We had just gotten back from a LONG 6 hour ride from New Jersey. I was just getting info my “comfy’s” when Andy yells up the stairs to me, “come on, we’re going for a ride”. I could not believe it! Why the heck would Andy want to get back into the car to go somewhere after such a long ride home. I obliged and got into the car. I asked, “where are we going?” “For a ride” was Andy’s response. It did not take me long to figure out we were on our way to Dave and Sue’s house. All I could think of was that it had better be good. After all, what is so important that it can’t wait for tomorrow when we have our GW meeting. It was nice to see Dave and Sue since they had just recently got back from their winter hiatus in Florida. Dave wanted to show Andy his “new project”, so out to the garage they went. Sue and I chit chatted and caught up on things. Dave wanted me to see his new project. So I go to the garage to see a very old truck. It had no seats, no doors, no fenders, no bumpers, nothing. All I could think of at the time was, if Dave is excited over this, I’ll be happy for him. Then he proceeded to his trailer to show me all the parts. Great! I’m following along obligingly. With one hand holding light, he opens the side door to the trailer and I peek in. There she was. Ruby. My trike! I waited so long for that moment. It was great.

FUN and EVENTS Co-coordinator. I thought that was my job. Apparently, Andy had herded all of you to take this task on for the weekend of April 18th and 19th . For those of you who do not know, I’VE BEEN HAD! While we were in New Jersey with our daughter touring Drew University, my “friends” were pulling the wool over my eyes. To everyone who helped Andy pull off the task of keeping Ruby a secret, I’d like to say, All of you got me. I fell for the whole story that Andy cooked up - hook, line and sinker. Looking back, my hope is that all of you got that feeling of fulfillment that I get when I’ve planned an event and I see the results of nothing but smiles, laughter and a good time. If you have ever captured that feeling, then you know how it feels when I’ve planned an event and it is a success.

There are some other people out there that deserve just as much appreciation and attention. BRUCE and LYNDA Hartley. The last people to see Ruby as a 2 wheeler. Thank you for transporting my bike to Keene to be transformed. DAVE and SUE Perrin. Hearts made of gold. You took the time to bring my bike home. Thank you very much. I figure Dave enjoyed every minute of it because this was his way of “getting even” with me for surprising him with his birthday party.

FRIENDS: There is never a lack of them when you belong to GW. Ruby had some minor difficulties, but thanks to Andy and the help of Glen and Ken, she is up and running. Ruby lost her alternator the next week! That WAS NOT fun. I just get my new play toy for the season and things were going well. So I thought. But, that incident again showed what GWRRA is all about, if you read Andy’s article you already know what I mean. Friends Fun, Safety, & Knowledge they really keep coming on through.

Andy –I hope you are pleased with yourself, because every time I ride, I feel the free spirit inside of me escape. There is no greater “high” in the world than that feeling.

Take care and keep the shiny side up!
Mary