Minneapolis
to
Chicago

...Bigger and Better than Ever
Mon., July 9
to
Sat., July 14

Day 4, Thursday, July 12th
Westfield to Jefferson, 101.6 miles

Attitude!
Team Oz member Michael Reinbold is one of 75 riders riding despite having the HIV virus
Looking back on today, it was all about "attitude”. Our day started riding through rolling hills outside of Westfield. Many bikers commented that it felt as though we were riding a roller coaster. Of all the hills we've ridden, these were the most fun. The pavement on many of these roads however was not the best! I'm being kind in saying that. I watched carefully so that my bike didn't disappear in one of the gaps. I commented to another Team Oz member, "These roads are really something, aren't they?" She responded, "They're absolutely beautiful, aren't they?" Two very different perspectives. I was reminded of attitude and humbled by someone who saw the beauty surrounding her, not the adversity.

Into Amish country we traveled. I was fortunate to get a photo of an Amish child, Elizabeth, and her doll by the side of the road watching us ride past(with both she and her dad's permission). Also a photo of Amish farmers turning over the soil, and some hay stacks done Amish style.

Sandy Joiner dancing with someone on the line for water and Gatorade, was part of the "Grease" celebration going on in Pardeeville. A fun attitude pit complete with music of the mid 1900's.

The first AIDS Ride wedding happened a year ago during this ride. Both bride and groom pose for a photo for us today on their first anniversary. Nice couple, still happy, doing well!

A rider's bike saddle broke today. He couldn't ride the bike without a seat. A member of "Team Large" (Jeff Johnson, right), gave his personal bike to this rider and rode this rider's bike without a seat for 12 miles, where a seat could be purchased. Team Large is out of Chicago. They are very service oriented. They help weaker riders up hills with their coaching and encouragement. Unusual selfless attitude. They rode into camp yesterday just prior to it closing. They helped to the end of the day. On behalf of Team Oz, Thank You!

There is a photo of "Trixie" and the folks who support her. This couple supports biking to the point that they opened their house to anyone needing bathroom facilities, water and so on. They sat outside cheering us on today.

What makes us happy? How do we see situations? How much do we give to others? It seems to be all about "attitude." -edie

Amish farming in WisconsinMidwestern Hospitality!
This couple was married last year on the AIDSRide. See wedding picture. Sandy Joiner, a true "greaser".
Finishing Day 4 in style. Fancy headgear by our team captains, Jim and Kay.
"Haven't you spent enough time in that position?" "Yes Becky, you must get on that %#@& bike again."
Zinc oxide on the nose is a good thing! "It was just 100 miles. No big deal."

Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 24 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.
Rick Spaulding is a photographer specializing in digital photography for the theater and works for National Camera Exchange. He is also an antique dealer and eBay afficianado who enjoys collecting marbles but his true joys in life are his two boys and his beautiful wife, Tinia.

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