With temperatures in the 30's we began the day with a police-escorted ride to PKYoung school in Gainesville. There we entered the gymnasium to the sound of marching music, riding our bikes in circles around the gym while students cheered us along. It was another emotional moment for all of us as we were introduced to the students.
Rodney Ford kicked off the presentation with a rousing series of cheers by the students, then had them treat our out of town visitors to the "wave".
Bruce Stechmiller and Tracy Walker then spoke briefly to the students. Once the ceremony was completed we were transported to the Life South Corporate heradquarters for lunch and more presentations. Friends and family of some of the riders, myself included, showed up to mingle with the other riders, and to show their support for our efforts. Then it was onto the bikes again for our last journey of this trip. Seventy miles later we arrived at Cedar Key to the sound of blaring fire engine sirens and marching bands. We rode our bikes one last time through a path of cheering people, then stopped in front of a stage. There each rider spoke of their personal involvement with the FPOL, interjecting some personal notes of thanks to family, friends, and patrons who have made this trip possible. It was a bitter sweet time for all of us. On the first hand the riding was over. On the other, it would soon mean parting and going our own ways, back to jobs and families at distant points away. Riders were presented with medals for their participation in the Five Points of Life ride.
Bruce Stechmiller and Tracy Walker then spoke briefly to the students. Once the ceremony was completed we were transported to the Life South Corporate heradquarters for lunch and more presentations. Friends and family of some of the riders, myself included, showed up to mingle with the other riders, and to show their support for our efforts. Then it was onto the bikes again for our last journey of this trip. Seventy miles later we arrived at Cedar Key to the sound of blaring fire engine sirens and marching bands. We rode our bikes one last time through a path of cheering people, then stopped in front of a stage. There each rider spoke of their personal involvement with the FPOL, interjecting some personal notes of thanks to family, friends, and patrons who have made this trip possible. It was a bitter sweet time for all of us. On the first hand the riding was over. On the other, it would soon mean parting and going our own ways, back to jobs and families at distant points away. Riders were presented with medals for their participation in the Five Points of Life ride.Food and drinks were available at the ending ceremony, and the heavy food was served at Froggs Landing later that evening. It is safe to say that a great time was had by all.
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