Andrew D from San Diego Joins in the ride

[Steven_Draker]

A wise word ... I couldn't have said it better.

 

Well when you do a fundraising the cost will be always high no matter what kind of a fundraising you do. You have to get sponsors, promote the fundraising and there are millions things you have to consider. Getting money out of people is not EASY! Yes AIDS/Life Cycle can look expensive, however, in the long run, it has been an effective way of brining money in. Most of all people's genuine sacrifice to put their own time and money into this event is the most amazing thing you can experience. In my opinion money should be spent in various projects. Yes AIDS Project LA is important but money comes from all around the world. In my opinion, raised funds should certainly go to Gay and Lesbian center too.

[Guest andrewd]

A many 1000 Million Heartfelt Thanks!

 

We learned in orientation this morning that unfortunately, the economy has also affected donations this year and rider participation is down. To that end, I am very grateful for all of the support that I received from this community, both monetarily and through the many words of encouragement. The kindness and generosity displayed here was touching and humbling.

 

I will carry this feeling with me and rely upon it to bolster my resolve when the day seems long and the miles never ending. I will carry it with me with pride and the knowledge that the group of people of who commune here are, at our core, a gracious, kind, & caring group of guys.

 

Thanks also to Daddy for the special banner ads he put up yesterday on the main page.

 

Much love and admiration....

[+ Lucky]

I do wish all of you guys a good ride, safe as well. Have fun.

[dfw2sfo]

AIDS Lifecycle

 

They must operate under the 2 beneficiary charity 501c3 status (SFAF and LAGLC). I looked for the ride's 990 report on Guidestar.org (must register) and couldn't find.

 

What I do know is that it was started by Palotta Teamworks and there was criticism of their expense ratio/control and what amount was used for marketing. It's been out of the hands of Palotta for I think at least 5 years and run differently.

 

They hired a new Ride Director a year or two ago and he reports to the Development Directors of the 2 beneficiary orgs. I know this because a friend interviewed for the Director job. The salary was reasonable for being in charge of a $10 million event.

[Steven_Draker]

I do wish all of you guys a good ride, safe as well. Have fun.

 

Thank you, Lucky. Will do.

 

I may post an update on Day 2 or Day 4 if I have the energy and ... an Internet connection.

 

Cheers, Steven ~

[+ Axiom2001]

I do wish all of you guys a good ride, safe as well. Have fun.

 

I, too, extend my best wishes and greetings to all of this year's riders! I'll be able to greet each one tacitly as well as demonstratively as each passes in front of my street which intersects the path on which all of the bikers will be traveling onward to their rest stop in my town.

 

BTW the rest stop is just around the corner from my abode, so I might walk to it to greet the riders along with one or two roadies who I know!

 

May all have a G R E A T journey for an outstanding cause!

[+ Lucky]

Here's the SF Chronicle's report on the first day of the Ride:

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/01/BA9817UF9Q.DTL

[Racketjock]

Kudos

 

My heartfelt thanks go out to AndrewD and the other guys here who have given of their time, sweat, tears, and talent for such a worthy cause. My kudos to you for the effort and the gift so that others may benefit.

[Guest greatness]

Palotta

 

Palotta is a very profit oriented businessman. People need to give him a credit for starting this event. However, his fund raising method of high overall production cost didn't sit well with other people. He should have been able to produce how much his own company profited at least. He got into several lawsuits and I believe the company was shut down Aug. 2002. He could have prevented it but it is unfortunate when money destroys a person.

 

By the way I saw AndrewD, David, Steven Draker riding their bicycles. It was hard because I've never seen them before and they were fully covered lol. I am pretty sure I saw David and Steven. I hope they can finish the ride safely.

 

They must operate under the 2 beneficiary charity 501c3 status (SFAF and LAGLC). I looked for the ride's 990 report on Guidestar.org (must register) and couldn't find.

 

What I do know is that it was started by Palotta Teamworks and there was criticism of their expense ratio/control and what amount was used for marketing. It's been out of the hands of Palotta for I think at least 5 years and run differently.

 

They hired a new Ride Director a year or two ago and he reports to the Development Directors of the 2 beneficiary orgs. I know this because a friend interviewed for the Director job. The salary was reasonable for being in charge of a $10 million event.

[Steven_Draker]

By the way I saw AndrewD, David, Steven Draker riding their bicycles. It was hard because I've never seen them before and they were fully covered lol. I am pretty sure I saw David and Steven. I hope they can finish the ride safely.

 

Greatness, next time you see me, make sure to say hello.

 

I don't bite, unless I'm asked to ...

