~ Mike

The weekend was great ! I could have not had a better time. The event was unbelievable. Thanks to all for allowing me to join. Great Teamwork too. A couple of us got in a bit of trouble, but thanks to friends we made decisions that saved us a trip to the hospital and allowed us to get together at the finish. I personally was one that had to get carried in. Thank you Christie and Chip for helping me make the right decision. Support was one of the best I have ever experienced and hope to do this again next year.

~Cliff

It has been truly astounding to the see the growth of cycling in La Grange over the past year. In 2005 there were just three members of Team Holy Rollers, Chip, Christi and myself, who participated in the Tour de Cure. Wow, what growth we have had by having 23 members this year. I only see the interest and participation level going up from here.

As for the weekend itself, it was awesome. All the laughs, all the sweat, all the saddle soars, all the pasta, all the gu, all the miles. It was a great experience and I was so happy to get to share it with such a great group of friends and family. It was especially meaningful to get to ride with my son Grant. I can't wait until next year.

I feel that the most poignant moment of the weekend took place on Friday evening during dinner. It was then that Chip shared with the group about his own struggle with diabetes. That set the tone for the whole weekend and helped to remind us all of the reason we are riding. We are not riding simply for some personal ambition, but we are riding to help put an end to the horrible disease of diabetes. I know that through the efforts of all of us, that is exactly what is going to happen.

  ~Maryellen

The Tour de Cure experience for me was better than could have imagined. First of all, I wasn't in any shape to be riding 80+ miles each day. So I was hesitant to even participate. But those totally dedicated members of the Holy Rollers encouraged me and I'm thankful to them for that. It was a ride dedicated to raising fund(s) for diabetes awareness and the length of the rides were unimportant. Even though in my mind I am much younger than my years, my tired weary body had enough at about the 60 mile marker on day 1, in which I reluctantly (ha!) gave in to the team #1 sag, Bart Underhill. (Thank you Bart!) Well, it was only 100 some degrees outside! Thank Goodness for the other #1 sag and co-coordinators, Kathy and Gary Nitsche, in providing the best recovery drinks available. It made the following days ride the best! I'm already looking forward to next year!

~ Laurie

Early February I was sitting here in Latte on the Square, talking to Cliff about a ride he was doing with Bill. I cautiously said how I'd like to ride too, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Enthusiastically Cliff said how I would need a bike and the next thing I know, I've drug my husband Ricky and daughter Christina to Austin to purchase our first road bikes.  Cliff challenged me to ride 45 miles two days in a row in the Tour de Cure.  Ricky and Christina said they would like to ride the 90 mile course with me. I thought I was going to die my first time out on my bike...that was in February...May 20th I rode 50 miles, and May 21st I rode 60 miles.  I was able to contribute to a great cause with the help of many people at Latte, encourage my family to exercise, and have made many, many new friends...Thank you Cliff!

~ Christie Underhill and Family

What a wonderful weekend!! Last year Chip and Cliff asked me to ride in the Tour de Cure and I hesitantly said yes. I was not sure I could keep up or complete the distance. I was only going to ride one day last year but after day one there was no way I was going home without finishing the ride! Thank you Chip and Cliff for being such encouragers!!

This years Tour de Cure was a blessing in so many ways for our family. Matthew 8, and Maxwell 6, were both able to ride. Matthew rode 43 miles and Maxwell, to our surprise rode 33. They both said their favorite thing about the ride was, riding with their friends and passing Kevin Livingston! Thank you Trina for riding with them, and Bart for providing SAG.

My favorite thing about the weekend was spending time with friends and family and being able to take the time (because I was on my bike forever) to reflect on how very blessed we are to have our health, our friends, and our family!

Thank you to Kathy and Gary for providing great support to Team Holy Rollers this year and last year. Kathy, thank you for helping Matthew "score" the bike for his room ( :

Thank you to my sweet husband Bart who always supports my athletic adventures!

I was so proud of all our team members for doing so well. I was very impressed! I am looking forward to next year already.