ALC5 Cyclist Tony Eason: Elvis is in the house?

And a beautiful day it was . . .

"Day 1" - San Francisco to Santa Cruz

1. Don Colnago picks up Tony Eason & Nat Maton- Parkinson at 5:15am, Saturday, 05 June 2006, from the San Francisco Mission District - "94110."

2. Before beginning our 585 mile, 7 day, journey, Nate, Tony, "Don Colnago" - Barry Elliot, "Norwegian Cruiseliner"-Tom, "Mr Rio," the "Atlas Team," and the "Brazilian Team" all meet up for a brief chat (see previous post for cycling buddies profiles).

3. Each Year, during out 6 months of training, I tell 1st Yr. AIDS LifeCyclist that: "If you are the first cyclist on 'Day 1" to remind me that I will be setting up your tent for the entire week - I will . . ." So, Tent No. B60 reminds me of my commitment.

And as my fellow cycling buddies know, "I think of my 585 mile, 7 day journey as a meditation. .." Therefore, today and throughout the week, I will ride "solo." And as I ride, I plan to sing, laugh, giggle, cry, and reflect on my personal challeges and strenghts (however, anything can happen).

The first day of the ride can be a real challenge. Why? As I look around, I see anxiety, fear, and loads of testosterone (not only amongst the crowd - but also within myself). Yet, the key to "surviving" this journey is to pace oneself and BEWARE of what I call ...the "superman syndrome . . ."

The Superman Syndrome occurs when one hear's "the Theme from Rocky". The Superman Syndrome occurs when one imagines oneself in the Olympics and sprints for the "Gold Medal." The Superman Syndrome occurs when one believes one is greater than a car, a truck, a cow, and/or the forces of nature.

So my words to my fellow cyclist are: stay in tune with your thoughts & your physical body, and "PAY ATTENTION."

4. So the ride begins.

And, as I coasted up that large hill from San Mateo towards Pacifica, I looked forward to seeing my lovely friend and fellow veteran participant "Ginger Brulee" - "Ginger Brewlay" - "IMG_1908 "

Because, as long as Ginger can pack a van full of fabulous outfits for a 7 day road trip, place herself in "the middle of Brandenburg Air Force Base," run up hills in heels, hand out treats to eat, and never seem to be angry, depressed, or whining .. I can continue to cycle up that hill.

Briefly after accepting some sugar treats from Ginger, I arrived at the lunch stop. So I sat with "my boys the bike techs" & American Cyclery - Tyson.

And then, I contemplated "how can I make someone's experience a bit more enjoyable?"

So after lunch, I cycled a approximate 40 mile journey nonstop to camp.

First was the shower.
Second was settting up tent B60
Third was assisting 1st Time AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist from the "The San Francisco Eagle" . . John.
Fourth was checking out the Bike Techs
Firth was cheering on my fellow cyclist as the crossed the finish line (and yes, I packed a "cow bell"). . . .
And at 8:00pm. .. . I was repacked and in bed.

Here's Tony's Top 6 things you can do . ..

6. Send an email to rider Kyle Rich telling him to pick Tony up a donut (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle Event is over).
5. Call the Associate Director of AIDS Life Cycle - San Francisco -Stephen Cadby, and tell him he rocks: 415- 581-7038 (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle Event 2006 has pasted).
4. Send an email greeting to a random cyclist.
3. Open the window and yell out "go rider" (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle 2006 event has pasted).
2. Get Your "cow bell," start the car, find out our route, and come see the action . ..
1. An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions

Tomorrow, I'll see if I can find time to write more . ..(cause there are several of us bloggers using the 2 computers at the media center - (three fellow bloggers are standing right behind me)

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga Teacher,
Official Blog
Ivengar Yoga Teacher cycles 575 miles
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Elvis is in the house?

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