Now the sappy, cheesy part....
My writing won't be able to do justice the experience that Eric, Dad, and I just went on. It was physically and mentally a challenge on a lot of days. I am proud of how we handled some of those rides and I have boosted confidence that obstacles coming later in life can be handled. The three of us were able to find things to do even in some of the small towns on the ride. We may need to take about 6 months off from each other, but I think that three of us have found friends for life. I can't thank Eric enough for coming with me on the ride. It really wouldn't have been possible doing this alone and I hope that he had as much fun as I did. Going up the Green Mountains he told me that if I asked him to ride to Boston again, his answer was "no". I think that was just the lactic acid talking.
Spending three weeks with my Dad on the ride was another great experience that the two of us have shared. We'll have memories that we will be able to laugh about for years to come. I know that Dad had a good time and hope that he is proud. After all, he was the reason for all the effort.
Finally, we were overwhelmed with the support of the ride. Not only did we beat our $20,000 fundraising goal (you can still donate by the way), but we beat it by thousands and counting. So many people opened their wallets by donating online, at the fundraising parties, by check, or by giving us funds along the ride. Each and every person should feel proud of their donation and know that every single dollar means so much to us. In addition to money, we received so much support with hotel rooms being donated, phone calls from supporters to us during the ride, and press coverage in cities we stopped in.
A few people need to be called out for their immense help during the ride as well. Without Sarah Nels, the ride wouldn't have been what it was. She was key in getting details hammered out and providing optimism beyond belief during the planning and ride. Give her a raise. Thanks to Syam Buradagunta for managing the website and providing advice. The boys who helped to plan the La Taberna party were instrumental in getting thousands raised. Kelly Karls and Margie Smith (the wives) were huge in getting the Joeys Brickhouse party organized and raising thousands more. Thanks to my amazing Mom for her daily phone calls of support and love, Margie's fantastic parents for their support during the planning and heading to Boston to see us in, to the Hammack family in Westlake for putting us up and dinner in Ohio, the Bauza's of Buffalo for opening their home to us and showing us their city, and to the Nels family in Syracuse for a great BBQ and for making us local celebrities with the radio interviews.
An extra special thanks to Margie for not only letting me do this ride for MS, but for being the most supportive person I could ever imagine. She kept me positive when the money wasn't flowing in like I thought it would and did more than she ever needed to. Of course, anyone who knows her isn't surprised. That's how great she is and why she's the best person on the planet.
I look forward to seeing all of you soon. MS Pedal to the Metal was a great success. Thanks to you all and stay cool.
Thank you Lauren for your very intertaining daily reports.
It was really nice to be in Boston and see you two coming to the end of your trip. It was very nice mini vacation. We had great time. Laren, Eric and Randy you guys are great!!!!
Posted by: Tesciowa | July 11, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Love is a contagious emotion...the more you try to give it away, the more it comes back to you!
Congratulations to all of you in completing the vision.
Posted by: Bill and Marg Bauza | July 18, 2006 at 10:42 AM