"Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because [that is] the only way to make it appear like a normal illness…" "One of the things destroying people with AIDS is the stigma we attach to it." ~Nelson Mandela
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Route
Curious about the ALC9 route...?
Here are some hard numbers for you:
Ventura was the highlight for me last year when we held the candle light vigil on the beach. Many people from LA drive up and meet for the night to honor those living with the disease and those who have passed on.
Exciting!
Here are some hard numbers for you:
- San Francisco to Santa Cruz: 79.4 miles
- Santa Cruz to King City: 107.6 miles (vineyards, strawberry and artichoke fields)
- King City to Paso Robels: 66.7 miles (Quadbuster hill)
- Paso Robels to Santa Maria: 97.7 miles (Evil Twins hills / Pismo beach / half-way mark)
- Santa Maria to Lompoc: 67.7 miles (Solvang / Red Dress Day)
- Lompoc to Ventura: 85.5 miles (Santa Barbara / best bet for dolphin sightings)
- Ventura to Los Angeles: 61.5 miles
Ventura was the highlight for me last year when we held the candle light vigil on the beach. Many people from LA drive up and meet for the night to honor those living with the disease and those who have passed on.
Exciting!
Monday, April 26, 2010
IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE...
Every Friday morning at work we hold something called "Roll Friday" where different groups bring breakfast for everyone. About 60 people participate each week. As I was considering what to bring for my turn, I had a flash of inspiration...
I decided to create a donation jar where people could contribute their spare change. In the middle of May I will turn in everything in the jar and pay it forward towards the cause. No one contributed yet, but there was a lot of talk about what it was and why...SUCCESS! While money is an exciting prospect, I think the awareness factor is just as exciting for me.
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.
I am secretly hoping we fill the jar to the rim in the next few weeks...
I decided to create a donation jar where people could contribute their spare change. In the middle of May I will turn in everything in the jar and pay it forward towards the cause. No one contributed yet, but there was a lot of talk about what it was and why...SUCCESS! While money is an exciting prospect, I think the awareness factor is just as exciting for me.
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.
I am secretly hoping we fill the jar to the rim in the next few weeks...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Day on the Ride
Today was the official "Day on the Ride" where everyone gets a chance to experience what an actual day on the road will be like along with rest stops, large hills, and a full day of riding. Overall I give the ride a THUMBS UP!
We started out really early with Ryan and I hitting the road at 6:20 am. We met up with the group of around 300 riders at Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica at about 7:00. After listening the safety speach and signing in, we hit the road around 7:30ish. I was number 366 (not that it matters).
It was COLD!!! The fog rolled in as we rolled out and even the steady pace didn't do much to cut the wind chill. Luckily I had my arm warmers that Mom and Dad had got me for my birthday. They were wonderful and I am sure I will use them often on the ride. The first 20 miles to the first rest stop were pretty uneventful. The route was one I had done numerous times before and there were a lot of stop signs and stop lights, but a nice warm-up nonetheless.
Then we went on for the next 10 miles -- all uphill! We were in Palos Verdes (home of the dreaded Hawthorne hill of which I have nightmares) and the climb was pretty steady. When I say steady, I mean it was HARD! I had to stop a number of times along the way, but I didn't walk any of it. Ryan was Superman and road up faster than I could ever consider...seriously, this hill was killer...and I was impressed. When I reached the second rest stop, he was all smiles and rested. I on the other hand was pissy. :) It was really nice to have a familiar face there when I rode in though, and I was thankful that he gave me all the time I needed to take a breather. However, we had much more road ahead so we continued on.
Side note: as I was going up the hill I had a lot of thoughts, but the one that seemed to stick with me the most was something I read the week before which said "Make each pedal stroke you accomplish a success and please remember what got you to this point: your desire to accomplish something you might not have done before, your compassion, and your dedication to help end the human suffering caused by HIV and AIDS." That is the thought that really got me through.
The next stop was 10 miles further, this time inland. I seemed to get slower and slower as the day progressed, but kept going. Seems to be my mantra...slow but steady. Finally as we crested yet another hill we saw the ocean before us and lunch was waiting in the park overlooking the coast. I was exhausted at this point and really emotional. It took me a few minutes to shake it off and enjoy the lunch, company and view. Once I relaxed it was great to catch up with Ryan and just talk to someone about what I was feeling. Again, so glad he was there. Then we took pictures as we psyched up for the remaining 35 miles back to Helen's....
We hit the road again at about 1:00 pm for the final stretch of the ride. We went 10 more miles to the next stop through San Pedro (near Long Beach) and back through a town called Rolling Hills. I had never heard of it before, but it was quaint and charming. There were a lot of equestrian farms along the route and it was very green and clean. I liked it a lot and probably never would have seen it if I hadn't been on this ride.
