It was a bit of a sad night for me. I took this night as being the last night that I would see the staff this year. They are usually working so diligently behind the scenes during the ride that we never see them the whole week. The “fab” four as they are known, Pam, Kerry, Sheri and Sarah have all made such a difference in my life and my ride. Each one has helped to sculpt me and give me the tools and skills I need in order to successfully do this ride. A huge thank you to them all!
Pam, made me see the true reason for the ride, the cause, how bad the Aids/ HIV epidemic was and her true compassion for it. Her cute cheers and smiles at the holiday and kick off party and her joyful energy and charisma was just so contagious. After being around her and hearing her stories I could wait to get on my bike and ride.
Kerry, my wonderful Cycle Buddy and mentour was my compass. She lead me into the directions that I needed to go and helped to prepare me phyically. She told me where to go for everything from equipment to rides to advice about life. She took me under her wing, showing me what Aids Lifecycle was all about and introduced me to her friends and continued to check in on me weekly to here how my week and training had gone. She taught me never to purchase anything at full price. She also acted as my sound board hearing all of the challenges I was faces both on and off the bike.
Sheri’s, big smile and soft voice was my confirmation when I was in question or in doubt about the ride. She encouraged me and calmed my nerves about the 585 miles that were ahead of me. Just seeing her familiar face was comforting.
Sarah, oddly one of the staff that I had the least contact with had the biggest impact. She taught me the heart and attitude of the ride...by her example. I swear I could listen to her talk all day, and have recently loved reading her blogs (check them out at www.aidslifecycle.org/7). Her heart is so big and she is so genuine. I had given up hope that people like her still existed. Her attitude from the first day I met her, set an example to me of how an ALCers should act and be. She is very knowledgeable and her thirst and compassion for the cause and for people is truly inspiring and has been a huge motivator for me. One of the few regrets that I have had being involved with the ALC, is that I didn’t get to know her better. I feel that there is so much more to learn from her. That is why it was perfect that my last workshop was lead by her.
I'm going to miss the staff tremendously.
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