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Tour De Friends 2003 - Summary

All told, it was over 345 miles and I felt really strong the entire way. Although I hurt, it wasn't as bad as last year and the recovery time has been shorter. I have so many favorite moments - recognizing so many people (Karen, Bonnie, Jim, Cindy, Bruce, Jack, David Kaiser, Juan, Angelica, Paul Bravery, Schuyler, Melanie, Lynn, Julie, and more); being recognized by people; the weather holding up; being with friends.

There are two things that stick out in my mind that made this ride better than last year: 1) all the friends I made and rode with and 2) all the support we got. The crew was amazing. And on top of that, there were so many people on the route cheering for us - every day we saw people with signs, clapping, and screaming. That was amazing to me and something I expected last year and was surprised to not see. This year was so much more what the ride is supposed to be.

I have a couple of specific thank you's I need to make:

  • My riding team - I want to take the time to mention by name the members of my team that I rode with throughout the ride: Paul, Michelle, Mark, Tria, Ron, Will, Glenn, Craig, Russ, David, Troy, and Corey. They spent every day riding with me, laughing at my bad jokes, bearing my cheeriness, and not complaining about my vocal pain. I love you all more than you could ever know.

  • Team Agrodolce - For being my cheerleaders, my friends, my family. Thank you. A special shout out to Terrie who was such a great inspiration to me. We saw her throughout the ride, always good-natured as we passed, and who rode strong every day. You are an angel in every way.

  • Jim and Glenn - For being the best team leaders and friends a girl could ask for. Lots of love and big hugs.

  • Agrodolce the restaurant - For sponsoring this team and allowing us all to get to know each other and experience this ride together.

  • All of you! - You all amazed me with your generosity. Because of you, I raised over $4,600. You are my heroes and I can't thank you enough for joining me on the journey.

With much love, Rachael