On our way home, Day 7

Unlike all the past mornings, every rider seemed to be awake, dressed and ready to ride by 5:30 am. No one seemed to sleep in. The tents were all mostly down. And instead of a garden full of tents, the grass was showing all around. I could smell the yummy aroma of sausages. I slept in my cycling clothes (a trick I learned from veteran riders) So when my stomach started to grumble, I hurried over to the breakfast line and held out my plate. We had biscuits, sausage and oatmeal. I've learned to appreciate the fibrous benefits of oatmeal. :)

Now onto the road. Nature provided a beautiful day for us to ride home. The sun was hot but not too hot and the wind was a soft breeze. We felt happy to be going home and kind of sad that we were leaving our utopian world of peace and harmony. I'm going to miss all the hugs we shared in the morning. All the tears we shared.

I thought of all the flickering candle lights and whisper of the waves last night at the vigil. We all stood there at the edge of the shore silently reflecting, remembering and hoping.

We've completed our quest. We rode from San Francisco to LA. Together with our families , friends, sponsors and well wishers, we went on an odyssey to do something to better the world. What a journey we have all been on.

As I pedaled along the ocean, I thought of the wonderful people who accepted me the way I was and trained me for this ride. I thought of Sir Mel, who is the world's knight in shining armor. He is always there to slay all the dragons that try to hold us all back. And his Lady Chris, who taught me never to coast. In life you have to keep on pedaling. There's Steph, our team 100 captain, who always greeted me with her big warm smile. Of course Brendan is the ride personified. Bringing joy with his decorated helmets. Encouraging all riders with his playfulness and charm. I'm proud to be one of his possums. He is truly a special human being. Super Doreen who one morning had all riders dancing to the "hustle."  There's Eric, Peter and Erin who helped remove the fear I had from shifting my gears. Beth and Leslie. The two women who took me from bring a person who had no clue to a person with the power to make a difference. I'm grateful to these mentioned and many many more.

It does take a village doesn't it? We all did it. We all took this journey together. When I road into the VA, and all the people were cheering and waving signs, I knew for sure that one day, AIDS/HIV will be a thing of the past. We will ALL make sure of it. Wow, now that I'm home, after a few days of rest, I'm going to train to be a better rider for next year's ride........ oops did I say next year :)

Thanks and love to everyone !!!

Wow, Day Six Already

I don't know if it was the wonderful message I received from Erin's Mom and Jessica's Mom, or the big hug I got from Brendan's dad Jerry, or the great new jersey my brother gave me this morning but whatever it was I had the energy of one of those small Italian sport cars - zoooom !!!

More hills today of course but they were nice gentle rolling hills. Rolling hills are great because riders get a lot of speed from the downhill which takes us sometimes all the way up the next hill. And today the downhills were just butter. We were on our way to Santa Barbara.

As we rolled into Santa Barbara, we were met with a wonderful smell of Jasmine flowers. They perfumed our way for miles. We also had the beautiful pacific ocean on our right. We could hear the waves crashing and birds singing above. What a beautiful ride we all had today.

After lunch I did start to become a bit tired. The sun was hot and we had pedaled about 47 miles. Then I heard someone mention free Ice Cream and suddenly my energy was back. It's fun riding with ALC. You get free goodies. First there were free cookies from cookie lady. Then free coffee from a local coffee house, now ice cream. So me and my turbo legs pedaled as hard as we could to make it for ice cream. It was soooo good. The little park where the ice cream was had bikes and happy riders eating their ice cream everywhere. To the left is a picture of my ice cream. I ate it before I could even take the picture.

I was riding really well today. I felt strong like nothing could stop me. Although the wind did give me a nudge every once in a while so I didn't  become too full of myself.

Rolling into camp we were met with the cheering of riders and friends. Day six is complete. I'm on my way to a candle light vigil and then to bed. Tomorrow is day 7 and we're all eager to ride into LA.

Red (hills) Dress Day. Day Five

Last night everyone went to bed late. There was too much excitement about Red Dress day. Some riders were up gluing and sewing on last minute details. My rider pals David and Valerie were so hyper last night that they unzipped the tent at 10pm to gab to me and Sonia. All the camp was a buzz.

