The last celebrity

Well fortunately the local news finally recognized me for my celebrity -- I was interviewed on the news! Unfortunately I ended up on the cutting room floor for their web version but if you look closely at the clanging bell -- you'll recognize the hand and perhaps a familiar jersey. I've had tons of calls from folks that saw me on TV -- alas I haven't seen and can't find to share with you -- hope to soon.

It is so much more fun to share an experience like this. With friends old and new, bystanders on the road, cheering fans. But most importantly with family. Cindy was probably as tired as I was as hard as she cheered and clanged that bell all day! It is amazing how much easier it is when you know someone is waiting for you at the next stop -- trust me that is how I hung on for 30 miles with Lance et al. And every rider I talked to said how know folks were on the side of the road, or their friends were cheering them helped make the tough ride so much more bareable.

As I watch the video's and read the papers I see a recurring theme -- all of us riders were so stunned by all of the people thanking US. We were so busy thanking them for being out there to support us and they were thanking us -- really kind of funny! And collectively we are proud of what we all -- ALL -- accomplished together -- the riders, the donors, the survivors, the supporters on the side of the road, the sponsors, and even the media who helped spread the word and provided excellent coverage.
At the finish I talked to a guy who lost his father and his best friend ever. And I am still a bit in awe of all of the people who came up to me, asked me if I was a rider and hugged me, thanked me or shared a story. I wasn't a celebrity, I just rode my bike, I ride my bike alot -- but they made me feel special and important. And all the time I think they are really the ones that are special and important.

Lance and his riding buddy John (@college6 on twitter) rode the 103+ miles in 4 hours. I lasted 30 miles -- the lone survivor was off by mile 45. Wonder how much they slowed down in the hills? At least John thought the ride was hard:

Just finshed 100 mile with @lancearmstrong. Started with 2200 riders. Just he and I with 45 miles to go Hard Ohio is beautiful. What a ride!8:56 AM Aug 29th from UberTwitter

I learned from Lance that breast cancer and ovarian cancer are tied in together in some way (as I shared Rona's story). I learned you can push yourself far more than you ever thought if you do it for something other than yourself. I learned that pro level cyclists have amazing engines and my only shot at being this close to a legend again is from the back end of a motorcycle. Oh -- and always double, triple check and put new batteries in and learn to use your camera when there is a shot you may be that close to Lance Armstrong!

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/multimedia/audio_slideshows/2009/08/pelotonia_new/index.html