ALC5 Cyclist Tony Eason: AIDS LifeCycle - 2006

Post Ride Depression:
It is not uncommon for cyclist to suffer post-event depression after finishing the AIDS Life Cycle Event. This is due in part to achieving a goal which took much time and energy to reach. Now that the goal has been accomplished, cyclist oftentimes feel a void in their lives.

And a very challenging, learning, and great experience it was . . .

"Day 7" - Ventura to the finish line.

1. Again, the alarm clock rings at 4:30am. This time, I arise from my sleep state with a big smile on my face.

And, for the first time during this week adventure, I altered my morning ritual of:

a. Being dressed, packed, and heading to "Gear Truck H" by 5:00am.

b. Doing my yoga sequence and then heading for breakfast by at 5:30am.

c. "Jetting like a bat out of hell" towards the finish line.

Instead:

a. I walked around the camp site and studied the faces of others.
b. I spent time congratulating, thanking, and speaking with fellow cyclist, roadies, and crew members..
c. I began to ponder .. . "What's going to be next?"

Later that day, I arrived at the finish line to be greeted by my #2 Fan, my father, Ralph Eason.

Although we've had our differences, it great to see that my father stands beside his son. It's great to see that he understands that regardless of age, sexual orientation, social status, financial status, or our personal challenges, everyone can do their part to assist in improving the world.

With a 4 hour layover until the "official group ride in" and ceremonies, my father and I proceeded to the predetermined rendezvous point - Peet's Coffee to meet my "cycling buddies." Upon arriving at Peet's Coffee, I was greeted by:

1. "My boys" from The Atlas Cafe Cycling Team.

2. "My boys" from Team Brazil.

3. My Cycling Buddies.

4. The Best of Show - Helmet Award Winner's - Team Lion AID

There we sat and rang the cow bells, talked the talk, and cheered on the remainding cyclist (as they approached the finish line.

Approximately 4 hours later, we arrived at the closing ceremonies.
And, a wonderful site it was. . .

The closing ceremonies is probably the only time you can view

1. All 1,800 AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist
2. The Chicken Lady
3. Ginger Brulee
4. The AIDS LifeCycle Staff
5. Ben Armstrong
6. The Sister's of Perpetual Indulgence
7. The Approx. 400 Crew Members - (Medics, Media, Logistics, SAG Wagons, Gear Trucks, and then some)
8. Lori Jean - CEO, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center
9. And, all the supportive family members and friends.

And as the ceremonies began .. tears began to grown in my eyes . .
It's truly amazing.

The effort.
The pain.
The challenges.
The personal growth.
The Ibprofen
The perserverance.
The discipline.
The love.
The common goals.
The ephifanies.
The disasters.
The victories.
The fears.
The tears.
The memories.
The kindness.
The friendship.
The bonds.

All of these things in "the same pot." All these things standing on the same road. All these things for the single purpose of improving "humanity."

It's Truly amazing.

Sometimes we want to help others, but we are so overwhelmed by all that needs to
be done in this world that we don't know where to start.

We hope that tomorrow or next week, when everything calms down, we will be
able to become the actively compassionate human beings we know we
can be.

We put off goodness like we put off going on a diet.

Yet some individuals actually believe that world history is a reflection of
the actions, thoughts and words of Human Beings.

Here's to the friends, family, teachers, crew, sponsors, and fellow cyclist - the machinery behind AIDS/LifeCycle

So where do we go from here?

1. Cycle simply for fun, not worrying about following a training ride schedule;
2. Supplement your cycling by participating in cross-training activities like Yoga;
3. Take a break altogether from cycling;
4. Spend more time with family and friends and enjoy some social activities or non-athletic hobbies .... . .. .
5. Setting new goals

Yet regardless of where each individual goes from here .. . please learn from this weeks experiences and carry them into your "daily life."