And on the final Seventh Day - Ventura to Los Angeles
Awake at 4:00 a.m. and excited to get to Los Angeles so I could cross the finish line and see John. This was his first time to be in Los Angeles for AIDS/LifeCycle ride-in.
I can’t believe we’re at the final day, but at the same time, I was ready to give my body a break from long-distance cycling. I thank, Deyon, so much for helping me with my first princessing experience. That’s staying at hotels vs. camping. She took me under her wing for the entire week. Since I had injured my back last year, I decided being a princess would be better for me physically. Did you see how much fresher and lively Alysse was throughout the day even though she hurt MY feet? I may have already shared with you that she hurt MY feet, but I’m glad she got to experience another Red Dress Day even though she hurt My feet.
Today, many were sad the 7 days were already coming to an end. The love bubble is real and palpable. I met Pepper who is a 24-year rider. He started riding when he learned that his brother was living with HIV. Pepper promised his brother that he would ride as long as he could and the fight to end HIV/AIDS continued. His brother died 11 years ago. When he shares his story, he gives red beads with a pepper and says, “You just got peppered!” I believe his way of making the situation upbeat.
Eat quick. Get out to bike parking for the 6:00am route opening. When I got to my bike, I noticed that the Chicken Lady (a.k.a Ken) left her love on every Rider's seat. She did have help from what I call Chickadees. The Chicken Lady always sprinkles so much wonderfulness throughout the ride. Each egg had a treat and words of wisdom.
It’s all a blur and frenzied for those who want to be out on the road quickly. I share with you the words of wisdom of Tracy Evans, ALC Ride Director, “Calm the F - - - (all caps, mind you) down!”
It’s a ride, not a race, but riding in the front of the pack is nice (remember splash of blue water). I rode most of the morning with Deyon and met Justin at the lunch stop, Will Rogers State Beach, which is almost 25 miles after RS2.
I was quite surprised to cycle along Pacific Coast Highway with very little traffic, which made seeing the waves, the scenery, and the surfers all the more enjoyable.
Justin and I were ready to cycle to Los Angeles for the finish at Fairfax High School. The ride from the coast to Santa Monica Boulevard is fantastic and then we deal with L.A. traffic. But with the help of local police, they did direct traffic in some spots.
Since L.A. Pride is happening this weekend, we had the chance to feel more love while cycling through West Hollywood before the finish line at Fairfax High School.
RIDE SAFE. BE SAFE.
For my sixth AIDS/LifeCycle, thank you to family and friends who have helped each year to make a difference in helping end HIV/AIDS.
All-in-all another wonderful, contemplative seven-day journey filled with laughter, joy, tears and friendships.
When I rode into West Hollywood amidst the cheering, the tears started flowing …
tears of joy
tears of accomplishment
tears of loss
tears of a wonderful future
While I finish this last entry for AIDS/LifeCycle 2019, for my family and friends who have lost a loved one to HIV/AIDS, I dedicate the past 7 days in memory of ...
Ray Bitanga
Donald Brown
Cesar Casado
Bruce Christensen
Kevin Cortez
Bert Estillo
Skyler Foxx
Emili Galeazzi
Gary Geibel
Whoa Gerry
Dennis Gould
Carl Greene
Carl Greene
Ramon Hodel
Larry Hunter
Toshi Irizawa
Doug Kimball
Matthew Langley
Robert Mashburn
Michael Messerschmitt
Robert Mitchell
Patrick O’Malley
Sonny Padilla
Ed Peterson
Bobby Purcell
Reynaldo Ramirez
Alex Reyes
Daniel Roberts
Mike Sieczkarek
Johnny Simon
Douglas Yaranon
Tony Yuen
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019
2019 ALC Day 6 Lompoc to Ventura
For Day 6 from Lompoc to Ventura, Deyon, Chris, and I were at bike parking at 5:45, waiting to get our bikes when they opened at 6am, so that we could be in line for the 6:30am ride out. Were we a little anxious? Only a tiny bit. Steve Was also in line with us. The reason being, we wanted to be in and out of RS1, mile 16.4, early and without a crowd. We preferred that we get over and through Gaviota Pass with as few riders as possible, a dangerous stretch of US-101 connecting Lompoc with the Pacific Ocean. Thankfully, we were met with headwinds that slowed my decent to 37.8 mph.