 

 

Cheers, Steven ~

SF Rider # 4788

 

[Steven_Draker]

I, too, extend my best wishes and greetings to all of this year's riders! I'll be able to greet each one tacitly as well as demonstratively as each passes in front of my street which intersects the path on which all of the bikers will be traveling onward to their rest stop in my town.

 

BTW the rest stop is just around the corner from my abode, so I might walk to it to greet the riders along with one or two roadies who I know!

 

May all have a G R E A T journey for an outstanding cause!

 

Axiom,

Today, Wednesday, June 3rd we'll be passing thru your home town.

Make sure to come out and cheer up the Riders ... it makes such a difference ...

[Steven_Draker]

Go riders ! :-)

 

We're slowly, but firmly making our way from S.F. to L.A.

 

Yesterday, DAY 2 (from Santa Cruz to King City), was our longest ride - 107 miles ... a piece of cake

Today, DAY 3 (from King City to Paso Robles), we had some hills, then some challenge on Highway 101 with bumps and trucks passing just a few inches from us and to top it up some rain at the end of the Ride.

I'm looking forward to DAY 5 (Red dress day) to see some interesting outfits and have fun ...

 

Spirits are up, but after 250 miles from S.F. I can feel my leg muscles.

 

300 miles to go to Los Angeles ...

[JT Brooklyn]

AndrewD

 

We learned in orientation this morning that unfortunately, the economy has also affected donations this year and rider participation is down. To that end, I am very grateful for all of the support that I received from this community, both monetarily and through the many words of encouragement. The kindness and generosity displayed here was touching and humbling.

 

I will carry this feeling with me and rely upon it to bolster my resolve when the day seems long and the miles never ending. I will carry it with me with pride and the knowledge that the group of people of who commune here are, at our core, a gracious, kind, & caring group of guys.

 

Thanks also to Daddy for the special banner ads he put up yesterday on the main page.

 

Much love and admiration....

The Best to you Andrew on your Ride!

[Steven_Draker]

Greetings from Lompoc, CA

 

Just a quick update from Aids Life Cycle 8.

 

Today, DAY 5 was the traditional "Red Dress Day" when all cyclist and roadies had to wear a red dress. It was a fun day but also one of the most difficult rides. We had several very steep hills and the route has changed from last year's itinerary. I'm looking forward to tomorrow (DAY 6 from Lompoc to Ventura Beach) when we pass thru Santa Barbara with some spectacular ocean views and the traditional Ice Cream Garden Party ...

 

Cheers, Steven ~

[+ sf westcoaster]

Don't have any details, but I just hear that due to weather and a severe car accident the riders have been taken off the road and are being bused to Ventura.

[Guest greatness]

that's too bad

 

It's due to the weather I don't think any of the riders are enjoying the soaking rain(?). Well at least they can get a day break. Tomorrow is the last day!

 

 

Don't have any details, but I just hear that due to weather and a severe car accident the riders have been taken off the road and are being bused to Ventura.

[Steven_Draker]

Greetings from Ventura Beach

 

It's due to the weather I don't think any of the riders are enjoyed (?). Well at least they can get a day break. Tomorrow is the last day!

 

It was raining all night in Lompoc and the whole camp woke up soaking wet. It stopped raining at about 7:30 AM, but the rain moved down south along the coast. The route opened at 6:30 AM and the first 300 riders made it all the way down to the next camp (Ventura Beach).

 

Due to bad weather conditions, heavy rain and a serious car accident (not related to the Ride) on a very dangerous part on Highway 101, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) decided to close the road and hold the riders for about 30 min at about 7:45 AM. One hour later CHP decided that it was too dangerous to continue the Ride on that portion of the road. The riders who made it to rest stop 1 had to return to the initial point (camp Lompoc). That was the end of the Ride for today. All riders were transported and still are transported by buses from Camp Lompoc to Ventura Beach and the bikes are being sagged.

 

I regret it, because that was my favorite Day of the Ride when we pass thru Santa Barbara for the famous Ice cream garden party.

 

Last day tomorrow: From Ventura Beach to Los Angeles.

 

Closing ceremonies start at 4 PM at the VA Center on 11301 Wilshire Blvd

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/ceremonies.html

 

Everybody is welcome to assist !

[Guest greatness]

Thanks

 

Thanks for the update!

 

 

It was raining all night in Lompoc and the whole camp woke up soaking wet. It stopped raining at about 7:30 AM, but the rain moved down south along the coast. The route opened at 6:30 AM and the first 300 riders made it all the way down to the next camp (Ventura Beach).

