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DAY ONE
San Francisco to Santa Cruz - Eighty-eight and one tenth miles!
This was the morning my fellow team members and I had looked forward to and for which we had spent hours training on bikes and cross training in gyms. I began this journey on the day I registered for the ride - July 21, 2000 (the date of my mother's birth). From that day on, high on my list of priorities was the preparation for June 3, 2001. I wrote letters, told everyone I met, and began cycling more and more. I read everything about the AIDS rides I could find on the Internet. I began riding every hill I could climb. I wanted to be as ready as I could be. Even so, as the months sped by, I added Spinning Classes and Weight Training at the local YMCA, but I wondered if I would ever be "ready" for this journey. I added daily prayer toward that end, figuring that between God who would guide me, and my own training, that I'd just have to let go of my worries and concern that a woman of my age could do a respectable job of riding the AIDS ride, and to do the best I could. That was one of my greatest challenges; to prepare as best I could, and then to do the best this old body could do, and be satisfied with that.
However hard I prepared, I pondered, would I ever be able to collect enough financial support ($2,700.00) to qualify for participation? That was worry number two, and another intention for which I prayed daily. To get enough sponsorship, and to prepare my body for the ride. That became my mantra from July to the following June.
The money worries were for naught. Instead of collecting $2,700.00 - the interest and magnanimity of many people (see "Sponsors" page), made the grand total $4,364.00! What a morale builder! When I realized, the last month before the ride, all the money that was coming in, I knew then that I would have to put my heart and soul into this ride. My ride was first and foremost to honor and remember Roosevelt (A.J.) Williams, John Lucey, Michael Kern, Kevin Overlade, Dan Miller, and the Rev. Stan and Ruth Smathers. Secondly, I knew I would ride in thanksgiving for the generosity of all my sponsors.
Early June 3rd, Paul and I, our son, Paul Jr., daughter-in-law, Miriam, and grandchildren Paul III and Juliana, drove over to San Francisco. Paul Jr. dropped Miriam, Paul III, Juliana and myself off close to Fort Mason. We found our way to the designated "meeting place" for the Team Hackers. The two Paul's parked the car and soon joined us and the thousands of riders and family and friends who were arriving as well.
A variety of foods were available for everyone, but I was too excited to partake in any of it. We took pictures, said our "good-byes" and finally all the riders moved into the large pavilion to participate in the opening ceremonies. A very special part of which was watching the passing of the empty bicycle, flanked by "Positive Peddlers" - some of the team of cyclists who are HIV positive, and who are participating in California Aids Ride 8. It was a very impressive ceremony. Here's what was said about the riderless bicycle:
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"This morning we begin a magical journey together. A journey of exploration, a journey of wonder, a commitment. A journey together. To see what exists beyond what we thought we could accomplish as individuals. To see what exists beyond the limits commonly prescribed to human-kind.To open the treasure chest that is ours when we meet on common ground. To find a new horizon that will give the world a glimpse of a different, more kind, magical way to live."
Turn your eyes to the center lane, and witness the bicycle being lead down the path. The bicycle has no rider. Notice that there is an empty space above the seat and the pedals. Notice that there is an empty space behind the handlebars. Notice the empty space inside the helmet that hangs at the side, and see the empty space and remember.
"Let us, together, remember the friends, and the loved ones, that we have lost to AIDS.
This year, last year. Years ago. All of them, still in our hearts and our minds. Remember their faces. Remember their laughter. Remember their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. Remember their love. Let us feel all of them with us right now. Among us. Looking over us. Their hearts, overflowing with joy and pride this morning, that we were their friends, as we embark on this courageous endeavor. Let us use this moment to invite them to come with us, to keep us safe, to carry us up the difficult hills. Through the rain. And against the wind. To be there with us when the road is difficult.
To be there with us, when we feel like giving up. Let them give us strength, let them give us joy, and let them give us the courage to continue. Their spirit is here to ride with us, let us carry it, keep it, and let it fill up the empty space, until there is no empty space."
And shortly after those inspiring words, we began rolling out of the pavilion. Team after team left the building and followed the road that by now was lined with cheering, screaming and loving friends and family. I was fortunate to see my family standing along the side of the road, waving and taking pictures. Son Paul, with Juliana on his shoulders, ran ahead - then alongside - then stood behind me as I rode with my team, away from Fort Mason, and onto the beginning of this AIDS Ride.
Our first challenge was a bit of a climb as we left Fort Mason, and though some of us slowed down a bit, the wheels kept rolling, and before we knew it, we were cruising through the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, down 19th Avenue, past Lake Merced, through Daly City, Colma, on to El Camino through the towns of Millbrae, San Bruno, Redwood City and San Mateo.
Three thousand cyclists were reminded over and over to "Be alert; stay alive." But when riders are so close together, on busy city streets, accidents happen. The first (that I witnessed) happened before the ride was two hours old - we were in Daly City when a rider went down. The rescue wagon was there in no time flat, and we found out later that the rider broke her collarbone, and suffered some "road rash". As it turned out, she re-joined the Ride several days later --- not to ride, but to help on Crew. She might not be able to ride, but she did everything she could do! Her fall was a sobering scene, and we all rode with even more alertness!