When we got to the coast we were met with overcast, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. By the time I arrived to RS2, the sun was out. I saw Justin, who exclaimed how great the descent was down the pass.
We did learn tonight that all 2,300 riders got through Gaviota Pass without any problems. Whew!
At RS2, a Vista Point, at mile 27.7, we had time to rest and take pictures because the route from this point opened at 9am. At this rest stop, we were being held and released in batches since the CHP were wonderful in closing one of the two lanes southbound to accommodate us for at least 5 miles until it was safe to ride on the shoulder.
Onwards to mile 44.4 for a short lunch at Girsh Park.
Riding to mile 57.8 RS3 Leadbetter Beach is spectacular, and Georg Lester set up at the top of the hill right before RS3 for professional pictures. Thank you, Georg, for your great work, I can’t wait to see them. And after RS3, with their circus motif, our next stop is Paradise Pit with ICE CREAM!!!!!!! Justin and I stopped and had ice cream, cookies, and fresh fruit. My first ride in 2014, I met Rod Lathim who had been hosting this great stop for 15 years to continue supporting ALC after he stopped cycling for ALC. 2014 was the last year he would host. In 2014, when I thanked him for his continued support, he asked me how many times I've cycled and how I was doing. I couldn't answer and all he could do was hug me through my tears.
After sugar, sugar, and sugar, I cycled to RS4, mile 79.2. I danced just a bit, not the 2 hours as in last rides. I could have danced, danced, danced … all afternoon, but camp was waiting.
Cycling into Ventura was quite emotional, which caught me by surprise. The love and support I felt from the community overwhelmed me. A group of at least 20 people were cheering us riders at one of the entrances into the town, and a spattering of other groups until we got to camp. I broke down, just a tiny bit.
Say good night, Art!
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
When we got to the coast we were met with overcast, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. By the time I arrived to RS2, the sun was out. I saw Justin, who exclaimed how great the descent was down the pass.
We did learn tonight that all 2,300 riders got through Gaviota Pass without any problems. Whew!
At RS2, a Vista Point, at mile 27.7, we had time to rest and take pictures because the route from this point opened at 9am. At this rest stop, we were being held and released in batches since the CHP were wonderful in closing one of the two lanes southbound to accommodate us for at least 5 miles until it was safe to ride on the shoulder.
Onwards to mile 44.4 for a short lunch at Girsh Park.
Riding to mile 57.8 RS3 Leadbetter Beach is spectacular, and Georg Lester set up at the top of the hill right before RS3 for professional pictures. Thank you, Georg, for your great work, I can’t wait to see them. And after RS3, with their circus motif, our next stop is Paradise Pit with ICE CREAM!!!!!!! Justin and I stopped and had ice cream, cookies, and fresh fruit. My first ride in 2014, I met Rod Lathim who had been hosting this great stop for 15 years to continue supporting ALC after he stopped cycling for ALC. 2014 was the last year he would host. In 2014, when I thanked him for his continued support, he asked me how many times I've cycled and how I was doing. I couldn't answer and all he could do was hug me through my tears.
After sugar, sugar, and sugar, I cycled to RS4, mile 79.2. I danced just a bit, not the 2 hours as in last rides. I could have danced, danced, danced … all afternoon, but camp was waiting.
Cycling into Ventura was quite emotional, which caught me by surprise. The love and support I felt from the community overwhelmed me. A group of at least 20 people were cheering us riders at one of the entrances into the town, and a spattering of other groups until we got to camp. I broke down, just a tiny bit.
Say good night, Art!
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Thursday, June 6, 2019
2019 ALC Day 5 Santa Maria to Lompoc
Santa Maria to Lompoc - Red Dress Day for 46.68 miles
For the shortest day, when I could’ve have slept-in (6am), Alysse couldn’t get to sleep so she had me awake early to get ready, she woke me up at 4am.
After I shaved my 6-day facial hair growth and thighs, I gave up my life on earth for a few hours so that Alysse could take over. By the way, as I write this, I hate her, my feet hurt because she decided to ride over 46 miles in thigh-high boots (no cleats to clip into the pedals).
