Why haven't I learned to take more photos?
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| Time for a paint job |
Monday, August 31, 2015
Thank you Family and Friends!
John and I were delighted to share an afternoon with family and friends celebrating everyone's efforts in helping six Oakland public schools and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation AIDS/LifeCycle. Our brother Valentino whipped up his delicious paella and lechon kawale (roasted pork).
Why haven't I learned to take more photos?
Why haven't I learned to take more photos?
Saturday, August 22, 2015
I'm now a volunteer ALC Training Ride Leader
Last Saturday and Sunday, 13 of us were certified as AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) Training Ride Leaders.
So what does this mean?
The Renew Physical Therapy team, for teaching us to lead dynamic stretches and foam rolling.
Lorri Lee Lown with Savvy Bike for an excellent Bike Skills 101 - Fundamental Bike Handling Skills. Who knew that we didn't know what we didn't know. I'm so excited to practice these new skills for stopping, slowing, descending and climbing and impart these skills to everyone I ride with.
So what does this mean?
- We help riders prepare for the 7-day/545-mile adventure assuring that the training ride is a fun, SAFE, consistent, inclusive and well-executed ALC experience
- We are the first point of contact for many ALC participants, and as such are representatives of ALC and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation
- We are viewed as experts by new cyclists, sources of information about the event and cycling skills because of our experience. While we are seen as experts about the AIDS/LifeCycle experience:
- we are not experts in bike fit, physical therapy, bike mechanics or advanced cycling techniques, but some of us have some of these skills
- We are expected to be at official ALC training rides at least 15 minutes before meet time, so that means as early as 5:30 a.m. as we get later into training season
I am looking forward to imparting all that I have learned from the wonderful, patient and kind TRLs who have guided me to have the best ride and journey that I am now on my third year of helping a community that continues to need the us so that we can make HIV/AIDS a thing of the past.
Thank you Julie Brown (for the pic also), Scott Friesen, Ron Poughkeepsie Hirsch, and Mary Vencill for the safety and ride management training and getting us certified as volunteer AIDS/LifeCycle TRLs - and more importantly, fed.
Additional kudos to ...
The Renew Physical Therapy team, for teaching us to lead dynamic stretches and foam rolling.
Raymond (fellow newbie TRL) at R. Palko Nutrition for helping us understand hydration and nutrition needs for training. Very important to know for new and veteran riders.
Pedro Dungo, P-fits, for more tips on understanding the necessity for a great bike fit.
Lorri Lee Lown with Savvy Bike for an excellent Bike Skills 101 - Fundamental Bike Handling Skills. Who knew that we didn't know what we didn't know. I'm so excited to practice these new skills for stopping, slowing, descending and climbing and impart these skills to everyone I ride with.
Aron Casaday TRL, and Maya for teaching us how to be pseudo-bike mechanics (in a pinch).
But, honestly, I have many TRLs I have learned from in the last two years who allayed my fears of cycling and taught me how to love cycling, climbing and caring for others on the road. Many thanks to VOLUNTEER TRLs Mary Vencill, Hugo and Angelica Sosa, Rachel Sandoval Carl, Jeff Adamus, Greg Nichols, Deanna Dee Dee Tanner, Richard Lagunte, Bob Katz, Jose Sanchez, Joseph Collins, George Head, Aaron Lewis, Don Brown, Lee Hawn, Dawn Tso, Mark Smith, Kas Neteler, George Harrison, Sam Kitajima-Kimbrel, Anthony Sprauve, George Beier, Dr. Bob, Guru Swamy, Steve Wedgwood, Deyon Jonson, Will Ajoy, Ron Marshall, Steven Shum, Jane Maxwell, Cami Caudle, Ron Poughkeepsie Hirsch, Neel Neargood Eargood, and last, but not the least EVER, Buz Miller.
A special tribute to 13-year rider/roadie and one of my first TRLs, who we will miss and love - Edna Flores-Lagunte #1371.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
The Wong Sisters support AIDS/LifeCycle 2016
Dorothy Brady and Lulu & Emery Teranishi thank you so much for donating $100 each to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation through AIDS/LifeCycle 2016.
Your support helps San Francisco get closer to making us the first city to be HIV transmission free.
