Saturday, January 17, 2015
I come back home after a 57.4-mile ride welcomed by Po-Ling Loh's generous donation
Thank you, Po-Ling for your continued support of AIDS/LifeCycle -- riding and fundraising for ALC 2013 and 2014 and now donating AND being Traffic Roadie for ALC 2105!
Friday, January 16, 2015
More donations from wonderful supporters
Thank you Jay, Bok, Cindy, Anita, Maria, Loida, Vic, George, Vera, Sharon, William, Patricia, Theresa & Pere, Vanna, Niello Infiniti, and Scott for your recent support for AIDS/LifeCycle.
Why donate early? Simple ... because the money raised goes to work RIGHT NOW to help people in need.
Why donate early? Simple ... because the money raised goes to work RIGHT NOW to help people in need.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
AIDS/LifeCycle's Mission Revisited and Sunday Resolution Training Ride
Distance 42.9
Moving Time 3:09:53
Elevation 1,020ft
Avg Speed 13.6mi/h
Max Speed 28.0mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 112bpm Max 144bpm
Calories 1,071
Temperature 54
We have Hugo Sosa, Angelica Sosa, Jeff Adamus, Rachel Sandoval Carl, and Greg Nicols to thank for volunteering their time to be motivating Training Ride Leaders for Sunday's Resolution Ride Del Norte.
As you can see from the map way below, the ride was artfully mapped out (almost Italy upside down) and, thankfully, relatively flat (especially after yesterday's ride which was full of climbing).
This morning my original alarm was to go off at 5:30 a.m. so that I could have the same morning ritual as yesterday's. I did get up at 4:45 a.m. and quickly determined that I was not going to need 1 and 1/2 hours to cycle from home to El Cerrito Del Norte BART because I would not take my original route up and over Grizzly Peak, down Wildcat Canyon, and San Pablo Dam Road west. I took the 45-minute route along the Bay Trail and my body, especially my legs thanked me. I woke up "for reals" shortly before 6:00 a.m. - big difference, but about an hour more of sleep.
I started the morning along the Bay Trail where Snoopy welcomed me. I realized the red plane was the Red Baron only after I uploaded the picture. When I got to Del Norte BART, Lisa Mccarty was right there for us to scream in delight. She introduced me to her friend, Melissa - "The loud one" - Lisa's words. We all laughed. Lisa, I'm sure shared the story of when I first introduced myself to Lisa last fall. I'm paraphrasing below.
Art: Hi. I'm Art. Are you new to AIDS/LifeCycle?
Lisa: Hi. I'm Lisa, Yes, I am.
Art: You cut hair, right and ...
Lisa: Ahhh, yes. (looking very afraid) How do you know?
Long story short, I mentioned to Lisa that I was the one who asked her and Lisa to keep the volume of their conversation lower. With earbuds on and music full blast, I could hear every gossipy detail Lisa and Melissa were inadvertently sharing with everyone around them. All said with love ... who would have known we'd be AIDS/LifeCycle BFFs.
Jared Paul joined us to reiterate the importance of what we do to help those with AIDS/HIV and how those who donate help fund the resources and organizations to meet AIDS/LifeCycle's mission to ...
Before we rode out, Julie Brown took us through a meditative preamble reminding us of the lives we've touched, we've helped, we've lost, we've not yet met or would never meet - reasons why we ride.
While today's group of 30 riders was much smaller than yesterday's whopping 84 riders, it was still full of fantastic fun and energy.
Moving Time 3:09:53
Elevation 1,020ft
Avg Speed 13.6mi/h
Max Speed 28.0mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 112bpm Max 144bpm
Calories 1,071
Temperature 54
We have Hugo Sosa, Angelica Sosa, Jeff Adamus, Rachel Sandoval Carl, and Greg Nicols to thank for volunteering their time to be motivating Training Ride Leaders for Sunday's Resolution Ride Del Norte.
As you can see from the map way below, the ride was artfully mapped out (almost Italy upside down) and, thankfully, relatively flat (especially after yesterday's ride which was full of climbing).