Alysse, with the help of Deyon, Dante and Chris, got to camp for breakfast, walked hundreds of yards to the gear truck, and back to bicycles - the start of the pain in my feet and the joy for Alysse.
After being stopped at almost every step to have her picture taken with almost every being in her path (where are those damn pictures) she finally reached Gear Truck C and was mobbed, yet again to have pictures taken. She really didn’t want all that attention. She just wanted to ride to help end HIV/AIDS. She told her fans that she could no longer stay by the trucks because she had to hurry up to meet her riding fans.
Alysse was ready to ride, she put on her helmet — of course anytime someone wanted to take a picture taken with her, she just couldn’t have it done with her bike helmet, so off with the helmet and ready for a pose. Her riding buddies were getting anxious to get cycling and asked Alysse to not have any more pictures taken. Oh, but wait, the Traffic Roadies wanted to take a picture of her also. OK, now we’re cycling!
The first 9.6 miles to RS1 were a breeze even with the pain in someone’s feet. After about 25 minutes, she was ready for RS2, the 17.3-mile mark. Two hills were not even a challenge with pain in MY feet, but Alysse smiled for every known camera even with her helmet. AGAIN - Words of wisdom from 4 years ago to share with shoe designers - wear the DAMN shoes for an entire day before having them manufactured and sold. More pictures for Alysse’s fans at RS 2, then another hill and Highway 1 for 21 miles to lunch. But before getting to the lunch stop, Alysse had to stop at the entrance to Vandenberg Air Force Base for some glamour shots.
At mile 38.5, she finally arrived at River Bend Park for lunch and was stopped at every step. Give a girl a break. She says, “Please don’t!!”
The lunch stop was only a little over 3 miles away from camp so Alysse camped as much as she could during lunch. And, guess what? If someone asked for a photo … of course she acquiesced — ANYTHING for the AIDS/LifeCycle cause. Now, how's a girl to get to her camp if she keeps on being asked to pose?
How time flies when one is having fun. Goodnight!
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
For the shortest day, when I could’ve have slept-in (6am), Alysse couldn’t get to sleep so she had me awake early to get ready, she woke me up at 4am.
After I shaved my 6-day facial hair growth and thighs, I gave up my life on earth for a few hours so that Alysse could take over. By the way, as I write this, I hate her, my feet hurt because she decided to ride over 46 miles in thigh-high boots (no cleats to clip into the pedals).
Alysse, with the help of Deyon, Dante and Chris, got to camp for breakfast, walked hundreds of yards to the gear truck, and back to bicycles - the start of the pain in my feet and the joy for Alysse.
After being stopped at almost every step to have her picture taken with almost every being in her path (where are those damn pictures) she finally reached Gear Truck C and was mobbed, yet again to have pictures taken. She really didn’t want all that attention. She just wanted to ride to help end HIV/AIDS. She told her fans that she could no longer stay by the trucks because she had to hurry up to meet her riding fans.
Alysse was ready to ride, she put on her helmet — of course anytime someone wanted to take a picture taken with her, she just couldn’t have it done with her bike helmet, so off with the helmet and ready for a pose. Her riding buddies were getting anxious to get cycling and asked Alysse to not have any more pictures taken. Oh, but wait, the Traffic Roadies wanted to take a picture of her also. OK, now we’re cycling!
The first 9.6 miles to RS1 were a breeze even with the pain in someone’s feet. After about 25 minutes, she was ready for RS2, the 17.3-mile mark. Two hills were not even a challenge with pain in MY feet, but Alysse smiled for every known camera even with her helmet. AGAIN - Words of wisdom from 4 years ago to share with shoe designers - wear the DAMN shoes for an entire day before having them manufactured and sold. More pictures for Alysse’s fans at RS 2, then another hill and Highway 1 for 21 miles to lunch. But before getting to the lunch stop, Alysse had to stop at the entrance to Vandenberg Air Force Base for some glamour shots.
At mile 38.5, she finally arrived at River Bend Park for lunch and was stopped at every step. Give a girl a break. She says, “Please don’t!!”
The lunch stop was only a little over 3 miles away from camp so Alysse camped as much as she could during lunch. And, guess what? If someone asked for a photo … of course she acquiesced — ANYTHING for the AIDS/LifeCycle cause. Now, how's a girl to get to her camp if she keeps on being asked to pose?