At about 5am the show was on. Stepping out of the tent this morning was like stepping into a wonderland. This must be how Dorothy felt when she found herself not in Kansas anymore. There were riders in tu tu's, riders dressed like beer maidens complete with blond braids and beer steins. There were riders dressed up like superheros with red capes and boots. Some riders had on sparkling shimmy dresses. Others had on dresses plus long red streamers flowing like waves from their helmets. My brother Larry had on a Tina Turner wig and a snug little red number he picked up somewhere. I think most of the riders planned for months for this special colorful day. David looked fabu in his tiny dress and long green hair. I wore a red moo moo I found at goodwill.

We were a sight to see. People on the street who had no idea why 2,500 cyclist in red dresses were riding happily down the street were for sure  wondering what had gotten into us. We are full of human spirit, love and fun. There are definitely going to be some interesting dinner conversations around the dinner tables tonight. The best part were the school kids running to the fences to wave at us. Their grins and giggles made us all into children again as we passed.

Just because we were all having a blast doesn't mean there were no hills to climb.Today we tackled several steep hills. Actually, come to think of it, today's climbs made the evil twins look like two slightly irritating toddlers. I couldn't believe what I was looking up at. We're going to LA not outer space. Anyway. In our lovely red dresses we pedaled up. Then came the monster hill. This is the one where we all look like an aids ribbon from the sky. I was again pedaling about 2 miles an hour. I just didn't want to look up there to the top of this mountain, which is exactly what it was. A huge mountain. Again, just when I thought I was crazy, Brendan came rolling up behind me. We began to sing show tunes. We sang songs from Evita and West side story. We then sang songs by Streisand and Judy Garland. Soon every rider around us was joining in the chorus. We sang Carpenter tunes and by the time we got around to Ella and Duke Ellington, we were at the top of the monster ribbon hill. All of the riders who were singing were too busy trying to think of the lyrics to the songs to worry about a steep hill. Music therapy wins again.

Today we passed some yummy strawberry fields. I wanted to just hop the fence and grab some but I was good and only took a picture. It's amazing all the smells out there on the road. There were smells of liquorice and even garlic. Needless to say I was soo hungry by the end of this ride.

After a 45 mile ride today, we rolled back into camp. As we entered camp one of the roadies called out that our tents were set up already. Yea !!! We were happy. Sonia and I noticed that our tent was right next door to the port-o-potties. Even though we were grateful that the the roadies set us up, we were a little freaked out about being next to the restrooms. But then, Larry walked up and told us that he noticed our delicate location and set us up a tent near his gear truck far from the port-o-potties. Thanks little brother... you rock.

Camp life is great. It runs like a little country. It runs like the world should run. We are a very diverse group. There are representatives from every walk of like. All religions, races, genders and we all trust and respect each other. We are all here to make the world better for everyone. I've been disconnected from the outside world for a while and just heard about the Obama nomination. Being here with ALC shows me that it is possible for the people of this world to come together as one if we want to. If the entire world could function like this community I've been blessed to experience for just one day, it would change the world forever. So lets make some changes to make this planet a paradise. Tomorrow we are on our way to Ventura.

The Evil Twins !!! Day Four

This morning I woke up at 4am. I wanted to get started early because today is evil twin day. Of course my plan was to pack up, get dressed, eat breakfast and ride out by 6:00am. Well I woke up at 4am but couldn't get out of my sleeping bag until 6am. I was too cold to move. But I did finally get going.

I went to say good morning to Larry who was busy loading up luggage. He then told me that Obama won the nomination. I totally forgot about the outside world. Anyway, after a brief talk with my brother, I ate up a bunch of electrolytes and pedaled away. Evil Twins here I come.

Suddenly the first twin was right in front of me. Before heading up,I sucked down more electrolytes. Then I started up. Before the twins, there were some smaller hills. I think they should call these hills the evil offspring. Many riders thought that they were the evil twins, but they were much to tame to be the evil ones. My spinning became slower and slower as I went up. That first twin was laughing at me "go back rider, you'll never climb me." Her taunting only made me more determined to reach the top. Spinning and spinning. Slower and slower, more and more electrolytes. After what seemed to be a hour, I looked up and saw the top. Ha Ha, I'm almost there evil twin number one. But then as I thought I had reached the top, I realized it was a false plateau. That @%^$ !!! I had more climbing to do. She tricked me. It was flat for a few spins and then up again. Mean old twin. I kept going. And finally I reached the top. YES !!! Now for her twin.

