Tony Eason

On 01 January 1994, I realized that there was more to life than: guzzling an expensive bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, being the belle of the ball, speaking of what others need to work on, and/or sitting daily on the same coach (in self pity). So, I bought a 10 year old Bianchi Road Bike. And I began a 6-month intense cycling training for a cycling event called the California AIDS Ride #2.

In May of 1994, I left San Francisco with $3.00 in my pocket, no idea of how I was going to return, a questionable bike, the fear of failure, and began to cycle (along with 1500 other cyclist) toward West Hollywood. Seven days, 575 miles later, I arrived in West Hollywood. At which point, I realized it is possible to step outside of your normal routine. I realized it is possible to empower yourself while assisting others. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my ideas of creating a better world. And I realized that miracles could occur (after all, I made it back home with $3.00 in my pocket) .

ALC5 Blogs

AIDS/LifeCycle 5 Web Coverage
Daily stories, photos and podcasts
Cyclist Dusty Klass' ALC5 Blog
Dusty is a student at UC Santa Barbara.
Cyclist Gary Cotti's ALC5 Blog
Gary works in reality TV and lives in LA.
Cyclist Jon Garrison's ALC5 Blog
Jon is an HIV positive 2nd year ALC veteran.
Cyclist Tony Eason's ALC5 Blog
Tony is a yoga instructor in SF.
Roadie Midori's ALC5 Blog
Midori is a writer and educator on intimacy in SF.

The AIDS/LifeCycle Podcast

Mike's Bikes

Striving to walk the path of the karma yogi, I am moved when I experience or view acts of kindness. And today, again - I was touched.

While returning from a training ride loop to San Rafael, CA., I made my usual "pit-stop" at Mike's Bikes of Sausalito. I visited their "WC." I purchased some CyloMax. I filled my water bottles. And then, I noticed something different - something new - something simply "FANTASTIC!" (And no, it wasn't a taxi). It was karma yoga in action.

How it Works:

"Bring your donation bike (in reasonable working condition) to any Mike’s Bikes store.

Make a $15 donation to cover our discounted shipping rate to get the donation bike over to Africa (optional).

Leave your contact information with Mike's Bikes for updates on your bike’s journey.

Mike's Bikes will disassemble and pack your bike into a shipping container, which will sail for Botswana in late April.

Mike's Bikes will travel to Botswana to unpack the container and assist with building the bikes and distributing them to their sister shop partner.

This upstart bike shop in Botswana will sell the bikes at a reasonable price to local residents, and generate operating capital allowing it, in turn, to import more bikes.

By establishing a steady supply chain of bikes—and a reputable dealer to sell, service, and repair them—you will have been instrumental in developing a sustainable source of bicycles for a community that has never had them. It will make a huge difference in the lives of people for decades to come." - Mike's Bikes

And another wonderful Aidslifecycle training ride it was .. ..

So remember, it doesn't matter what you've been through .. . .
It doesn't matter what your sexual orientation, financial status, age, weight, creed, or location is ..
It only matters what you do .. .

If you want to create change (perhaps a better world) - you must begin with yourself . .

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,

tony