At this point I hurt. My neck was on fire and my inner legs were so chapped every pedal was painful. Day on the ride, huh?....thinking of 5 more days just like that terrified me...and we weren't even done yet...and I wasn't the only one. There were many people that felt the same way. However, we had come so far and there was only one choice - to keep going. It was at this point that I rolled down my arm warmers (finally warmed up) and they pooled around my wrists for the duration of the ride.
The last stretch was 25 miles back down through Palos Verdes, along Rodondo Beach, through Manhattan Beach, Venice and ultimately Santa Monica. I am not sure why, but the ride back always seems much longer than the ride out. We finally arrived back at Helen's at 5:00 pm. I WAS EXHAUSTED, but really happy. For those who weren't counting that is a 75 mile round trip which took approximately 8.5 hours. Mission Accomplished!
In terms of lasting effects: As I got back to the car I noticed that my arms were really hot. Oh, yes...we had forgotten sunscreen and the California sun was merciless. I now have an incredibly ugly burn line where my sleeves were at and where the cuff of the arm warmers were at my wrists. UGH! HATE TAN LINES!! :) Lesson learned. I also had sore shoulders and couldn't use the restroom for 8 hours without cringing in pain. I will be using butt butter the next ride. Ryan hurt his knee and will be nursing that back to health with a lot of relaxation and stretching. I can't imagine how much harder that would have made the ride back. Kudos for completing it my friend.
Overall this was a really good day. My Dad said it well when he said "It is amazing what the body can do when the mind will let it." That is the truth of the ride for me. My legs are willing, when my head will get out of the way and just enjoy it for what it is...a day in the great outdoors.
Six days like this in a row only 45 days away...Wish me luck!
We started out really early with Ryan and I hitting the road at 6:20 am. We met up with the group of around 300 riders at Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica at about 7:00. After listening the safety speach and signing in, we hit the road around 7:30ish. I was number 366 (not that it matters).
It was COLD!!! The fog rolled in as we rolled out and even the steady pace didn't do much to cut the wind chill. Luckily I had my arm warmers that Mom and Dad had got me for my birthday. They were wonderful and I am sure I will use them often on the ride. The first 20 miles to the first rest stop were pretty uneventful. The route was one I had done numerous times before and there were a lot of stop signs and stop lights, but a nice warm-up nonetheless.
Then we went on for the next 10 miles -- all uphill! We were in Palos Verdes (home of the dreaded Hawthorne hill of which I have nightmares) and the climb was pretty steady. When I say steady, I mean it was HARD! I had to stop a number of times along the way, but I didn't walk any of it. Ryan was Superman and road up faster than I could ever consider...seriously, this hill was killer...and I was impressed. When I reached the second rest stop, he was all smiles and rested. I on the other hand was pissy. :) It was really nice to have a familiar face there when I rode in though, and I was thankful that he gave me all the time I needed to take a breather. However, we had much more road ahead so we continued on.
Side note: as I was going up the hill I had a lot of thoughts, but the one that seemed to stick with me the most was something I read the week before which said "Make each pedal stroke you accomplish a success and please remember what got you to this point: your desire to accomplish something you might not have done before, your compassion, and your dedication to help end the human suffering caused by HIV and AIDS." That is the thought that really got me through.
The next stop was 10 miles further, this time inland. I seemed to get slower and slower as the day progressed, but kept going. Seems to be my mantra...slow but steady. Finally as we crested yet another hill we saw the ocean before us and lunch was waiting in the park overlooking the coast. I was exhausted at this point and really emotional. It took me a few minutes to shake it off and enjoy the lunch, company and view. Once I relaxed it was great to catch up with Ryan and just talk to someone about what I was feeling. Again, so glad he was there. Then we took pictures as we psyched up for the remaining 35 miles back to Helen's....
We hit the road again at about 1:00 pm for the final stretch of the ride. We went 10 more miles to the next stop through San Pedro (near Long Beach) and back through a town called Rolling Hills. I had never heard of it before, but it was quaint and charming. There were a lot of equestrian farms along the route and it was very green and clean. I liked it a lot and probably never would have seen it if I hadn't been on this ride.
At this point I hurt. My neck was on fire and my inner legs were so chapped every pedal was painful. Day on the ride, huh?....thinking of 5 more days just like that terrified me...and we weren't even done yet...and I wasn't the only one. There were many people that felt the same way. However, we had come so far and there was only one choice - to keep going. It was at this point that I rolled down my arm warmers (finally warmed up) and they pooled around my wrists for the duration of the ride.
The last stretch was 25 miles back down through Palos Verdes, along Rodondo Beach, through Manhattan Beach, Venice and ultimately Santa Monica. I am not sure why, but the ride back always seems much longer than the ride out. We finally arrived back at Helen's at 5:00 pm. I WAS EXHAUSTED, but really happy. For those who weren't counting that is a 75 mile round trip which took approximately 8.5 hours. Mission Accomplished!
