I Did It!

Yup! I made it! I am alive and well. I arrived at the VA Center in Brentwood at approach 1:15pm on Saturday. The views through Ventura and along the Malibu Coast were breath taking. We had lunch at the Malibu Lagoon. It was so cool to be in familiar territory. We were all so excited, but also very sad that it was almost over. I got to ride in with a few of the people that I had trained with Scott, Katie and Steven. It was so incredible. We couldn't believe that it was the last day. It was very surely. We made it up all the hills and even those that we didn't expect. The crowds lines up along the streets as we got closer to the VA Center really pushed us up those last couple of hills.

Closing ceremonies was awesome. The emotions didn't hit me until Chris Cole bid farewell and said that he hoped to see us all next year. The 4 of us just started to cry. It was very sad to realize that this journey we had just done was over. I felt very empty, but yet full of stories and a new knowledge.

As I was riding I was trying to put into words my experience. It was very difficult. The best way I can describe it was being in the Rose Parade for seven days. It was an incredible high. There were school children out cheering us on. People holding up signs as we go by saying things like, "You are my hero", "Because of you I'm alive" and "You've changed my life". School children handing us letters calling us hero's and role models. It was very overwhelming feeling, but a good humbling feeling too. I felt as if I hadn't really done anything, but raise money and got a bike. Towns came out to greet us. I have formed bonds with people and had amazing conversations with people, whom I do not know if they will be alive to see them next year. This experience was definitely a life changing experience and one that I will never forget. I already miss my fellow cyclists and the staff. The most amazing staff I've ever met. Wow!! Words cannot express my compassion and how thankful I am to them all.

The candle light vigil on Friday was very moving. It was incredible to see so many people who affected by someone with Aids.

Many people have asked me if I am going to do the ride again next year. The answer is I would do it in a heartbeat if I could get the time off. I am already experiencing separation anxiety from my fellow cyclists. I miss the giggling of my tent mate Tsufit, the staff cheering us on as we ride in each day, the voice and a hug from my Cycle Buddy- Kerry each night, Sheri (my own personal space heater)-- That girl can radiate!, Andy's (tent neighbor) sweet voice greeting us good morning, Scott's humor--he could make even the worst situation funny, Steven's smile and oh, my god, that boy smelled so good all the time, Katie's smile and the challenge to keep up with her on the route (that girl is like lightening). Kim singing to us and telling us riddles up the hills. Heather and her finding her inner gerbil. I must admit though, I have enjoyed my nice long showers and flushing toilets.

I want to thank everyone for your support both during my training an during the ride. I thought of many of you while riding.Thank you also, for following my little journey. It has been fun and I hope that you enjoyed coming along for the ride. I could not have done it with out you. Thank you again.

I hope to have some pictures for you soon so please check back in a couple days.....

Day 6

The view coming down the coast from camp Lompoc to camp Ventura was gorgeous. Most of the 84 miles were along route 101 that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. D was very excited to be in Ventura, finally a beach she recognizes.
Our phone call was very short because of all the things on the agenda for the Night 6 in Ventura's silent candlelight procession on the beach.
Tomorrow's ride will be 61 miles and will end at the Wadsworth Theatre Grounds, Lot #7, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca 90025. Closing ceremonies will begin at 4 pm and last about 1 hour. If you are planning to go there will be special parking in lots #6 and #2 and the parking fee will be $7.00 per vehicle.
Deanne's Dad and I will be there to welcome the group to L.A.
Hopefully the next blog on this site will be from Lady D herself.
It's been fun.
D' Mom.

Day 5

Today's ride was 45 miles. There were a lot of hills. One hill had a 2 mile climb. Hills are not Deanne's favorite part of the ride. When I asked how she was doing she said "I'm still alive". That was nice to hear.
Today was the traditional "red dress day" where, as you can imagine, everyone tries to wear some sort of red outfit. I hear that there were some pretty funny get ups.
Tonight's camp is set up in Lompoc where they had a talent show and some guest speakers. The lights out curfew at 9:30 pm makes for a lot of last minute scrambling but everyone is glad to turn in since they have to get up around 4:00 am every day. Tents need to be broken down and luggage needs to be packed and ready to be loaded up for the trip to the next camp site.
The ride consists of somewhere around 1,800 bikers and about 450 roadies. Thats a lot of people, tents, and equipment to coordinate. Sounds like the ALC staff and orginizeers know what they are doing. All the roadies have several jobs. Tsufit, Deanne's tent mate, helps man road stop #2 each day. D says that Tsufit wears a different costume each day. It's all part of the fun attitude everyone seems to have.
I'm sure Deanne will have lots more to share when she gets home on Saturday.
Tomorrow night is a candle light vigil on the beach, in Ventura, to honor those that have died or are suffering from this dreadful disease. It is a very moving and solmen event.
Well, as for tonight, that's all folks.
D's mom

