DAY 1 San Francisco to Santa Cruz, 79.4 miles
* I managed to crash on the first day. I pulled a "rookie" move and tucked my jacket into my waist band. The sleeves apparently weren't tucked in far enough and got caught in my rear tire. Fortunately for me I was able to keep enough control to land myself just in time on a sand dune.
* I purchased a Positive Pedalers wind vest. I absolutely loved the colors. Through out the day people seemed to be giving me extra attention and one person came to me sharing his story about being a first time Positive Pedaler. I realized then that something was not "quite right". Someone finally explained to me that the vest I was wearing stated that I was positive for HIV. Apparently there were other jackets available that read Positive Pedaler Supporter that I should of purchased instead. Its the same as wearing a shirt that says you have cancer when you don't.
* I have never been on a cycling venue of this magnitude before. Safety was of the upmost importance. Whenever passing someone, the person should always shout out, "On your left". Well with 2500 riders that can get very old, very quickly. That night I swore I was going to dream about me shouting out "On your left" but instead I shouted out.. "glass"!
* The day started out foggy and misty but then turned into a sunny day. Saw old friends that I did not realize were doing the Ride.
Stops on the side of the road included: Pie, Strawberries, Candles.
Favorite joke of the day: "Someone once said that a black man would become president when pigs flew. One hundred days after President Obahma took office, we had Swine Flu.
Day 2 Santa Cruz to King City, 107.6 miles
* Lots of crosswinds occurred. At some points it took all my efforts to keep my bike and myself from blowing sideways across the road.
* I had fried artichokes for the first time.. yummmm
* I saw the most beautiful rainbow
* A girl came up to me to tell me I had great arms. That has NEVER happened before.. so I was completely flattered.
* I went skinny dipping for the first time ever in my life and with complete strangers. It was amazing and empowering all at once.
Day 3 King City to Paso Robles, 63.4 miles
* We road on the shoulder of 101 for part of the ride. It was the worst road you could ever imagine to ride your bike on. There was no passing allowed and to avoid the really deep cracks you actually had to ride the white line. By the time we exited 101 we all had developed tension headaches and pains in our necks and shoulders from all the jostling around. It was both quite scary and very dangerous.
* A man was dressed up like a pill on the side of the road and it read on his costume, "You are my Viagra". As you passed him he would tell you, "You keep me up".
* There were just kind people all around.
* New motto: "Make your life count"
* When we returned to camp each rider received a personal hand written note from a child wishing them luck on their ride. My note was very sweet and endearing.
* We were told of a rider that was so inspired by the ALC Ride that she went back to China to pilot her own version. It was The Equality Ride (or something similar) and only had 17 riders signed up. It took very courageous people to commit to such a ride in China. It brought tears to my eyes.
* I befriended one of the roadies, Virgil at dinner one evening. He was making little brown bear ears for the helmets and hats of his good group of friends. He was nice enough to make me a set of ears for my helmet. He also shared with me that he had been living with HIV for many years. He was a very sweet soul.
Day 4 Paso Robles to Santa Maria, 94.1 miles
* I didn't sleep very well and my morning started off with everything seemingly going wrong.
* I managed to get some sort of "buzzing" bug caught in my sunglasses while I was riding. Fortunately for me I was able to remain calm enough to remove my sunglasses to set it free before I could get stung.
* I conquered a hill that had a 21% grade. It was not mentioned on the route sheet. I guess that was a good thing because I would of worried about it all day long.
* I had the best cinnamon bun EVER
* This day was my most challenging day. By the time I got to rest stop 3 I was spent. As I went through the snack line I ran into Jenny. She always handed out snacks at this rest stop. She could tell I wasn't myself. She stopped what she was doing and came around to the front of the table to give me a big, long hug. She whispered in my ear that grandmas give the best hugs. I guess it got to me because I started crying. I felt better soon after I let some of the emotions out.
* The announcement at dinner that Obahma declared that June was officially LGBT month and asked the people of the United States to reverse discrimination. Everyone clapped and cheered and some cried for such an important milestone... including myself.
* Some slogans:
"Drink, Pee or get an IV"
"An AIDS LifeCycle banner on a church that read, "You can't stumble if you're on your knees"
Day 5 Santa Maria to Lonpoc, 67.7 miles
* Head winds from hell. At some point I would say, "Passing on your left...ummm Well maybe ..ummm Nevermind..I seem to be going backwards now."
* I ate A LOT of bugs.. It was a very buggy day.
* Today was Red Dress Day. I opted not to wear a dress but just a simple tee and rainbow colored socks. The costumes were unreal on this day. We were a sea of 2500 riders with the color red on. It was a spectacular sight to see.
* I found a little bbq joint and had the best tri tip bbq sandwich ever.
* Hills, hills, hills, hills, hills, hills.. Need I say more?
* I went to bed very early this night.
