FreeWheel 2001by Laurie Allshouse| Intro | Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | |
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Saturday, June 16, 2001 Saturday, we rode into Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The route this way seemed easier and it was definitely cooler in the morning than our afternoon ride the day before. Johnnie and Diana, who usually ride way ahead of us, decided to take it easy and join us for the last day of the ride. We stood in line to take group photos at the Arkansas border. We were sorry to see the tour end. Bill Scimica, whom we originally met on a Sierra club outing, was looking for a ride to OKC, and we offered a spare seat to him. We decided to take showers at the gym in Siloam Springs and wait for the 1:00 closing ceremonies. FreeWheel is known for it's cold showers. We lucked out this year, or so we thought. Siloam Springs didn't want to break a tradition. I screamed with the first cold blast of water and then laughed, as Esther couldn't quit yelping in the cold spray. Visiting a booth selling lemonade and iced tea, I noticed that the t-shirts they were selling said: Oklahoma
FreeWheel That shirt was made for me! This was definitely one Survivor FreeWheel. I had battled heat, humidity and hills to make it to the finish line. At the closing ceremonies, I won a cap and Jim won a FreeWheel 2001 jersey that looks like it was tie died and is worth $60. Tony won a cap also. FreeWheel attendance was down this year and I never had to wait in line for a shower. Part of the reason was because the U.S. Open was in Tulsa and Tiger Woods was slated to play. The same storm that destroyed our tent shut down the tournament for one day, I think. There is something about the FreeWheel spirit that permeates your being during the week. Strangers offer help, food and assistance. Even when a storm destroys a camp, people move on to plan B and continue the tour. Smiles dot the faces of sun-parched faces. We are all survivors and a brotherhood is formed. FreeWheel is not just a ride, it's a religious experience. | Intro | Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | |