Wow, talk about a wake up call! I survived ALC's "Day of the Ride"; which is a day in the life of what an actual day in June will be like. We rode from Santa Monica to Long Beach and back- 81.6 miles. It was a gorgeous overcast day...and the crew, staff and riders were all so friendly. It definitely felt like a family. I made friends instantly and we formed our own little crew composed of Sonia, Heather, Gwen and myself. We were whooping, cheering and having a blast supporting and cheering each other on. We even made friends with other groups such as Scott & Katie. They were a blast!! The first & last 45 miles were very similar to the last 2 training rides I had done with the Santa Monica Bike Attack team--we went through the same areas. The familiarity was nice. But, can you say hills? For a newbie like me who really hadn't conquered many big hills, it was a large wake-up call. Not to mention I got me first flat tire and found that I was riding on it for a chunk of the ride. The reward from climbing those huge hills paid off when the downhill portion came. I clocked myself on my cycle computer at 42 miles per hour. Wow!! I hit the brakes at that point and slowed down.Our first rest area was at Veteran's Park where we overlooked the ocean. It was an amazing site and the sun was shining. But an even more amazing site was at Point Fermin Park where we stopped for lunch. The cliffs and rocks over looking the ocean were extraordinary. It started to get cold and windy at this point in the ride. It seemed that no matter which direction we were traveling the wind was always blowing towards us. We had 4 rest areas with water, gatorade, and snacks. It was nice to be able to stop about every 20 miles to rehydrate and refuel. The orange slices were amazing.The ride got scary when our team saw one of our members, Sonia, collided with another rider and fell into a traffic lane. Amazingly everyone was fine and the bikes were fine too, but it was a quick reality check of just how easy it is for an accident to happen. We are constantly riding along on streets with traffic and watching out for each other with voice and hand signals, but even with all that things can still happen. The finish line was right back where we started and Bike Attack, a platinum sponsor for the ALC, had a party afterwards with lots of food from California Pizza Kitchen. Needless to say we were all very hungry.I am recovering today. My knees, back, quads and neck hurt, but with the help of ibupofin and Arnica Gel I am doing well. Spent the day running around doing errands and housekeeping. I hardly slept last night--the adrenaline was still running. I did a huge jump from a 23 mile ride to a 40 mile to a 45 mile to a 81.6 mile all within a month and my body is in good condition. Next weekend I am thinking about doing the Simi Century Ride with Team Ventura. The ride is from Simi Valley to Ojai via Grimes Canyon (ouch very long steep windy hills) and back- 100 miles total. After yesterdays ride I am trying to figure out if I will be able to handle it. I am going to play it by ear this week and see...stay tuned to see if I do it.The photo above is me at the first rest area, wearing the Bike Attack jersey. Also, be sure to check out the photo below from my LA Acura Ride (under the "How Have I Been Training" blog). I've updated the picture. It is me at the starting line at 5:00 am...and yes that is my beautiful bike in both photos.
Well, I couldn't resist, I joined the Santa Monica Bike Attack Team again this week (4-15-06). There was a total of 7 of us lead by David Bain (#7969) and Sarah Sypniewski (#7) (photo above). Sarah is my cycle buddy #2 and showed me on my first ride how to change a flat. I hope that I never have to use what she taught me. Our ride was the same as last week but with an extension. We continued on a hill that circled around Palos Verdes Golf Course. The hill was unforgetable and one that I had never experienced. Steep up hill climbs that would turn and bend. The weather w
asn't as enjoyable as last week. We encoutered drizzle but no true rain. But it was a blast! Photo left is from today's ride along the bike path. I believe that is Leo in the photo.Next Saturday (4-22-06) is a mock ALC Day of The Ride and a whopping 78 miles. Tune in next week to see if I survive.
This past week I went to Mammoth. Yay!! Can you believe it I finally learned how to snow ski (thanks to my friend Lisa). It wasn't that hard either. I skiied on Monday- got 12 runs in (on the bunny slopes of course). On Tuesday I snowboarded (6 runs-still on the bunny slopes). This was my second time snowboarding. I had gone once before about 2 years ago. The snow conditions on Tuesday were not as good as we had hoped but we got a few hours in. My favorite part was hitting the little mini jumps/ bumps. There are about 6 of them on the bunny slopes and they were a blast. Can't wait to go again.
