The Century Club

[Coulee City to Spokane, WA; 100 miles]

While the Journey of Hope is no small undertaking, this is not to suggest my team is a group of professional cyclists. In fact, when our project manager asked us if anyone had previously completed a “century” only three team members raised their hands. Needless to say, the concept of cycling a hundred miles in a day can be intimidating at first. However, I actually found the ride to be smooth sailing in light of the previous two days of draining climbs. Around mile 60 we were treated to a sponsored lunch by a Pi Alpha’s family. Instead of the traditional “two meat, one cheese” sandwiches we’ve become accustomed to, we were treated to Subway! Anyone who knows me well knows I subscribe to the church of the five-dollar-foot-long and this was right up my alley!


When we eventually arrived in the Spokane area (pronounced “spo-can, not spo-can’t” as Jeremy put it), we were greeted by a police escort. We were thus led through town to our lodging at a local church annex. The annex might as well have been custom made for us. It featured a basketball hoop, ping pong table, four square court and other assorted games to indulge in. In fact, four square was so popular that it later made an appearance at a roadside crew stop some days later. After invading the local YMCA to take some much-needed showers, we held our first team meeting to discuss any pervasive issues and recognize team member contributions that night.

The next day brought with it another friendship visit, this time with a local Muscular Dystrophy organization’s family fun day. Our team was happy to join the families in attendance and, essentially, make fools of ourselves. The day included crazy hair spraying, eating contests, a water balloon fight and even a “ice t-shirt” contest that, in an unexpected turn of events, David “the cabana boy” Stinette, failed to triumph in. In addition, members of the team performed the “Kids on the Block” show, which uses puppets to educate kids about their peers with disabilities. Despite some ear shattering notes emitting from the guys playing female characters, everyone really enjoyed it. Later that night we were spoiled with food from a local chef (including a “tequila chicken” dish I’ve never had before) and went to bed full and eager to take on a whole new state in the morning.