DAILY TOUR UPDATE

DAY 13: FINAL, Saturday, June 30 - Terre Haute to Indianapolis

We began our last day of the tour with a 7am departure, heading to a local McDonalds for breakfast. Then, it was on the road, passing through Brazil. The skies were cloudy and the temps were refreshingly cool...

We made an early stop for lunch at the Putnamville Indiana State Police Post, where mom and Gayle met us with our Putnam Co. FOP sponsored lunch...

Cousin Susie and Aunt Mimi were on hand, which was a nice surprise...

Gayle and her buddy Monica Zahasky (Bloomington PD) share a moment before we head out...

Gayle took this photo of support truck driver J.D. Richards (ret. ISP & Johnson Co. Sheriff) and his buddy Elmo...

Cloverdale PD Chief Charlie Hallam with wife Robin, Putnam Co. Sheriff's Dept. Sgt. Tom Helmer and Deputy Craig Sibbitt joined our motorcade as escorts through Putnam Co.

I'm 'hamming it up' for the camera one last time as we leave the ISP Post...

After lunch we headed east on US40 to Putnam Park Road Course, where dad spent much of his free time taking photos and meeting professional racecar drivers and teams. Thanks to the Diasio Family owners for their contributions to our cause...

Then it was a short trek down the road to dad's gravesite where I had the opportunity to read his Officer Down report...

We also read New Richmond Town Marshal Mark Clapp's Officer Down report as Mark's aunt, Mary Jane Monnett, joined us. Mark worked for dad in their early years at the Putnam Co. Sheriff's Dept...

I appreciate the riders taking the time to visit and reflect on these personal locations.

Then, it was on to Hinkle Fieldhouse, on the Butler Univ. campus, as the temps rose and the sun beat down. Even after a tough headwind and two long stints on the bikes, we arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule and had plenty of time to relax and reflect on our trip before heading to the final ceremony.

A special recognition gift was presented by cyclist Andrea Weekley (Dunkirk PD) and Lois Ridgway to Dan Dudley. The t-shirt below needs no explaination for our group, but for the general public I can only say, "If I have to explain it, you just wouldn't understand." I will say that this is the result of a continuing joke about an incident involving Dan on the first day of the ride along US40 in Putnam Co., involving a local farmhouse, the level of need to use a restroom and finding a 'real' outhouse...

We also had fun watching Mark Fedder (Mishawaka PD) and Steve Wendling (Wells Co. SD) attempt to navigate Mark & Katie Pappaioanou's (Fishers PD) tandem bike...some things were never meant to be viewed by human eyes...

Then, it was on to the Heroes of Public Safety Memorial in Crown Hill Cemetery for the closing ceremonies. We were joined in the ceremonial ride by local supporters, including friend Paul D'Angelo...

Many speakers had the chance to thank the riders and sponsors for their contribution to Indiana C.O.P.S...

Then, the record amount check of $46,740.54 was presented to Indiana Concerns of Police Survivors...

Supporters Dale & Sandy Jessup joined us at the ceremony while Gayle points to Papaw's name engraved in the Heroes of Public Safety memorial...

Today's Stats: Weather: Warm temps with a headwind, Mileage: 87.2, Avg. Speed: 14.8 mph, Max Speed: 30.3, Actual Saddle Time: 5 hours 54 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Wow! What an experience. What an honor. I still have trouble explaining the impact of an event like this. I can't remember experiencing anything like it. From long days of cycling to the development of new friendships to meeting Survivors to emotional events honoring our state's fallen heroes, this was truly an adventure of a lifetime. I'm astounded by those that have completed this venture year after year. My hat is off to them...

Something that was mentioned by seasoned riders during the event that rang very true every day: "When the strain of a long trek of cycling is about to physically overtake you, you must think of the pain and suffering the Survivor Families of our Fallen Heroes continue to experience every day without their loved one. Our pain is short-term while theirs is forever. Remember why we are here, raising awareness." It is what keeps you pedaling.

A special thanks goes out to everyone that made this experience possible, from those that donated to our cause, that contributed with emotional support and all of you that followed our progress throughout the event...Thank You!

...Jason.

NEVER FORGOTTEN: THEY GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

COPS Cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S. 2007

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