Completion of ALC 6: 7 Days, 7 Words

Day 1: Goals
Day 2: Determination
Day 3: Strength
Day 4: Miracles
Day 5: Love
Day 6: Perseverance
Day 7: Joy

These were the words which Gia wrote on separate handkerchiefs for each day of AIDS/LifeCycle, along with a quote relating to each word. It was a wonderful sentiment and a gift I looked forward to opening each day. Not coincidentally, "Love" came on my birthday, which was also red dress day. There was much love special day, as I celebrated by wearing a white tank with red trim that Gia made which boldly read, "TODAY IS MY BDAY." All the attention I got as a result was wonderful but most importantly I was able to share my excitement back with all those who greeted me by yelling "happy red dress day to you." I also met several people who shared my birth date as a result. Several of us rode together in the morning. We only rode 42 miles making it by far the shortest day and one in which there is much down-time to rest and re-group. The day included singing, dancing in little Casmalia during lunch, and a great talent show that went until 10:30pm.

Other highlights included:

On Day 1 my nephews Trenton and Quinlan and niece Rivianna, along with Trenton's girlfriend, Jasmine, greeted me a few miles before the finish in Santa Cruz. They arrived just at the right time, and we hung out for about 45 min. watching the other riders and telling stories. The Borelli's (Gia's Mom, sister Carla, brother Steve his girlfriend Kathy) all met me at the finish soon after, as they were staying in Aptos for the weekend. They were able to come into the park and get a taste of camp-life while Steve enjoying taking pictures of the colorful riders.

The morning of Day 2 Gia met me at The Ugly Mug, a local coffee shop that gives the riders any drink they want for free, while dancing and singing in front of the shop. One young employee proclaimed, "this last hour hangin' with you ALCers was the best hour of my life" before she had to clean the overflowing toilet we clogged up.

Shortly thereafter we were riding through the woods of Aptos when we came upon a women carrying a trumpet. One rider asked her to play us a tune as we were stopped. She flustered and said, "who me, what should I play?" The rider yelled, "how about 'Oh When the Saints'." As she quickly proceeded to play on the corner he joined her from behind serenading the other riders and sang in a perfectly pitched Louis Armstrong voice, "...go marching in, oh when the Saints go marching in." I took a few pictures I'll share soon. I later met this rider, Mark, who sings in church and happened to know my friend Jaime from their St. Monica's. Mark also expertly performed, "What a Wonderful World" for the talent show on night 5.

Also on Day 2, after eating artichokes and skinny dipping until the final hour of that 105-mile day, I was honored to help coach in a woman named Janet as she was struggling for energy with 15 miles left. From behind I asked her what she needed: singing, stories, quiet. Suffice to say, we chatted the whole way and she was so grateful to complete her first century-and even get a picture of her odometer at that exact 100 mile moment. Janet was unaware of the brand name on her Camelbak (a backpack with water) which said, "MAGIC" which I quietly asked her to check out when she got in. She was quickly learning that indeed this ride is full of magic. We were buddies the rest of the ride.

On the last night, I hear I won a XM-radio and a 1-year subscription from Subaru. I only entered the drawing one of 7 days and was considering purchasing a satellite radio for Gia's car recently. I missed the announcement by minutes, it would have been fun to jump on stage but how lucky am I?

On the final day before lunch, I ran across UPS-Dennis. He's a UPS driver who proudly and advertises it with a tiny UPS truck on his head. He has been driving the refrigerator truck as a roadie for years since his riding days. He rejoined as a rider this year. 2 years prior Dennis had voluntarily carried my bike at no charge from LA direct to my doorstep, saving me allot of hassle and money. On Day 7 he was down and out when he got a flat before lunch. I came along and helped him fix it loaning him a dollar to plug his slit tire, a tube and C02 (compressed air) encouraging him to get back on the road. After a quick front brake adjustment and no rear brakes, he was on his way with many miles to go. To my JOY I saw him finish when he simply proclaimed, "thanks, your dollar held up."

I wore all white (for victory) on Day 7 to finish strong into Brentwood. My ensemble was topped off by a pair of white shoe covers another Training Ride Leader, Michael, gave me. They were brand new, and he packed them just for me. I had friends sign my white bike jersey with a black sharpie the night before and that morning; and wrote "RICKY RACOON (misspelled)" on the lower back. I also wore white tennis shorts and topped it off with multiple white pearls (I swear I'm straight) and a white cap for the rest stops (pictures forthcoming). I was greeted by Gia and family, including Susy and Steve for their 2nd times, Anita and Alana, and surprised by Josefa, Doug and Johan. They carried signs that trumped every ones which even made the Day 7 photos on the ALC website - however, Anita also misspelled Raccoon. In my elation, I raised my bike overhead where a professional photographer snapped away asking for my name and city. In my tired state, I said "Hollister" instead of San Francisco. It was one of the best days I've had in my 21 on this ride.

I met many new friends and was reacquainted with others from years past. My ALC BFF's were Griselda, Carla, Sam, Anita C., Melissa along with many others. We laughed, sang and danced all along the way.

There were 2333 riders, 500 roadies (volunteer support staff) and we actually rode 555 miles. We raised 11 million dollars. I shared daily updates with my donors and family using Pinger and had one of the great weeks of my life (especially on my 42nd birthday) and all for a great cause.

Everyone asks, "will we see you next year?" and I when I thought I'd take '08 off, I don't yet know how to answer that.