Our ride director, Kari Johnson, officiated our Closing Ceremonies, which began at 2:00 P.M. in the parking lot of Richfield High School. Positive Spin rode in first, followed by the rest of the 270 riders. We assembled and cheered our amazing 183-member crew as they walked in last. A somber, tearful moment followed when a rider-less bicycle (left) was pushed through the crowd by four bikers, including Positive Spin rider Joe Ede, who just completed his 29th AIDS ride. This emotional ritual honors riders and others who are no longer with us.
Poet Shane Holly took the stage once again to deliver a final rap, quipping "Welcome back to air conditioning and putting up your feet. Welcome back to the end. I promise in another year we'll do it again." ...And I will!
2007 Red Ribbon Ride
My ride home, good friend Jackie Martin, was waiting for me by the 2007 Red Ribbon Ride Registration Tent. When I found her she asked, "Well, are you going to do it again next year?"
I responded by asking if she had a pen. She pulled one from her purse and I sat down and filled out the 2007 registration form. Next year I will be Rider #3!
What great fun it would be to have some of my friends join me for the ride next year. If you'd be at all interested in riding or crewing for this event, check out the 2007 Red Ribbon Ride presented by Chipotle website. I hope you'll consider being on my team again next year, whether by riding, crewing or donating. And thank you, again, for your support of the 2006 Red Ribbon Ride.