Drowned rats. That's what we looked like at the Word & Deed Bike-a-thon on June 4. Almost three hundred people woke up early that morning, applied sunscreen, and headed out to Niagara Falls to do the 52 km (34 miles) bike-a-thon to raise support for those suffering from AIDS in South Africa. The Nakekela Clinic is a very worthwhile cause that Word & Deed sponsors.

The forecast called for isolated showers; instead, we experienced an extreme torrential downpour soon after the bikers took off. Biking along the beautiful Niagara River became a nightmare. The wind was so fierce that the white caps were spraying onto the bike path. Thunder and lightning shook the sky, causing riders to grip their rubber handle bars. Parents were trying to downplay the severity of the nasty storm to their children, hoping that it would spur them on, but inside they were thinking "HELP, this is awful!" Although a few brave riders pressed on as bolts of lightning filled the sky, many huddled together, taking refuge under trees.

Drivers came along and crammed many, many people into vans. Bikes were thrown onto whatever could transport them. Buses were filled to the max. People were beyond wet. Wet clothes, soaked shoes, dripping hair, running mascara and shivering lips were the sights of the day. At one point, people were gathered under a pavilion designed to facilitate a nice cross breeze during a summer day. The wind was slicing through there, causing those already wet to the bone to become even colder. Drivers and buses came to rescue these poor people and organizers were yelling, "Get on the bus! Women and children first." It was like an evacuation order. I could hardly get any pictures because there was that much rain.

I am trying to describe the day, but it is almost impossible. You had to be there.

When we arrived at the finish line, the sun made an appearance, allowing us to dry off. It started to pour again just as we were trying to find our bikes and load up to go home. (Of course.)

Instead of bike riders trickling in at the end of their route, busloads of soaked, hungry people all arrived at the same time. They all wanted to stay around the hot grill so that they could dry off and warm up

Actually, there is much to be thankful for:

· $50,183 was raised for the AIDS clinic in Africa. That is just wonderful!

· Besides a few cases of mild hypothermia, no one got hurt.

· Everyone remained in good spirits, helping out where help was needed.

· We have many cases of leftover water.

· People who hardly knew one another got to know each other really quick when they were squished into a van together.

We are already looking forward to next year!