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It
became very apparent that the 545 miles was the setting for the most
loving, supportive, motivated, organized community...family that had one
thing in common, to fight AIDS/HIV. As the miles started I began to
notice other riders and the photos they carried on their bikes in
remembrance of those that had past or the ones they were riding for. I
got to thinking, I don't know anyone with this illness so how can I make
an impact, how can I help and at times why am I here???
As the day went on, I felt the struggle of riding, the emotions, the
doubt but at the moment of wanting to give in there was an outburst of
love and support. When we rode into Santa Cruz, our first camp stop,
there were people yelling "you're our heros, thank you for riding" while
holding photos of their lost ones. The flood gates opened, at that
moment I knew that I belonged here!!!!
As the days rolled on the miles became harder but with every hill or
challenge we all became more connected and more supportive. And with
each rest stop the drag shows starting trumping each other.
At one point, I think it was about day 4 or 5, we had been battling a
head wind, all day long. The last 5 miles were the worst. When I
finally rolled in I was done, completely beat to shit. Thinking I won't,
actually that I couldn't ride any more miles, my AIDS/Lifecyle ride was
over. But as I parked my bike and stumbled towards the luggage truck a
women put this letter in my hand. She was a teacher at the local school
and had asked her students to write the riders letters. After I read my
letter from Hannah I folded it up, put it in my pocket and with a smile I
wiped my tears away and began my prep for the next days ride. I was
back in. Thank you Hannah!
If
I had to pick the best part of ALC I'd say the drag shows...or maybe
the bike mechanics. The costumes are damn rad...there are events,
movies, cheerleaders and the views, ahhhh man....oh and the FOOOD!!!! We
got to eat as much as we wanted...I can't tell ya if it was good or not
but there was plenty!!! Nothing better than stuffing your face after a
day full of miles...like the day I rolled in and Sylva and I just
looked at each other with the same look of "holy shit that was soooo
hard" but we made it. This was day 6, into Venture, the hardest day I
had had yet. About 10 miles out I was breaking down, bonking HARD!!
Bonking is what happens when you mentally and physically can't go
anymore, it usually means you need more water, food and a break. I've
found that if I eat a bit, sip some water while on the bike that after 5
or 10 minutes (which feels like hours) I can usually break through this
block. This wasn't happening for me, my little racing tricks weren't
working. I just wanted to curl up in the ditch with my bike and sleep
til the end of time. As I was looking for a place to literally ditch my
bike the remembrance pictures that decked out the other riders bikes
came into my head and I couldn't get them out!!! As I fought to clear my
head so I could find my escape route It hit me, if those people in the
photos were here they won't be complaining about the miles, thinking
they wanted to tuck away in the ditch. They would be happy that they
could even just be on the bike. I had nothing to complain about, to cry
about. I am here, alive, healthy and able. I can do this!!! Those
amazing positive thoughts stayed with me not only for the next 10 miles
but still today. This is why we ride, this is why we are all here.
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Once
we rolled to the finish, it was so surreal! We did it, I can't believe
it!!! As I sat with my family at the finish, I was over taken with
thoughts. I couldn't talk, really think. I had become a part of
something bigger than I could have ever imaged. It brought my friends
and family together and gazillion other strangers. I felt like the world
was together as one, full of love. And then I had to go home, I didn't
want to go. I thought, why can't we just do the same thing tomorrow and
just keep going. We could ride to Antarctica. Come on, let's go. I
didn't want to leave my new family. After my struggles of moving to LA
and not feeling like I fit here, I finally belonged somewhere!!!
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| 2014 AIDS/Lifecylce Finish
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The
AIDS/Lifecycle is a life changing event. It reminded me that anything
is possible, just close your eyes and jump!!! So if you are wanting to
jump, join me. I've started a team this year Team "Iron Maiden", no this
is not an all female Iron Maiden tribute band, this is a male, female,
transgender, all gender, homosexuals, bisexuals, pansexuals, old, young,
black, white, red, blue and live in LA, nebraska, Paris or India and
want to spend a week in sunny Cali, see breathe taking views and be
apart of something damn rad then join me as a rider or as a roadie!!
Click the link below for further details and please contact me with any
questions, concerns or comments....let's ride to end AIDS!!!
Who knows maybe I'll trying riding across the US next....anythings possible, right!!!!
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Thank you after party, yes that's MY name!!! Gotta say, Thank you ALC!!!! |
