We shouldn't complain ... BUT IT WAS COLD

Today was our last AIDS/LifeCycle Del Norte Dragonflies training ride for the fall, but we won't stop. Please click on the links for highlights of today's COLD ride.

Facebook Album of today's Ride

The holidays are upon us ...

and we still continue to cycle in the cold! We hope in the near future that our efforts bring us to the day where  HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past. But it ain't and that's why you'll see many others, including me ...

• raise awareness
• fund resources 
• help the needy
• bring love and cheer to the community

Since the AIDS/LifeCycle 2016 ride ended June 11, we rested. Very soon after some said the heck with resting. I've been a bit quiet with what I've been doing in fighting HIV/AIDS and that's because I lied. Yes, I lied about 2016 being the year when I take a break from fundraising and riding. With the generous help of friends and family we have been the top 10 fundraisers in Northern California since I started riding for AIDS/LifeCycle 2014 and happily top 10 overall for 2014 and 2016.

So why the LIE? Well, you can agree that my lie is the kinda lie that is sorta, kinda okay. Honestly, I was planning to take a much needed break of asking you year-after-year to donate to the cause. I broke my promise only a few days after the ride. Many in the AIDS/LifeCycle community couldn't believe that I was taking a hiatus. I was one of the biggest cheerleaders and energetic supporters for new and returning riders. I came back because ...

• my cyclist rep asked me to reconsider (back me up on this one, Ken)
• WE raised $115,617 in the last three years
• most importantly, HIV/AIDS is still here and we CAN do something about ending it

Marti Nemer, has been the first to generously donate each year being in the Top 10 Fundraisers on behalf of my participation. I promise (and this is not a lie) to post the Top 10 for my last three years in January when I'll start, once again, asking my loved ones for their help.

The most recent event, besides training on weekends, was the AIDS/LifeCycle Holiday party. 

Melissa Lewis, Director of AIDS/LifeCycle, mentioned our participation in the Ride is what will make the world a better, brighter and stronger place.

Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation spoke to the many successes we helped the Foundation accomplish this past year.

I wanted to share them with you - we are making a difference.

1.   Our syringe access program expanded its work at our 6th Street harm reduction center from 2 days per week to 6, and now incorporates hepatitis C testing and linkage to care.

2.   Our Stonewall substance health program provided mental health and substance treatment services to 800 clients each year.

3.   Our mobile testing unit helped the foundation provide 10,000 HIV tests this past year.

4.   Our PrEP program has 1,500 patients enrolled and Bridgemen recently reached 2,000 members. 

Those four points only scratch the surface. Thank you for making an impact in reducing HIV transmission rates, and ending stigma by being a part of AIDS/LifeCycle.

Here is a link of Bob Katz's Photos and a few of mine 

Marti Nemer THANK YOU - Please tell me I'm doing a good thing

I wrote an email this morning to Marti Nemer ...

Well, guess who didn't have the heart to say NO and let himself be talked into registering for AIDS/LifeCycle 2017? So, I LIED, about 2016 being my last year so I could take a break.

So what got me back? My cyclist representative told me how important I am to helping the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. My fundraising has helped SFAF provide critical services for people who cant afford them so they can continue to live with HIV and AIDS. 

I did share with AIDS/LifeCycle that I was not going to be the gung ho fundraiser. My plan is to send three email messages:  

1) to let everyone know that I’m a liar and will continue with AIDS/LifeCycle

2) to remind folks who want to donate (mid-March 2017)

3) last effort a few days before June 4, 2017

PLEASE KNOW - NO PRESSURE.  I just want to make sure I don’t give up your reign as first to donate every year.  And you notice how I didn’t call and sent you an email :)

And, the picture shows the result ...

Thank you Marti Nemer​ -- you are the best for being the first, top donor and wonderful supporter on my behalf of AIDS/LifeCycle 2014, 2015, 2016 AND 2017!

2016 AIDS/LifeCycle Day 7, the final post 1 week later

2016 AIDS/LifeCycle Day 6, #FBF

2016 AIDS/LifeCycle Day 5 Red Dress Day - Again, 7 days later

2016 AIDS/LifeCycle Day 3, One Week Later

AIDS/LifeCycle Day 2, June 6, Again

AIDS/LifeCycle Day 1 All Over Again

Day 0 to Day 7 to laundry day and packing away

We mourn the tragic deaths of our brothers and sisters in Orlando. In response to our recent tragedy, President Obama said, “In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another ... We will not give in to fear or turn against each other. Instead, we will stand united as Americans to protect our people and defend our nation, and to take action against those who threaten us.”

I add, "we will not let hate change our lives, but strengthen our diverse community."

Having said that, I begin to pack away my AIDS/LifeCycle gear, that could not have been transported without our wonderful volunteer Roadies. They moved a small city seven times, including four rest stops and lunch stops complete with medical and bike mechanics.

We were a community 650 Roadies and 2,500 Riders along with ALC staff of all races, ages (18 to 84), and backgrounds living in harmony, our indescribable love bubble.

My ALC STUFF will be stored until my next 7-day, 545-mile journey.

The video is a quick review from Day 0 to Day 7 to laundry day and packing away.

Day 2 Santa Cruz to King City

Late day with 105 miles cycled. Will post tomorrow, but enjoy some of the photos. 

https://m.facebook.com/artdesuyoALC/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1725481014401858&mt_nav=1&ref=page_internal

Day 1 AIDS/LifeCycle 2016

https://www.facebook.com/artdesuyoALC/posts/1725025471114079

#Positivity Mondo Guerra designs a kit just for us, because of Michael Braga

Training 109 miles AND fundraising for Education

Well, things just changed yesterday. My nephew, Jovan is planning to attend Oakland Technical High School so the stakes have become more personal. So please, if you can donate we would appreciate your support.

To donate, please select: http://rideforareason.dojiggy.com/ardajoch

Team Edna Casino Royale Prom Fundraiser

Orinda to McEwen Training Saturday, April 23, 2016

Training, Event, and the 7-day 545-mile ride posts are found in my Facebook Albums or go to: https://www.facebook.com/artdesuyoALC/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums

Recent 2016 Training AIDS/LifeCycle and Ride for a Reason Rides

Sunday, April 17, 2016 Day on the Ride NorCal


Saturday, April 16, 2016 Training with the East Bay Wildcats

Posts and Updates are Now on Facebook

Thank you so much for supporting my efforts for AIDS/LifeCycle. Since riding in ALC 2015, I've discovered that posting and updating in Facebook is much easier, especially with pictures. Please visit Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey Facebook page by selecting this link or go to: https://www.facebook.com/artdesuyoALC/

Training, Event, and the 7-day 545-mile ride posts are found in my Facebook Albums or go to: https://www.facebook.com/artdesuyoALC/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums

You don't need a Facebook account to peruse this site, but you do if you'd like to comment.

Orinda to Grizzly Peak the long way Tanner led "Kick'in it"

Click here for the Facebook Saturday, February 6, 2016 Orinda to Grizzly Peak the long way post.

Mahalo nui loa Ann and Bill

Fo' real you two a no ka oi. Even do my da kine fo da cruise all bus up, no need 'cuz yo ALC kala make up fo eet. I no talk stink. I tro way dat idea fo long time.

'Cuz you make da kine donation, I tink ass why I foget and we gonna have good fun hana hou on da Big Island again.

Oh my god, that took more tahn 15 minutes to draft. Wow, I real HAD-IT!

Thanks so much for continuing to donate to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation via my riding for AIDS Lifecycle.