Conversation with The Queen!!!

March 16th, 2006- I was 5 minutes into my morning roller workout when a teammate came around the corner telling me The Queen was in the village!!! So, I jumped off the rollers and rode my bike to the section of the village where she was making her royalty rounds. I waited patiently on the sidewalk for her to make her way down the sidewalk. I was dressed in my spandex and undershirt, music on my i-pod was still blaring as I didnt' take the time to turn it off. As U2, "Beautiful Day", blared from my dangling earphones, I struck up a conversation with the head police lady from Buckingham Palace. As the Queen neared, I watched her stride in elegance with her beautiful outfit, young skin and white gloves. It was a spontaneous moment for me, as she neared my side, I thought you only live once....I stuck out my hand (as U2 still blared from my earphones) and I said "Hi Queen"!!!!! She stopped and looked at me, put out her hand and shook my hand. She asked me how I was and if I was enjoying myself. I said "I am here representing Canada for track and road cycling." The conversation continued as she asked me how the track facility was and bid me farewell and good luck!!!! At the end of it everybody around me thanked me for stopping the Queen so that they could get photos and see her close up. I didn't get any photos, but memories last a lifetime. A little luck of royalty on my hand before the big event never hurts!!!!

-gina