Day 4
Day 4
On our final day of this year's ride, I woke up to a scratchy throat and feeling quite tired. I left the efficient comforts of Faribault High School for a 54-mile trek on mostly gently rolling hills and flat terrain. Weather, a perfect 75 degrees. Not much to report from each pit stop except for fearless Jennifer Weiler whose Pit One Fantasy Island theme showcased her in a fetching aqua marine sequined mermaid out fit. I left camp at 7:00 AM and arrived at Richfield High School at 12:08 PM. Temperatures rose into the mid 80s as riders finished.
 | Fr. Jim Cassidy(pictured with Pat Murphy) chose to crew this year rather than ride. He was on the sweeps crew which brought up the rear and helped or picked up broken down bikers. |
RHS proved to be an excellent choice for a lunch holding area with its shaded park and grassy areas. Now was the time for riders to thank crew members and converse about the wonderful journey we had just completed. Group shots were taken with many including the Positive Spin riders who got to finally wear their gorgeous hot yellow and orange-red jerseys which arrived late from Italy (an anonymous source paid the entire discounted price for these courageous rider's jerseys). And, of course, our own Team Oz which collected over sixty riders this year posed for a group picture.
Closing Ceremony began at 2:55 PM with the Positive Spin Riders leading the pack. I've ridden now for five years consecutively as an HIV-positive rider and to ride with a group like this is truly self-empowering and puts a face on the ride where riders know whom they are riding for. A heart felt thanks to Andy Ansell and Steve Wolfgram, Positive Link Coordinators from Minnesota AIDS Project for organizing the team this year. They wisely coined the phrase "It's not about the miles, It's about the journey." Nearly all of the 155 riders then proceeded to ride into the ceremony along with 146 crew members.
Over $400,000 raised by riders and crew this year
Camp Crew Coach Mike Mickelson then gave a passionate speech about three major themes boldly printed on banners we address when we agree to participate in the Red Ribbon Ride: Courage, Peace and Unity. When he addressed Peace he recited the meaning from Webster's Dictionary. On cue a flock of doves came flying from behind him. These trained birds flew in a tight formation encircling the crowd six times and then flew back to their home destination. Audible gasps of wonder and visible tears flooded the audience as the birds flew away. Mickelson concluded by responding to Unity: "We have come together as one."
Ride sponsor Ed Berg thanked everyone on behalf of Chipotle and dedicated his participation as a rider to his partner Joel, of 15 years. Last to speak and to thank and wish us well was our devoted Ride Director Kari Johnson who along with our nine recipients (who consist of the Red Ribbon board of directors) make this ride happen. Funds raised from this event will support HIV prevention education, services and advocacy efforts in Minnesota through African American AIDS Task Force, AIDS Care Partners, The Aliveness Project, Clare Housing, Hope House of St. Croix Valley, Minnesota AIDS Project, Open Arms of Minnesota, Park House and Rural AIDS Action Network.
As a rider and reviewer of this ride I want to personally thank Kari Johnson and Jennifer Radnich for their enormous efforts in making this ride a true success. With only a total of 11 people being trucked in during the entire four day operation of this ride, that really says we are doing it right. On average, a good 20 people a night were sagged in on last year's ride. Because the route was reduced to 280 miles, a majority of riders were able to handle the ride. Now it's more accessible and focused for people to interact and enjoy why we do this ride- to spread awareness and compassion.
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