Free live simulcast from the War Memorial Opera House
I wanted to thank all that made this ride and experience possible. This year AIDSLifeCycle raised $11.6 Million to fight HIV and AIDS in this country and abroad. It was all possible thanks to those that gave and everyone's awesome support.
The ride was both emotionally and physically challenging. It is an experience I will never forget. I will also be forever appreciative of each and evryones support. I truly feel that your contributions went to a massively important cause so I truly hope eachone of you can rejoice by knowing because you contributed there is now more resources out there to help end HIV and AIDS. That because you gave there is now more resources to help those living with HIV and AIDS have a more dignified life and that you gave inspired me to keep on riding throughthe thick and the thin.
The ride itself was intense. It was more challenging than I expected it to be. The days were long and they piled up on each other. The course was hilly and unforgiving. What made it all possible was the support each of us had from eachother, from you and from the 500 roadie volunteers that made it work. The physical challenges, the fatigue, the emotional highs and lows really engrain a week I shall never forget. I am now committed to this fight and am looking to forward to participating again next year. Will you join me?
So what's a typical day you might ask?
Basically its a lot of miles and a lot of hours on your bike. Its day 5 and I have gotten the routine down as best as I can.
Wake up is nice and early, no later than 5 am. Its freezing and you are tired. A hike to the porta potties, breakfast then stretching and packing up your tent. Its still cold and you're still tired but now you are in your gear and feeling the need to get on the road. On these 90+ mile days you want to get on the road as early as possible to maximize your time at your next camp.
The rides are long and gruelling. There are a lot of hills and its hot. We have rest stops about every 20 miles, usually 4 rest stops and a lunch. Its hot and we live by PowerAde and water. On a good night we get into camp before 4, on long rides we get in at 7. Argh long days. We pick up our gear and set up our tent. We get dinner and in bed by 9. All in prep for rolling out at 5 the next morning.