My Leaders & My Role Models

Saying goodbye to my route leaders a few minutes ago made it hit me.. I'm done. I made it to Seattle. I've shipped my bike home and tomorrow I don't get to spend time with the people I've come to love in such a short amount of time. The people who got me to this point are my route leaders. The people I gave hell frequently on the trip with bike troubles, complaints, drinking, and numerous questions. These people deserve so much for what they have done in the lives of my team, the organization, and this country.
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Ladies first, right? Emily Huber. The toughest person I know. She's the epitome of a badass. She cycled through hypothermic conditions in little more than a tank top and shorts. She was the last to complain (in fact, never did) and the first to give up a good thing for others (like the time she tried giving up a hot shower for a teammate). This woman does everything kindheartedly and with good intentions. I can't thank her enough for sharing her heart with me and cheering me up every day of this trip. You are an angel. Thank you.
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Next should be another sweetheart, Ayhson Shafiq. He was the team intern and had the team's best smile. He was always genuine and honest with us. As a rider, we could relate to him because this was his first big trip. Ayhson loved every minute of the trip and was a person to laugh with you when you do something stupid, which I did many times. He alone peer pressured me into many things by saying "you won't ______". I'm so glad I don't back down from a challenge. I enjoyed every second of completing what he said I wouldn't. Thanks, Ayhson.
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Next should be one of the first guys on this list, because he was the first I talked to. Lucas Johnston. Our bike mechanic and the real reason I made it to Seattle. He helped me find bikes my size in Bar Harbor after the tragic death of my All-City bike. He then was always willing to fix my bike when it broke, even when it wasn't what he wanted to do. Lucas was hard working all the time and by far an inspiring rider. He was fast, strong, and experienced. My favorite memory of Lucas was after the first time I had to get in the van. My bottom bracket on my bike practically fell apart while riding on the 3rd of July. I thought it snapped. I spent the last 8 miles of the day in the van and assumed that I was going to be in the van on the 4th of July (the one day I looked forward to the most). I sat in the van disappointed, I got to the church and sat in the pew with my head down praying. Praying that my bike could make it to Seattle and that some miracle would fix my bike. Lucas was that miracle. Without my asking (because I wasn't going to ask), Lucas looked at my bike and fixed it. I instantly felt better and my bike survived from that moment until Seattle without Lucas needing to fix it. I owe so much to Lucas for allowing me to physically and mentally get to Seattle. He always held me to a high standard and I'm competitive. Thank you so much!
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The man. The machine. The goof ball. Joe Letchford. Just looking at him, I felt inferior. Joe is chiseled and hard working. After spending time with Joe, I gained so much confidence, though. I saw his work ethic and his commitment to what he wanted, but we had so many conversations about confidence. Joe and I are polar opposites in almost every regard. He bikes fast - I bike slow. He works out to look better - I work out to have fun. He is always trying to improve himself - I am always trying to convince others that I am already amazing. I learned so much from Joe about how different others can view you compared to how you view yourself. Joe is a remarkable human and those who met him will agree. I am so happy to have a person like him in my life and I can't wait to visit him in Minneapolis (my favorite city of the trip, including seattle).
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Last, but certainly not least, is Mike Platania. This guy was my role model throughout the trip, no offense to the other route leaders. Mike was a witty, athletic, resourceful route leader. When he was interacting with the team, Mike was funny and brought the fun. Some of the time he used peer pressure and other times he was leading the pack to play games. When Mike was riding, he was strong and fast. He was great to draft off, if you could keep up and he never asked to draft off you. I still remember Mike telling me, "I only ride half the time you all do, so I should be pulling the draft line." Mike inspired me to not rely on others and earn every mile I rode. He made me compete in games like kickball and frisbee, because we never got put on the same team. Best of all, Mike was an amazing route leader. He drove the lead van most times and this meant he had to be ahead to secure rest stop and accommodations. Mike can be credited for many indoor nights to protect us from the rain that we didn't originally have planned as well as getting us showers that he worked to get us for free. I cannot wait to see him again and go to Atlantic City. Thank you for all you have done for me, Mike.
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These people have changed my life. I've loved, learned, and lived with them. My experience riding this summer pales in comparison to all the time I spent with this crew. I'm thankful to have you all as my route leaders, role models, and friends. You all did such a great job this summer. Thank you all! I love you.