In terms of lasting effects: As I got back to the car I noticed that my arms were really hot. Oh, yes...we had forgotten sunscreen and the California sun was merciless. I now have an incredibly ugly burn line where my sleeves were at and where the cuff of the arm warmers were at my wrists. UGH! HATE TAN LINES!! :) Lesson learned. I also had sore shoulders and couldn't use the restroom for 8 hours without cringing in pain. I will be using butt butter the next ride. Ryan hurt his knee and will be nursing that back to health with a lot of relaxation and stretching. I can't imagine how much harder that would have made the ride back. Kudos for completing it my friend.
Overall this was a really good day. My Dad said it well when he said "It is amazing what the body can do when the mind will let it." That is the truth of the ride for me. My legs are willing, when my head will get out of the way and just enjoy it for what it is...a day in the great outdoors.
Six days like this in a row only 45 days away...Wish me luck!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Malibu
Saturday I woke up and went for a 30 mile bike ride up to Malibu and back with the Bike Attack group. It was called the "Day before the Day On the Ride, ride" and it was just that...a flat mellow ride along the PHC there and back. The day was really cold and grey. While there were surfers aplenty, the ocean and the sky seemed to meld together into one massive greyness. It was beautiful in a very muted sort of way.
When we arrived at the rest stop before turning around, I was stopped by Lisa (one of the training ride leaders) and he told me that I was pacing at a 17. I think that is okay as average is 10-12 mph. It was really, really flat...but it was nice to hear that I was doing alright.
When we arrived at the rest stop before turning around, I was stopped by Lisa (one of the training ride leaders) and he told me that I was pacing at a 17. I think that is okay as average is 10-12 mph. It was really, really flat...but it was nice to hear that I was doing alright.
On the way back I snapped a few random pictures. One is of the Getty Villa (I have still never visited that although it is on my list of things to do here in LA) and the other is the cross roads of "Pacific Ocean". Pretty funny. And yes, random.
I also saw Michael on the ride who I think is extremely handsome and a stellar person. He always greets me with a hug and a kiss and it does wonders for my riding. :) I look forward to seeing him daily on the ride.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fellow Cyclist
Dear Friends,
I just read the personal story of one of my fellow cyclists, and I was filled with such emotion I thought I would share it with you.
http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?px=1273921&fr_id=1220&pg=personal
I don't know Brenden personally , but his desire to ride has such depth and meaning in the fight against HIV/AIDS that it really moved me. While my experiences are vastly different, our purpose is one in the same. I will definitely be among physical and emotional giants during this ride and I am looking forward to hearing more of their stories.
No contribution to this cause is insignificant. Let's fight this disease together!
Love,
Cindee
I just read the personal story of one of my fellow cyclists, and I was filled with such emotion I thought I would share it with you.
http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?px=1273921&fr_id=1220&pg=personal
I don't know Brenden personally , but his desire to ride has such depth and meaning in the fight against HIV/AIDS that it really moved me. While my experiences are vastly different, our purpose is one in the same. I will definitely be among physical and emotional giants during this ride and I am looking forward to hearing more of their stories.
No contribution to this cause is insignificant. Let's fight this disease together!
Love,
Cindee
Monday, April 5, 2010
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Thanks to the generosity of many family and friends, together we have raised $1,220 thus far to help eradicate HIV/AIDS. YAY! YAY! YAY!
However, that is not nearly enough...so I challenge any of you reading this blog to help me raise $1,500 (only $280 more) by April 15th. Will you help?
Canyon Road
Saturday I went to a training ride with the "Bike Attack" group out of Santa Monica. The morning started out a little rocky as I was late and the group I rode with thought I was a random stranger leaching onto them. After I explained that I was with AIDS Lifecycle and not just a cycling stalker, they were much more welcoming, althought I was labelled as "unofficial" for the duration of the ride.
This hill was long with lots and lots of switchbacks. Ride leader Amy was great at letting me go at my own pace while being encouraging. She kept pointing to the top of the highest mountain and saying "see? we're almost there". LOL! Right... But, eventually I made it to the top and it felt really good. Then we rode down past the Getty Center and back to familar territory. It was a good day.
The 35 mile trip was fantastic and just what I needed!
The trip went really well. I can't explain exactly where we went, but we saw some amazing multi-million dollar homes (one with a Statue of Liberty on the front lawn -- strange!)and ultimately climed Benedict Canyon Road.
This hill was long with lots and lots of switchbacks. Ride leader Amy was great at letting me go at my own pace while being encouraging. She kept pointing to the top of the highest mountain and saying "see? we're almost there". LOL! Right... But, eventually I made it to the top and it felt really good. Then we rode down past the Getty Center and back to familar territory. It was a good day.
The 35 mile trip was fantastic and just what I needed!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
