In an email dated 10/15/2008:
“I find it hard to believe you've not blogged for more than a month. What gives?” –Chet
Well…I’ve been busy? I think in my age 5 making up excuses sort of mode. Picture me with one foot turned inward and my index finger on my cheek looking upwards trying to think of what I SHOULD say. It has been too long. So here goes…
For me September was Septabulous! The last time I blogged was the morning of the 2008 Tour of Missouri Professional cycling race. I had NO idea what a roller coaster week was ahead. I think if I was honest with myself I have been putting off writing this blog because I would undoubtedly want to recount one of the best weeks of my life! Admitting that the thrill is gone.
As dramatic as it may sound the 2008 Tour of Missouri Week changed me.
Was it because I had the honor and privilege of presenting 5 of the stage winners a bottle of Missouri Wine? Was it having my picture taken with winner Mark Cavendish while hanging out back stage after presenting him wine and getting his autograph? Was it the fun daily interviews I did on stage with the race announcers Dave and Jeff? Was it the thrill and excitement at the finish line? Was it talking about Missouri Wine with hundreds of spectators? Was it working 14 hour days setting up, facilitating the event, tearing down and driving to the next city? Was it the rain, cold, heat and humidity, hurricane winds and rain from Mother Nature? The bumpin’ music, the crowds and the awesome Missouri wine? Oh, and let’s not forget the wrap up event! While these were unbelievable experiences, it was the people.
It was the winery staff who showed up rain or shine. Smiling, sampling and promoting the best Missouri has to offer. One thing’s for sure the crowds heard about Norton!
It was April, who not only made sure I was on stage every day at the right times, but talked with me, inspired me, and became a friend. Always sporting a touch of pink, she brightened each day just being herself.
It was Scott who was always there to take care of us whether we needed a wire coat hanger to fish keys out of the porta potty (which we gave up on), or loaded our stuff on and off the freight truck day after day. Scott if you are reading this, “Dude-you are in the WRONG Columbia!”
It was Karen and Duddie who stuck with me day after day, mile after mile, loading and unloading, laughing and promoting. I couldn’t have made it without them.
It was Dan from Philly sharing his favorite wine, Mike and JT sandwich hugs and Jenny putting the “V” in the VIP hospitality. My BFF Sarah, Stacey, Virginia, Marlo, the fence crew, road crew, race officials, announcers, organizers, Missouri Tourism team, sponsors, and spectators. And rounding out the 600 person entourage let’s not forget the athletes, their teams, photographers (insert shout out to Deb here) and media. Too many to name, but each played an important role.
It was the people that made this week special for me. Their energy moved me. As strange as it may sound I miss them. It’s impossible to share or describe all that happens during Tour week, it must be experienced. This being my second year I was anxious for the journeys that lie ahead. Day one our Board Chairman looked at me and said, “I get it!” And on day seven when MO wine industry legend Glenn said “This is cool, unbelievable!” I knew all of the hard work had paid off. From the Press room to the Expo Tent, the awards stage to the VIP Hospitality, Missouri wines had made its way onto the professional sport scene. Right here, Right NOW!
“I find it hard to believe you've not blogged for more than a month. What gives?” –Chet
Well…I’ve been busy? I think in my age 5 making up excuses sort of mode. Picture me with one foot turned inward and my index finger on my cheek looking upwards trying to think of what I SHOULD say. It has been too long. So here goes…
For me September was Septabulous! The last time I blogged was the morning of the 2008 Tour of Missouri Professional cycling race. I had NO idea what a roller coaster week was ahead. I think if I was honest with myself I have been putting off writing this blog because I would undoubtedly want to recount one of the best weeks of my life! Admitting that the thrill is gone.
As dramatic as it may sound the 2008 Tour of Missouri Week changed me.
Was it because I had the honor and privilege of presenting 5 of the stage winners a bottle of Missouri Wine? Was it having my picture taken with winner Mark Cavendish while hanging out back stage after presenting him wine and getting his autograph? Was it the fun daily interviews I did on stage with the race announcers Dave and Jeff? Was it the thrill and excitement at the finish line? Was it talking about Missouri Wine with hundreds of spectators? Was it working 14 hour days setting up, facilitating the event, tearing down and driving to the next city? Was it the rain, cold, heat and humidity, hurricane winds and rain from Mother Nature? The bumpin’ music, the crowds and the awesome Missouri wine? Oh, and let’s not forget the wrap up event! While these were unbelievable experiences, it was the people.
It was the winery staff who showed up rain or shine. Smiling, sampling and promoting the best Missouri has to offer. One thing’s for sure the crowds heard about Norton!
It was April, who not only made sure I was on stage every day at the right times, but talked with me, inspired me, and became a friend. Always sporting a touch of pink, she brightened each day just being herself.
It was Scott who was always there to take care of us whether we needed a wire coat hanger to fish keys out of the porta potty (which we gave up on), or loaded our stuff on and off the freight truck day after day. Scott if you are reading this, “Dude-you are in the WRONG Columbia!”
It was Karen and Duddie who stuck with me day after day, mile after mile, loading and unloading, laughing and promoting. I couldn’t have made it without them.
It was Dan from Philly sharing his favorite wine, Mike and JT sandwich hugs and Jenny putting the “V” in the VIP hospitality. My BFF Sarah, Stacey, Virginia, Marlo, the fence crew, road crew, race officials, announcers, organizers, Missouri Tourism team, sponsors, and spectators. And rounding out the 600 person entourage let’s not forget the athletes, their teams, photographers (insert shout out to Deb here) and media. Too many to name, but each played an important role.
It was the people that made this week special for me. Their energy moved me. As strange as it may sound I miss them. It’s impossible to share or describe all that happens during Tour week, it must be experienced. This being my second year I was anxious for the journeys that lie ahead. Day one our Board Chairman looked at me and said, “I get it!” And on day seven when MO wine industry legend Glenn said “This is cool, unbelievable!” I knew all of the hard work had paid off. From the Press room to the Expo Tent, the awards stage to the VIP Hospitality, Missouri wines had made its way onto the professional sport scene. Right here, Right NOW!
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1 comments:
Beedle - that was worth the wait!
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