*Some slogans:
"Keep it safe, Keep it sexy, Keep it shhhhhh"
"Hydrate, Pee and Repeat"
Day 6 Lompoc to Ventura, 85.5 miles
* We woke up to puddles of water in our tents from the rainstorm during the night.
* My clothes were just about dry finally but then were soaked again from the unexpected rain. I wore wet clothes shorts and sports bra.
* I was one of the early birds and managed to get on the road even though we were still getting pummeled with rain.
The first rest stop was 15 miles away. I decided that since my knees were still sore from yesterdays ride, that I would take my time today. My motto this day was, "Wet is wet".... so I forged through. At one point a semi came along and pushed a tidal wave of water onto a group of us.
* By the time I got to rest stop 1 it was announced that no one was allowed to go any further. Apparently a mud slide had occurred further ahead as well as a fatal car accident. CHP shut the ALC Ride down for the rest of the day. Everyone at rest stop one had the choice of riding back 15 miles to camp and jumping on a bus to Ventura or immediately getting on a bus at rest stop 1 leaving your bike behind to be sagged later to Ventura. I was lucky enough to get on one of the first buses to Ventura. There were only 7 buses available with a maximum of 50 seats available to transport 2500 riders... You do the math.
* I arrived in Ventura soaking wet and with no gear. The camp wasn't going to be open or set up for another 3 or 4 hours. A group of us decided to hitch hike it into downtown Ventura to a thrift store. We all purchased dry outfits to change into for the day. My outfit only cost $4.95 including flip flops.
* Ventura was sunny and beautiful and right by the ocean. Myself and Renate decided to go for a nice cold swim. It was great for the achey quads that I had.
* A candle light vigil was held on the beach under the evening stars. It was both beautiful and symbolic to see so many people gathered, each with a candle.
Day 7 Ventura to Los Angeles, 61.5 miles
* It was an absolutely beautiful day
* The route was fairly flat and fast paced
* Going through Malibu was a bit stressful because the cars were parked along the the highway and there were also a lot of surfers with surf boards. Most times the surfers weren't paying attention and you had to watch out for ends of surfboards possibly taking you out. You also had to be aware of car doors opening suddenly as you passed as well as the traffic to your left.
* A few of us stopped for coffee and I noticed how everyone that lived in the area seemed to be "hollywood" gorgeous. It was ridiculous how beautiful people were.
The ride this day was bitter sweet. We were all tired and ready to sleep in our own beds but we knew that this would be our last ride. This week we lived in a world that was ideal. Everyone was equal.. Everyone was kind and giving... No one was judgemental or had a mean word or thought to convey. Honesty was shown repeatedly. My tentmate lost her wallet on day 3. It was returned by the days end with nothing missing. Another individual lost $250 in cash and retrieved it at lost and found later that same evening. Strangers would volunteer to help pitch each others tents or to transport heavy gear for someone who was too tired. There were always smiling faces, kind words and new connections to be made. I joked that I was once told that this event was "life changing".. by "life changing" I thought I would automatically awaken at 4:30 am and want to ride my bike anywhere from 60 to 107 miles routinely... As well as consume 3 square meals and snack every 15 miles or so. The truth is... I was shown that love, honesty, compassion and equality can exist on a daily basis. I have been changed because I now know that it is POSSIBLE. Thank you to everyone who helped me reached such a remarkable goal.
*Collectively the ALC Riders raised 10.2 million dollars towards AIDS Research and funding for medicines and much needed programs.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wildflow**
What a weekend I had! As you all know I had a lot of pressure on me to complete my swim by the cut off time set by TNT. I was ready.... I COULDN'T BE MORE READY. The energy that morning was unreal. It was my first official triathlon event of this magnitude.. I couldn't help but get excited along with everyone else.
My wave for 30-39 years old females wouldn't set off until 9:20 am. So I was able to get down into the transition area fairly early to set up all my gear. .. for the swim, bike and run. Luckily for me I had an Ironmate in my division/wave.. Lulu. Together we checked and rechecked our gear. We even managed to find the time to watch some of the elite come into transition as well as see some of our Ironmates from earlier waves head into the water.. Time was ticking away and our wave was soon to be up. As I stepped onto the ramp path towards the waters edge, I remained calm. Lulu gave me a few reassuring words to let me know I could do this. We stood there in the middle of the pack and at first I was going to hang back and let everyone go before me. Then with a big hug, Lulu told me to GO FOR IT.. and that it was my time to shine. As the count down to the start began and with those words in my head, I followed right behind Lulu. I couldn't afford to be timid and waste any time. I knew I could do this swim. The water was in the mid 60s. Even though it was fairly warm by my standards.. I was the only participant in my wave to wear a long sleeve shirt under my sleeveless wet suit, as well as booties for my feet. I couldn't afford to be cold in the water, so hence the nerdy garb.
