What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Team Oz is well into their training schedule with an average of two 30-60 mile rides a week. Webreporter and Team Oz member, Edie Kalweit thought this would be a good time to give us a progress report on the 100 plus members of Team Oz 2001. ....-Editor

This somewhat gray afternoon, May 6th 2001, TeamOz 2001 met at REI in Bloomington. I saw no team members climb the rock ledge there, but we met and discussed other challenges to our team and to humanity in general.

Kay Sailer and Father Jim Cassidy addressed items of concern, crew training, logistics of returning home after the ride, lodging in Chicago, etc.

A REI bike technician was on hand to counsel us on choosing a bike to buy, (including critical parts such as seats), and in details on how to maintain our bike once purchased.

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.

I asked attending members of the team to write either anonymously or not their motivations for doing the ride this year. Their accounts will follow. I did take pictures of us on two of our training rides thus far this season. Here are a couple. Most are at rest stops!

I'm not doing the AIDS ride but I hope to be a crewmember trying to encourage the riders along. I heard sometime ago that ten thousand kids are dying of AIDS in Africa. I want to meet others who are riders and or crew who are making an effort to assist a person or persons who are experiencing this dreadful disease. I want to help in anyway I can to make life as meaningful as possible for all of us. I wrote a poem "The Tree of Life." It’s my inquiry into the helping process and the elimination of AIDS the world over. Cyril L. Paul Why do I do the AIDS ride? For love. For Mike, Keith, Frank and John who I miss. For all the folks affected by AIDS whom I've never met. For all those who may be affected by AIDS in the future. Because we are all affected by AIDS. But mostly-for love. Rosemary Moore My two major reasons for riding; A personal challenge, I may be the oldest woman rider, which is exciting to me as I push those pedals. Also, this gives me a chance to give back for my many blessings, a chance to leave my small mark and show love to those I know and those I do not know. Marlys Weber I am doing the ride for many reasons, the most important one of all is for the awareness of AIDS. I have lost two good friends and know that there could be more. The ride is also a personal challenge. It is a time for me to make a difference for now and the future. Daren Jensen I'm crewing the AIDS ride so we don't forget the loved ones we've lost. And most important, we don't forget that this devastating disease is still with us. I crew to support. Laura I do the ride because I'm able to do it. I'm able to give back to the foster care home, Grace House, that took care of me in my deepest time of need. I'm also able to spread compassion and awareness about the AIDS epidemic. I know I've made a difference and will continue to do so through the AIDS ride. Michael Reinbold I crew because so many of my friends have ridden before. I started this journey and my daughter and significant other have abandoned me, but I will persevere! I am riding because I have friends that are living and dying with AIDS. It's a huge personal challenge for me. I'm doing the ride because I believe deeply in the cause...because as I turn 62 I need an opportunity to test myself! This will be a spiritual and physical journey for me and I am grateful for this opportunity. My reasons for being a crewmember on the AIDS ride are: First, I did have an interest in it, but secondly, they talked me into it. I'm getting ready and excited! (nearing 80) I'm doing the ride because I thought I should finally put my money where my mouth is, my so-called principles to the test, my personal comfort on the line. I'm riding for many reasons. I'm riding to show support for those suffering, living and surviving with this AIDS. I'm riding to show myself and others that anything is possible. I'm riding for the personal challenge, and to meet and experience the support of this amazing makeshift community of 2700 people! One of the reasons I crew on the AIDS ride is to experience and contribute to the awesome sense of community that riders, crew and staff create! Everyone is accepted as they are; short, tall, young, old, athletic, not. The common bond of fighting AIDS is more powerful than any combination of differences. And for 6 brief days we live in a community that truly embraces and celebrates uniqueness. I crew the AIDS ride because I'm able. Several of my friends are HIV positive, and I see the struggles they face daily. For one week I'm able to participate with a marvelous group of people, have fun, and gather many memories. I'll be on the crew 'til we no longer need a ride! Charlene Kapp Last year was my first ride. It was the most profound experience of my life. There were over 1500 people on the ride- all working together and supporting each other. The reason I was doing the ride really hit me when I saw a poster that read "AIDS took my one and only girl, God bless you riders." I hope to continue riding until there are no more rides. Becky Rose 2001 I ride because I live and I thank God for every day I have left on this earth. Each day is a gift. Life is a struggle for many of us. Some may not have physical battles, but battles of emotion or spirit. I ride because the effort makes me stronger as well as the folks I'm riding for and riding with. We need each other in the helping role, in the accepting role and in the loving role - one for another. This ride demonstrates the many roles we all play on our life’s' journeys. We are all gifts to each other, this six days brings that message home to me. I want to continue the ride until I physically can no longer do it, or it is no longer needed. edie