This one was mean. Not as many miles but more steep. "So you made it up my sister, well you'll never make it to the top of me (evil laugh)." I have to be honest, I was so tired. I just kept pedaling. Many riders passed me by but always with encouraging words. I reached for my water bottle and drank down more electrolytes. My breathing was hard, my legs muscles were burning. I passed some riders who walked their bikes the rest of the way. Just as I thought to do the same, I felt a hand on lower back. "Come one sistah, you're beautiful. You can do it." A rider named Carey gave me a much needed push up. I couldn't give up now. He rode for both of us. He was strong and tall. I recognized his voice because when ever he passed me on the rode he always said "You're doing good sistah." Yesterday he had a Bob Marley jersey on. I'm not sure what jersey he had on today because my eyes were on the road and he was right beside me. These ALC riders are amazing people. No one hesitates to give a hand, or a push.

Here we go, Carey and I up that evil twin number 2. At a few more miles to go, Carey asked me if I could go on. He said I was very strong. I said yes I can and thank you! Off he went with his turbo pedaling legs. Now I spinned much slower without Carey but I was pedaling. When I made it on my own to the top of Twin 2, I yelled out " Eat my skinny tires you TWINS." It felt so good. I conquered the Evil Twins.

Now for the down hill. Evil twins marks the half way spot to LA. I'm half way there. YES! After a photo, I started the most amazing downhill on the ride so far. I was sailing and going almost 30 mph. I zoomed past green mountains and vineyards. The downhill lasted for miles. Then the wind. I figured that the evil twins, angry that the riders made it over the top, called for the wind to knock us off the road. It was a very scary wind. Me and Tosca were being pushed back with every pedal forward. It was also a cold wind. My teeth were chattering. The wind didn't stop. As I rolled into rest stop two, I was sent over to the medical tent. Apparently I was weaving and riding strangely. They took my blood pressure and found out that it was out of control. I did feel dizzy and in a weird twilight sleepy state. After the downhill, i can't remember the period before the rest stop. What happened was I over electrolyted. I thought that electrolytes gave you energy to make it up hills. DUH, I had taken in too much salt which put me in a bonking state. Kind of like being slightly tipsy from a strong drink. After beating the twins and 33 miles, I got sagged again. The Medical team felt that I better quit for the day for safety reasons. But I'm not going to the pity party today. I rode up two (actually four) killer hills and fought fierce winds.

It was kind of neat being in camp without the other 2,000 riders. About 500 of us got sagged for one reason or another. Larry met me at the gear truck and gave me a big hug. I love my little brother. I'm glad he is here with me. Anyway, I got to take a very long shower. My wonderful tent mate Sonia had already put up our tent. She also got my luggage and sleeping bag and put them inside. When I got to camp, Sonia was helping other tired riders put up their tents. Sonia is a veteran rider. I think this is her 5th year. She didn't ride today because of a knee problem, so instead she was helping out. That's Sonia to the left.

Sonia even puts up with my tent having pictures of Verdi and Puccini all over it. She rocks.

I didn't run into Brendan today. I missed you out there today Brendan. I can't wait to see your red dress outfit tomorrow.

That's right, tomorrow we are all riding in our red dresses. This tradition started because someone noticed that when we ride in one particular area, we do a loop and from the air it looks just like the aids ribbon.

Here's what we ate for dinner yesterday. Yummy.

Thank you all for your comments. They keep me going. They keep me centered and strong knowing why I'm here. I can be part of the solution. Thank you again to all my sponsors. The money raised will literally keep many of my new friends alive and will  provide prevention and education and one day a cure. Most of all, when people gather together to help each other out there is HOPE.

The names on these hearts hold the names of those loved ones we will never forget. Everyday I carry them with me.