The first "Pit Stop" was located in South San Francisco (in a Bank Parking Lot) - it was mobbed with riders! I grabbed a few oranges and continued on the journey.
What a pleasure to finally leave the "big city" behind and ride out Skyline Blvd. toward Crystal Springs Reservoir. Rolling (but challenging) hills took us to Pit Stop 2 at Crystal Springs Reservoir. The "theme" of this Pit Stop was taken from the old T.V. show, "The Flintstones" --- all the characters were there. Members of the "Crew" were dressed as Barney and other characters from the show. We were greeted by this handsome fellow, who welcomed us to Pit Stop Two, and who gave us directions on where to park our bike.
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They sang, danced and were so entertaining that it was difficult to listen with care when it was announced that Pit Stop Two would close in 15 minutes. That message was also saying, "If you're not out of here, and on your bike in 15 minutes, you'll be picked up and taken directly to Santa Cruz and tonight's camp." ... Not something I wanted to happen to me on the first day!
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I high-tailed out of there and headed toward the first "real" challenge of the day ... the climb on Highway 92 over to Half Moon Bay. I put my bike ("Jerry") in granny gear and prepared for the assault! I am happy to report that I never wavered, but steadily (slowly mind you, but steadily) headed up and to the top of the hill! The descent down "Satan's Ride" - a 7% 5 mile downgrade was awesome, but finally I was down below the trees, and headed into Half Moon Bay.
Lunch was held at San Gregorio State Beach where we all enjoyed a delightful sandwich, bowl of pasta, fruit, chips and drink. The line to the porta-potties was long, but moved fairly quickly. Once fed, I listened again with concern at the message loudly and often given, "Fifteen minutes and the Lunch Stop closes!" .... )
I knew I'd be taken directly to camp if I were still in the Lunch Stop in 15 minutes. Here's a shot, of what an AIDS Ride Lunch break looks like. (And many riders had already eaten and were on their way to camp!) I mounted my trusty steed as soon as I possibly could, and rode south. The pit stop at Los Gazos Creek was short, for I felt I was racing time. I still had over 20 miles to go.
Davenport, CA is a little town Paul and I have often visited. We would leisurely stroll through the gift shop on the corner, and had found it a comfortable place from which to view the Pacific Ocean. On this trip, I stopped at Pit stop 4 - a turnout at Davenport - hit the food and drink line, took care of my basic necessities, and headed back on Route 1, toward our goal - Santa Cruz. Many "rolling" hills challenged me, and gave me respite as I flew down the other side ... the miles clicked off, and once I saw the sign "Santa Cruz", I knew I could make it to camp "on my own" the first day!
Lots of traffic as we entered Santa Cruz, and one particularly sharp downhill, convinced fellow Hacker team member, Carol and myself to do the unthinkable ... we
"walked our bikes DOWN that hill"! ... My husband cannot believe that a cyclist would EVER walk down a hill .... walk up a hill, maybe. But downhill? Never. Well, we did. We walked about 1/4 mile down that damn hill! And we felt good about it! It was too late in the day, too busy, and too steep! Once we were at the foot of that little incline, we were off on our bikes, through the city streets of Santa Cruz until we finally reached the UPS Lot at Harvey West Park, and "home"!
It has been a great day! The hill I feared most (Highway 92 into Half Moon Bay was conquered without even a stop, and the descent down "Satan's Ride" had been successful! I felt great!
I found my tent, my gear and headed for the shower lines... they were l-o-n-g! Supper sounded like a great alternative, so Alison (my great tent mate) and I headed for the dinner area. We enjoyed a tasty and satisfying meal of chicken, pasta, salad, and fruit. I was so full I could not even eat the piece of apple pie I selected for dessert!
We stayed to listen to the "program" where we were told about our "fallen rider" and her condition, and reminded to ride safe, to hydrate and to take care of one another. The route for tomorrow was reviewed, and as the music began, I headed back to the showers again.
I don't know who designed and conceived the idea of portable showers, but a place high in heaven must await that person! The water was "hot" - the soap was provided - the shower stall was private - it was WONDERFUL. To be clean, to be in camp, to have been fed and welcomed by team members .... What more could one want?
Actually, one did want more! I wanted to update my WebPages. However, the hour was late, the light had faded, night had fallen, the flashlight was not too bright, I was "pooped" .... Tomorrow is an easier day (I thought) ... and I'll update fully tomorrow.
Sleep was sweet ... my tent-mate is a darling young woman whose concern for victims of AIDS and HIV goes high. Alison is someone I am going to grow to love very much, I already know that ... how lucky I am. But I am tired, and we have a LONG ride tomorrow.
I made the trip today with slow, but steady progress. Some riders think today's ride is the hardest ... others disagree .... I don't know what to think, so I guess I'll have to find out, day by day .... one way or another, I am riding for some very special people. The persons who have fallen to AIDS and to the people living, whose money allowed me to participate in this Ride. I will try not to fail any of them.
This was a great day. My heart flies like an eagle!
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