The temp was reported to be 93 degrees with a heat index in the high 90s. (I later learned that the heat index spiked to 103.) At 55 miles, just 5 miles out of Pit Three, I pulled over and sat in the shade. I didn't feel the heat distress I felt on the previous day, but I was tired and hot. And I knew that if I didn't stop now, I would eventually get sick. Even though I would not finish the full 77 miles, I felt some sense of accomplishment that my approach to riding that day did take me further in spite of the extreme heat.
Camp: Northfield Middle School - Northfield, MN (77 miles)
The accommodations at this middle school were quite posh. An Olympic-sized swimming pool, a beautiful state-of-the-art auditorium and an incredible pasta bar for dinner. Prom Catering served a scrumptious buffet of ravioli, penne and tortellini pastas mixed and matched with a variety of sauces--marinara, alfredo and (my favorite) pesto. A divine Tiramisu dessert made the meal complete. This was definitely the best meal we were treated to on the entire ride.
Friends and Family Night
Friends and Family Night, something new to the ride, gave guests the opportunity to come to camp and see what the Red Ribbon Ride is all about. They could co-mingle with other riders, eat dinner together and witness our special presentation held in Northfield Middle School's cool, comfortable theater.
Under a spotlight on a bare proscenium stage, Derrick, from Hennepin County's Red Door Clinic HIM (Health Intervention for Men) Program, spoke briefly about the history of HIV around the world and how this pandemic affects us today. Then the spotlight would focus on a person living with or losing someone to the AIDS virus. Back and forth the spotlight would move between Derrick and the speakers, each providing their own personal testimony and insights.
Ride Doctor/Medical Crew Member Chris Christiansen spent several weeks in Africa this summer with her husband, Jeff. They witnessed horrific devastation for HIV-affected people struggling with a lack of medication and intolerance to sexuality issues.
Penny Rosseau spoke of losing her son to AIDS a decade ago and how she now dedicates her life to helping others infected with HIV. Even her own struggle with breast cancer has not stopped her. When diagnosed last summer, her doctor strongly recommended surgery. She replied, "It will have to wait until after the Red Ribbon Ride."
Entertainment coordinator Kyle Schmidt ran an informal Karaoke/Talent Show with a few participants. And yes, this time I participated. First, I sang Tom Jone's Delilah. I was a little nervous to sing in front of this group; and to make things worse, the words kept disappearing on the monitor. So I began to make up lyrics about not being able to sing the song without seeing the lyrics. The audience laughed and I began to relax. When the monitor came back on line, I was able to really belt out the song. I think I surprised everyone that I could actually sing. Later, I followed up with Mack the Knife and adlibbed a scat section near the end. It brought down the house (what little was left by that time).
At bed time we discovered that the air conditioning had gone out in the gym. I'd heard a rumor that Kyle would allow people to sleep in the auditorium if they wanted. So I asked him and, indeed, the rumor was correct. So Michael and I grabbed our stuff out of the gym and dragged our tired bodies to the coolness of the school's auditorium. Four others saw what we were doing and joined us. I joked with Michael, "Now I can truly say I live, eat and sleep in the theatre." We fell asleep under house lights still left on from Kyle's late night work preparing for tomorrow's closing ceremonies.