My day as a "Rock Star"

I now know what it is like to be a Rock Star. Adored by hoards of screaming fans, all holding signs made just for me. To be surrounded by throngs of people who have waited for weeks just to watch me enter the driveway. To recognize the look, smile, and amazement on the face of someone who is truly in awe of what I am doing. I am of course, talking about The 2009 Ride for Missing Children, and my screaming fans were all in Elementary School.

On May 15th of this year, I participated in my first Ride for Missing Children. The event is coordinated by the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and it's primary purpose is to raise funds, and awareness for the programs that the Center supports throughout the year. The ride is 100 miles long, but you would never know it. It is centered around several stops at local Elementary Schools where the kids have all been prepped with educational programs as to our cause, and have all turned out to welcome our arrival. During each stop, the riders get to take a break, eat, drink, and interact with the kids, while they get an amazing, high-energy presentation from the Center staff that is traveling caravan style with the riders.

At each school, we were greeted by hundreds of screaming kids, teachers, and staff. They had signs and banners welcoming us, and all wanted to high-5 us as we rode past. They couldn't wait to talk to us once we had left our bikes and their energy kept us charged up all day.

The personal highlight for me was that our first stop was at Gavin's school, Quest Elementary. Gavin's teacher had told the class that I would be riding in the event, and several of Gavin's classmates had signs made just for me. Talk about motivation! Donna and Isabelle joined Gavin's class for the morning, so the entire family was there as we rode in cheering me on.

Even though this was my first year completing this event, it definitely will not be my last. I plan to pull on my pink jersey for many years to come and support, and enjoy, this amazing event.