We did it

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to send out one last thank you for all the support and a short synopsis of a wonderful experience. First of all, and most important, with your help we raised 11.6 million dollars to fight AIDS. I believed this makes AIDS/Lifecycle the largest AIDS fund raiser in the country. I raised $13,375 from you wonderful people and moved to the #18 spot for top fund raisers for the SF AIDS Foundation! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I made it without physical problems of any significance (everyone had a sore butt and sore IT bands) and with no bike problems, not even a flat tire! My only lingering pain is a sunburned lower lip. One day I forgot the lip balm, and even when I wore it, I must ride with my mouth hanging wide open most of the time because it got burned just inside where you apply the stuff.

Day One to Santa Cruz (84 miles) I was fresh and strong. Day Two to King City, however, the longest day (105 miles), I got pretty worn down--both mentally and physically. I thought the day was never going to end. I started to worry a little about whether or not I would be able to sustain. At those moments, it helps to remind yourself why you are riding and to look around and notice that the really fat lady in front of you is not complaining and that the 81-year old man who is doing it for the 7th time just passed you on a hill.

But on Day Three to Paso Robles (67 miles), I guess my body agreed to go along with me on this journey because I woke up strong and kept getting stronger. The next real fatigue I experienced was at the end of Day Six, and by then we had practically arrived. Here I am with the Pink Ladies, lip syncing to Grease at a rest stop.

Day Four to Santa Maria (98 miles) was a high point, literally, with two of the steepest hills we had to climb, affectionately named the "Evil Twins". The top of Evil Twin #2 revealed a dramatic view of the Pacific (we had been inland for the past couple days) and marked the half way point to L.A.. There was a lot of cheering and picture taking.

There was one short but steep day (Day 5 to Lompoc--43 miles) with a funny history. Years ago, the organizers were planning to film some footage of the ride and wanted everyone in red so the riders would look like a long red ribbon from the air. They called it "Dress Red" day. Of course, being a clever and funny bunch, the riders showed up decked out in red, but with a twist. They said they thought it was supposed to be "Red Dress" day. To this day it now remains "Red Dress" day, and it was hilarious. Next year, I'll have the right attire.

Day Six to Ventura (86 miles) was one of my favorites, mostly along the coast through Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Everyone was getting tired and there were quite a few mistakes and minor injuries due to fatigue. We stopped a lot for ice cream and such. The boys who ran rest stop # 4 set it up like a night club on the beach and were dancing as go-go boys on pedestals to lots of honking and carrying on.

Day Seven to L.A. (62 miles) was pretty much a breeze. I told Jeff after the closing ceremony that I was feeling a little antsy because I hadn't exercised enough that day and felt the need to get back on my bike. The funny thing about this day was at breakfast I became acutely aware of how bizarre my eating had become after I finished my 4th pop tart. My breakfast that morning:

4 Poptarts 1 cinnamon roll scrambled eggs with cheese biscuits and gravy huge bowl of oatmeal sausages orange juice milk

In addition, every night I ate a complete dinner at 5:30, 7, and 8:30. The same thing, 3 times. I'll need to stop eating like that one of these days.

In short, people were selfless and looking out for one another. There were many poignant moments--I cried half a dozen times. At one point I asked a friend why he was carrying a back pack (any additional weight makes the ride a lot more difficult.) He told me he was carrying the ashes of his twin brother, who died of AIDS.

I encourage any of you to try this ride. It will change you and you will never forget it. Well that is all for now. Until next year (yes, I've signed up to do it again.)

Lots of love,
Ken