This morning my original alarm was to go off at 5:30 a.m. so that I could have the same morning ritual as yesterday's. I did get up at 4:45 a.m. and quickly determined that I was not going to need 1 and 1/2 hours to cycle from home to El Cerrito Del Norte BART because I would not take my original route up and over Grizzly Peak, down Wildcat Canyon, and San Pablo Dam Road west. I took the 45-minute route along the Bay Trail and my body, especially my legs thanked me. I woke up "for reals" shortly before 6:00 a.m. - big difference, but about an hour more of sleep.
I started the morning along the Bay Trail where Snoopy welcomed me. I realized the red plane was the Red Baron only after I uploaded the picture. When I got to Del Norte BART, Lisa Mccarty was right there for us to scream in delight. She introduced me to her friend, Melissa - "The loud one" - Lisa's words. We all laughed. Lisa, I'm sure shared the story of when I first introduced myself to Lisa last fall. I'm paraphrasing below.
Art: Hi. I'm Art. Are you new to AIDS/LifeCycle?
Lisa: Hi. I'm Lisa, Yes, I am.
Art: You cut hair, right and ...
Lisa: Ahhh, yes. (looking very afraid) How do you know?
Long story short, I mentioned to Lisa that I was the one who asked her and Lisa to keep the volume of their conversation lower. With earbuds on and music full blast, I could hear every gossipy detail Lisa and Melissa were inadvertently sharing with everyone around them. All said with love ... who would have known we'd be AIDS/LifeCycle BFFs.
Jared Paul joined us to reiterate the importance of what we do to help those with AIDS/HIV and how those who donate help fund the resources and organizations to meet AIDS/LifeCycle's mission to ...
- Raise funds to support the HIV/AIDS services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation;
- Increase awareness and knowledge about the services and programs offered by the benefiting organizations;
- Increase awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors and the general public;
- Increase AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participant and donor communities, inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against AIDS;
- Provide a positive, life-affirming experience for people affected and infected by HIV;
- Contribute to an increased understanding of the disproportionate impact HIV has had on the GLBT communities in SF and LA;
- Encourage an environment of dignity and improved quality of life for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Before we rode out, Julie Brown took us through a meditative preamble reminding us of the lives we've touched, we've helped, we've lost, we've not yet met or would never meet - reasons why we ride.
While today's group of 30 riders was much smaller than yesterday's whopping 84 riders, it was still full of fantastic fun and energy.
 |
| Resolution Ride 2015 Del Norte |
 |
| Snoopy |
 |
| The Red Baron |
 |
| Foggy Emeryville |
 |
| More Snoopy |
 |
| Seabreeze - a great eatery |
 |
| Hugo go over the route |
 |
| Lisa and friend QUIETLY listening :) |
 |
| They are excited, really |
 |
| Greg |
 |
| Rachel being her cute smiley self |
 |
| We're a good group of listeners |
 |
| The Boss - Jared Paul |
 |
| Angelica thinking |
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| With Julie Brown |
 |
| Ari riding into the first rest stop |
 |
| With Ari |
 |
| Angelica in her glory - cheering, with cow bells in hand, riders as they finish |
 |
| Can you tell the difference? Ari finishing the ride. |
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| P finishing the ride - I'll have his full name when he emails me :) |
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| Ramona (still a BFF) saw the camera and this is the best I could capture - MY FAULT |
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Saturday Resolution AIDS/LifeCycle Training Ride for 2015
Distance 57.9
Moving Time 4:12:56
Elevation 4,587ft
Avg Speed 13.7mi/h
Max Speed 34.7mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 137bpm Max 174bpm
Calories 2,078
Temperature 55
This Saturday was certainly much warmer than last week. Thanks to Mary Vencill, Andy Fyfe, Aaron Lewis, Steven Shum, Dawn Tso, George Head, Rex Gordon, and Sam Kimbrel -- all wonderful, volunteer Training Ride Leaders.
My alarm went off at 5:15 a.m. and I was up and getting ready for the day and ride. By 6:00 a.m., I had my mom's needs taken care of until my return and a hot breakfast to keep me nourished and warm on today's ride. I rolled out my glutes and legs by 6:30 a.m. The rest of the time until 7:15 a.m. was literally getting prepped and dressed for the ride.
