SAMMYRIDES DAILY BLOG APRIL 30, 2011

 Today began with my being driven to St. Joseph Children's Hospital to meet up with the riders in order for me to drive the van behind them on their ride back to Sun City Center.   My reunion with Michael was just the best.....nothing in the world like his hugs!!!  All four riders looked terrific, although tired and anxious to return home, but still we had one final stop and the opportunity to meet some wonderful kids in the pediatric unit, where we spent time helping them with art projects set up for them at a number of tables.  We weren't allowed to take pictures, but the hospital did notify several media who were on hand to interview Michael,  and would be televised on the 6 o'clock news.  We left medals, shirts, books, letters and cards for the staff to distribute to the kids later in the day.

But, at long last, it was time to begin the final ride back to Sun City Center......

The ride back to Sun City Center didn't take as long as expected and so with time to spare before crossing the finish line at Publix, the five of us remained in a parking lot for 45 minutes in order to make sure we would come in at the expected time (4 o'clock) and not a minute before....I could see the the riders were becoming anxious to get going, but it was important that with all the work the volunteers put into planning this welcome back, we needed to stay put and not head up to Publix too quickly....finally......we left the parking lot at 3:45.

It didn't take long for the riders to go on the back roads and head towards the finish line....honestly, I didn't know myself how many people would be there to greet them, but I did know that there would be family surprises awaiting them....family members who came from great distance to surprise their dads.  Still, I thought , we might have a few dozen people waiting, never dreaming of what was about to happen!   As we approached the parking lot, I saw many balloons and signs; dozens, dozens, and more dozens of people in Sammyrides shirts standing and jumping up and down; a multitude of bikes and golf carts, many of them decorated,  and people cheering and blowing horns as we got closer and closer!!!  

People were clapping and shouting...some, even shedding a few tears.....it was beyond description what was there waiting for us!  Never in our wildest imaginations, did we expect a welcome back like was given today....to see so many friends, neighbors and even strangers, coming out to do this for us, just simply made our hearts full. 

 This event then continued on, with our own riders heading out for the five mile ride to the United Methodist Church, followed by literally, dozens of residents and friends biking behind them, followed by me driving the van and then at least 30 golf carts after that!  People standing along the route showed their support by waving and cheering us on.....it was incredible!

As we got closer to our destination, a large group of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts joined in on the ride......fortunately, there were volunteer radio club people along the route making sure we were all ok....even security cars along the route to keep everything flowing and orderly.   

At the church, a huge band was playing.....food and beverages were available, and the atmosphere was filled with the greatest warmth and friendship.  There were several hundred people at this amazing event, all for Sammyrides, and we are most grateful for the outpouring of support and celebration we received.

There are so many, many people to thank for all that happened today, but I'm saving that for my "almost" last blog and newsletter I'll be posting in a few days.... but the weekend isn't over yet!!!!  More coming tomorrow!!!!!  The 50th Anniversary of Sun City Center is taking place tomorrow....Sammyrides will be included as part of the float the United Methodist Church is sponsoring ...Michael and I will be on the float, along with several Sammyrides heroes.....we will be participating in the parade with many of our own volunteers walking along next to us.  We thank the United Methodist Church for their kindness in including us tomorrow. 

Tomorrow eve., is a time to honor our Sammyrides volunteers who have done so much for us during the past two years...we will be enjoying an eve just for them along with many friends, to complete a truly extraordinary weekend!

For today, it was a day we will remember for years to come....it was filled with love and the deepest level of kindness from wonderful people within our community and friends and family who came from far away, to help celebrate the riders return after 2400 miles.

For Michael and myself, the reality of this ride coming full circle today is something that only dreams are made of......a little ride that took on a life of its own and as a result, will help so many, many kids because of the tremendous generosity from hundreds and hundreds of people all across the country.

We hope we have made a difference in the lives of many kids in the future......I know, they have made a difference in our lives and in the lives of all the riders and people involved with this ride.  

Thank you for all the support you have given to us and to this project.....our gratitude and appreciation of all you have given and done for us, can never be measured. 

From Michael and myself, we send our love and best wishes to you all!!!!  We will try and get pictures posted throughout the weekend.....