After prayers and the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem, riveting speeches were given by Jigme Norbu, Larry Gerstein (President-International Tibet Independence Movement), Mary Kate Oreovicz (President-Students for a Free Tibet-Indiana University), and Gedun Rabsal (Editor, Rangzen Voice). This was followed by a long life prayer for His Holiness The Dalai Lama and an offering of khatas by the Tibetan community to Jigme and Kunga Norbu.

Jigme and Kunga then rode off through the streets of downtown Indianapolis on their way to Martinsville, Indiana. Soon thereafter, the rain began. For much of the day’s ride, the rain poured down heavily on the Freedom Riders. Further, for most of the day, they were subjected to the debris (i.e., dirt, pebbles) flying off trucks and automobiles that passed them on the route.

Although the weather and road conditions were quite treacherous, Jigme and Kunga remained focused and determined to achieve their goals. That is, to educate people about the importance of stopping the Olympic Torch from going through Tibet, requesting that President Bush not attend the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics unless substantial progress is made in negotiations between China and the Tibetan Government In-Exile, and presenting the Torch to their father, Taktser Rinpoche (oldest brother of His Holiness The Dalai Lama).

While riding, Jigme and Kunga also kept in the forefront of their mind the horrific conditions of the Tibetans inside of Tibet rendering the challenge of the weather and bicycle ride itself much less significant. In fact, keeping this in mind helped them to exceed the number of planned miles for the first day of the ride. Instead of covering 40 miles in day one, they rode 60 miles.

Day 2 (June 4) of the ride took place on the 19th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests and killings. The day began with some prayers and a dedication of the day’s ride to the Tibetans in Tibet who were killed recently by China, the Chinese activists who were killed on June 4, 1989 in Tiananmen Square, the Tibetans currently living in Tibet fighting for their freedom, the Chinese in China struggling for democracy, and the Tibetans and Chinese who died recently as a result of the massive earthquake.

As Jigme and Kunga rode through the streets of Bloomington, many motorists honked their horns in support and even asked to see the Tibetan Freedom Torch.

On arrival at the doorstep of the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple to greet Taktser Rinpoche, Jigme and Kunga were met by many Tibetan Monks, most of the local Tibetan community, members of the Indiana University SFT, and representatives of the local media. On hand as well was Taktser Rinpoche’s wife, Kunyang Norbu, and Rinpoche’s oldest son, Lhundup Norbu. Each Tibetan then presented Jigme and Kunga with a khata.

All in attendance then proceeded to Rinpoche’s room and watched as Lhundup (46 years old), Kunga (45 years old), and Jigme (42 years old) offered the Tibetan Freedom Torch to their father whose smile brightened the entire room in the moments to follow. After this, Kunyang Norbu and Jigme Norbu's son, Tenzin, joined Rinpoche as He held the Freedom Torch.

Many understood the historic nature of this occasion. Eighty-five year Taktser Rinpoche has been a vocal, consistent, and strong worldwide leader of the Tibet Independence Movement since His escape from Tibet in 1951. Now, His three sons and grandson stood by His side in support of His efforts and vision for the future of an independent Tibet.

After a meal hosted by local Tibetans, all present proceeded on a walk with the Torch to downtown Bloomington. Jigme and has son led the way. Throughout the walk, the participants could be heard chanting Tibetan prayers and shouting slogans (e.g., Free Tibet, Long Live His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Bhod Rangzen).

Half way along the 6-mile route, Lhundup Norbu took over as the leader. Soon after this, the sky opened up and the rain poured down and completely drenched the walkers. Neither the rain, nor the heat, nor the high humidity, however, weakened their resolve. In fact, their slogans became louder and stronger.

About one-half mile from their final destination, the Monroe County Courthouse, the walkers stopped for some shelter and tea offered by Anyetsang’s Little Tibet restaurant. As they stood drinking tea, an unusual event happened. Flash floods filled the streets. In fact, the streets turned into streams and rivers. Cars were submerged and people were boating down the streets.

Because of this, it was impossible for the walkers to reach their final destination. Instead, they recited prayers and sang the Tibetan National Anthem on the porch of the restaurant. In some ways, this was a fitting end to the Tibetan Freedom Torch event in Indiana. Surrounded by images of Tibet and His Holiness The Dalai Lama, as well as colors and decor significant to Tibetans, ending the walk and ride at “Little Tibet” symbolized the richness of the Tibetan culture and the importance of Tibetans regaining control of their country.

Interviews in Tibetan can be found on the Tibetan service websites of Radio Free Asia and Voice of America.