Annual Expo for AIDS/LifeCycle

PG&E Power Pedalers, Mariana, Jan, Neil, Emilia, Carol

Each year AIDS/LifeCycle holds a large event (think 1000 people including 150 volunteers), to help acclimate Cyclists & Roadies to ALC & the one week event they will participate in the first week of June.  There are booths, bike raffles, free clothing, information on camping, training rides, fundraising clinics, changing a flat tire, everything a newbie might need to know.  Five PG&E team members jumped in together for a photo.  Mariana and Neil are new cyclists, Carol is a new Roadie.  Jan & Emilia are returnees.

Training has started for 2015

The training has begun, because without serious training, we wouldn't be able to ride 7 days and 545 miles in June.  There were 88 riders and 7 are either PG&E employees, contractors, family or friends.  Some of us did the 30 mile option, but most chose the 46 miles.

Herb is our newest team member.

 

 The group shot, in the Orinda BART parking lot, was our starting point for the ride.



 Below April is doing some warm up stretches, they are done as a group in a big blob like circle.  April is still on the fence about riding in June, but we think she will commit soon.

2015 ALC here we come

Today was our first, PG&E team but unofficial ALC team training ride, for the 2015 ride.  Emilia, Jan, Larry, Drew, David, & Theresa in the front.  We rode 25 miles that included a few hills.

Some Professional Face Shots

There are lots of professional photographers on the ride that, unlike other rides, share their photos for free.  Here are a few of our team members who "got shot".

David Haya

Harley Goldstrom

Erica Dedon

Mark Dedon

Owen Goldstrom

Day 7, Ventura to LA, we're done!

Day 7 is full of emotion and relief that we have made it to Los Angeles.  The ride is shorter than most days, just over 60 miles, and I know my bottom side was glad it was almost over.  We have lunch on the cliffs in Malibu, across from Pepperdine, in a lovely park.  Then we have only 16 miles to go to finish.  We ride most of the afternoon on Day 7 on the Pacific Coast Highway, overlooking the surf as we go.  When we ride into the Vets Center we are greeted by thousands of well wishers and it is very emotional.  We are all very grateful to have had the experience of AIDS/LifeCycle 2014.

Dave & Jan

John

Owen & Harley

Larry

Mark & Erica

Many of us have already registered to either ride or volunteer next year.  If you'd like to consider joining us, please contact us for more details.

Day 6, Lompoc to Ventura, Paradise Pit

Day 6 is relatively flat after the morning.  We have an interesting Cal Trans lane closure on a bridge & we ride on 101, actually on & off 101 several times, then through Santa Barbara & into Ventura on nicely paved bike trails.

Former Participants of ALC get together & provide ice cream, toppings & home baked goods to the riders in Santa Barbara at Paradise Pit.  This un-official rest stop is a favorite place for cyclists needing an extra sugar boost to carry us through the day.

At least 3 of us had large scoops of Mocha Chocolate Chip (full fat) ice cream

We end day 6 with a candle light vigil on the beach.  We walk silently in a procession, carrying candles inside paper cups.  Many people take photos of loved ones they've lost & set them in the sand by the cande

Day 5, Santa Maria to Lompoc, RED DRESS DAY

What started years ago as dress in red day, so it would look like a red ribbon going over the hills, has migrated to red dress day.  Don't think it's just the gay guys who sport red dresses, tutus & outlandish outfits, the straight guys tend to updo them.  Our very own, teammate Larry does that nicely, with a different outfit each year.

The hills on day 3 & 4 have names, but no one seems to mention, or give the hills names on day 5.  I'm not sure why, because they seem more difficult to me than the previous 2 days.  However, by day 5, you just take it all in stride, & enjoy the amazing views, as you slowly make your way up the hills.

One of the Roadies on Moto Crew asked to pose with Erica & Mark on their Red Tandem