On my bike about 7:20 a.m. to go up and over Grizzly Peak to Orinda BART for the 8:15 a.m. AIDS/LifeCycle Fundraising Mini-clinic. We took time to introduce ourselves to newly-registered and potential riders and talked about what worked for those of us when we fundraise. I shared what I do to get friends and family interested in AIDS/LifeCycle and the great take-away I got from Mary Vencill is that I was reminded to reiterate that we're not riding and fundraising for ourselves, we're doing this for an important cause - a Ride to End AIDS.
Alf Victorio and I were the first to ride out with Sam Kimbrel and Joe Carlin soon joining us. At about 8 miles out Joe had a flat, but Sam was already ahead and didn't notice. Alf and I helped Joe with changing his flat and when Rich Lagunte reached us after about 40 other riders passed, he exclaimed, "Are there thumbtacks on the road? You're the 7th flat in the group." What a nice way to start.
We caught up with part of the group at the first rest stop in Hercules and after a quick pit stop, Alf and I hopped onto our bicycles and continued the ride with Sam and Catherine (a new rider). At about 23 miles into the ride, we came across a detour. Unbeknownst to us, that was our turn. We ended up in the oh-so quaint town of Porta Costa (sorry no pictures), but found our way back onto the correct route to Martinez.
SO, I've gotten used to putting butt butt'r on anytime, anyplace. I'm not flashing, no skin is shown when this acrobatic act is done, and I make sure I'm at least hidden away from the public (on the 7-day ride, that's another story). The way I slather it on isn't as bad as the way some men are always groping or adjusting themselves. Well, today, in Martinez, as soon as I was done applying the precious butt'r where I thought I was tucked away from Starbucks outside sitting area and the public's gaze, I heard - "You know, you shouldn't be doing that in public. I live here. Geez." I swear with the bushes and all, I couldn't be seen, but I guess someone, instead of looking at the creek and view, he was more interested in the amateur entertainment. Yeah, he was right. So no more public display of butt butt'r application for me - during training rides.
All-in-all a great, tiring ride. I'm glad Alf talked me into hitching a ride with him to take me home. What was I thinking when I wanted to add 42 miles more so that I could log-in a century for today????
Now, off to the gym ... just to stretch and sit in the jacuzzi (if it's clean - it's 24-Hour Fitness Downtown Oakland).
Moving Time 4:12:56
Elevation 4,587ft
Avg Speed 13.7mi/h
Max Speed 34.7mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 137bpm Max 174bpm
Calories 2,078
Temperature 55
This Saturday was certainly much warmer than last week. Thanks to Mary Vencill, Andy Fyfe, Aaron Lewis, Steven Shum, Dawn Tso, George Head, Rex Gordon, and Sam Kimbrel -- all wonderful, volunteer Training Ride Leaders.
My alarm went off at 5:15 a.m. and I was up and getting ready for the day and ride. By 6:00 a.m., I had my mom's needs taken care of until my return and a hot breakfast to keep me nourished and warm on today's ride. I rolled out my glutes and legs by 6:30 a.m. The rest of the time until 7:15 a.m. was literally getting prepped and dressed for the ride.
On my bike about 7:20 a.m. to go up and over Grizzly Peak to Orinda BART for the 8:15 a.m. AIDS/LifeCycle Fundraising Mini-clinic. We took time to introduce ourselves to newly-registered and potential riders and talked about what worked for those of us when we fundraise. I shared what I do to get friends and family interested in AIDS/LifeCycle and the great take-away I got from Mary Vencill is that I was reminded to reiterate that we're not riding and fundraising for ourselves, we're doing this for an important cause - a Ride to End AIDS.
Alf Victorio and I were the first to ride out with Sam Kimbrel and Joe Carlin soon joining us. At about 8 miles out Joe had a flat, but Sam was already ahead and didn't notice. Alf and I helped Joe with changing his flat and when Rich Lagunte reached us after about 40 other riders passed, he exclaimed, "Are there thumbtacks on the road? You're the 7th flat in the group." What a nice way to start.
