Drowned rats. That's what we looked like today at the Word & Deed Bike-a-thon.  Almost three hundred people woke up early this morning, applied sunscreen, and headed out to Niagara Falls to do the 52 KM bike-a-thon to raise support for those suffering from AIDS in South Africa; a very worth while cause that Word & Deed sponsors.

Yesterday's forecast called for isolated showers; instead we experienced a extreme torrential downpour soon after the bikers took off.  Biking along the beautiful Niagara River almost became a nightmare. The wind was so fierce that the white caps were spraying onto the bike path. Thunder and lightening shook the sky causing riders to grip on to 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 "H.E.L.P,  This is awful."  It became impossible to ride on for many, and they huddled together taking refuge under trees.  Drivers came along and crammed, and packed, 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, shivering lips, were the sights of the day.  At one point people were gathered under a pavilion and this pavilion was designed in such a way that you could experience 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 today because there was that much rain.

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

A few brave riders pressed on as bolts of lightening filled the sky.

When we arrived at finish spot, 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, bus loads 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.
  ~49,300 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 left over water
~people that 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!

This post was writen by Kerri Radsma, and was originally posted on her personal blog, "Kerri's Korner".