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geekonabike (Addict) View all posts in this topic  
Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:05 am
Thanks to Joani and all who made it happen. Short report.        

I'd just like to let folks know it went off well. Others can add corrections or details.

It was a cozier affair than in previous years, and I enjoyed it very much.

It was milder weather than in previous years, meaning less than triple digits so it felt great. We had four bikes, six riders and a few four-wheelers. A few others planned to attend but unfortunately had last-minute obligations which would make it impossible or unsafe to come, and the most important thing is for folks to be safe. I guess next in importance is for them to be possible.

(Sorry, I could not resist...)

Anyhow, Swoosie came keeping the faith on her pretty yellow Ninja, I and rats4ever (with his excellent lady) opted for our bigger bikes today and hopped our respective V-Stroms, and another fellow (Robert?) came with one very pretty granddaughter on his Goldwing. We did maybe a 40-mile ride with a few quick stops on the way to the lake and a picnic. One notable stop had us talking to somewhat leather-clad motorcyclist-looking fellows whose shade we borrowed, and whose organization was raising money for St. Jude. They heard Joani's story and graciously offered us some companionship and water from their cooler. We declined the water, since we were well-supplied, and we all wished each other luck.

At the lake there was much more companionship to celebrate Allen's 18th birthday, culminating in a send-off of individual blue and white balloons, which we watched as they rose and left us, flying across the lake somewhat and down the shore.

It was a lower-key affair, but just as precious as previous years' and I hope to ride down for this in the future. Matt said it best when he said he hoped we could do it as long as it helps Joani and her family. It is one of the highlights of my summers when I can make it. Folks who ride up for this from the board always leave me proud to know them, and Joani makes us feel more and more like family with each passing year.

Thanks to Joani, Sarah (so nice to finally meet you!), Matt and Han, and all the rest, from this year and years past. God bless.

--Mike Dougherty

PS: I learned a little more about the scholarship fund. I understand it is $500 to a student, presented by Joani; that they have to write an essay to win it; that Joani gets ideas from these essays for a few words when she makes the scholarship award presentation; that whatever Joani tells them and the other students at the presentation usually doesn't leave too many dry eyes (though not by her intent); and whatever she does not raise she basically makes up for by herself. I thought some of these details should be known more widely, so folks know what a treasure it is to have her here with us, as it was to have Allen.

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