Quadbuster ! Oh please. Day Three

All I kept hearing all morning was about Quad-buster. It is a mile plus climb. I slowly went to my bike and checked her tires. Deep in the back of my mind I was kinda hoping that something would happen so I could avoid this legendary hill. But noooooo. So off I went. After a nice morning warm up, there it was in front of me......Quad-buster. There were other riders struggling up it. I took a deep breath and remembered why I was doing this ride. Then up I went.

As other riders were passing me they cheered me on. "You can do it" " Go Girl" " almost at the top" oh please. Several times I wanted to quit. I almost gave up at the half way point. But why give up half way. So I kept going. I was doing 2 miles an hour. Sometimes I was going so slow that the mileage didn't even register on my bike computer. Finally I could hear Brendan's and Chris' voice." Come on Shawnet, you can do it. Just make it to Ginger and you are at the top"

At this point, as I got closer and closer to Ginger, Brendan's Parents had a sign that read  "California Loves Shawnet Sweets." They cheered me up and right into Brendan and Chris's arms. I made it, I kicked quad-busters @^#!!!

After some photo ops, we all cheered other riders up the crazy quad-buster. My newbie pal, Jose made it up. He was a bundle of emotion as he pedaled to the top. More hugs and more tears. Then Michele, a fellow team 100 member, made it up. She was all tears also. It was so special that Chris and Brendan met us at the top. They are two very caring and special training ride leaders. They were proud of their newbies. We are proud of ourselves also. We rocked Jose and Michelle and everyone who conquered that hill.

Now for the payoff - the downhill. We zoomed down the other side of Quad sometimes going 25 miles per hour. The wind felt great. We are now on our way to the small town of Bradley, CA. I was told that Bradley has a population of 101. Every year the school kids there have a BBQ to raise funds for school activities. ALC riders don't only ride to fund AIDS/HIV services, we all help support the town of Bradley's fund-raiser. The kids do everything but cook the food. Adults do that part. But the kids handle the funds, they plate the burgers and they also write us wonderful letters that we are given on our way into camp. The burgers were sooo good.

After Bradley we headed back to camp. Thank you whom ever routes the map. Back to camp was mostly downhill with a gentle tail wind. Along a ride on the freeway, I noticed Chris aiding a rider with a flat tire. We all love you Chris. There were also many well wishers along the side of the road.

After I rolled into camp and set Tosca (my bike) up for the night. I saw my teammate Elaine holding a kitten. Apparently a woman named Brianna ( the cat lady) meets riders at camp with a bunch of kittens. Elaine explained to me that she brings the kittens for the riders to play with. Kitty therapy.

ALC is infectious, everyone wants to help in whatever way they can.

Tomorrow we tackle the Evil Twins.

Day Two

I was going to write part two of day one, but today was a very tough ride. We were all supposed to ride out on our way from Santa Cruz to King City at 6:30 am. Many riders, including myself, rode out at about 7:30. Just on time for rush hour morning traffic. It took us two hours to ride out of the city. Stopping and going, making room for cars to make their hurried left and right turns. When we did finally make it out the scenery took my breath away. California is a beautiful state.

We entered a forest. Tall trees were all around us. Even though several people said that today was going have less climbing than day one, they were wrong. After we left the forest, I could see big mounds of earth ahead of me. After a few hours, the wind started to misbehave. We were riding against strong head winds. We were also riding with strong side winds that felt like a hand actually trying to push you over. The rest of the ride was pretty much like this till the end.

There were some great highlights along the route. A woman called the cookie lady made yummy cookies for all the riders. The story is that she used to be a roadie and then decided to make cookies instead. I'm glad she did - they were wonderful. I didn't make it to the cookie lady stop myself, but one of my training ride leaders friends, Chris, gave me one to try. There was a stop at a fried artichoke restaurant. I had to try them so I went in a ordered some. They were so good. Then off I went on my bike again.

Fighting the wind. I was coming in last at all the rest stops. Riders keep saying, the sweep is coming !!! The caboose is on its way !!! This made all the riders hop on their bikes immediately and ride off. I made it just in time. I kept thinking whats going on with these sweeps. Everyone scatters like the sweeps are monsters that are going to sweep them up and take them away. Well, after I was struggling on my 91st mile today, before I made it to the last rest stop, the caboose got me and swept me back to camp. They have to take slow riders or riders who have mechanical problems or who are  just to exhausted to make it to the next stop a ride back before it gets dark. I was swept because I wouldn't have made it before dark. The wind really slowed me down and I couldn't go past 3 miles an hour. Oh well, at least I made it 91 miles. I was depressed about it but other riders reassured me of what an accomplishment 91 miles is against a strong head wind.

