I spent nearly two hours thus afternoon in an empty camp writing messages on the tent markrs welcoming cyclists and roadies into camp. Some were cheesy like "you are my sunshine", but mostly variations on "welcome home" and "thank you" with liberal use of the word "hero" thrown in for good measure.

Having not been well enough to ride and sitting in a nearly empty camp, I was trying to find a way to still feel connected to the ride and the community. I probably got about 200-300 tents (making about 400-600 people) and I know I'm going to brighten at least soneone's day, but I still feel like I've become sort of an outsider.

I tried to get the crew to bend the rules and let me ride with a roadies friend, but even in the last few years the events become a lot stricter on that kind of thing I was forced to ride the bus instead of being allowed to help. A few years ago when I was sick they were happy to let me jump from stop to stop and cheer on my friends.

I kind of just want to home, but I'm heading over to bike parking to see if Gretchen (that's my bike's name) was put on medical hold or if I'll be allowed to ride tomorrow.