For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of participating in the Rochester Ride for missing and Exploited Children. I feel I have to write something about the event this year.

As I look back on this year’s ride, I have come to realize this is the best day of the year for me. This year especially, with the absolutely perfect weather, a record number of 331 riders, having my son and daughter-in-law riding and seeing many friends, old and new, involved in this event. My wife was there as the official event photographer.

This event can be overwhelming at time also. Between the riders, the school kids, the volunteers, and the spectators; I cannot think of another way to spend a day that could bring more rewards and positive feelings than this day. It is a long day of riding and many people are hurting by the end. No bike seat is comfortable for 100 miles. Most riders do not ride long distances, except during this ride. But then the ride has a more somber purpose. W have to remember why we ride. We ride for those kids calling for mom and dad to come get them and take them home. We ride for the parents whose anguish is never ending when their child is missing.

As riders, our pain goes away when the ride stops. For them, their pain never goes away. But good things happen. Steve Carter was the keynote speaker. Check out the link for his story. He also rode the 100 miles with us.

http://mix1051.cbslocal.com/2012/04/19/people-magazines-missing-boy-found-after-34-years-steve-carter-tells-his-story-to-the-morning-mix/

I posted some photos on my flickr page. Note the plentiful smiles of all.

And a final link. One of the ride shepherds took this short video of some of the riders. This is what we looked like all day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VDZKGqezF4&feature=email

Yes, best day of the year…

EDIT: I fixed the link to the video of the riders on the road. (At least I hope I did.) And when the link to all the photos come out, I will post that also.