We caught up with part of the group at the first rest stop in Hercules and after a quick pit stop, Alf and I hopped onto our bicycles and continued the ride with Sam and Catherine (a new rider). At about 23 miles into the ride, we came across a detour. Unbeknownst to us, that was our turn. We ended up in the oh-so quaint town of Porta Costa (sorry no pictures), but found our way back onto the correct route to Martinez.
SO, I've gotten used to putting butt butt'r on anytime, anyplace. I'm not flashing, no skin is shown when this acrobatic act is done, and I make sure I'm at least hidden away from the public (on the 7-day ride, that's another story). The way I slather it on isn't as bad as the way some men are always groping or adjusting themselves. Well, today, in Martinez, as soon as I was done applying the precious butt'r where I thought I was tucked away from Starbucks outside sitting area and the public's gaze, I heard - "You know, you shouldn't be doing that in public. I live here. Geez." I swear with the bushes and all, I couldn't be seen, but I guess someone, instead of looking at the creek and view, he was more interested in the amateur entertainment. Yeah, he was right. So no more public display of butt butt'r application for me - during training rides.
All-in-all a great, tiring ride. I'm glad Alf talked me into hitching a ride with him to take me home. What was I thinking when I wanted to add 42 miles more so that I could log-in a century for today????
Now, off to the gym ... just to stretch and sit in the jacuzzi (if it's clean - it's 24-Hour Fitness Downtown Oakland).
 |
| 7:20am Ride Out |
 |
| Big Group |
 |
| More of the Big Group |
 |
| Bob Katz |
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| Group at 8:20 a.m. |
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| Chorus Line Rejects |
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| I love Mary |
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| I think Mary likes that I love her |
 |
| And, here's Ron |
 |
| with Sam |
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| With the effervescent Tanner |
Monday, January 5, 2015
Schools provide educational and mental health support to influx of undocumented teens
The PBS Newshour featured Oakland International High School, which is one of the six Oakland public schools I'm helping through Ride 4 A Reason.
If you'd like to donate to raise essential funds for school enrichment programs for six public schools in our very own districts of Glenview, Rockridge, Temescal (3 in our neighborhood), and Uptown Oakland. Donations will go to Brewer Middle, Claremont Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, Oakland International High School, Oakland Technical High School (John's parents' alma mater), and Westlake Middle
To donate, please visit:
If you'd like to donate to raise essential funds for school enrichment programs for six public schools in our very own districts of Glenview, Rockridge, Temescal (3 in our neighborhood), and Uptown Oakland. Donations will go to Brewer Middle, Claremont Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, Oakland International High School, Oakland Technical High School (John's parents' alma mater), and Westlake Middle
To donate, please visit:
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Baby it's F'in Cold Outside for Us West Coasters
Distance 64.0
Moving Time 4:48:12
Elevation 4,770ft
Avg Speed 13.3mi/h
Max Speed 33.8mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 136bpm Max 175bpm
Calories 2,203
Temperature 50 (started out with 33)
I always like to start any training blog by thanking the volunteer TRLs who help all levels of riders train. I appreciate Mary Vencil and co-TRLs George Head, Aaron Lewis, Rachel Carl, Sam Kimbrel, Don Brown, Dawn Tso, Andy Fyfe, and Rex Gordon.
Many of us born and raised in the Bay Area are wimps when dealing with what we think is cold weather. BUT, but when one cycles in 33-degree weather with frost lingering on some roads waiting to welcome cyclists, I shall be the first one to don the King of Wimps Crown. When I got up at 5:00 a.m. this morning to get ready for the Orinda ride, I didn't realize how unprepared I'd be for the BRRRR day.
I layered, but when I put on my "Windstopper" gloves only to be met with freezing fingertips, I was in for a rude awakening. My fingers never warmed up until late morning. I felt as if I were skiing in the Sierras.
The group was large and fun. I cycled out with TRL Sam Kimbrel, Joe Carlin, and Christine Ho - I tried to keep up with these fast riders. Met Christine Ho (Po-Ling's friend) and Suse Lee's GF. Most of the crowd cheered when Tea Dough showed up.
The best thing that happened because I decided not to cycle back home, I got a ride from Sam which let me take a goody bag from Richard Lagunte that included a jar of jam made by Edna - this delight is for those who donated $50 or more.