How time flies when one is having fun. Goodnight!
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
2019 ALC Day 4 Paso Robles to Santa Maria
Today, we cycled from Paso Robles to Santa Maria for 88.6 miles. Some of us were dressed in white tutus and red ribbons in memory of Edna Flores Lagunte. Sorry, but I left my bike computer on the bike, so other stats and the route video will be posted later.
Edna had worn a tutu daily and in 2014, Richard, her husband, asked as many of us to wear her signature tutu in her memory.
This year, Day 4 was tiring because I had gotten a flat about a mile before the half way point. Lucky for me the wonderful Bill Ray came to the rescue to hold a thumbs up sign to let others cycling by that all was okay and so I could concentrate on fixing the tire AND he could finish putting it back on the bike. I did learn that I’m very slow at changing tires. After that, I stopped to help a cyclist try to unwrap a twisted chain. Who shows up? Billy Ray. So he helps and I put my thumb up.
By the time I got up to the half way point where Justin and I had planned to take a picture together, he had already left and I was determined to get on with the ride. Between Rest Stop 2 and lunch, I ended up helping two more riders with flat tires. I was anxious to be cycling and meeting up with friends, but this is the ALC love bubble.
So what was memorable about today? Ending the ride with a group of friends getting into camp at the same time, even Justin who had passed me up after Rest Stop 3.
And with that, we end Day 4.
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Edna had worn a tutu daily and in 2014, Richard, her husband, asked as many of us to wear her signature tutu in her memory.
This year, Day 4 was tiring because I had gotten a flat about a mile before the half way point. Lucky for me the wonderful Bill Ray came to the rescue to hold a thumbs up sign to let others cycling by that all was okay and so I could concentrate on fixing the tire AND he could finish putting it back on the bike. I did learn that I’m very slow at changing tires. After that, I stopped to help a cyclist try to unwrap a twisted chain. Who shows up? Billy Ray. So he helps and I put my thumb up.
By the time I got up to the half way point where Justin and I had planned to take a picture together, he had already left and I was determined to get on with the ride. Between Rest Stop 2 and lunch, I ended up helping two more riders with flat tires. I was anxious to be cycling and meeting up with friends, but this is the ALC love bubble.
So what was memorable about today? Ending the ride with a group of friends getting into camp at the same time, even Justin who had passed me up after Rest Stop 3.
And with that, we end Day 4.
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
2019 ALC Day 3 King City to Paso Robles
Day 3 was a 65.24-mile ride from King City to Paso Robles which included Quadbuster at about mile 9 which is a 2 mile climb with a who-the heck-knows% grade - steep. We had a cold morning and I wasn’t dressed for that, but as soon as we started climbing Quadbuster, the sun broke through the clouds and we had sun the rest of the day, which got awfully HOT.
The Traffic Roadies #RoadiesRock started their cheering for riders from camp at about 6:35 a.m. Justin and I decided to pass Rest Stop 1 so that we could blast through Quadbuster and be leisurely at Rest Stop 2, where, for those of you who have to know, butter of the butt was applied. Snacked on orange slices and hard bolied eggs (only available at RS 2).
For this day, I decided to dress as Speed Racer, a cartoon character from the 60s who I adored. Some folks knew right away and some thought I was From Gilligan‘s Island, Mr. G-Spot (hence the video).
After meeting up with Justin at RS3, held at a country store that gets a revenue boost because of ALC, we reached Bradley for our lunch stop, as a reminder, Bradley used to be a regular stop for travelers up and down California before 101 was rerouted. The town is still accessible from 101, but not directly; therefore, this town has lost much of its revenue. Bradley looks forward to our yearly ride through because AIDS/LifeCycle is one of its biggest fundraisers. Through the years, AIDS/LifeCycle has helped with funding school needs, including a new roof, and a new building.
At this stop Bradley has a fundraiser within the ALC fundraiser, a special $20-a-head barbecue lunch thrown by residents of this tiny Central Valley town where we’ve raised funds for its education programs. I opted for the $100 burger club, which is a great deal. You donate and you get to have as much food as you want, in an air-conditioned space, with a real toilet -- double cheeseburgers, with bacon, the fixings and cilantro, tacos, drinks and homemade desserts. I had only 1 cheeseburger, 1 taco, very small cheesecake, and a brownie -- I had to get back on a bike :)
We cycled through Camp Roberts after lunch to RS 4 where I simply loaded up on ice in my water bottle for our trek to camp.
