Saturday, July 27th- McHenry to Chicago

We are fortunate to have 4 webteam members on Team Oz this year. Day 6 coverage is always slow to trickle in. We have no Internet connection at the end in Chicago and reporters go various ways. Check back later, we may have more.
and Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 25 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.	Bridget Gaeleigh became a SJA parishioner in the fall of 2000. Bridget lives with her two cats in Richfield. During the day she assumes the role of a business/techie in corporate america, but at night she's obsessed with satellite tv medical shows, working out, reading, listening to music and doing fun stuff with friends and family.	Michael Reinbold is a professional photographer and banquet caterer with an extensive theatre background in acting, writing, and directing. He loves all aspects of the arts, staying fit, and helping and inspiring people. A passionate believer in St. Joan of Arc's mission of social justice, Michael is a continuing AIDS Ride participant, Grace House volunteer cook, mass reader, and Joan of Arc choir member. He looks forward to web reporting and photographing for the website.
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.

We Made It!
It rained lightly today, as we rode into Chicago. It was a welcomed relief to riders. The last leg of the last Heartland AIDS Ride was one we all wanted to savor. The ride this year was as challenging as any past Heartland ride. We experienced both good weather and bad. We also experienced the highest historical mileage ride of Heartland.

In both opening comments and closing remarks one noted the sincerity of both the beneficiaries (who spoke) and Pallotta TeamWorks. Much good work was done by all organizations involved. Many funds to AIDS providers over this past seven year period. The hope is that another ride will replace this one.

I took a photo of Jeff "Monkey" Stevens(far right), computer expert with Pallotta, and Rick the last night we worked together. Jeff spent many hours with us. Pallotta had switched to a satellite system of transmission, state-of-the art. Unfortunately, with state-of-the- art there is a period of transition. In getting our reports to you this week we experienced some growing pains, if you will. Jeff assisted in getting our reports to you. Last Monday he worked with us until 11:50 PM. He had to report to work at 2:00AM Tuesday. He remained with us throughout the week, assisting whenever he could. Many, many thanks Jeff!

Saturday night some folks met at the Hyatt and celebrated. Many were too tired! Another intense week in the lives of all involved! Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, who loves us and who supported this effort. God blesses us all.

edie

A Day of Closure
Our pit crew left at 7 AM and headed into Chicago. We parked at the holding area where all the riders would come into while waiting for every rider to show up. We helped set up some tents and unloaded trucks. Mostly it was a waiting day, so I was able to snooze in the van for a couple of hours.

At 3 PM, we gathered all the crew together. We were all given a white tee shirt, and the riders were given red ones. We walked about a mile to the closing ceremonies and lined the street - it was pretty impressive to see 300+ of us form a human chain the riders would come through. The riders rode their bikes through the chain of us, with friends and family behind us cheering, screaming, yelling. It was pretty emotional.

Once all the riders were in the stage area, all the crew ran in to the middle of the riders. To hear the riders chanting 'CREW, CREW, CREW' was fantastic! Some of the Team Oz riders were near where we ran in and gave me high fives - the tears were flowing. There were some very emotional speeches and lots of hugs all around.

Once the closing ceremony was over, I headed for the gear truck to pick up my still soggy luggage. Found a taxi, went to the hotel and took a long hot shower. Later that evening about 15 members of Team Oz met up at Knuckles for dinner and visiting. I can tell you, that was one of the best burgers I've ever had!!

The ride is officially over. I met some great people, made some new friends, got to know other members of St Joan's better, and learned some things about myself. Now it's time to go home to reality - thanks for sharing my adventure with me.

Bridget