First I have to thank my wonderful husband, John for waking up early Day 0 and Day 1 to drop Christine and me for registration and joining us for the Opening Ceremonies.
Christine proclaiming that she will cycle at a much slower pace to enjoy the ride.
I'm going to miss my husband.
John Spence gets a goodbye kiss
The Opening Ceremonies were very touching, reminding us of why we raise funds and ride - to fight HIV/AIDS so we no longer need to do this ride. We learned that we raised $16,300,913.
This video is the exciting announcement of our fundraising efforts!
I think Brigette is convincing Jeff that he should do the ride together next year, while his brother ignores the request.
Diana F-W our enthusiastic Virtual Cyclist.
After learning about the money we raised and the route was open, we rushed out to our bikes - frenetic fun.
In the brisk morning out of the Cow Palace we headed towards the coast via Brotherhood Way around Lake Merced and onto John Muir Drive. Since the water stop was at mile 6.7, I decided to skip this stop since my water and electrolytes were enough to get me to our first rest stop at mile 15.5 in Pacifica.
The following are pretty much the steps I'll TRY to follow at each rest stop:
Park my bike
Helmet off
Glasses and gloves off and into helmet
Hang helmet on handle bars
Grab water and electrolyte bottles
Walk away, take many steps towards the ... oh, wait, where did I park my bike?
Go back take a picture of where I parked
Use porta potty
Open alcohol wipes, wipe hands, throw wipe away, use and sanitizer (Why? After doing 1 or 2 in #8, all of us should use the wipes thoroughly so that when we use the hand sanitizer pump we're not contaminating the pump - defeating the purpose of avoiding spreading unwanted germs)
Go to Medical Tent
Repeat #9 because the medical staff didn't see you sanitize your hands
Cute Medical Roadie asks what I need. Sunscreen and chamois butter (can't forget Butt Butt'r)
Repeat #9 because I'm headed to the snack line. An orange and banana are all I need and Salt n Vinegar chips.
Take pictures and mingle (but not too long)
Fill bottles with water (add Nuun, my chosen electrolyte tablet to one bottle)
Head back to my bike
Bottles back in cages
Helmet on
Gloves on
This video is to entice our boys, nephews and nieces, cousins and friends' teens
to consider joining AIDS/LifeCycle when they turn 18 :)
The giraffe poses
More Rest Stop 1 animals providing snacks to human riders
Now that steps 1 - 19 are completed, I'm off to mile 31.5. This year we got a special treat of a route change taking Highway 1 all the way to Santa Cruz. The scenic route and views were spectacular. Being able to focus on the now and appreciate our California coast was such a delight.
I don't think I've ever traveled down Highway 1 from the Bay Area even as a kid.
Chris (ALC Photos) Stewart, thanks so much for a great shot!
Rest Stop 2 selfies.
With TJ
With Neel, TRL, SB Bike Fitter
Not a selfie. It's Pepe
With Dean looking for his future husband
Is he in this crowd?
Off to mile 42.3 for lunch at San Gregorio Beach.
The Amazing Alluring Affable Julie Brown
And, the hill we get to climb right after lunch. Can someone move the porta potties so I can get a better shot?
I remember last year dreading the climb after lunch, but I surprised myself. It wasn't a struggle. So on my merry way to mile 63.1 to Rest Stop 3 in Greyhound Rock. I'm repeating myself -- the ride and taking in the California Coast was absolutely breathtaking. I cherished the time to ponder everything from, am I really doing this again to I love what Mother Nature offers.
So happy to bump into Vincent, so cute :)
Rest Stop 3 shenanigans
SEE
I was ladybug to Buck. My In Memory of / Support of cape billowed and made me look like a ladybug from behind.
I replied, "ManBug."
And the memorable Tom Frady - multiple ALC rides
Joe from the East Bay - second year for both of us
What, more miles?! Onward to mile 76.3 to see what Rest Stop 4 in Wilder Ranch State Park has to offer. Oh, pretend women golfers.
Before I pose with these, ahem, beauties, I pause to have the cape captured.
The only thing I know to do with a golf club.
Wow, only 5.7 more miles to camp. Now that's they way to entice us to ride a bit quicker to mile 82 for a hot shower, food and more food. I was number 249 coming into camp.
A reminder where to come back to the next morning.
I swear that Billy is not the reason that Nuun is my electrolyte of choice.
Our wonderful Truck E Gear Roadies #RoadiesRock
Ashley, Sandi and A.K. (Kristina)
Yes, please. I'll take everything
Flintstone motiff
I think James, Matt and Christine are on their seconds as I stroll-in.
I'm not sure how much David has already eaten.
And Eli announces Christine rode in #15
Perfect Tentmates
Taking a selfie of Tanner's selfie
We heard from Air Force Captain Anthony Interrante, #4 fundraiser about what inspired him to ride. I hope I can find a video clip. He's funny and wonderful.
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