FUNDRAISING:
I'm pushing ahead in my quest to ride for the fourth consecutive year in AIDS/LifeCycle 7, despite a busy schedule and a few minor setbacks. As I've mentioned in prior posts I have experienced much joy from training and completing "The Ride." In order to continue I must raise a minimum of $2500.
My fundraising has picked up but I'm still about $1000 away from the minimum with only 5 weeks to go. I need your help. If you're reading this you must care a little about me and my journey. I've had former co-workers donate $100, a friend of Gia's who I've never met pledged $1 per mile, one of my volunteers personally donated $500 (again) and is asking others to view my homepage. Please consider a donation of any amount so I can join my friends and family at the finish (my birthday) on June 7th.
DEDICATION:
The first year I dedicated the ride to my late brother-in-law and friend David, as I rode his TREK bicycle and channeled his beautiful spirit. I carried his picture throughout my training and all the way to LA.
The second year I rode for myself. I know it sounds selfish, but I was under strict orders from my therapist and it was necessary for my personal growth.
The third year I dedicated it to my late Mother who passed away the year before. I carried a precious picture of her on the beach when she was young and her smile lifted me over many a hill.
In the year in which I will be married, this time I've decided to ride in honor of my bride-to-be, Gia. I hope to carry a picture of her beautiful face and recall what makes me so happy (and no doubt do a little wedding planning in my head). Help me to make this a reality.
Please click here: ALC HOMEPAGE, for more information. Thanks.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Support me for AIDS/LifeCycle 7
AIDS/LifeCycle 7
545 miles - from the City of
June 1-7, 2008
For the fourth year in a row I'm participating in AIDS/LifeCycle. It's a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from SF to LA which makes a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
In 2005 I began a journey to complete "THE AIDS ride" during the week of my 40th birthday. Little did I know these four years later, how it would change my life. I am be fully invested in the mission of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, have been a Training Ride Leader for three consecutive years, met so many wonderful people and personally have raised over $11,000 for the HIV/AIDS beneficiaries.
I’ve been preparing for the summer launch. Here's a bit about what goes into the training season:
In September of the prior year there is thank you ride. This is when after a few months of rest that many of us begin to decide if we're going to do "the ride" again (although some have already signed up during the previous ride). In October is the kick-off the season ride and around this time is also when Training Ride Leader (TRL) re-certification begins. This year well over 100 volunteer TRL's were certified in the Bay Area alone. Training rides start appearing on the ALC online calendar in November and December.
On January 13 was the big kick off event, and this year the sign-ups were cut off to the first 2500 around just after that event. Series training rides are being created in January. Most rides are Category 2 (10-12 mph) and the most popular of which are Ben's Sunday rides which run about 16 weeks with an increase of 10-15% in miles each week. I help lead some of the series and other rides like the Hollister Hills Ride I created in 2006. By February we're in full force and there are multiple rides on the calendar on even given weekend in SF/Marin,
By March everyone is going full force and riding several days a week. The idea is to build up saddle time and get used to riding multiple days in a row while also not peaking too early. In April and May one might be doing 80-90 miles on Saturday and 50-70 on Sunday. I personally ride to work several days a week, do a solo ride during a weekday and get in one long "official" ride on the weekend. My schedule is complicated from March-June with the jazz season, so working everything in is quite the challenge.
This year Day 0 is March 31 where we drop off our bikes and wait in lines to register. It takes 1/2 the day and you get to see everyone coming together for the first time from newbies you helped train to ol' friends from years past. I love Day 0 at the
Each year I have celebrated a birthday on the ride. This year I am stoked that it will be on the final day where the natural celebration will be in full force. Should I wear white (for victory) again?
Now you know a little more about the process and all the work that goes into making “THE ride” so enjoyable for me. Help me support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation by giving what you can. We'll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.
Peace and Love,
ALC Rider #3121
P.S. For more information and to donate online go to my homepage at: www.aidslifecycle.org/3121.
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