![]() | THE BIG RIDE ACROSS AMERICA 1999Rachel Pilley - Rider #82
MORE ABOUT RACHEL |
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Most of you who are looking here know me, but some of you may not. Well, here is your chance to get to know me, and for those of you who already do, maybe you'll find out something new.
While I was still adjusting to the changes in my personal life, I found myself adapting to a new, and very exciting working environment. I have been a correctional officer for 8 years now, but since Feb 1998 I have been on temporary assignment to the Electronic Monitoring Program. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is the ankle bracelet program, or house arrest. I work with an excellent group of people who are all fun-loving and get the most out of each day. Without the support and flexibility of these great people I would have had a difficult time logistically preparing for this ride. I owe each one of them a big thank you.
Many of my friends tell me that they envy my confidence and the apparent fun-loving or carefree nature in which I address the world. I have always wondered about this because it is my friends who give me the support and confidence to succeed. Over the years I have been blessed with so many good people in my life, some of whom really held me together when the glue would have otherwise come unstuck. With each obstacle I have faced, there has always been someone there to help me through. With the challenge that I am confronting at this point I think that there are a couple of people who deserve special mention:
< >First and foremost there is my Mom; she is one awesome lady who I have the utmost admiration and respect for. My Mom is my best friend and #1 fan. Nobody could ask for a better mother. On the many days that I have felt like this fundraising is more than I can handle she has given me the confidence to persevere. THANKS MOM.
< >While many miles away, Tony is another person who has been a huge support to me over the past few months. On a daily basis he listens to me go on about my training and fundraising regiment without tiring of the topic; he has such a big heart and a lot of patience. While keeping me grounded he encourages me to dream, and to dream big. I only hope that one day I can return the favour. Tony, your the BEST!
While cycling is obviously an activity that I enjoy, it is not the only thing. My other hobbies include hiking, backpacking and camping, and generally being outdoors with good people. I hope that once I return to Beautiful British Columbia after completing The Big Ride I will be able to get a couple overnight hiking trips in before the summer is gone. I consider myself very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world where there are so many awesome places to hike and camp.
I always enjoy meeting and talking with friends, both new and old, who share common interests, dreams, goals and aspirations. If you are an old friend, use the e-mail link to drop me a line and say hello. If you don't know me but have read enough that you have gotten to this point, send me a note and who knows, we could become the best of friends. In the meantime, make today a great day and smile because not only does it look good on you but it's contagious.
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