D and Beth spent several hours Thursday night loading and packing 9 bikes and gear into a U-haul truck. They, along with Keith, left Ventura about 5 am on Friday. The trip fortunately was uneventful and all arrived in San Francisco safe.
Saturday was check in day at the Cow Palace. Again things went fairly well. Bikes get turned in and tent assignments are handed out. All paper work etc. gets sorted taken care of. Lots of people but very well orginized.
This year there are 2,300 cyclists and app. 450 "roadies"(volunteers). The Aids Life Cycle 6 raised 11 million dollars- that is 3 million more than last year's record breaking 8 million. Participants are from 10 countries and 43 states.
The only downer seems to be the dark,cold, and windy weather that is San Francicso. There is a possibility of rain on opening day. Everyone is expecting a colder ride this year.
Opening Ceremonies were to begin at 5 am this morning and the first riders should have left Cow Palace an hour or so later. Since I can't find any information on how the Opening Ceremonies went I must assume that it all went well.
Will the weather be a plus or a hindrance during that tuff climb (biggest climb of the ride) out of the Cow Palace in Daly City (near San Francisco) and on towards the first camp at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz? I guess we will hear about that later if and when D checks in.
Hope to have more info on day 1 later.

Mom