Thirteen-days until AIDS/LifeCycle 2013

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Just 13-days until AIDS/LifeCycle, the biggest ride of my life! What have I been doing? Trying to maintain composure as I deal with life issues. In April, I lost Ruby, the sweetest black lab in the world. Over a month has passed and I still miss her to pieces.

As the days fly by, I’m coming to terms with the idea of camping the 6-nights of AIDS/LifeCycle. I don’t remember the last time I camped. At least there aren’t ticks or mosquitoes in California, right?

The cold Spring finally ended in Kansas City in early-May. I’ve been riding my bike at every chance. I learned of a new Wednesday group ride, the Martini Corner ride. This was exciting, because I didn’t have a Wednesday ride. The ride starts out in Midtown, then goes through both the East and West Bottoms of Kansas City before returning to Midtown.

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Last-minute items for AIDS/LifeCycle packing list

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California US Hwy 101Here are a few last-minute items for your AIDS/LifeCycle packing list. It’s my first time doing AIDS/LifeCycle and after speaking to my ALC rep and a few other riders, these are some must-have items that weren’t on my list.

Did I miss something? Post it in the comments.

UPDATE: I recently found a really detailed and comprehensive AIDS/LifeCycle packing list.

In Memory of Ruby, our beautiful black lab: 2003-2013

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Ruby at Shawnee Mission Lake - August 8, 2010

September 5, 2003 – April 16, 2013

Ruby was diagnosed with advanced stage osteosarcoma and a bone fracture on April 15, 2013. She’d been suffering from what the vet thought was arthritis and hip dysplasia for about a month. Her suffering ended on April 16, 2013. She’s gone to a happy place in the sky. She is survived by her older sister, Sage; owners’, Mike, Zack, and Garrett; and many close friends and family members. She was loved and will be missed by many.

Seattle, AIDS/LifeCycle, and UX Immersion 2013

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UX Immersion Conference: April 21-24, 2013 in Seattle

On Friday, April 19, I depart for one of my favorite cities, Seattle, Washington, to attend the UX Immersion Conference. UX Immersion is put on by Jared Spool, and the fine folks at UIE.

AIDS/LifeCycle and Seattle-based Team of One

I added a weekend to the trip, so I can ride and socialize with Seattle-based AIDS/LifeCycle participants. Many Seattle AIDS/LifeCycle riders are members of Team of One. Lately I’ve felt disconnected not knowing many other AIDS/LifeCycle participants. I’m hopeful that meeting other participants prior to the ride will help make the experience more comfortable.

On my trip to Los Angeles in February, I was able to meet our team, The Pork Pedalers, captain-extraordinaire, Brendan Hooley and some members of Team Cynergy, but others from my team were unable to make it out.

My longest AIDS/LifeCycle training ride to date (guilty grin)

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On Sunday, 4/7, I set out on my longest AIDS/LifeCycle training ride with the Mission Farms Sunday group. Luckily, my friends Clark and Jeffrey joined me. It was set to be a 42-mile route, but the group was a bit faster than us. We stuck with them until 175th street, there were cows, then cut a corner and turned it into a 35-mile route. Map: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/294875789

How many miles will I ride each day of AIDS/LifeCycle 2013

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AIDSLifeCycle Route MapThis is one of the more common questions I am asked when I tell people I’m participating in AIDS/LifeCycle 2013. Here’s a recap of the day-by-day miles and start/finish cities.

  • Day 1: 83 miles – Daly City (SF) to Santa Cruz
  • Day 2: 109 miles - Santa Cruz to King City
  • Day 3: 67 miles - King City to Paso Robles
  • Day 4: 98 miles – Paso Robles to Santa Maria
  • Day 5: 42 miles - Santa Maria to Lompoc
  • Day 6: 84 miles - Lompoc to Ventura
  • Day 7: 61 miles - Ventura to Los Angeles

Total miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles: 544

Trip to Los Angeles – February 2013

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Garrett and Brendan on Team Cynergy AIDSLifeCycle ride

On Thursday, February 21, I escaped the big snow storm and flew out of Kansas City at 6 am.

The best part of Los Angeles had to be the weather. The second and equally good part was meeting up with Brendan Hooley, one of my team captains. On Saturday, Brendan and I joined Team Cynergy for a ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.

Tweets from the trip

February AIDS/LifeCycle Update

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AIDS/LifeCycle 2013 - June 2-8, 201310-Day Forecast. More warm weather, please?

There have been a few warm days, but not as many as I expected in mid-February. When it’s above 50 degrees, I’m out on the road. I’m getting used to spin classes, and they’re an excellent workout, but they’re no substitute for getting out on the road.

February Training Goal. 5 hours per week.

I’ve bumped my goal from 3 hours to 5 hours per week in the month of February. If most of the 5 hours must be spent in spin classes, this will be a challenge.

February trip to LA. Hello Pork Pedalers!

Pork Pedalers AIDSLifeCycle Team Icon
As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve become acquainted with several members of the LA-based Pork Pedalers AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) team. I thought it was only appropriate to make a trip to LA to match faces with Twitter handles, and get to know my ALC teammates. I’ll be in Los Angeles February 21-25. On Saturday, I’m planning to do a ride with my team or the larger so-Cal ALC group, then go to the ALC expo on Sunday. It’s my first time to LA, other than a day-trip several years back. I’m excited for a long weekend and some cycling in LA!

ALC Fundraising Update

I’m half-way to my goal of $3,000. There are still a few months to go. I’m confident I’ll exceed my goal with your support.

More to come soon!

Sabbatical Approved! AIDS/LifeCycle 2013

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Make a tax-deductible contribution to AIDS/LifeCycle 2013 -- June 2-8, 2013

Right before Christmas break, I received exciting news from my employer. My month-long sabbatical, which I applied for in November had been approved.

A major part of my sabbatical, will be spent raising money for and riding my bike in AIDS/LifeCycle. AIDS/LifeCycle is a 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The 545-mile ride takes place June 2-8, 2013.

After announcing the news on Twitter, I soon realized several Twitter friends from LA were also doing the ride. Many have done the ride in the past, and ride on a team, called the Pork Pedalers. They invited me to join, and excitedly, I took them up on the offer.

The Pork Pedalers -- An AIDS/LifeCycle Team

Beginning in January, I’ve been doing a spin class 3 times per week. At times, even an hour of pedaling with your heart rate above 150 has been a challenge, but it’s getting easier every day. I’m hoping for warmer weather soon, so I can get out on the road for some real riding.

To ensure success of the event and make the biggest impact, I must raise at least $3,000. I’m confident with your support, I can exceed that. I’m already 1/3 of the way there!

More to come soon!