Team training ride, Livermore Valley

Jim, Dave, Jan, David H, Theresa, Lori, Nicolas, Joel

Authentic Covered Wagon (uncovered)

 Our first team training ride for 2015.  Most of our  Bay Area members were able to ride together for almost 60 miles, in beautiful spring weather.  We rode through the Livermore Valley in a big loop that took us through a little bit of vineyards, but mostly pasture lands.  Training is just part of the ride.  The harder part is the fundraising.  Please consider donating to help us fight HIV/AIDS.

Rick couldn't join us, since he's in Fresno, but he was out training yesterday too.

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