Today was my first ride of the 2007 season in preperation for AIDS/LifeCycle 6, which is from June 3-9, 2007. I'm quite excited to get back on the bike after only riding to work occassionally and also to see ol' friends I've met in my 2 previous years riding in ALC.
As one the Training Ride Leaders (TRL's) it is my responsibility to help others who are new to become familiar with riding in groups, learning the rules of the road, and to answer questions. Many will have fears and concerns that a veteran rider, with the right sense of patience, can help them with. In a nutshell, we volunteer our time (mostly on weekends from Jan-May) to help others prepare for "The Ride" in June. The ALC "family" really respects the new rider and is well aware of their concerns. Retaining these riders until June as a consequence allows the benefiting organizations to raise much needed funds for HIV and AIDS services. Last year we raised $6 million and this year the goal is $8 million.
What may go unnoticed at times is how by helping others we as Ride Leaders gain so much ourselves. "It is in giving that we receive."
It is also true that when training others, you are not really getting in your own training. When your focus is on the slower rider and answering questions it doesn't allow much space for getting your own training needs met. The trick here is to lead and train seperately but not at the same time. Although riding in general is good exercise regardless.
Today's ride was from Golden Gate Park to Mill Valley. We call it the "coffee run." Overall about 26 miles. Our turn-around point is the Coffee Depot in the town square which is an old stomping ground for my brother Kevin and I during our years living in MV.
Upon arrival I introduced myself to several new riders who were either on their first ALC training ride, or would in short-order be riding over the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time. Along the way I "led" a few young women who were simultaneously nervous, funny and full of questions. We hooted and hollered in the final leg, everyone happy with what they accomplished.
This was also my longest ride since ALC 5 last June and one I secretly was happy to get under my belt. For me the biggest challenge after 2 years is still being prepared in the mornings which includes eating a proper breakfast, filling water bottles, pumping tires and getting my bicycle clothing together (yes, lot's of spandex). However, I'm working on being more prepared the night before a ride.
So the training season is off and running, and soon I'll be actively fundrasing. In fact you can be the first to donate by going to my homepage at www.aidslifecycle.org/6829.
Check back here for updates and my journey to ALC 6 in June.
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