Day 4

Deanne and her friends celebrated crossing the half way point, from San Francisco to LA , at 9:30 this morning. They still had about 56.5 miles to go making the total for today 99 miles. Haven't heard from her since 9:30 am so can't give any more up dates for today. She probably was a little tired after being so sick yesterday. Today's camp should be in Santa Maria. The temperature was supposed to be pretty warm this afternoon.
Until tomorrow...
D's mom.

Day 3

Up early and had breakfast at 4:45 am. Left camp at 6:30 am. Rode 19 miles to the first rest stop, after being sick several times. D got a ride to the medic tent to find out that she, along with several other people, had food poisoning. She spent the entire day in the medic tent (2- I V bags) with lots of other people, many of whom also ate the fruit salad. Deanne was released from the medic tent at 3:30 pm and was glad that she didn't have to go to the hospital like some of the others. She was very grateful to the nurses who were so attentive, especially Marie, one of RNs that was on duty all day. D ate dinner and says she feels fine. She has to be checked out tomorrow morning before she can continue the ride but is anxious to get back on the course.
Hope tomorrw is a better day.
D's mom.

Day 2

Today was a very long day having left the camp (in Santa Cruz) at 7:30 am. The 106 miles, while quite beautiful, were difficult because of several hills and very windy conditions. Deanne managed to stop and have the traditional fried artichokes and visit the cookie person. These vendors set up along the route and as I said it is the tradition.
Deanne was riding with a women that was having difficulties because of a bad leg so they were somewhat behind most of the group. When her friend finally decided to catch a ride back to camp Deanne had to hustle to get to the camp in King City. She rode her bike into camp at
6:50 pm. 7:00 pm is the cut off point where they come looking for you. Thank goodness for her tent mate (Tsufit) who had the tent setup and even went with Deanne to dinner to keep her company while she ate.
Although D's knees are giving her a lot of pain, so far they have been taking turns being sore. Thank goodness for Advil.
9:30 is lights out, hopefully D's pain won't keep her awake too long. The weather was a little cool tonight.
Until tomorrow...

D's mom.

Day 1

Saturday was check in day and bike drop off at the Cow Palace and was a very hectic day.
Not having heard from Deanne yesterday,Saturday, we were getting a little worried, but felt much better after her call tonight.
ALCS Opening Ceremonies check in time was at 5:30 this morning (Sunday). Deanne fell asleep early last night and didn't have a chance to set her alarm. She woke at 5:15 am and had to scramble to get everything together and walk the 2 blocks to the Cow Palace (w/an enormous suitcase in tow) arriving at 5:33 am...well done D.
There were a lot of press, cameras, TV crews and oh ya, a lot of bike riders when the ride began at 6:30 am.
The 1st day's ride was 79 miles and ended in Santa Cruz where a very organized camp had been set up. After showers, a delicious dinner, and a quick birthday party for one of the riders it was lights out at 9:30 pm.
D's having a great time and making new friends. The temperature was already climbing as they rode just a few miles out of San Francisco. They were hoping the heat would hold off until they got further down the coast.
Tomorrow's ride will be 105 miles.
That's all for tonight.
D's mom

Arrived in San Francisco

Arrived in San Francisco about 4:30 p.m. thanks to the fantastic driving of Beth. Beth, Chris and I traveled in a van with 4 bikes and gear.
Was glad to see so many friends from team Long Beach and team Ventura.
Was pleasantly surprised to find my neighbors at the motel are none other than "Mom" and "Dad" from team Ventura.
Left the San Fernando Valley this morning where the temperature was promising to be near 100 and arrived in San Francisco to a cool 68 and overcast. Not clear enough for even a picture of the Cow Palace that is near my motel, Maybe tomorrow.

D's mom.