Monday, April 24, 2006

Volunteers

I have never appreciated volunteers as much as I did on this ride. They are wonderful, caring and generous people. They didn’t have to take time out from their lives to help us. Some of them might have been paid, yes. But they didn’t back away from the responsibility, take vacation or decline the shift. All the individuals out there on the sidelines, behind the table, standing in the streets, driving SAG vehicles were all there to help us – and ultimately to help the cause. They were all out there to help raise $10 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

And each and every single one of those volunteers did an amazing job.

They didn't care if we were blue or orange, curly or straight, tattooed or pierced, heavy or light, novices or the most conditioned athlete. They Helped Us All. They Took Care Of Us All. They Cheered Us All.

They rubbed Bio-Freeze on our aching muscles and sunscreen on our tender skin. They fed us chilled oranges and bananas. They filled our water bottles with ice, water and/or Gatorade. They doled out pretzels, cookies, and trail mix. They handed us sandwiches, boiled potatoes and ice cream. They cooked us chicken for dinner and pancakes and sausage for breakfast. They set up cots for us to sleep on and tents to sleep under. They provided us with showers to clean up in and clean toilets to potty in. They provided us with entertainment all along the course. They helped fix our bikes – be it a flat or a broken chain. They picked us up when we were suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration, cramping muscles or fatigue. They drove out to remote areas and cheered us on. They encouraged us when we were getting tired. They loaded our bikes on trucks for the ride home. They directed traffic and made sure that we were safe. They comforted us when we had fallen. They patched us up when we were hurt. The list is endless. It could go on forever all the big and little things all these volunteers did for us.

But you know what the most amazing thing was?

When I said "thank you," they said

"No, Thank You!!"

5 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Sounds like you had a good MS ride! Will a detailed recap be up soon?

KBGee said...

It sounds like you had an exceptional ride this past weekend. Congrats! So, what's next on your athletic agenda?

El Oso Furioso said...

You know, you're right. there's not much worse than warm bananas or empty rest stops. Those volunteers not only rock, they ROCK!!

Mojo said...

It's great you noticed all the little things people did for you on our ride. Volunteers rock!

How are you feeling? Is your crotch broken?

walchka said...

Congrats on your ride! We'd all be in trouble if it wasn't for the volunteers at the races we do.