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Posted by Marilyn Behrman
on June 16, 2009, 3:20 am
99.14.208.188
Dear deCycles Riders nd Staff,
Ten years ago, Summer 1999, Jill rode with deCycles, a much anticipated adventure and a life changing experience. Jill's journey as a member of deCycles taught her so much about herself, about life. She learned that she was "somebody," that her work ethic and dedication to the task at hand could help carry her down the road toward the next destination. She learned that "being somebody" meant so much more than recognition for her efforts.....it meant setting goals (minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week). It meant learning to put the group above self, encouraging others in order to reach the goal, and most of all, deCycles taught Jill a new awareness of both her strengths AND her weaknesses. deCycles helped Jill find something deep down inside herself which she may not have known was there. deCycles provided Jill MANY defining moments in her quest to find meaning and purpose in her life. Prior to her deCycles journey, she may have thought it was about strength nd endurnce and her prized Cannondale bike, but as Lance Armstrong reminds us, "It's Not about the Bike......"
In yesterday's Herald-Times (6/15/2009), a Letter to the Editor from James Capshew informs the public that you made a 40-mile commemorative 'practice ride' remembering Jill on Sunday, May 31st. This marked the ten year anniversary of that fateful morning when Jill went for a bike ride and never came home. Thank you, all, for this kind and meaningful gesture.
Thank you and 'Ride like the Wind,;
Marilyn and Eric Behrman
(Jill’s parents)
Herald-Times
Letters to the Editor
June 15, 2009
A commemorative ride
To the editor:
The day dawned bright and clear on Sunday, May 31.
A group of cyclists, 28 strong, set out from Jackson Creek Middle School on a special journey in the early afternoon. Under the sponsorship of deCycles, the 40-mile ride honored the memory of Jill Behrman and coincided with the ninth anniversary of her last bicycle excursion.
The group rode slowly past her family’s house and made its way to Maple Grove Road. Daunting hills and gorgeous scenery greeted the cyclists at each turn. A brief stop in the vicinity where her bike was found provided the occasion of sharing thoughts on her fateful life and the legacy that she has provided the Bloomington community.
In three weeks, deCycles will embark on their annual adventure. This year, the Appalachian Mountains is the destination; 1,500 miles is the goal, leaving and coming back to Bloomington. Jill was a deCycles rider in 1999, strong and proud. That indestructible spirit was celebrated in this memorial ride, and is in evidence whenever young people brave the open road and ride like the wind.
James H. Capshew
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