World AIDS Day, now in it's 29th year, is on December 1st 2009. Today I rode 29 miles to help raise awareness in the fight for a cure....
We met at 7:30 am in Brentwood at the Lulu Lemon shop on San Vicente. It was impressive to see everyone in their gear and wearing red which is the color that represents HIV/AIDS advocacy. Although still half asleep and pratically frozen, the ride started with a bit of excitement on my part. This is only the second time that I have ridden with a group this large and it is very...different. In some aspects it is safer to be on the road with a larger group as vehicles are more aware of you. On the other hand, having that many cyclists around you starting and stopping at the same time has it's own set of safety issues.
It was a slow pace today, but I didn't mind. The purpose was to stay together as a group and get the attention of people on the road. I have no doubt that we succeeded. The large line of cyclists would have been hard to miss. I also got a chance to ride with Gregg (right) and Ulisses (left) and catch up with them a bit. I fully agree with Gregg that the call-outs (i.e. car-back!, pot hole!, slowing!, stopping!, etc. etc.) are totally over used and get annoying. However, I do admit to using them in my head occassionally when I am driving around town (hot man on the right!, slowing!, stopping!, flirting!......).
The 20 mile stop was at Marina del Rey. It was an amazingly beautiful day! We met on a grassy hill looking out over the marina with the sun in full shine, the water glistening, and the sail boats gliding by. The purpose of this moment was to remember the people who had died from AIDS and remember the reason we were riding -- to honor them and help prevent future deaths. I know it will sound weird, but the moment was spiritual in nature. As stories were told and the names read of those who had passed on I was moved to tears. Especially when we all held hands and release two large red balloons with the words from one of the cyclists...."We will remember." Powerful moment.
They also displayed a section of the AIDS Memorial Quit (shown here). This quilt was initiated in 1987 and has grown expeditiously over the years. I was intrigued to find that each "block" consists of eight individual three foot by six foot panels sewn together representing the size of a coffin. Virtually every one of the more than 40,000 panels that make up the Quilt memorializes the life of a person lost to AIDS. Each, in a unique way, telling the story of these people's lives. These panels travel around the country, and I was honored to view this one.
While the ride itself was not physically challenging, I will cherish the experience forever. It was a beautiful way to spend the morning and I thoroughly enjoyed the chats, the laughter and the unifying bond that I felt with that group of cyclists. Events like this one were happened all around the world today. This disease which has only been around in my lifetime must be stopped. I am determined to help in whatever small way I can to raise awareness and funds so future generations don't have to deal with its affects.
To end this rather lengthy blog, I just want to thank Ryan for taking me on this journey. It is so nice to have someone to share this experience with and guide me through the unknown cycling world. You are loved my friend. Thanks for this memorable day.