Hey, guess what? I finished my first 40 miler today (4-8-06) through the South Bay. There were about 13 of us (I think). We started at Bike Attack, a cycle shop in Santa Monica and a big ALC sponsor, and rode along the beach and some side streets through: Santa Monica, Venice, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach to Palos Verdes (and all those other cities in between). Our mid point and where we took our break was at the base of Palos Verde, in Malaga Cove (see picture). The whole ride was gorgeous! We saw the ocean, surfers, volleyball players, the UCLA rowing team competing, a hang gliding class, tons of sail boats, and the beautiful So Cal coast. The day was sunny and absolutely perfect for a bike ride. The people I rode with were fun, friendly and I saw some familiar faces. For those of you wondering, yes my foot is still attached. It was really hurting me by the end of the ride. (FYI, that is not my bike in the photo.)
As many of you have heard I chipped the bone on the top of my foot while training for my ride. Good news, it is not a fracture & I have received clearance from my doctor to continue training and I will be able to participate in ALC5. Although it hurts like crazy (it feels like someone is trying to pry my bones apart with a knife--thank goodness for medication), I can't do anymore damage while training. I am learning patience during this time and am trying to take it easy. Each week I am feeling better and am noticing a difference. Thank you all for your warm wishes to a speedy recovery as I continue to train.
Newest Events on Top12th Annual LA Acura Bike Tour-My most exiting ride so far would have to be the 12th Annual LA Acura Bike Tour that I participated in this past Sunday (March 19th). I woke up at 3:30am to get ready and drive to LA for our 5:50 am bike tour through the streets of LA (the Acura Ride took place on the morning before the LA Marathon). It was so exciting riding with 14,000+ other cyclists…o.k. and chaotic too. Being from LA it had a special meaning for me. It was unforgettable.
Porter Ranch Ride-Sunny SoCal hasn’t been so sunny, but I got to ride from my house to Porter Ranch for a quick 10 mile ride in between rain storms.
Women's Workshop-I got the opportunity to attend a women’s workshop at Helen’s Bike Shop in Manhattan Beach, CA. I got a chance to meet other women who were participating in the June event as well as bike vendors who were targeting women in the cycling industry (women specific cycling gear is very new to the market—we no longer have to borrow from the boys). The day was filled with workshops and seminars.
Fillmore to Santa Paula-Ready to join other ACLers I joined Team Ventura for my first 22 mile ride. Amazing! Team Ventura welcomed me with open arms as we rode from Fillmore to Santa Paula. We passed through a very hilly area surrounded by orange groves. It was gorgeous and the people I rode with were friendly and fun. This ride gave me a gauge of my fitness level—which was better than I had expected.
Simi Metro to 23-Feeling confident on my new bike I ventured out on my first 18 mile ride from the Simi Valley Metro Station to the 23 freeway and back. I experienced my first hill. Wow, I survived.
ALC Kick-Off Party-I attended the ALC5 kick-off party and got pumped up for the event.
Lake Balboa-I got to test drive my bike at Lake Balboa bike path…it was lovely…
Bike Purchase-Next I purchased my very first road bike—a Specialized Dolce 2005 (candy apple red)—it is a women’s specific bike and I love her!!
First ALC Workshop-I attended my first ALC5 workshop in Griffith Park, where I met my Cycle Buddy Kerry Castillo for the first time. She went over all the gear, rules, how to change a tire, etc that I needed to know for the ALC ride. We then went for my first training ride around Griffith Park.
ALC Holiday Party-I attended the ALC Holiday Party and met some fellow ALCers
Personal Trainer-I started out training for Mt Whitney with my personal trainer Julie Gentleman and continue to do so for the ALC5 ride as well. I had been working our with Julie and another girl called Mariann twice a week, Tuesdays & Thursdays and we have now expanded to three times a week, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I currently ride my bike to Julie’s house and back for every workout (8 miles round-trip).
In order to be able to ride, I need to raise $2,500. Please visit my ALC5 Web Site to make a donation today. Thank you. http://www.aidslifecycle.org/7107
Cycling Hours -- (except for the last day) are from 6:30am to 7:00pm. Each Rest Stop will have specific hours of operation each day. Roadie teams will also start "sweeping" the route each evening at approximately 6:30pm; if we're past the lunch stop and they judge that we won’t make it to camp before dark, they'll pick us up and bring you into camp.
Route Support -- includes rest stops with food, drinks, bike mechanics, medical support and toilet facilities at frequent intervals, a lunch stop at about mid-day, and sweep vehicles throughout the route (in case we really need to be picked up).
Medical Team -- a full-service medical team will be available on the route, at rest stops and at camp to take care of whatever is aching.
Weather -- California in June is pretty reliable, but we will ride in any weather, so we will be prepared for heat, cold, and wet. In extreme cases we may make the decision to be "Storm Bound" for safety's sake -- evacuation sites will have been prearranged and we'll be bussed there until the weather clears.
Tents -- will be supplied. We can choose our own tent mate or the ALC will assign one to us -- yes, we have to share – We will need to learn how to set them up and take them down, but the ALC staff will teach us how to do it and they will carry them during the day.