And finally, we reach camp where we have root beer floats waiting for us from 3p to 5pm - YUMMY!
I haven’t had a second dinner yet and I’m now ready for bed so I’m missing camp announcements.
No night time photos. Good night.
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
The Traffic Roadies #RoadiesRock started their cheering for riders from camp at about 6:35 a.m. Justin and I decided to pass Rest Stop 1 so that we could blast through Quadbuster and be leisurely at Rest Stop 2, where, for those of you who have to know, butter of the butt was applied. Snacked on orange slices and hard bolied eggs (only available at RS 2).
For this day, I decided to dress as Speed Racer, a cartoon character from the 60s who I adored. Some folks knew right away and some thought I was From Gilligan‘s Island, Mr. G-Spot (hence the video).
After meeting up with Justin at RS3, held at a country store that gets a revenue boost because of ALC, we reached Bradley for our lunch stop, as a reminder, Bradley used to be a regular stop for travelers up and down California before 101 was rerouted. The town is still accessible from 101, but not directly; therefore, this town has lost much of its revenue. Bradley looks forward to our yearly ride through because AIDS/LifeCycle is one of its biggest fundraisers. Through the years, AIDS/LifeCycle has helped with funding school needs, including a new roof, and a new building.
At this stop Bradley has a fundraiser within the ALC fundraiser, a special $20-a-head barbecue lunch thrown by residents of this tiny Central Valley town where we’ve raised funds for its education programs. I opted for the $100 burger club, which is a great deal. You donate and you get to have as much food as you want, in an air-conditioned space, with a real toilet -- double cheeseburgers, with bacon, the fixings and cilantro, tacos, drinks and homemade desserts. I had only 1 cheeseburger, 1 taco, very small cheesecake, and a brownie -- I had to get back on a bike :)
We cycled through Camp Roberts after lunch to RS 4 where I simply loaded up on ice in my water bottle for our trek to camp.
And finally, we reach camp where we have root beer floats waiting for us from 3p to 5pm - YUMMY!
I haven’t had a second dinner yet and I’m now ready for bed so I’m missing camp announcements.
No night time photos. Good night.
#aidslifecycle #PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter
Monday, June 3, 2019
2019 ALC Day 2 Santa Cruz to King City
This 106.82-mile day took us from the Santa Cruz coast inland to King City. My moving time was 6:55:50 for an elevation of 3,281 feet with an average speed of 15.4 mph. I woke 4am without my alarm at and was ready to rideout at 6:15am.
I was 6th in line to ride out and by the time I got to Rest Stop 1 at about the 20 mile mark, I was ready to be bussed to camp. My body, especially my legs were in pain. But after assessing the pain and stretching, I decided to at least ride to lunch. Lo and behold, my body was ready to cycle the entire day - please, no applause. Day 2 is our Safety Day so we don orange to remind us to always ride safe. As always when leaving Santa Cruz, we have to be quiet so no yelling out our intentions or hazards. We're riding out of a residential area, so you can just imagine what 2,500 cyclists might sound like starting at 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with our loud outside voices,
"On you left!"
"Debris!"
"Pothole!"
"Glass!"
"Slowing and stopping!"
"Rolling!"
We want our neighbors to invite us back. I'm reminded yet again the quaintness of Santa Cruz, especially the town by the shore. I'll always feel fortunate that I get to see the beauty of California from a different perspective.
After heading out of Santa Cruz we start inland and are challenged by headwinds and if we're lucky tailwinds that me feel like a super cyclist at 39.4 top speed.
On my way to Otter Pop Stop! Pictures and giving a long hug to Christy Muller, THE COOKIE LADY, who makes cookies for all Rider and Roadies coming through this water stop for the past 18 years.
