As a first time rider for this year's AIDS/Lifecycle, when my alarm went off at 4:20 am this morning, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! My bags were packed, my tutu was set as we headed to Cow Palace for opening ceremonies and the big ride out.
This year in total, the participants of ALC raised a record $14.2 million for the SF AIDS Foundation and the LA Gay & Lesbian Center. Thank you so much to all of you who donated to this record breaking cause! The care and services these funds will provide to support those affected by HIV/AIDS will go a very long way!
The riding conditions today were a mix of everything Northern California has to offer! We rolled out of San Francisco in a thick fog and climbed though the rolling hills, down the coast to Santa Cruz with wind surfers, rest stops and Fig Newtons galore! It was so wonderful and inspiring seeing hundreds of people rolling down Highway 1, on a journey that means so much to the lives if so many. I can't wait to see what the next six days have in store, but for now 4 hours of sleep and 85 miles are catching to me. Good night to all, and...
Keep Calm and Pedal On,
Theresa
Some visual aids to keep you entertained:
Theresa, Nic and Lori ready to ride out of Cow Palace and straight into the chilly fog at 630am.
Tae is excited to re-fuel and level out his fluids at Rest Stop 1, about 19 miles into our 545 mile trek.
Lori and Theresa make friends with some Roadies at Rest Stop 2. Roadies are volunteers who don't cycle but arguably work harder than the riders as they keep the event running smoothly.
Ben and Nic stretch it out at lunch!
The amazing view as we approached Santa Cruz...
Nic and Ben wondering why Khaled is in bed at 7pm...
Larry experiences what it's like to be a newbie. Where's my toothbrush???
And the snoring begins...a lesson learned on the Aidslifecycle: Tent walls aren't real walls.
Good night, Santa Cruz.
Location:Santa Cruz,United States