I just went along with the crowd. There was splashing everywhere. Everyone was trying to find their own space in the water so that they could ultimately find their groove. The course was shaped as one large rectangle that mapped out a 1.2 mile distance from start to finish. I just paced myself the entire time. With each freestyle stroke I would propel my body forward... breathing every 3 strokes. I would site off each large orange buoy that I approached. I wanted to keep up with the pack but knew that it was best that I just kept my pace. Steady and calm I kept telling myself.. don't panic... you've done this. There were at least 2 or 3 more waves behind me and I could feel them encroaching on me and eventually most of them passing by. I wouldn't let it bother me.. my goal was just to make the cut off. I had a number of people swim over me and a few with whom my face almost met with their thrashing feet. I did manage to accidentally kick a woman full on in the face myself. I felt horrible about it and managed to pause long enough to apologize. Later I was told by teammates that there is no "sorry" in triathlons. Things happen and you just keep going.
As I swam, I kept hearing lifeguards telling me that I was so close and that I was doing great. I could see the giant arch made of balloons that signified the end. I was there and knew that my time had come. As I stood up, I immediately looked at my watch... 1:03, well within the 1:20 parameter set by TNT and the coaches. .. and within the 1:10 cut off parameter set by Wildflower! I took that moment to just take it all in.. I did it and no one could that away from me. As I jogged up the ramp, back towards transition, there were very few people left. Amy, my friend and the EFT Specialist who has been helping me, was there to witness my accomplishment. We were both elated. Leslie the team manager was also there to welcome me in. She gave me a "good job".. and I replied with a thank you and with a triumphant voice, asked her to let the coaches know that I had done it! 
Now the rest of the day:
I got back into the transition area and quickly removed my wet suit and wet clothing. I immediately started to dry off and change into my bike gear. I quickly grabbed my bike and was ready to roll.. and so I thought. I had a flat in my rear tire... I couldn't imagine that this could happen now. I attempted to check the valve to see if it was open... and tried to pump air back into it with a CO2 cartridge.. no luck. Someone came by and tried to help. I was told that I needed a floor pump. Of course I didn't have one on hand. I immediately ran up the hill with flat tire in hand and went to the repair tent at the expo. My tube was quickly replaced with a new one. Apparently there was a tear found near the stem of the tube that had caused a slow leak.. hence a flat tire. Looking back now... I had panicked big time. My brain had gone to mush.. I could of fixed the flat myself but didn't feel confident enough to do it. This would cost me later.
The bike course was 55 miles long.. with a long steep climb after the 1st mile and another steeper climb around mile 43 named "Nasty Grade", followed with rolling hills for the remaining part of the course. Because of the amount of time I used in transition, I needed to make up the difference in my ride. I had to make it back to the transition area by 2:45 or I wouldn't be allowed to do the run part of the event. I refused to give up and I pushed myself hard. I knew I couldn't afford to take the time to stop if I were to make the cut off time. For 55 miles I kept a forward motion. The sun was out in full force, as well as the head winds. I saw very few participants for the first 30 or so miles. I kept thinking I must of been one of the last ones out of transition. I was angry with with myself for letting this happen. I didn't want my actual Ironman event in August to be like this. I had cut it too close and was racing against the clock. I eventually made it into the transition area at 3:00.. I missed the cut off by 15 min. According to the records I spent an entire 29 min. in transition earlier. I ultimately would've made the cut off. 
The race director was there to take my timing chip. I didn't care at this point. What I wanted to do was get onto the run course so that I could complete the entire event.. but was immediately told that I was not allowed to continue any further. There were people at the start of the run blocking anyone else from going onto the course. I was angry and disappointed in myself.. I had worked so hard up to this point and this was how it was going to end? I found out later that a few people came in after the bike cut off and still managed to negotiate their way onto the run course. Looking back I wish I had been more aggressive about being allowed to finish my race... Again another lesson learned!
"I could of, would of, should of".... all of these come into mind. What I need to remember was that this was a learning experience for me. What can I take away from this Half Ironman? I'm certainly going to learn to change a flat with confidence and speed. I am even more focused and determined to improve on my swim skills and bike time. I calculated my bike time at about 4:08 hours and I estimate that I could've finished the run in about 2:30. After adding all the numbers. I would've most likely finished the entire race in 8 hours give or take. I definitely need to step it up if I am to be ready for my event in August. FYI: Since I did not complete the run I decided to tell everyone that I did the "Wildflow**" instead of Wildflower... Next year I plan to return and complete the entire course.
So the training continues and so does the fundraising. Please if you haven't already donated, would you mind making a contribution to either Cause? Small or large.. every dollar you donate will help someone in need. I continue to make the commitment daily as I have promised.. but I need your help in raising the funds necessary. Just click on either Logo to the right of the page and you will be sent directly to my donation pages. Thank you all for your support.. I will continue to work hard for you, for the coaches and for the people that need our help! GO TEAM!
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