Forrest Finishes the 300 mile WAM Ride!

Very seldom do I write anything here that doesn’t have anything to do with the café. Unfortunately this has more to do with the fact that I spend most of my life at the café than with me trying to keep things pure or anything like that. Last Thursday Forrest left on a bus to Traverse City with his bike loaded on a Semi and Friday he started his three day three hundred mile ride back home. He did this ride for several reasons. First of all Make a Wish is a great organization and he really feels strongly about what they do for children and families going through life threatening illnesses. Second, Forrest loves bicycling. For being 14 years old, he puts an incredible amount of miles on his bike just for the pure joy of riding. I like riding with him, but there are days that I wouldn’t consider riding. With Forrest it doesn’t matter whether it is raining, snowing or even hailing, he truly loves riding his bike.

I have talked to Forrest every day since he started his ride. He has been very tired at the end of each day, but he finished each leg of the ride. Anyone who came to the Sunday buffet this week may have received slow service, but I couldn’t miss watching Forrest cross the finish line, so even though we were a couple of people short already, I left the café and went to Chelsea to watch Forrest come home. I really do feel bad about leaving, but I don’t think anyone can really blame me. Watching Forrest cross the finish line brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud of him, and it really looked like he grew another couple inches in the four days he was gone.

After crossing the finish line Forrest grabbed some lunch at the heroes’ hurrah, and then went to meet his wish kid. He received a medal and got his picture taken as Sarah put the medal over his head. The entire event was incredible. Forrest is already planning to do it again next year. Maybe if I worked at it, I could get in shape and do it with him. I am not sure how I would handle 4 days away from the café, but after 5 years here, I think I deserve it.