Bryan to Defiance

The 2011 Tour for MESA was scheduled to kick off with a pre-ride reception hosted by the Bryan Rotary club on Friday evening, July 8.  However, Toledo Rotation Mark Makulinski couldn't contain his excitement and started his own personal tour early, riding the 75 miles from Toledo to to meet the more than 20 other riders at the Orchard Hill Country Club in Bryan 

As part of the festivities the 23 riders were asked to introduce themselves and explain why they would embark on a journey of such personal torture.   Aside from a couple lame excuses like "My son talked me into it", virtually every rider shared the joy of living out Rotary's motto, Service Above Self.  Of course, camaraderie, hilarious fun, and unlimited gastronomic indulgence were also high on list.

The festivities were only slightly dampened by the announcement that this year's Chief Tour Coordinator, Billy Jo Ray Bob "Hill Billy" Pepple, was being disqualified after failing a random pre-race drug test, which revealed excessive amounts of chocolate milk.  Following the great meal and Bill Roast, the riders matched up with their hosts to retire for the evening.

At 7:30 am we gathered for breakfast courtesy of Phil Ennon and Community Hospital of Williams County.  We were met by several additional riders, including past District Governor Paul Smith's daughter Deb, and Elyria Paul Harris Fellow Sam Speck.  After proclamations by Bryan mayor Doug Johnson and Rotary District 6600 governor  Helyn Bolanis and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the riders were off on the first leg of a 68-mile day, under clear skies and the blissful misimpression that Williams County was flat.

In Bryan at the Start of Day 1

The Ribbon Cutting

PDG Perkins Lead the Pack

The Hicksville Opera House

Our first rest stop was hosted by the Montpelier Rotary club, where we bid farewell to District Special Projects Director and past District Governor Dave Perkins.  His companionship is always an inspiration.

We continued on to Edgerton, with the growing realization that "Hill Billy" had moved every single hill in the county onto our route.  The break in Edgerton was most refreshing, as was their club contribution of  $500.

We were hosted for lunch by the Hicksville Rotary club and president Keith Countryman at the charming Hicksville Opera House.  Countryman explained the Opera House was built in the late 1800's and popularized by production companies traveling by rail between Chicago and New York, who would stop for a practice performance in Hicksville.  

The leg from Hicksville to Defiance was beastly.  The sun had baked the pavement to 102 degrees, and sucked hydration out seemingly faster than it could be replaced.  Fortunately, support drivers Carl Norris and Gary Davis were well stocked and shepherded us to our destination at the Defiance YMCA.

After 20 minutes of recovery time in the air-conditioned foyer, we went to our respective host homes for badly needed showers.  We then met the Defiance Rotary club and past-president Jean Hubbard at  Kistner's for a buffet dinner, including the best roast beef in Hancock County.
We laughed, enjoyed fellowship, and congratulated each other for surviving a difficult but worthwhile day.  We slept the sleep of the satisfied, deeply appreciative of the hospitality and support of so many generous clubs.