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By Elizabeth Caccamo, Director of Community Ministry
It was a wet morning on Sept. 26, treacherous for bike riders, as we gathered in the dark at Volvo to prepare our hospitality tent for the Tour to Tanglewood. We set out orange and banana slices, peanut butter sandwiches on cinnamon raisin bread, and had large containers of water and gatorade out for riders to fill up water bottles.
As daylight slowly spread under the gray, misty clouds, FPC Pedalers got plenty of attention in their new team jerseys with the rose window, Bible verse, and the Fruit of the Spirit as they joined the crowd of 2,000 cyclists. The message was clearly seen by those who followed our team!
Jeanne Johnston, our FPC Pedalers leader, said, "It was one of the toughest rides I have ever done. About 10 miles out that morning it was raining and we were so soaked, water sloshing around in our shoes, our outfits were almost black with the wet road dirt and grease. When we finally arrived at Tanglewood it had taken us five hours, and as the rain came pouring down, the cooler weather set in, and I thought I would never stop shivering."
The riders were raising money for multiple sclerosis, a worthwhile cause that has touched the lives of many, including First Presbyterian members. The riders are still accepting contributions for this cause. Look for the donate button at this Web site.
This year's ride was in honor of Ron Bauer, our friend and devoted cyclist who was unable to make this year's ride, but was with the team in spirit.
Contact Maurice Schwartz, mschwartz@triad.rr.com, or Jeanne Johnston, jmjncbikes@yahoo.com.