Gear – we will be limited to one 70-pound gear bag, including our sleeping bag.
Food – we will be served a hot breakfast and dinner daily in camp, plus a bagged lunch and plenty of snacks.
Showers & Wash-Up Facilities -- all camps will have separate men's & women's showers (hot ones!) and sink/mirror areas for washing up & brushing your teeth. There will also be plenty of clean toilet facilities -- got to love those porta potties.
Cycle Parking -- Cycle parking areas are safe and overnight security is provided -- no bike locks will be needed.
Entertainment -- will be provided each night (but we can't rule out karaoke, skits, or charades!) Spontaneous singing on the hills while riding is greatly encouraged and appreciated!!from: www.aidslifecycle.org
A lot of you have asked me for my itinerary for the week of my ride so, here it is...June 2--Get up to San Francisco (don't know how yet). Staying at the Alpine Inn across from The Cow Palace.June 3--Orientation Day: The Cow PalaceCow Palace 2600 Geneva Ave Daly City , CA 94014 June 4--Opening Ceremonies: The Cow Palace
Cow Palace 2600 Geneva Ave Daly City , CA 94014 June 4--Camp 1 Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz--79.3 miles
Harvey West Park 326 Evergreen Street Santa Cruz , CA 95060 June 5--Camp 2 San Lorenzo County Park, King City--105.4 miles
San Lorenzo County Park 1160 Broadway, King City , CA 93930 June 6--Camp 3 Mid State Fairgrounds, Paso Robles--75.2 miles
Mid State Fairgrounds 2198 Riverside Ave Paso Robles, CA 93447 June 7--Camp 4 Preisker Park, Santa Maria--98.7 miles
Preisker Park 2301 Preisker Ln Santa Maria, CA 93458 June 8--Camp 5 River Park, Lompoc--43.5 miles
Sweeney Rd & Hwy 246 Lompoc, CA 93436 June 9--Camp 6 San Buenaventura State Beach, Ventura--84.1 miles
San Buenaventura State Beach 901 San Pedro St Ventura, CA 93001 June 10--Closing Ceremonies: VA Center, Los Angeles (near Brentwood)--60.8 miles VA Center 11301 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles , CA 90025*All sites and daily mileage subject to change.from: www.aidslifecycle.org
Last Fall, my friend Lisa, whom I had just met, and I were talking about what I had been up to. I told her that I had just climbed Mt Whitney and I began to tell her about my trip. She told me that she had a trip that was similar to my Whitney trip and it was the AIDS Ride. She told me about the ride through California and how beautiful and spectacular the views were. Being a native Californian I thought how cool it would be for me to be able to say I rode my bike through a huge chunk of my state. I had already decided at that moment that it was something that I had to do, but needed more information.
I attended one of the ALC5 orientation meetings and met Pam an ACL staff member who had done the ride in the past and was so passionate about the cause. I really didn’t know that much about AIDS/ HIV. I had never met anyone that I knew of who had the disease. I realized right away that the people at ALC5 seemed really genuine. I cannot forget at the ALC5 orientation meeting while watching a video of a past ride seeing tears in Pam’s eyes as we all watched the video together. I knew that this was something I had to do and I signed up that day.
As the orientation continued, I was quickly educated on the severity of the AIDS/HIV. Up to this point I had only learned about it in health class. There was a gentleman who was attending the orientation and hearing his story made my heart melt. Suddenly I was no longer riding to see the beauty of California but for a cause.
As time went buy and I began my fundraising venture I found that my ride changed yet again. I found that one of my acquaintances that I had known for a few years is living with HIV. Suddenly I had a face to match what I am riding.
Good Question.
AIDS/LifeCycle ...Here are the 8 "It"s of the ALC
from www.aidslifecycle.org:
1. It will take place June 4-10, 2006, as cyclists and volunteers will travel 585 miles through beautiful California from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
2. It is the official cycling event of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
3. It is about HIV & AIDS, and about raising money to help the beneficiaries continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community.
4. It increases awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors and the general public.
5. It addresses the widespread misperception that HIV disease and AIDS are no longer a problem -- in fact more people are living with HIV & AIDS today than ever before, which means a much greater need for services.
6. It increases AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participants and donor communities causing them to become ambassadors in the fight against AIDS.
7. It provides a reminder that the rate of HIV infection is increasing, particularly in communities of color and in individuals under the age of 25, and that in California alone there are more than 55,000 people living with AIDS, and another 125,000 living with HIV, many unaware of their infection.
8. It requires each Cyclist to raise a minimum of $2,500, and assigns them to a personal "Cycle Buddy" as their support system for help in training, fundraising, and emotional & practical support from the time they register right up through the event."
