She would have preferred if all those people saying all those nice things about her would have kept quiet. And that new bicycle she was given as a thank you at the Bermuda Bicycle Association awards banquet last Saturday, well, it's not necessary to mention it, is it? But then that's Dillon for you: Earnestly plugging away behind the scenes for the good of the sport, without a thought towards publicity.

For 17 years she's been involved with the BBA, the past three as their workaholic secretary, and the last thing she expected was to receive a hand-built, all-aluminium Cannondale triathlon bike, valued at $1,100.

"She's earned it many times over,'' said BBA spokesman Greg Hopkins, who came up with the idea as a joint venture between his Winners Edge bicycle shop and the association. "There are so many people like her in associations and they never get recognition they deserve.

"I have no doubt in my mind that she is one of the main reasons the association has enjoyed so much success and support during the past couple of years.'' You can almost see Dillon blushing over the phone when told of this.

"Nobody's indispensable,'' she finally says.

It was after all the other awards were handed out last Saturday that her new bike was wheeled out and presented to her as a token of the BBA's gratitude.

"I was shocked, speechless,'' said Dillon. Even yesterday she said she was still "completely overwhelmed.'' She's been at the shop almost every day since looking at her new toy, getting minor adjustments done, and she expects to pick it up for the final time this weekend. It will certainly get a lot of use: In addition to her organisational duties, Dillon is an avid competitor, taking part in time trials as well as triathlons.

When not competing herself, you'll find her at various events, such as the Senior Games, acting as race director or statistician or marshall or anything else that needs to be done.

She takes care of all BBA correspondence, including acting as a liaison with the world cycling body (UCI) and the Bermuda Olympic Association. She selects and purchases prizes and trophies, attends all executive meetings and keeps minutes meticulously on file and, up until this year, compiled and wrote the BBA newsletter.

"What her responsibilities are and what she actually does throughout the year are two different things,'' said Hopkins.

Said Dillon: "It's time consuming but very rewarding.'' Any highlights? "I just enjoy the whole involvement with it.'' What motivates her? "I love the sport and love working with the people involved.'' Linda Dillon