Your support helps San Francisco get closer to making us the first city to be HIV transmission free.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Foam Roller Workout
When I started foam rolling last year, I found this YouTube by the Foam Roller Coach. I use a PVC pipe for my legs and the foam roller for the rest of my body. The video is a good reminder for me.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Marti Nemer #1 for AIDS/LifeCycle 2016
Thank you so much, Marti for being the FIRST to donate to AIDS/LifeCycle 2016 for my participation.
Marti is the FIRST for 2014, 2015 and 2016 -- YAY, MARTI!
Marti is the FIRST for 2014, 2015 and 2016 -- YAY, MARTI!
- $500 can help 15 people receive medical benefits counseling to obtain prescription drug assistance
- $250 can help provide ten Rapid HIV Antibody test to test ten people at Magnet, Stop AIDS, or other SFAF sites
- $175 can help provide case management for 15 HIV-positive clients who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness
- $150 can help provide 1,000 syringes through the street-based Syringe Access Service
- $100 can help provide the travel cost for a Stop AIDS Treatment Advocacy Coordinator to attend the medical appointments of 25 clients, providing moral support and to help clients advocate for themselves
- $25 can help a Financial Benefits counselor to assist one person in navigating the private and public benefits systems, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, CARE/HIPP, short-term disability, and Social Security
- $10 can help provide 143 condoms that the Stop AIDS Project will distribute
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Day 7 Scintillating Seventh Day Ventura to Los Angeles
Distance 60.9
Moving Time 4:27:20
Elevation 1,903ft
Avg Speed 13.7mi/h
Max Speed 43.1mi/h
Calories 1,686
Temperature 77
Wakeup Time: 4:30 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 7:00 a.m. / Elapsed Time 7:21:00
Looking at this trio, we look as if we've been crying all night long. We don't want the week to end. Sniff, sniff. David and I brought our gear to the trucks and on our way to drop off our tents, we run into the lovable, cuddle-able, sweet Pardeep.
An absolutely adorable picture is of Tony and Blain stretching and then posing for what? A camera? Where?
As we were pulling away from bike parking, Johannes noticed that not one, but two -- the front and back tires were F - L - A - T! Johannes first response was, "Does someone not like me? Who would do such a thing?" I met him at bike tech and he discovered that he had ridden over thorns, which found their way into both tires. We were finally ready to ride off to mile 21.6 RS1 Caltrans pullout near Point Mugu off the Pacific Coast Highway.
At some point, Johannes cycled ahead not knowing that I had stopped to help a Rider change a tire.
At 2600 South Victoria, I gave a mental greeting to the DeVeras. Anytime I hear of Oxnard, I think of Vera DeVera and her family. At 17.6 miles I made a stop at the Point Mugu Missle Park to take a least one picture of the fascinating airplanes.
When I arrived at RS1 Lisa McCarty was jumping up and down for joy. She was leaving as I was arriving. And, almost instantly, the ever-so-efficient Cyclist Rep Scott was on his bullhorn announcing that the rest stop would be closing in 10 minutes. That gave me enough time to replenish my water bottles, bump into Johannes who was on his way out, visit the PP to pp, have an orange slice and a banana and rush to my bike just in time to hear another announcement that the route was closed due to an accident. So we waited in line and the Roadies, #RoadiesRock, came by with snacks for us as we stood waiting for the go ahead. And, look who happened to be in front of me, the Texan stud from Day 4 Halfway to L.A.
I caught up with Johannes and we decided to skip mile 31 RS2 Leo Carrillo State Beach since we were behind. Team Edna planned to meet at 1:30 p.m. for those who wanted to ride into the VA Center en masse. We were able to quickly grab lunch at mile 45.3 at Malibu Bluffs Park and let Team Edna folks know that RS1 cyclists had been held up for at least 30 minutes because of the accident so the meet time had to be pushed out a bit. Of course just a few pictures had to be snapped. One with Mentor Mary and a guy, I'll call Bob who happens to train with the East Bay Wildcats. Glad I met him. I will be on the lookout for Bob (to find out his actual name) on future Saturday Orinda training rides.
From this point until making our way onto San Vicente Boulevard, we cycled on the Pacific Coast Highway with parked cars, fast cars on the road, and our eyes watching like hawks for any car doors opening, surfboards swinging, cars darting out of parking spaces onto the highway, and just about anything else that could pop out or in front of us.
RIDE SAFE. BE SAFE.
