RAGBRAI 2008 Saturday Finish

All of the Saturday riders made the trip to St. Claire and arrived at the home of mentor Steve Reinders parents to feast on goods and refreshments supplied by them
We enjoyed the shade and waited until we were all in before heading to a local country club a couple of miles away to form into our arrival formation.
We the rode in this formation for the last two miles, occasionally singing our announcement song. This was another day I was glad to have a mirror on my glasses so that I could see the smiles on the faces of the riders. When we arrived and the tire dipping spot, we had time to savor the week long experience and build up to the ceremonial moment of dipping tires to signify achieving the goal we had set at the first of the year.
We had fifteen first year riders achieve the goal.
We posed for our group picture, showered, and then boarded a bus for the noisy and happy return trip to Des Moines.
What a great week.

We all have a lot to be thankful for this week.
We are most thankful for the following important parts of our success

• Campground crew - Larry, Rod, Steve, and Shawna
• Wagonmaster and Campground Orgainizer - Robyn Mulcahy
• Fundraising Co-chairman and mentor - John Reese
• Dream Team co-founder and perpetual supporter - Jim Green
• Our supporting friends
Des Moines Register
Bike World of Des Moines
Des Moines YMCA
Corporate Supporters
Bike Clubs
Caring individuals
• Riders along the way offering congratulations and support
• Overnight and pass-through towns that make the ride enjoyable and entertaining

I also want to thank all of the mentors that give so much over the year to make t his possible. These caring adults offer support and guidance that allow the riders to have such a wonderful experience and learn what they can accomplish with work and perseverance.
They get those same great smiles when the young riders reach the victorious ending of the week.

Thanks to all.