Day 2: "Those Hills!" From Lake City to Rochester

Riding out along the scenic views of Lake Pepin were truly exhilarating, even when it's balmy and overcast. I'm reminded every time Erik's Bike Shop van drives by me how fortunate we are to have them follow along to each pit stop, set up, and provide bike repair. We rode 14.5 miles to Pit One at Athletic Park in Wabasha to be greeted by a tribute to the Minnesota State Fair. It was all there: a cow costume, a bearded lady, fruit on a stick, old Senator campaign signs and a "break-the-balloon" game. Riding just 9.4 miles along County Road 81, Pit Two awaited us at Dorer Forest with their apt theme Woodland Fairies. Leader Carter Averbeck, looking the most distinguished in fairy wings and Paisley net stockings, hosted a bevy of sprightly characters: The Ice Fairies held the serious task of replenishing ice for our water bottles. Here to deliver the ice were Echo Thoren as a tooth fairy and Joyce Mundahl as a flower fairy. Susan Lukens was ever so fetching as the Wish Fairy. Nancy Clark and Kate Gigli rounded out this bunch as Wilomena and Fiona.

So far the weather and sites were absolutely gorgeous. But alas, here they come. Just before Pit 3 on Cty Rd 81 came that 2.5 mile killer hill dubbed the "Gretchen Harris" hill in honor of this veteran rider who mapped out the ride's route. I made it up this stretch to shouts of encouragement from other riders. Even though most struggle with these hills, some even walk their bikes, you can always depend on cheering support from riders and crew to see that you make it up them. 12.3 miles took us to Pit Three by St. Pat's Church along Highway 60 in West Albany.

By now the weather started to rapidly heat up. Pit Four's Lunch stop at Elgin WaterTower Park 15.4 miles later offered chicken fajita roll ups with a Viva Las Vegas theme and a plastic pool with wet towels. Monica Travis and David Alden hammed it up as Sigfried and Roy while Sandy Joiner was a riot as a slot machine. A chiropractor was set up in the Chapel of Love. Several hill climbs followed as the sun burned down on us determined peddlers. After 5.6 miles of riding, we arrived at Pit Five in Viola Park to a Mardi Gras theme and a wondrous blue tub set up for submerging our heads for a rejuvenating cool down. 13.9 miles of peddling took us into camp at Willow Creek Middle School(below) in Rochester. I clocked in 70.8 miles and was in by 2:35 pm. Just for the record on this hot hilly day the first rider checked in at 11:56 am and the last rider pulled in at 6:00 pm.

Indoor swimming was offered to riders between 4-6 pm at a nearby pool. I, instead, chose to partake in a much needed massage provided by Chuck Larson and his Center Point instructors who generously volunteered their time. Particularly poignant for me was the fact that my 19 year old niece Lindsay Lepinski would be doing my massage. She's completing Center Point's massage program and me, her only uncle, would be her first client on the ride. Well, I'm quite proud of her skills and involvement with the ride. The consensus from riders was unanimous, this year's ride ruled the best for massage.

Tonight's dinner included a stuffed chicken breast, beef stir fry, veggie lasagna, herb roasted baby reds, veggie patty with cheese marinara and salad bar. "Cheer Dorothy Cheer!" performed high octane entertainment with plenty of irreverent banter. A ride rundown of events included musings and info from our splendid ride director Kari Johnson. She presented the two top ride fundraisers: Top Rider went to John Kundtz who raised $12, 455 and Top Crew member went to 80 year old Joyce Momont who boosted $4, 305 to the ride thermometer despite battling Multiple Myoloma cancer this past year.

We can boast that SJA's own Team Oz raised the most as a team with $75,000. Positive Spin came out proudly with $26,700 and Friends of Positive Spin contributed $22,000. Pat Stubbs, our own photographer Rick Spaulding's mom, won the Special Event Night at Park House Raffle. She now can host a party for free at Park House. Jim Mauer talked about our beneficiaries announcing that Clare Housing with 30 units will be open in September 2006 located on NE Central Avenue in Minneapolis.

The night was capped off with a movie night screening of "Love, Actually." I chose to hang out with riders and relax.

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.

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.