Moving Time 4:48:12
Elevation 4,770ft
Avg Speed 13.3mi/h
Max Speed 33.8mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 136bpm Max 175bpm
Calories 2,203
Temperature 50 (started out with 33)
I always like to start any training blog by thanking the volunteer TRLs who help all levels of riders train. I appreciate Mary Vencil and co-TRLs George Head, Aaron Lewis, Rachel Carl, Sam Kimbrel, Don Brown, Dawn Tso, Andy Fyfe, and Rex Gordon.
Many of us born and raised in the Bay Area are wimps when dealing with what we think is cold weather. BUT, but when one cycles in 33-degree weather with frost lingering on some roads waiting to welcome cyclists, I shall be the first one to don the King of Wimps Crown. When I got up at 5:00 a.m. this morning to get ready for the Orinda ride, I didn't realize how unprepared I'd be for the BRRRR day.
I layered, but when I put on my "Windstopper" gloves only to be met with freezing fingertips, I was in for a rude awakening. My fingers never warmed up until late morning. I felt as if I were skiing in the Sierras.
The group was large and fun. I cycled out with TRL Sam Kimbrel, Joe Carlin, and Christine Ho - I tried to keep up with these fast riders. Met Christine Ho (Po-Ling's friend) and Suse Lee's GF. Most of the crowd cheered when Tea Dough showed up.
The best thing that happened because I decided not to cycle back home, I got a ride from Sam which let me take a goody bag from Richard Lagunte that included a jar of jam made by Edna - this delight is for those who donated $50 or more.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
What I learned today ...
Distance 43.0
Moving Time 3:45:10
Elevation 4,780ft
Avg Speed 11.5mi/h
Max Speed 36.7mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 127bpm Max 161bpm
Calories 1,634
Temperature 54
So today was 2 degrees warmer. I rode with Mark Tidyman and I learned that one should never ride two days in a row after doing something one has never done or hasn't done in quite some time.
After eating and being not-so-active Christmas Eve and Christmas, I decided to run on the treadmill for one hour. I felt good on Friday after the cardio workout making myself believe a I had just burned away all the calories consumed the two consecutive days before. So on Saturday's ride towards the end, I hit a wall and couldn't ride as fast as I had done earlier in the day - even with eating and hydrating. Mr. Art, that's because of what you had done Friday. I thought nothing of it and felt I would have no problems with my Sunday ride with Mark.
I met Mark at the entrance of Lake Temescal with tons of energy, until we headed towards Tunnel Road. My legs all of a sudden felt like jello, but I continued and let Mark know that I most likely would not be able to keep up with him. I was right. At one point during our ride, I thought to myself, could I really take another 7 days of riding for 545 miles. Of course I could and will because I'm not going to over train or do something my body doesn't agree with like running for an hour one day followed with back-to-back cycling -- so, that's what I learned.
And, I continued to cycle with Mark way ahead in the distance ... time for rest.
Moving Time 3:45:10
Elevation 4,780ft
Avg Speed 11.5mi/h
Max Speed 36.7mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 127bpm Max 161bpm
Calories 1,634
Temperature 54
So today was 2 degrees warmer. I rode with Mark Tidyman and I learned that one should never ride two days in a row after doing something one has never done or hasn't done in quite some time.
After eating and being not-so-active Christmas Eve and Christmas, I decided to run on the treadmill for one hour. I felt good on Friday after the cardio workout making myself believe a I had just burned away all the calories consumed the two consecutive days before. So on Saturday's ride towards the end, I hit a wall and couldn't ride as fast as I had done earlier in the day - even with eating and hydrating. Mr. Art, that's because of what you had done Friday. I thought nothing of it and felt I would have no problems with my Sunday ride with Mark.
I met Mark at the entrance of Lake Temescal with tons of energy, until we headed towards Tunnel Road. My legs all of a sudden felt like jello, but I continued and let Mark know that I most likely would not be able to keep up with him. I was right. At one point during our ride, I thought to myself, could I really take another 7 days of riding for 545 miles. Of course I could and will because I'm not going to over train or do something my body doesn't agree with like running for an hour one day followed with back-to-back cycling -- so, that's what I learned.
And, I continued to cycle with Mark way ahead in the distance ... time for rest.
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