Time for bed. Tomorrow is the Quad Buster. Eeeeeek !!!!

I thought we were riding DOWN to LA. Day One

I woke up this morning early to the sound of showers in the rooms around me. Larry had to take off way before me since he has to be at the gear truck to load all of our bags. I can't remember how or when I got dressed for my ride today. All I remember is sitting on the bus thinking that this is really happening. My journey back to LA begins today. The moon outside was a sliver and it was very cold. But things heated up quickly in the Cow Palace because the energy was extremely high.

I was amazed that things were so organized. Once we entered the Cow Palace, all riders were met with breakfast. There was a great team of volunteers who handed out banana bread, bagels and fruit. They had coffee waiting for us. I stuffed some banana bread in my mouth and headed for my bike. Everyone brought water bottles filled with water and electrolyte drinks. Riders stuffed their seat bags with whatever they needed for the long ride ahead.

Tires were being pumped with air and some riders were putting the last touches on their decorated helmets. There were helmets with streamers, helmets with teddy bears on top. The helmet I loved the most was Brendan's. He loves Dame Edna and calls all of his cycling trainees Possums. He was given a toy Possum by a friend and he attached it to his helmet. He placed greenery around the possum so it would be in its own environment. I think Brendan has a special helmet for everyday of the ride. I'll keep everyone posted if he does.

Before we rode out this morning, there was stretching for all the riders. It was like a huge class in a gym. After everyone was warmed up and stretched out the opening ceremonies began. Riders, family and friends listened to the announcements from the stage. It was a fun rally. Then a procession began. Riders and staff were carrying ALC banners and there was a riderless bike that made its way thought the banners. This is when the tears started to flow. The riderless bike was for all of those who cannot be with us on ride.

Around my neck I had a chain of hearts. One for every person I lost to AIDS and some names that my sponsors wanted to honor. I held it tightly in my hand and from that moment on, I cried like a baby during the first half of my ride. The Pos Peds were first to ride out this morning. Brendan was chosen to lead the Pos Peds out. Then the rest of the riders followed. It was a sight see. 2500 riders being cheered on by family and friends who lined the road. I felt so blessed to one of these special riders.

Soon after we headed out, we were met with a climb. Then another climb and another climb. The entire day was full of climbs. Oooops everyone, I have to do a part two to this one. Its late and after 75 miles of mostly climbing. I have to hit the sack. I will continue tomorrow and have pictures also.

Goodnight.

Day Zero/Orientation day

Day Zero was properly named because it felt like zero degrees outside this morning. Larry and I got up and headed out early to grab some caffeine before our trip to the Cow Palace for orientation. We took the bus with training  riders Chris and Mel to the place where I would be re-united with Tosca, my awesome road bike. I missed her. The beginning of the week I sent her ahead to San Francisco on a McCollister's truck. I went through a post part-em depression as I drove away and left her. But now I can make sure she is safe and ready to go. It was amazing when we entered the Cow Palace and there were a sea of bikes. They were numbered which made them easy to find. After a quick check, all riders and roadies are required to view a safety video before we do anything else. So off we went to stand in line a wait for the video doors to open.

Again, this was a blast. Yes, standing in line was fun. Riders em brassing and wishing each other well. I never met at least 2/3rd of the riders who hugged me. It didn't matter at all. We are a gigantic extended family. I got hugs from riders from the east coast, the Midwest and as far as New Zealand. A huge family reunion. While in line we talked about our training, our fears, our fund-raising and why we are doing the ride. There met a rider named Joseph, who was in Iraq. He just returned in March. He was carrying a sign similar to those carried by homeless people which read " Broke Veteran needs sponsors" I was told that in Iraq, his job was to hunt bombs. Every rider put funds into his can. His rider number is 5764. Meeting Joseph for the short few seconds it took me to snap a photo with him made me think of how crazy life is. Here I am so thinking about how I'm going o get up a the hills on Day 1 and Joseph just came from a war. Hello !!!

