Guess what happens when you sneeze in the wind..

Okay, guess what happens when you have a big gooey sneezing fit when riding fast down a hill in to the wind.

Okay, now guess why I totally know the answer to that.

It is the end of day #1 on AIDS/Lifecycle and I've made some friends, and I've also found my arch nemesis.  That nemesis, seasonal allergies.  I'm serious man, after lunch today I spent the whole day sneezing.  You could hear it on the Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Santa Cruz, our first camp spot.  Good thing the medical team has plenty of Claritan and Sudafed.  The non-drowsy stuff.

Friday before I left, my mother asked me "Gary, are there rest stops?"  Which, I mean, I love my mother, but I couldn't help but laugh, and since there might be people who want to know how this big traveling city works, here's how it goes.  YES, there are rest stops, our amazing crew of roadies and supporters set up rest stops throughout the day that are clearly marked.  NO, we don't have to carry our gear on our bikes, our roadies load that on to gear trucks and send them along, so that our gear is waiting for us when we arrive at camp.  We loaded up all those trucks at 5am this morning from Daly City, our starting point.  (you can totally click on the pictures for the larger versions.)

At opening cermonies this morning I was filled with a quiet nervousness, a "what is going to happen when they open the doors and we actually start riding" feeling.  But as it turns out, the doors opened and that all went away, we were greeted by crowd of supporters and a beautiful California sun.  And then, well its just like riding a bike (I know...I know...)

So I knew this going in to it all but today on day one, it was confirmed.  CALIFORNIA IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON THE PLANET.  No wonder everyone wants to live here.

Thats me and my tent mate and dear friend James at the Crystal Springs resivoir rest stop.  See, gorgeous, and the scenery ain't that bad either.  James is one of the big reasons that I'm doing the ride.  He and I both went to closing ceremonies last year, he made the decision to ride, and supported me in making my decision, helped me save up for my bike, kept me informed about training rides, and was the go-to guy for bike questions.  On the ride, he reminds me when to eat and drink, and puts up with my snoring. 

So, I said before we have an amazing crew of roadies that set all the camp services and rest stops.  They are also supporters, they cheer for us on the road, and help keep us going.  This morning at the top of a VERY big hill there was a roadie in a neon yellow wig handing out RedVines licorice candy.  Thank you roadie in a neon yellow wig handing out RedVince licorice candy.  I love you.

There are lots of supporters on the road cheering as well, some are few and far between, but when they are there it means something.

I wish I had taken a picture of what I am about to describe, but it was unsafe to stop at the time.  On one of the last 10 miles today there was a man standing alone at an intersection.  He had a home made sign with a picture of someone close to him that died of AIDS and the year they passed away.  Underneath that picture were the words:

                                            "THANK YOU FOR RIDING."

Yeah, it keeps you going.

Days remaining:  6.
Miles to Los Angeles: 467.
Legs:  Sexy.

p.s. you're going to just have to deal with it if there are spelling errors and grammar problems.  I rode about 80 miles today.  So there.

Comments

[Dave]

Thanks, Gary. I'm so proud.

And show us those sexy legs! :)

[Jay]

Wow...
Little teary eyed here.
It's funny how one man can make 80 miles of riding worth it with such a simple message, be safe and have FUN!

[justin]

next time you have a sneezing fit, instead of multiple sneezes, try one gigantic sneeze. it works. i know.
you are awesome.
go, gary, go.

[Matt]

GO GARY!!!

[Anon.]

I'm proud of you.

[Chris]

Congrats on your first Century. I remember all of the riders I filmed for whom it was first, and what a miracle that seemed. I'm so very proud of you. Keep on going... and Thanks For Riding. -CD

[Michael Gaedeke]

Gary (and James), you guys are awesome: thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for riding - Steve and I look forward to seeing you guys back in LALA land (the Jacuzzi is ready for your aking bodies) !
Hugs, no, BIG HUGS

Michael (& Steve, Jackson and Roxie, of course, too!)