This was my first, but definitely not my last, CNC ride. Every day was filled with beautiful memories and wonderful folks. I will try to list some of the more memorable people that helped me make it all the way across NC so I can thank them, wish them well, and hope they make my acquaintance again (perhaps in Texas y'all :) If I left you out, reply and apply some good 'ol Texas whoopass on me and I'll humbly tell you about my short term memory problems... :)

Obviously my father-in-law (or was it uncle, father, brother, sister...) Drew, without you I would never have had the opportunity to go on this or enjoy this experience. Thank you for inspiring me to hop on a bike and attempt to go 50% of my total formal bike experience in one week. It was worth it.

Ryan - you're a killer strong rider, thanks for pulling me halfway across the state!! and, yes, this does prove that I am "CW" Look me up when you move to Austin.

Graciela - I can't say how much pleasure it was meeting you (although we never did get that talk) stay away from me with those water bottles!! ;)

Marilyn - I never tired of seeing your smiling face, remember you're only as old as you think you are...(that makes me 22!! lol)

Pieter - don't forget those spin classes! she's there waiting for you :)

Katie - I only walked for you --- lol

Wake Forest Mike - the Todd Rd was incredibly beautiful, huh?

Catherine - you killed me in the hills outside of Boone, of course, being an App State Triathlete might have given you an advantage ;)

Vinny - always there with a smile, a beer, and my bag tucked somewhere special -- thank you

Kristy - thank you for meeting us in Burlington, taking us to dinner, taking home my clothes, washing them, and returning them in Holly Springs (you gave Bubba a run for his money on pampering!!)

CNC Shari - thanks for the talks and the beers and generally taking all the abuse for the very infrequent problems (what do you mean I can't take a shower!!)

Cleo - my favorite breakfast companion (is he an executive type?)

Joyce - because of your magic fingers, I actually made the century ride on Wednesday...have fun in Tampa

The threesome that I centuried with, Tim, Frank, Edwin thanks for pushing my limits. Frank...you were one mile away, dude, BUMMER!! Hope that thumb is healing and you're back in the saddle. Tim...thanks for the wild turkey, it warmed my innards in Kinston. Edwin...no pics in the shower truck!!

REI Staff (Ronnie and crew) thanks for getting my bike back in action and having all the right stuff when I needed it most.

Jon and Juliet -- always good talking to you folks, quite possibly the nicest couple I've known. btw - it was Plantation, FL not Hollywood, FL where I lived as a child that went to hell

Eva - you were the first and the last but nowhere in between

Richard, Barbara, and Michelle - GO BUCKS!! (Michelle, you are a proxy Buckeye, admit it!!)

Harold - I may have been critical of the coffee, but not of your efforts, you always worked hard to make sure the coffee flowed all morning.

Barry - my recumbent friend, "on your left, no, no, on your right!" keep that flag flying!!

The Houstonite women (you know who you are) keep on keeping on, I'm sure I'll see you in Texas.

Rupert "CycleDog" - next year you need to parachute with a cycle to the start!

Willy - Viel Glueck! Bis Naechstes Jahre Besuchen! Have fun in Baden-Wurtenburg

Everyone else, thanks for making this an experience to remember!!