Dashing for Diamonds

Because we can’t get enough of races and scavenger hunts around town, it was easy to get up early on Saturday to take part in the second annual Diamond Dash hosted by Henne Jewelers. The premise is that 400 couples race around town for a few hours and the couple with the most points at the end wins a $15,000 diamond ring. The best part is that all of the clues are texted to your phone and when you find the answer, you text back and get another clue. Sounds easy, right?

Well, our adventure began on Friday night as we drove out to Butler. Why did we have to drive out to Butler, you ask? Because of Kevin’s love for me…

Let me back up…24 years ago, Kevin decided to ride his bike in his driveway after a rain storm. The wet driveway combined with Kev’s loss of balance resulted in a broken femur and a body cast. He hasn’t been on a bicycle since… I understand why. Kindofnotreally.

Anyway, in order to be competitive in the Diamond Dash, couples can ride bikes (or any other non-motorized vehicle). There were some groups on roller blades, some on scooters and most on bikes. Because of our natural competitiveness and eagerness to win, we needed to be on bikes. So here lies the problem: We want to win, but need a bike and Kevin doesn’t ride a bike.

Last year, I remembered that a friend of mine doesn’t ride bikes either, but had an “interesting” alternative. She has a tricycle. A “grown-up tricycle.” It worked great and we came in 8th place last year. Since it worked out well then, we drove up to Butler to borrow the trike from Trish’s little sister who now uses it. (Thanks, Dorothy Mae!)

Now imagine us showing up at Market Square on Saturday morning with my black and yellow 13-year-old boy’s mountain bike and Kevin on a trike with a basket and a horn. Classic.

While the race went pretty well, we made a few rookie mistakes—a few misdirections, a spelling error when texting in an answer, spending too much time on a clue that we couldn’t find the answer to, the seat falling off the trike and Kevin having to ride IN the basket while pedaling (photo above), etc. We weren’t too optimistic about our chances of winning a prize. However, as we started talking to other couples, we didn’t speak to anyone that had a higher point total.

The after party took place at Bar Louie and they announced the top 20 contestants who all got prizes—everything from concert tickets, tickets Kennywood, Pirate games, jewelry from Henne’s, the ring (the couple got engaged on stage--very deserving winners)... While I was disappointed, Kevin was much more so. After the awards, he went up to the manager of SCVNGR (the company in charge of the texting part) and asked what place we finished. He said we were number 21!!! Then he said, “Hang on,” and came back with an envelope. While they announced the top 20, they had prizes for the top 21…LUCKY DUCKY!

So, we gladly accepted our 21st place and look forward to using our gift card for dinner and tickets to see Jekyl and Hyde at the Benedum! Just wait until next year! We’re going to win it all!