 

Due to bad weather conditions, heavy rain and a serious car accident (not related to the Ride) on a very dangerous part on Highway 101, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) decided to close the road and hold the riders for about 30 min at about 7:45 AM. One hour later CHP decided that it was too dangerous to continue the Ride on that portion of the road. The riders who made it to rest stop 1 had to return to the initial point (camp Lompoc). That was the end of the Ride for today. All riders were transported and still are transported by buses from Camp Lompoc to Ventura Beach and the bikes are being sagged.

 

I regret it, because that was my favorite Day of the Ride when we pass thru Santa Barbara for the famous Ice cream garden party.

 

Last day tomorrow: From Ventura Beach to Los Angeles.

 

Closing ceremonies start at 4 PM at the VA Center on 11301 Wilshire Blvd

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/ceremonies.html

 

Everybody is welcome to assist !

[/color]

[Steven_Draker]

Vigil night in Ventura

 

http://www.geocities.com/stevendraker/alc7day6_typepad.jpg

 

Candle Vigil night in Ventura Beach remembering those who are no longer with us,

AIDS Life Cycle, Ventura, CA

Day 6

[+ sf westcoaster]

Steven,

 

Thanks for keeping us posted and a special thank you for the candlelight picture. Silent ceremonies such as the one you held last evening are an excellent way to focus on the real issue.

[BARR1965]

http://www.geocities.com/stevendraker/alc7day6_typepad.jpg

 

Candle Vigil night in Ventura Beach remembering those who are no longer with us,

AIDS Life Cycle, Ventura, CA

Day 6 [/color]

 

I missed the candlelight vigil on Day 6 because I was too tired. But the closing ceremony today was very moving as well. Now that ALC 2009 is over and if you want to be a part of this wonderful adventure they are registering now.

 

Thanks to all riders and specially to Andrew D. David S/F, and Steven Draker. You guys rock !!

[+ Lucky]

Well, DavidSF passed us on the street yesterday in West Hollywood, and I can say that he looked no worse for the wear after the long bike ride. (He didn't notice us.) We ran into another rider who was just hungry, but ecstatic over the fun he had.

[Guest andrewd]

Back Home in San Diego

 

Wow! Hard to believe it’s over! The task seemed daunting @ the beginning: ride this bike 545 miles to LA. Really? Is that possible? How do you do that? What have I gotten myself into? Those were some of my thoughts, in all honesty, on Sunday morning, May 31st. Then flash forward to Saturday morning, 7 days later, June 6th and all that was standing between us & LA were 61 measly miles. Wait. 61 ‘measly’ miles? A month ago, 61 miles seemed a monumental task and here I am referring to them as measly. How did that happen?

 

It was hard to imagine that this was the last day…already. What seemed at the beginning as creeping by mile by mile now felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. It was a physical and emotional achievement, not without it’s challenges, but one I would do again in a heartbeat. It was an amazing experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been able to participate in it.

 

I am grateful to David for encouraging and inspiring me to do it in the first place and the support he lent me. I am very thankful and appreciative for all of the support and encouragement that this community offered. Without that, this endeavor would most definitely have been much more difficult. Thank you very much for the kind words and generous contributions you all made. That inspiration helped to carry me through.

 

Just wanted to say thank you so very much for being a part of an experience I will always remember. Much love to you all....

[+ David-SF]

some pics frome the ride

 

We had a great time laughing and playing and being apart of something really special I cant even imagine not doing this ride every year.

the rainy day ride was actually the best 15 miles I think I rode its was very intense and wet and beautiful.

I would have gone all the way if they had not stopped us at rest stop 1

we wrapped up in silver blankets and waited for to board a bus to Ventura. I got lucky and made it to camp early enough to hitch a ride on the back of a hot safety guys motor bike to go to JC penny for dry clothes and hot coffee. while we waited for the gear trucks to arrive.

Day 7 was awesome as was the entire experience.

but what made it so much fun was having a really good friend on the ride with me this year.

I cant thank Andrew D enough for making the ride so much more meaningful for me the issues were small compared to the value of his truly good spirit which just kept rolling along each day inspite of a few bumps in the road it was a swell time indeed.

Barr1965 was indeed there with bells on at lunch everyday and was great fun to hang out with at camp when we could actually spend a couple minutes together thanks Barr

sorry i missed you lucky I would have loved to give you a big hug oh well next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2665/img0991xie.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/830/img0056ediot.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4761/finisline.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/2370/img0020w.jpg

[+ David-SF]

more pics from alc

 

waiting for the buses at rest stop 1

 

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2431/img0037p.jpg

 

 

the visit from the Bunny lady every year is always a really cool treat

 

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7200/img0011mzf.jpg

 

Had to snap a picture of this sign along the ride I just thought now thats a great sign from God!!

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8484/img0017jio.jpg

Day 7

lunch time!!

 

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/290/img0053hnf.jpg