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Day 10 - "Team Bessie" Shall Be Back!!!

6/26/2011

5 Comments

 
     We just returned from the 2011 Air Race Classic awards banquet that was an absolute lovely affair!!! Female air racing pilots sure know how to 'get dolled up' when awards and money are being handed out :-).
     It was an exciting evening that commenced with recognition and appreciation to all of our ARC sponsors who make an event of this magnitude possible by their support and generosity.  An introduction of all the air racing teams was made where we all received our certificates and plaques of participation which essentially is our "induction" into the exclusive sorority of 'female air racers;'  I feel HONORED!!! :-)   A scrumptuous dinner was served followed by a slide presentation of this year's adventure, remembering our female Hall of Heroes: those ladies who have flown in 25 or more air races.  Then came the part of the program that all the racers were eagerly anticipating. 
      
   
Picture
"Joyce and Athina with our certificates and plaques for successful participation!"
 The categories included: Mother-Daughter team  winners; Collegiate Team winners; Last-Place winner; numerous leg prizes; and  finally the Top-Ten Racing Team winners.  Drum roll, please!!!!  UNFORTUNATELY,  Team Bessie fans and bloggers,  Athina and I did not take home any awards --  bummer!!! 
      
Picture
"Athina and I are not in this picture; bummer!!!" :-( There's next year, though! :-)
     But, no worries, sports fans!  You'd still be  as proud of us as we are of ourselves for competing in and completing this  race!!!  It was a  great race and especially since this was my first time along  with "The Joybird."   I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT FLYING, AIR RACING, AND WHAT "The  Joybird" CAN DO; SHE'S  AN AWESOME AIRPLANE!!!  Thank you, Lord, so much!!!!  We finished well, with NO  penalties and flying 3.4 kts above  our handicap speed.  In my estimation, that was great for a "first-time" racer!!!:-)  
      But,  just as significant was the fact that , we represented well  as the 1st ever  
all-African-American team to compete, and many, many of our fellow racers were
happy and thrilled to see that part of history being made.
     So, we'll come back strong next year with better strategy in aircraft loading  and center of gravity considerations, "flying the winds" more precisely, and  doing all that's necessary to eliminate as much drag on the aircraft.  Next year, we WILL fly a better air race!!!  
     The best part, though, was reaching out to so many African-American girls and
women who never met a black female pilot and who knew nothing  about our  team namesake, the historic Bessie Coleman.  We raced to keep her legacy alive!!!

Picture
"Next year's Air Race Classic route!"
      BTW:  We came in 32nd out of 43 racing teams, so WE'RE MAD NOW!!! :-).  Watch out Classic Racers; no messin' around next year!!! :-).
     Good nite, Bessie Bloggers!!! Early morning wheels up to Topeka.  Thank you all for your love and support!  Many Blessings!!!...Joyce and Athina


5 Comments
Jilda Motley
6/26/2011 04:09:34 pm


The two of you did an outstanding job regardless of how you placed
I'm so proud of both of you and I'm looking forward to seeing you in your next race
God Bless
Jilda

Reply
Willie ,Victoria , Adriana Robinson
6/26/2011 11:24:33 pm

We are sorry to hear that you did not receive any trophies or awards, but in our book you are a winner by, being the first African American team representing "team Bessie" in the Air Race. Like you said there is always next year and we can't wait.

Signed: Victoria Robinson, BCAL member, twelve years old, and a two year pilot trainee.

Reply
DANIEL AND FELICIA PARKER
6/26/2011 11:33:42 pm

I AM SO SORRY I MISSED ALL OF THE EVENTS,DUE TO THE HOSPITALIZATION OF MY MOTHER IN LAW IN ROUTE TO MEET YOU ALL AND TO SHARE IN THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION. I AM SO PROUD OF THE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU ALL GOT IN THE ABILITY TO EVEN BE IN THIS RACE AND TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU ALL ACHIEVED. CONGRATULATION TO YOU BOTH LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEARS EVENT AND AGAIN I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU . YOU ARE WINNERS IN MY EYES. GOD BE WITH YOU AND CONTINUE FLYING BECAUSE" I STILL BELIEVE YOU CAN FLY" LOVE YOU BOTH GET HOME SAFELY TALK WITH YOU ALL LATER GOD BLESS "TEAMBESSIE"

Reply
Jackie Beiro
6/27/2011 09:48:45 am

Joyce and Athina,
I wanted to say CONGRATS! to you both for giving us even more to be proud of than what we bargained for. Everybody would like a trophy, I'm sure, but you've got something that trumps the other women racers. You've got the love and the respect of a whole lot of people following you, following Bessie! Thanks for such inspiring blogs and laughable moments. You two are a hoot! We'll stay tuned. Next time, "refuse to take no for an answer."

Reply
Bessie Grayson
6/27/2011 11:03:54 pm

You ladies did great!! And Bessie Coleman would be sooooo proud of you - just as I am. Not only did you compete, finish the race, but your story will inspire other black female pilots to realize their dream of flying. I am going to promote you guys through my emails and contacts - keep it up! You two are HEROES to me and to every black female who has a desire to fly!!! I will be tuned in for next year!!!!

Reply



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    "I believe we can WIN this!"

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