This is what I remember of Day 2 - another kiss with THE COOKIE LADY that ended and made my day, and FaceTime with John
#aidslifecycle
I was 6th in line to ride out and by the time I got to Rest Stop 1 at about the 20 mile mark, I was ready to be bussed to camp. My body, especially my legs were in pain. But after assessing the pain and stretching, I decided to at least ride to lunch. Lo and behold, my body was ready to cycle the entire day - please, no applause. Day 2 is our Safety Day so we don orange to remind us to always ride safe. As always when leaving Santa Cruz, we have to be quiet so no yelling out our intentions or hazards. We're riding out of a residential area, so you can just imagine what 2,500 cyclists might sound like starting at 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with our loud outside voices,
"On you left!"
"Debris!"
"Pothole!"
"Glass!"
"Slowing and stopping!"
"Rolling!"
We want our neighbors to invite us back. I'm reminded yet again the quaintness of Santa Cruz, especially the town by the shore. I'll always feel fortunate that I get to see the beauty of California from a different perspective.
After heading out of Santa Cruz we start inland and are challenged by headwinds and if we're lucky tailwinds that me feel like a super cyclist at 39.4 top speed.
On my way to Otter Pop Stop! Pictures and giving a long hug to Christy Muller, THE COOKIE LADY, who makes cookies for all Rider and Roadies coming through this water stop for the past 18 years.
This is what I remember of Day 2 - another kiss with THE COOKIE LADY that ended and made my day, and FaceTime with John
#aidslifecycle
Sunday, June 2, 2019
2019 ALC Day 1 - San Francisco to Santa Cruz
After Day 0 was done, I was still packing and I finally got to bed at 10:30 p.m. and woke up at 4:00 a.m.
Again, I thank my wonderful husband, John for waking up early with me. He drove Justin, newbie, Mauricio and me, so that he and Mauricio could us for the Opening Ceremonies. On this day, I wear a red cape In Memory of those we have lost to AIDS and In Support of this Living with HIV.
The Opening Ceremonies were very touching, reminding us of why we raise funds and ride. We learned that we raised $16,755,967.
After learning about the money Justin and I sauntered to our bikes. We finally got out of the shoot and rode in the cool fog of San Francisco to our first rest stop in Pacifica. Justin, being a much faster rider, ended up leaving as I was seeing rest and lunch stops.
We took Highway 1 all the way to Santa Cruz, a spectacular route of our California coast, the weather was not cyclist friendly. We rode in the rain for 8 miles and headwinds until rest stop 4, which was 5 miles away from camp. A very challenging 81 miles.
Lunch was very good. For us meat eaters, pulled pork in a tortilla. Yummy! I sat with Sister Fancypants. I was so exhausted and my butt felt as if it were about to fall off - AGAIN!
The rest stops were fun, but I stayed only a few minutes, enough to get very few pictures and was so good by eating only a 1/2 banana and a slice of orange at two stops, which was all I needed. Lunch was another story and I shouldn't have had the extra cookie and extra bag of chips.
Some of you might enjoy Rest Stop 4 Gladiators.
Before riding into Santa Cruz, I stopped to meet Stephanie Stainback, whose brother died from complications from AIDS. We had a heartfelt talk that had us both in tears.
Dinner was piled on to get me ready for tomorrow's 109-miler. No second dinner for me. On my way to Princessville at 6pm.
Now I'm off to stretch legs.
Please click on the Facebook logo below to link to the album, a Facebook account is not required. Thank you.
You are our #Heroes #RideLoveLive #TakeCareOfEachOther and we think about why we give, roadie, and ride.
.
.for those who can't
.for those who live
.for those who give
.and most of all, for those who can't live if we don't give.
.
#PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter #aidslifecycle
Again, I thank my wonderful husband, John for waking up early with me. He drove Justin, newbie, Mauricio and me, so that he and Mauricio could us for the Opening Ceremonies. On this day, I wear a red cape In Memory of those we have lost to AIDS and In Support of this Living with HIV.
The Opening Ceremonies were very touching, reminding us of why we raise funds and ride. We learned that we raised $16,755,967.
After learning about the money Justin and I sauntered to our bikes. We finally got out of the shoot and rode in the cool fog of San Francisco to our first rest stop in Pacifica. Justin, being a much faster rider, ended up leaving as I was seeing rest and lunch stops.
We took Highway 1 all the way to Santa Cruz, a spectacular route of our California coast, the weather was not cyclist friendly. We rode in the rain for 8 miles and headwinds until rest stop 4, which was 5 miles away from camp. A very challenging 81 miles.