Our planned meeting time at 1:30 p.m. at a designated spot was not on the route. Because of the RS1 holdup, a few of us, including Richard (and Patricia and Lance Gordon, who said they would not be able to meet us at 1:30, but got to - YAY!) waited at the corner of Montana and S Gretna Green Way. We received a text from Thomas, but the text wasn't clear. I thought he and others were waiting for us at the finish line. So at 2:30 p.m. the 12 to 15 of us went ahead and a few blocks later, all of a sudden we hear cheer. What an utter emotional delight, the rest of Team Edna was waiting for Captain Richard.
Three days before Day 1, our teammate Deyon Jonson's mother passed away. While we cycled, roadied, virtual cycled, supported on the route, cheered from home, we not only experienced our individual journeys but also helped our Captain Richard Lagunte and team member Deyon Jonson through an emotional, supportive, loving week of healing.
We cycled 61.7 miles cycled today, a total of 545 miles over 7 days into the VA Center in Los Angeles. The team was cycling behind Captain Richard.
When Richard finally crossed the finish line with 40 riders behind him, a few of us broke down and cried.
Moving Time 4:27:20
Elevation 1,903ft
Avg Speed 13.7mi/h
Max Speed 43.1mi/h
Calories 1,686
Temperature 77
Wakeup Time: 4:30 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 7:00 a.m. / Elapsed Time 7:21:00
Looking at this trio, we look as if we've been crying all night long. We don't want the week to end. Sniff, sniff. David and I brought our gear to the trucks and on our way to drop off our tents, we run into the lovable, cuddle-able, sweet Pardeep.
An absolutely adorable picture is of Tony and Blain stretching and then posing for what? A camera? Where?
When Johannes and I got to our bikes, we noticed that the Chicken Lady (a.k.a Ken) left her love on every Rider's seat. She did have help from, what would you call Chicken Lady Elves? Chickadees sounds perfect.
She sprinkles so much wonderfulness throughout the ride. Each egg had a treat and words of wisdom.
As we were pulling away from bike parking, Johannes noticed that not one, but two -- the front and back tires were F - L - A - T! Johannes first response was, "Does someone not like me? Who would do such a thing?" I met him at bike tech and he discovered that he had ridden over thorns, which found their way into both tires. We were finally ready to ride off to mile 21.6 RS1 Caltrans pullout near Point Mugu off the Pacific Coast Highway.
At some point, Johannes cycled ahead not knowing that I had stopped to help a Rider change a tire.
At 2600 South Victoria, I gave a mental greeting to the DeVeras. Anytime I hear of Oxnard, I think of Vera DeVera and her family. At 17.6 miles I made a stop at the Point Mugu Missle Park to take a least one picture of the fascinating airplanes.
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| At Mile 17.6 courtesy of Google Maps |
When I arrived at RS1 Lisa McCarty was jumping up and down for joy. She was leaving as I was arriving. And, almost instantly, the ever-so-efficient Cyclist Rep Scott was on his bullhorn announcing that the rest stop would be closing in 10 minutes. That gave me enough time to replenish my water bottles, bump into Johannes who was on his way out, visit the PP to pp, have an orange slice and a banana and rush to my bike just in time to hear another announcement that the route was closed due to an accident. So we waited in line and the Roadies, #RoadiesRock, came by with snacks for us as we stood waiting for the go ahead. And, look who happened to be in front of me, the Texan stud from Day 4 Halfway to L.A.
I caught up with Johannes and we decided to skip mile 31 RS2 Leo Carrillo State Beach since we were behind. Team Edna planned to meet at 1:30 p.m. for those who wanted to ride into the VA Center en masse. We were able to quickly grab lunch at mile 45.3 at Malibu Bluffs Park and let Team Edna folks know that RS1 cyclists had been held up for at least 30 minutes because of the accident so the meet time had to be pushed out a bit. Of course just a few pictures had to be snapped. One with Mentor Mary and a guy, I'll call Bob who happens to train with the East Bay Wildcats. Glad I met him. I will be on the lookout for Bob (to find out his actual name) on future Saturday Orinda training rides.
From this point until making our way onto San Vicente Boulevard, we cycled on the Pacific Coast Highway with parked cars, fast cars on the road, and our eyes watching like hawks for any car doors opening, surfboards swinging, cars darting out of parking spaces onto the highway, and just about anything else that could pop out or in front of us.
RIDE SAFE. BE SAFE.
Our planned meeting time at 1:30 p.m. at a designated spot was not on the route. Because of the RS1 holdup, a few of us, including Richard (and Patricia and Lance Gordon, who said they would not be able to meet us at 1:30, but got to - YAY!) waited at the corner of Montana and S Gretna Green Way. We received a text from Thomas, but the text wasn't clear. I thought he and others were waiting for us at the finish line. So at 2:30 p.m. the 12 to 15 of us went ahead and a few blocks later, all of a sudden we hear cheer. What an utter emotional delight, the rest of Team Edna was waiting for Captain Richard.
Team EDNA was first created to honor 13-time Rider and Roadie, Edna Flores Lagunte.
Three days before Day 1, our teammate Deyon Jonson's mother passed away. While we cycled, roadied, virtual cycled, supported on the route, cheered from home, we not only experienced our individual journeys but also helped our Captain Richard Lagunte and team member Deyon Jonson through an emotional, supportive, loving week of healing.
We cycled 61.7 miles cycled today, a total of 545 miles over 7 days into the VA Center in Los Angeles. The team was cycling behind Captain Richard.
When Richard finally crossed the finish line with 40 riders behind him, a few of us broke down and cried.
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| Proud of you Deyon |
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| See you in San Francisco, TeaDough |
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| Bye, Buck |
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| We're going home via LAX |
For more pictures, please visit
(you don't need a Facebook account to view)
Friday, June 19, 2015
Day 6 Soul-Searching Sixth Day Lompoc to Ventura
Distance 87.8
Moving Time 6:21:32
Elevation 3,287ft
Avg Speed 13.8mi/h
Max Speed 44.9mi/h
Calories 2,429
Temperature 73
Wakeup Time: 4:30 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 6:45 a.m. / Elapsed Time 11:15:16
Today was another day that I would ride at the back of the pack and take-in all the beauty that life has to offer and also remember those who have left us.
Off to mile 14.6 RS1 Caltrans Pull Out. As is with much of the San Francisco to Los Angeles route, this stretch was breathtaking with rolling hills, steep climbs, glorious descents into beautiful coastal views. And what do we have here? Finally, a picture with my tent mate, Carlos. Carlos and I became fast friends last year at the lunch stop on Day 5. During training from February to May 2014, Carlos found me aloof. I was a newbie. All I wanted was to finish training as fast and best as I could because I didn't know how I would be on the actual 7-day ride. I didn't spend much time at rest stops or lunch during my first season of training. Carlos was always holding court and in command. When Carlos saw me on Day 5 last year, his opinion of me being conserved went out the window, the door and any other opening available.
Bumping into familiar faces was such a joy at RS1.
The route to mile 27.5 RS2 Vista Point was closed from here onwards before 9am, so Johannes and I stayed put and waited until we were given the go ahead.
Riding at a slower pace, one gets to stop and take pictures along the route, so here we are with folks we had just left back in RS1.
You can't get any better than taking a photo of newlyweds, so on to mile 44.2 lunch at Girsh Park, where after taking a bite into my sandwich, I hear, "Lunch will be closing in 15 minutes." As I ride out, I see that Edna is remembered and Rich supported everywhere.
Riding to mile 57.2 RS3 Leadbetter Beach is spectacular, especially because our next stop is Paradise Pit with ICE CREAM!!!!!!!
Mile 71.6 water stop was skipped to go onto mile 78.7 RS4 Rincon Parkway Campground
88.1 miles cycled into camp at San Buenaventura State Beach and directly from dropping my gear off in our tent and off to be with Rich for a tribute to Edna.
After leaving the beach, I rushed back to my tent to get warm and showered. The day was indeed ending, the showers, at least the one I was using was not clean, but I was tired and needed to get done so I could get something to eat. I got to the dining tent just as camp announcements were ending and folks were leaving for the candlelight vigil. I ate in silence and alone, but not lonely. With each bite (I had to savor because I couldn't go back for seconds -- food service was closed), I was able to reflect on what today and the past five days meant. Everything. This moment dining on my own was very much like, at times, riding on my own. I get to have all this time to think, not think, to laugh, to ask, to answer and best of all, I get to know that my life with family, friends, the ALC community, our 48th and Telegraph family, Allen and the P-boys, and especially the love of my life, John is fulfilling. And with my last bite, I smiled, headed back to my tent and thought, "Should I walk into town for an In-n-Out meal?"
Say good night, Art! Well, I tried. Carlos and I ended up talking quietly, texting and giggling until we could no longer.
Moving Time 6:21:32
Elevation 3,287ft
Avg Speed 13.8mi/h
Max Speed 44.9mi/h
Calories 2,429
Temperature 73
Wakeup Time: 4:30 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 6:45 a.m. / Elapsed Time 11:15:16
Today was another day that I would ride at the back of the pack and take-in all the beauty that life has to offer and also remember those who have left us.
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| Irene and I trying our best to open our eyes wide at such an early hour |
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| Yoga humor |
Off to mile 14.6 RS1 Caltrans Pull Out. As is with much of the San Francisco to Los Angeles route, this stretch was breathtaking with rolling hills, steep climbs, glorious descents into beautiful coastal views. And what do we have here? Finally, a picture with my tent mate, Carlos. Carlos and I became fast friends last year at the lunch stop on Day 5. During training from February to May 2014, Carlos found me aloof. I was a newbie. All I wanted was to finish training as fast and best as I could because I didn't know how I would be on the actual 7-day ride. I didn't spend much time at rest stops or lunch during my first season of training. Carlos was always holding court and in command. When Carlos saw me on Day 5 last year, his opinion of me being conserved went out the window, the door and any other opening available.Bumping into familiar faces was such a joy at RS1.
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| Our Eminence Don Brown |
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| Ken, the compassionate Chicken Lady |
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| With Johannes, the Chicken Lady's future husband |
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| Love training with and seeing Carolyn |
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| Beautiful multi-year rider, Emily |
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| Ms. Guru Bollywood in all her lovliness |
The route to mile 27.5 RS2 Vista Point was closed from here onwards before 9am, so Johannes and I stayed put and waited until we were given the go ahead.
Riding at a slower pace, one gets to stop and take pictures along the route, so here we are with folks we had just left back in RS1.
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| Diana is wondering why she's at the rest stop before me |
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| It's Chris with a smile |
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| Unicorns are found everywhere |
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| Ally can't believe she cycling every mile |
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| Yup! Meeting George right outside the porta potties |
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| With the Blond Ambition Robert |
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| Lisa is LOVING that I'm arriving as she's leaving |
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| Newlyweds James and George |
You can't get any better than taking a photo of newlyweds, so on to mile 44.2 lunch at Girsh Park, where after taking a bite into my sandwich, I hear, "Lunch will be closing in 15 minutes." As I ride out, I see that Edna is remembered and Rich supported everywhere.Riding to mile 57.2 RS3 Leadbetter Beach is spectacular, especially because our next stop is Paradise Pit with ICE CREAM!!!!!!!
All the toppings one could ask for
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| Skot loving Paradise Pit |
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| Janet and Heartbreak Hector |
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| Jen and Eric from New York, now Californians |
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| Is Lisa making fun of me always being behind her? |
Mile 71.6 water stop was skipped to go onto mile 78.7 RS4 Rincon Parkway Campground
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| Chris B - love where you take us with your music |
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| Don't look, Rich, but you do know who this represents :) |
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| Don't know who he is, but he's begging for a photo - right in front of my bike |
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| The wonders of our Gear Roadies |
88.1 miles cycled into camp at San Buenaventura State Beach and directly from dropping my gear off in our tent and off to be with Rich for a tribute to Edna.
After leaving the beach, I rushed back to my tent to get warm and showered. The day was indeed ending, the showers, at least the one I was using was not clean, but I was tired and needed to get done so I could get something to eat. I got to the dining tent just as camp announcements were ending and folks were leaving for the candlelight vigil. I ate in silence and alone, but not lonely. With each bite (I had to savor because I couldn't go back for seconds -- food service was closed), I was able to reflect on what today and the past five days meant. Everything. This moment dining on my own was very much like, at times, riding on my own. I get to have all this time to think, not think, to laugh, to ask, to answer and best of all, I get to know that my life with family, friends, the ALC community, our 48th and Telegraph family, Allen and the P-boys, and especially the love of my life, John is fulfilling. And with my last bite, I smiled, headed back to my tent and thought, "Should I walk into town for an In-n-Out meal?"Say good night, Art! Well, I tried. Carlos and I ended up talking quietly, texting and giggling until we could no longer.
For more pictures, please visit
(you don't need a Facebook account to view)
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