Our WATERMELON STOP for the Riders of the DC AIDS Ride 7 on Saturday, June 15th was a huge success. Mike, "go fly a kite," and 8 year old daughter, Erin "Mardi Gras beads" Spekter helped out and even flew a kite above the festivities, Corrie, "Cut me a slice," Hoogstra, was back, she and Claudia, "take two, there's more," Burwell, were elbow to elbow slicing the big, "greens," until the tablecloth ran red. Ron, "Gimme another slice," Fine, was there of course, standing at the roads edge beckoning riders in, even though most required no persuading to stop for cold watermelon. Smokin, "I was flying," Al, stood up at the lunch pit and made an announcement that there would be watermelon at mile 65. First timers and veteran riders were very appreciative, many said they were hoping we would make a return appearance.

Imagine our initial surprise when we arrived at our predetermined location, Asbury United Methodist Church, and found that, "Team Love," was there with 50 watermelons from Fresh Fields. (Safeway's melons were much better tasting.) Perhaps they were inspired by our past kind service. They even set up some signs on the route like, "Girls with big Melons ahead." We set up together and served riders for 5 hours. A woman in an old beat-up pickup truck pulled in and gave us a watermelon, she said she, "just wanted to help out."

An NBC cameraman stopped by and photographed our signs, young Erin taking a turn on the megaphone and lots of happy riders chowing down on the cool red stuff. "Smokin," Al took time to visit and even took a turn with the megaphone too. Daughter Jennifer, "Pit 5 Crew," Gross stopped by on her way to camp. We left melons with the church and Team Love took some back to camp.

Many thanks to our generous Sponsors-Asbury United Methodist Church, Piney Branch Safeway for 30+ watermelons, DrinkMoreWater, and Breads Unlimited in Bethesda. Next year we'll coordinate with Team Love to have an even bigger and better event.

John,"say, Cheeese" Burwell

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