Tuesday, June 24, 2008

AIDS LifeCycle Summary





I recently completed my fourth consecutive AIDS/LifeCycle.

The photo album tells a bit of the story from our final training ride with margarita’s in Sausalito, to all seven days of the 545 mile journey from the City of St. Francis to the City of Angels, followed by my birthday celebration, Gia and I enjoying Santa Monica Pier, relaxing at her brothers’ in Weslake Village and visiting my friend Cady at Sony Pictures.

I met lots of new friends and was re-acquainted with many old ones who come from all over the country. One thing I’ve learned is that the more years I do The Ride, the more emotional it gets as well as more fun. Each year seems to bring new and yet familiar moments of joy that are difficult to translate.

Some highlights include meeting some Hispanic children in Gonzales. I carried with me a youth bracelet that I kept for years. Upon running into this small group, I asked, “If anyone can tell me why we are riding, I’ll give you this bracelet.” They hesitated as clearly English was not their first language. I pointed to my shirt, looking for the word “AIDS”, or anything familiar. Just before I gave up, the eldest boy profoundly said, “You ride to help the sick people.” He got it, and I was so moved. That is truly the reason we do this ride.

Shortly thereafter, I met two riders doing their first century ever and just as we were hitting 100 miles on my odometer we stopped suddenly for a photo op. Grateful, they went in for the final 5 miles. Although it was getting late, suddenly inspired, I raised my bike above my head and began screaming to the riders passing, “You just completed a century!” “Thanks for changing the world!” “Way to ride 100 miles, you rock!.” One by one they responded with, “Thank You,” “I Love You,” and so forth. Many were suddenly aware that they just completed their first century. It was a truly spontaneous moment that went on for nearly an hour until the final riders approached. Boy was I emotionally and physically drained that night.

On Quadbuster, Day Four, there is a notorious 1.8 mile vertical climb. I decided I would attempt it twice: once for myself, and a second time for others. On the way down, I was shouting and encouraging folks. I made the loop back and sought out someone who especially needed encouragement. I met a weeping Kara, and gave her a long push all way up the hill. She told me her legs were burning, and I gently talked with her letting her know she could do it. This is tricky business, helping someone with one hand, while staying balanced and climbing your self. Kara became stronger as we finished, and with a big push over the hump we dismounted and there were hugs and kisses galore. She was grateful for my help, but I was so impressed with her perseverance not to stop that I didn’t once consider my own pain…until camp that night. You’ll see our “victory” photo (she’s in a green jersey while my mouth is awkwardly agape).

In the “it’s a small world” category, I re-met a veteran bicyclist, who has been doing the ride for years and after discussing life a little deeper came to realize that he worked with my sister Peggy for many years at CalTrans and even attended my brother-in-law David’s memorial in 2001. (Peggy, I forget John’s last name but he’s in the photo just after Kara and right before the first Grease Pinky’s shot).

I was so moved on the last day, which coincided with my 43rd birthday. The night before I had friends sign a personalized white jersey. Many left messages of well wishes and all included their names and rider numbers so I can stay in touch. This was my 2nd year of uniquely wearing all white on the final day. It was a big hit, and will go down as one of the great days of my life. I was literally stopping traffic in that outfit (near the end of the ride I directed traffic near Peet’s coffee).

This year I introduced a personal philosopher I call BikEvangelism. Being a BikEvangelist, to me, means spreading the good news of kindness, doing for others and acting in a way that Jesus would, if he rode a bike. Never underestimate how helping to fix a flat can change someone’s day or entire ride experience and gain you a friend in the process. So far, this is an internal philosophy but I hope it spread a little on this ride and will carry on in the future. Come to think of it, I believe Jesus was on this ride. How could he not be?

I am so lucky to have the support of all my donors, family, friends, co-workers and of course Gia, who I dedicated this years’ ride to. Thank you all! But I want to especially thank my sister Susy, brother Steve, Cady and Gia for meeting me at the finish, making signs, bringing leis, and making my birthday so special. Also, gracias to Jaime, Lisa and Ana-Sofia for joining us at dinner and for providing that wonderful cake.

The photo above is with Lenore on Day 7, whom when she is not being an angel for ALC, is one of my volunteers at SFJAZZ, among other things.

P.S. There are tons of videos on YouTube, just search: AIDS LIFECYCLE.

Click here to see my photos:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=e45gba8.5ejvsxcg&x=0&h=1&y=-gmtauo&localeid=en_US

Sunday, June 01, 2008

AIDS LifeCycle 7 starts TODAY!



It's the first Sunday in June and that can only mean one thing. Today is the start of AIDS/LifeCycle. I'm off and riding in a matter of minutes after Gia drops me off at the Cow Palace. Even though this is my fourth years, there are still nerves and excitement. I've prepared by body, my bike and my baggage...there little more to do. Oh yeah, but ride 545 miles to Los Angeles. Truth be told, it's going to be great. It always is. And when one keeps in mind others who are suffering from HIV and AIDS, a little discomfort like using port-a-potties and setting up tents and having sore muscles and rising at 4:30am, isn't all that hard.

I wanted to make one final post in order to THANK all my supporters, those who have done so financially and emotionally. I especially want to thank Gia, my fiancee, who I am dedicating this years ride to - for all her support at home. She's been terrific - even in the midst of wedding planning. And she'll be with me on my birthday in Los Angeles and a few days after when we spend the weekend there. I'm so impressed by my group of donors that it's garnered me speechless - which is hard to do.

I dropped off my bike and did orientation Saturday, and it was so great to see old friends. Especially those from out of the Bay Area, whom I only see annually. Gia and I had a glorious dinner last night at a nice Italian restaurant with our neighbors.

If you would like to keep track of ALC 7 go to: http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/2008/support/