Wow – we actually did it! We crossed the finish line, and nobody had to tow any of us in!

Saturday in the Hood River Gorge dawned bright and clear, with breathtaking views of the Columbia River and riders in multi-colored shirts riding down the mountain. Brian and Tegan, and other diabetic riders, wore “Red Rider” jerseys, proudly proclaiming “I ride with diabetes.”

The rest of our team wore “Team Tegan and her Daddy” t-shirts designed by our friends, Nate and Jody Orrison.


We had lunch provided by Burgerville before heading up to the family ride, a 10-mile course through the Mosier Tunnels. What an incredible adventure! Tegan and her Papa kept up a running commentary of jokes, while Brian, Briana, and Christina all did double-duty, pulling Connor, Brody, and Faith behind them on tag-along bikes.

We stopped at the turn-around point to enjoy the view, have snacks, and take pictures. At the end, we all received medals before heading down to the Hood River marina to listen to Curtis Salgado and watch the kite-surfers on the river

We feel so truly blessed and thankful to all of you for your support, encouragement, and prayers. In the final tallies (so far), we raised $8,190 $8,240(more keeps coming in!), and rank 2nd out of 70 teams - amazing evidence of your encouragement and support to Brian and Tegan, and to our whole family! Shortly after Tegan’s diagnosis, Brian added a new type of insulin to his daily regimen. The improvement was so dramatic that we added that long acting insulin to Tegan’s doses. This is just one example of the direct impact of your money to our family. Both Tegan and Brian are safer and healthier because of the funds raised by the American Diabetes Association. While we look forward to a year of new discoveries in the world of diabetes management, we still urgently pray for a cure. We hope to participate in this ride each year: raising more money for a cause so dear to our hearts, enjoying the exercise and adventure, creating family memories, and showing Tegan, Brian and others how much we love them. We’ll continue riding . . . let us know if you want join us some weekend!

Brian set up a website with more of the pictures from our day – check it out at:
http://brianmick.googlepages.com/tourdecure2008

Thank you again for touching our lives with your support!

Brian, Mick, Tegan and Connor Johnson

Team Tegan and Her Daddy

Colossians 3:1 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.