Anyway, after the safety video which was like being in a wonderful high school rally, we headed out to the next step of getting ready for the ride. We got our rider numbers for our bikes and helmets and a goodie bag from Fed Ex. Then on to tent assignments. My tent mates name is Sonia. We have been a several rides together and she has coached my up a few hills. Larry went over to the roadie meeting and I went to find Brendan. Brendan is one of my training ride leaders. I found him over by the Pos Ped team. Pos Peds are a team of HIV Positive riders with a positive attitude take warms like a blanket. They are truly special riders. Anyway, Brendan introduced me to some riders and we started talking about why we ride. Within 5 minutes we are in tears. Happy tears and sad tears but most importantly hopeful tears.

Now for some food and sleep. Goodnight fellow riders, roadies, staff, family and friends. Tomorrow is DAY  ONE !!!

Before Day Zero

OK, It was about 1:45pm on Thursday May 29. I'm at work just waiting for 8:15pm so I can go home and finish packing for my flight on Friday morning. Time was just creeping. Not the way that time creeps when you are waiting for your up coming birthday party or for a fun holiday like Christmas, but in that really slow way like you have just won a bunch of money and are waiting for that big check in the mail. It is here yet !!! Apparently, this feeling wasn't hidden inside of me but on my sleeve for everyone in the office to see. So much so that my Boss Jim, softly sent me home. I was so grateful. The ALC7 spirits were with me.

I was home so fast that I put lightening to shame. Needless to say, like many newbie riders, I didn't sleep a wink. The next morning as I was boarding the plane thoughts of "did I forget something" dominated my brain. Of course if I did forget something I could buy it in San Francisco. But my mind couldn't handle a logical thought. My brother was very calm though. He signed up to be a roadie. From the moment my Mom dropped us off in front of the South West Terminal, he was steady as a rock. Thank God, because I was all over the place. The airport experience was the best I had ever had. As we were waiting for the plane, people came up to us and asked if we were on our way to San Francisco for the ride. Yes !!! there were many people wearing ALC t-shirts and as we recognized each other we expressed our joy with warm smiles and hugs. A friend of my Brothers picked us up at the airport and there was room for one more in the truck so Sarah ( another rider) hopped in and off we went to the Cathedral Hotel. As we entered the lobby of the hotel, there were cyclist everywhere. Excitement filled the air and I realized that all of us,including the roadies, ALC Staff and sponsors are all spokes on a skinny tire that is going to ride over AIDS/HIV and wipe it out. We will not stop until there is a cure.

Shawnet

My name is Shawnet Sweets. I work for the Los Angeles Opera. I am a huge opera fan. I’ve been listening to opera since I was six years old. On my days off from work, I travel all over the country to see opera and fly back home just in time to make it to work that next day. I am also a renaissance chalk artist. In case you are wondering what that is… artist use chalk to recreate or create their own giant paintings on the sidewalk or pavement. I like to do recreations of old renaissance masters. Although recreating a scene from the Sistine Chapel is difficult, ALC7 is the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life so far.

I’m not sure what sent me to the ALC office way back in Sept. Just the day before I had found an old address book that I’ve had since the early 80’s. I noticed that of the 73 names in my book 63 of them were crossed out by old fading pen lines. The each name represented a friend I lost to AIDS. I just sat there looking at the names and picturing each face and the carefree life experiences we all shared before the AIDS virus surfaced. I remembered watching each of them die and not knowing what I could say to comfort them. Most of the time, I just sat there holding their hands or sitting by the bed silently with other close friends. We all felt so helpless at that time.

Maybe it was some kind of divine wind that pushed me up the steps to the ALC7 meeting. Maybe it was my guilt of not being able to help. Or maybe it was the spirits of my good friends who lead me to the ALC7 office that night. I’ll never truly know but I went to the meeting and signed up. It was the best decision I had ever made. I have been training and fundraising since September and now I have the power to make a difference. One day when I meet up with my friends who have gone before me, I can tell them that in honor of them and the millions of people living with AIDS/HIV, I became part of the education, care and the search for a cure.