Amanda

Date: Oct 11, 2005

Amanda

Date: Oct 11, 2005

She truly maintained calm, rational command of a challenging Jekyl & Hyde ride--Pleasant and Idyllic at first, tortuous and fraught with torrential floods the entire second half until the rather miraculous Wilmington sunshine broke through with its warm blessing.

Could there have been better prepared riders? Yes, we could have brought swim goggles.

Could there have been less whining and complaining? Probably would be helpful to think about why some small towns and facilities don't have the luxuries some of us seemed to need.

The October 2005 "Durham Grit Award" with Special Navy Seal SCUBA device goes to Amanda Stinson, a true "Baptism By Fire" er, well, "Full Immersion" anyway.

Her staff, and especially Regan, seemed resourceful, always ready to help, and focused.

Her smile perpetual.

Kudos to all for rising above the flood, riding the waves of challenging weather, and chalking up another memorable slice of Carolina backroads.

Date: Oct 12, 2005

i agree totally. amanda is the best and she can dance like a pro.

Date: Oct 12, 2005

Keith, I don't know much about her dancing but she deserves the "ATTA-BOY" award for putting on such a great ride. WAY TO GO Amanda!!!:

Date: Oct 13, 2005

I can second the great dancer part as well as a great ride director. This was my first ride and although my co-worker Richard had shared what it was like, the experience went far beyond his description. Yes it probably would have been more enjoyable if we had not had all that rain the latter part of the week but now we know that we can ride in almost any kind of weather. No excuse not to get out there this winter and begin training for next year.

Thanks Amanda

Mr. Hobgood this girl and all you staff need a weeks vacation!!!