Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey: 2015 ALC NorCal Day on the Ride

Distance 71.0
Moving Time 4:04:13
Elevation 5,299ft
Avg Speed 14.0mi/h
Max Speed 34.9mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 131bpm Max 158bpm
Calories 2,529
Temperature 70

Wakeup Time: 4:00 a.m. / Check-in Opens: 5:30 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 7:00 a.m.

We missed Christine.

I was excited about today and cycled to Sports Basement Berkeley and arrived around 5:45 a.m. I so appreciate the AIDS/LifeCycle staff and volunteers arriving much earlier than 5:30 a.m. Registration was not busy yet, but soon the lines were long. After affixing my helmet and bike number 884, I returned to the lobby Matt, Linda, Sam, James, Don, Guru ... the list goes on.

Sports Basement was buzzing with the AIDS/LifeCycle love bubble was growing every second. And after hugs were exchanged all around, TJ led a warm-up, which was followed by AIDS/LifeCycle Executive Staff reiterating the reasons we do what we do and reminding us about the importance of safety.

And, this is just half the lobby

with James

I forced Ally to stop and smile

Lynn Eve is smiling even though she had only three hours of sleep. Berkeley Rep had its gala fundraiser last night

The warm up led by TJ

When Julie Brown speaks, you had better listen.

Hmmm? 500 riders? The rest might be hiding in the bathrooms.

Oh, more riders.

And, even more. photo by Don Brown

Bob gets to have his photo taken, too - sometimes.

And, we're off. James and I were able to keep up with Eli, Matt and Vincent until some point on the route from Berkeley to El Sobrante for mile 10.1. Since it was only 10.1 miles since we rode, the three were ready to go. Since I HAD to use the port potty (I have not used one in so long and I was getting nostalgic) and get my fill of a slice of an orange and a banana -- OH! And, a free water bottle from The Pedaler, 'cuz you know John and I need another water bottle in our cupboard -- I'll see you boys at Rest Stop 2, because I also have to ...

See Tanner and Linda kick up their heels.

Team EDNA love - photo by Linda Clinkenbeard

and get Mark's attention ...

to do this

And, have a picture taken that I thought would be funny.

So after the shenanigans, James and I hopped onto our bikes as Carlos was lining up to use the p.p. That line was loooooong. We air kissed and James and I were on our way to mile 21.5 for Rest Stop 2 at the California Maritime Academy located just after the Carquinez Bridge in Vallejo, and look just look at these three boys ready to roll.

Rest Stop 2 and these boys are ready to leave. I just got here.

Here's the Gentlemen in Waiting photo to send to Lady Christine.

Orly, I can delete this picture if you want me to ...

Jeff shares his opinion about the world

and, this is the response

Yes, RAMONA

With Guru and hubby Eric - they're sweeping the trash. I knew I'd get the Rest Stop 1 Trash photo to work.

James is wondering what the REAL ride is going to be like in June. I'm not sure we'll have Kettle chips.

Sam's asking why do I need to take a picture of him with his mouth full.
No worries, Julie looks good.

The mini-Filipina ALC Contingent.

That was Rest Stop 2 in a nutshell. Cycling through the oh-so lovely town of Vallejo (where I spent the last year and a half of high school - nothing else to write). As soon as we arrived in Benecia, the sun started to peak through the clouds and almost suddenly, it was time to start peeling the layers off. The leg of this trip was uneventful, except for the lovely crossing over the Benecia Bridge, then pass the refinery. Almost to mile 33.9 to have lunch at Martinez Regional Shoreline Park and WTF?

The "F" word. My first on this bicycle and second since I started cycling February 2014.

James was so excited to be able to change his (my) first flat. He did very well.

Now how lovely is Rachel in this photo? 10

Almost a selfie with the coolness of RAMONA.


	Lisa says, "First time EVER I saw Art Desuyo at a rest stop so ya know it was a hard ride!!!"	photo by Lisa Mccarty

Linda says, "Art pinch me. Am I dreaming? Am I really having lunch at the same time with you?"
Linda is so sweet to make me feel that way.
Oh, and we're in the photo we the other two :)
Don who took the picture and James

After a much needed early lunch at 11:00 a.m., James and I headed to our final rest stop at mile 52.5 in Orinda. No photos, just quick bite and ... and we're back to Sports Basement Berkeley mile 66.5 via Wildcat Canyon. When we started our climb up the canyon, James said that he would probably be much slower, so I should go on. I began talking to him, asking questions and after he answered a few, he added, "you mean, so I won't think about the climb?" I laughed and we continued talking and voila - we were at the top of the canyon and cycling past Inspiration Point. The ride was all down hill from there and as we got closer to Sports Basement, we heard the motivating sounds of cow bells welcoming us back. WHEW! I had two helping of pasta, two servings of chocolate milk, said goodbyes to folks and was ready to head home, but not after seeking Alison out. She works at Sports Basement - we had a fantastic conversation last year and I'm quite fond of her.

As I was getting to leave, I forgot I had planned to take a picture of the Brony (for Allen's youngest one (John and I refer to him as one of our boys)). The youngest was caught up with My Little Pony last year and I told him about seeing one of the cyclist decked out in My Little Pony gear - he was riding again this year. And, no picture of Christine when she came by to visit :(