Keep up the positive attitude, Jo! Helping out at the ride instead sounds like a decent compromise. Hopefully, you'll get to ride the trainer, still. From the others' comments, it looks like a real possibility to me....
Congrats, Emily, on your comeback milestone! 40 miles is an accomplishment ANY time, but especially for you, after your injuries. Way to go!
Take care...
-BikeMomma
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein