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
Thursday, June 6, 2019
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
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