was such a special feeling to see these people extend themselves
to us, knowing we were just passing through. Truly an act of random kindness.
- Spitting on Will - Last year there was an unscheduled pit stop serving watermelon and
because of me, Paul, Mark, and I passed it. I made the mistake of telling Will this and he made
the mistake of teasing me about it. I got a little defensive, took a sip of my Gatorade, pulled
up along side him, and spit it at him. He was very good-natured about it, but did threaten to
get even with me. I'm still waiting Will...
- Sprinklers - At one of the last pits of the day, they set up sprinklers to cool us
off. Thanks to Glenn for convincing me to take a "dip"!
- Warrenton - Warrenton is a small town in North Carolina. Every year when the ride
comes through, Warrenton has a fair. They were very upset last year when we didn't come through
so I think they redoubled their efforts! The town square was filled with balloons and streamers.
There was watermelon, ice cream, pins, and different displays. The mayor was out and I shook her
hand. It was really awesome to see the town out in full force to welcome us.
We arrived at camp around 5:30 or 6 (I can't remember). Michelle and I set up our tents and I put up the windmills I bought as identification and decoration. We showered in the trucks, ate dinner, and watched the evening entertainment - Fan Free Clinic's version of Hollywood Squares. Fell asleep around 9 or 10p. The theme for the day was, of course, love.