Lunch was very good. For us meat eaters, pulled pork in a tortilla. Yummy! I sat with Sister Fancypants. I was so exhausted and my butt felt as if it were about to fall off - AGAIN!
The rest stops were fun, but I stayed only a few minutes, enough to get very few pictures and was so good by eating only a 1/2 banana and a slice of orange at two stops, which was all I needed. Lunch was another story and I shouldn't have had the extra cookie and extra bag of chips.
Some of you might enjoy Rest Stop 4 Gladiators.
Before riding into Santa Cruz, I stopped to meet Stephanie Stainback, whose brother died from complications from AIDS. We had a heartfelt talk that had us both in tears.
Dinner was piled on to get me ready for tomorrow's 109-miler. No second dinner for me. On my way to Princessville at 6pm.
Now I'm off to stretch legs.
Please click on the Facebook logo below to link to the album, a Facebook account is not required. Thank you.
You are our #Heroes #RideLoveLive #TakeCareOfEachOther and we think about why we give, roadie, and ride.
.
.for those who can't
.for those who live
.for those who give
.and most of all, for those who can't live if we don't give.
.
#PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter #aidslifecycle
2019 ALC Day 0
Distance 0 mi
Moving Time 0
Elevation 0 ft
Avg Speed 0 mpg
Max Speed 0 mph
Calories 388
Temperature 51.0 °F Min Temp / 58.0 °F Max Temp.
Top 50 at #15. Couldn’t have accomplished over $35k with out family, friends, and the #aidslifecycle community- training, motivation, etc. THANK YOU!
In less 8 hours, we ride out from the Cow Palace in #SanFrancisco to #LosAngeles for 7 days and over 545 miles to help #EndHivAids.
We are all committed to help end HIV/AIDS. I will continue to raise funds for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center to combat this disease until we reach the day that no one has to anymore.
You are our #Heroes #RideLoveLive #TakeCareOfEachOther and we think about why we give, roadie, and ride ...
.for those who can't
.for those who live
.for those who give
.and most of all, for those who can't live if we don't give
#PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter #aidslifecycle
Saturday, June 1, 2019
From way across the Pacific, we get support from Taiwan
Thank you so much, Rudi Teruel, for donating to AIDS/LifeCycle to help end HIV/AIDS. Hugs and thanks to this adorable guy!
We’re $410 passed our oh-so old $35k goal. Yes, we’re still accepting support to make HIV/AIDS a thing of the past. Please go to the donation link:
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/artdesuyo
In less 1 day, we ride out from the Cow Palace in #SanFrancisco to #LosAngeles for 7 days and over 545 miles to help #EndHivAids.
We are all committed to help end HIV/AIDS. I will continue to raise funds for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center to combat this disease until we reach the day that no one has to anymore.
You are our #Heroes #RideLoveLive #TakeCareOfEachOther and we think about why we give, roadie, and ride ...
#PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter #aidslifecycle
We’re $410 passed our oh-so old $35k goal. Yes, we’re still accepting support to make HIV/AIDS a thing of the past. Please go to the donation link:
http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/artdesuyo
In less 1 day, we ride out from the Cow Palace in #SanFrancisco to #LosAngeles for 7 days and over 545 miles to help #EndHivAids.
We are all committed to help end HIV/AIDS. I will continue to raise funds for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center to combat this disease until we reach the day that no one has to anymore.
You are our #Heroes #RideLoveLive #TakeCareOfEachOther and we think about why we give, roadie, and ride ...
- for those who can't
- for those who live
- for those who give
- and most of all, for those who can't live if we don't give
#PositivePedalers #EndingStigma will #RideLoveLive until HIV/AIDS is a thing of the past #givingbacktothecommunity #cyclinglife #volunteer #sanfranciscoaidsfoundation #losangeleslgbtcenter #aidslifecycle
These handsome men help push our AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising beyond $35k
Thank you, Ben and Maxwell, for helping end HIV/AIDS. You are loved!
WE DID IT!
In less than 3 days, generous family and friends raised over $5k to exceed our new $35k goal for AIDS/LifeCycle. Dare I increase ... don’t encourage me. We’re in the fight to end HIV/AIDS and eliminate the stigma. Thank you so much!
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