Day 30 - Owatonna, MN, to Winona, MN

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Day 30: July 18, 2000, Update

Owatonna, MN, to Winona, MN

Today's Miles: 89.4

Miles since Seattle: 2040.7

Summer . . . Not!

Well, we all thought that it was summer. These past few days we couldn't keep the sunscreen-drenched sweat out of our eyes. We couldn't eat enough ice cream. We couldn't get our fill of root beer floats. We biked day after day in an unending heat that got up into the 100s. And all of a sudden — BANG! Today we awoke to bitter cold.

Sooo cold — you've got to wear tights

We're talking temperatures so low that we had to wear tights, two jackets, and extra-warm long-finger gloves."How could that be?" we wondered. It really didn't matter. We were in for a long 90 miles of headwinds, rain, and unbearable cold.

Breakfast Club

Have you already heard about "Breakfast Club"? Membership is easy. All it takes is stopping about 10 or 20 miles out of camp for another breakfast. For me, it's something that I do just about every day. An espresso may not always be available, but there's great regular coffee, and, even better, a breakfast special of French toast or pancakes. A few of us check the time, and if it's past 9 a.m. then it's time for pie. After all, this is also the "Tour de Pie."

At the Rochester YMCA's

yummy barbecue fundraiser

Like today's weather, today's checkpoint was also unusual. Rochester's YMCA was holding a fundraiser and sold barbeque specials. As you can see from the photo it was quite yummy.

A Class Act

In spite of today's tough ride, I am left honored to have gained new insight into a special story about some special people. Dennis Bussey (Rider #2199) shared with me a tale hat can only be called"A Class Act."

It all started in September 1999 at the Naval Academy class of 1969's 30th reunion. Eleven of the 18 graduates from the 15th Company were present to reminisce and catch up. It was a very festive time, with the exception of one thing: One classmate, David Grove, had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (aka ALS). At the reunion, Dennis pulled out a recent photo of David (whom he had just visited in May 1999) and the entire group decided right then and there to let David know how much he meant to them. They took a group photo. They signed cards. They sent letters of their love. Yet there was still more to be done . . . but what? Their hearts turned to ways to honor David Grove.

The Class Act tribute

At that moment, the idea of doing the Big Ride became real for Dennis. He had identified a personal cause. Dennis asked David if it would be OK for him to do the Big Ride in David's honor. David was thrilled.

When Dennis's Naval Academy Class coordinator got involved, before Dennis knew it, 400 E-mail messages going out to all his classmates. People responded. Contributions rolled in and hearts opened up even though most of the people never knew David Grove! Their generosity was inspired by their classmate's story. Over $7,000 was donated. Soon after, Dennis invited everyone to send notes of encouragement or letters to David Grove, which Dennis promised to carry from his home in San Diego to the start of the Big Ride in Seattle. From Seattle, they have often been toted in the Chain of Hope trailer, and sometimes in Dennis' backpack.

Once in DC, Dennis plans to drive to David's home in Greensboro, North Carolina, and hand-deliver them to David.

These notes and letters — humbling to read — express incredible love and devotion.

Here is Dennis's letter to David:

Dear David,

It has been a great privilege for me to orchestrate this tribute using the Big Ride to honor you. Your courage and spirit have truly inspired us all. This will become evident to you as you read the enclosed messages from your classmates and others who care so deeply for you. To each I have attached the 1969 yearbook photograph reflecting"The Way We Were."

Participating in this event for you has added immense meaning to my own life. Without question, because of you, many other lives have been touched and enriched with a renewed appreciate for the value of what we have together.

Thank you classmate for allowing us to do this. We love you David, and we will always be with you.

Dennis Bussey

Ronna Katz contributed this report.

For more information about today's ride, check out the Riding Reporter.

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