Now that I have finished
the ride and have had a few weeks to think about my experiences, I am
even more struck by what an amazing thing this fundraiser is. It is
hard to explain the feelings of hope and love and regret and urgency
that permeate the air on the ride, but here is my attempt.
Support and the Spirit of Volunteerism: In addition to the 1011 cyclists
that participated in ALC2 (AIDS/Lifecycle 2), over 300 people (aka roadies)
volunteered their time and efforts to make sure that we were safe, well-fed,
clean, amused, and in every way ready for the challenges ahead. Thanks
to the Sports Med team from UCSF, I was able to ride pain-free after
an IT band (tendon) problem on Day 2. Thanks to ‘Mom and Dad’s’
hydrate sign, I always remembered to take a drink of water at the top
of that hill. The gear team of truck E surprised us by carrying all
of our gear and tents to our campsites. Whenever you least expected
it, someone would be there with a big smile, cheering you on. Every
rest stop took it upon themselves to not only provide you with food
and water, but emotional (and comical) sustenance for the day. The folks
at Rest Stop 4 (almost always my favorite) are probably already planning
and scouring thrift stores for next year’s ride!
Loss and Hope: In spite of the fun that we all had, there were plenty
of reminders of the gravity of the AIDS epidemic that inspired our efforts.
Many, many people had pictures of lost loved ones attached to their
jerseys and bicycles as they rode. Others were HIV+ themselves, many
having been diagnosed during the 80's and early 90's when an AIDS diagnosis
was thought to mean a certain and painful death. These riders were a
true inspiration and a reminder of what we’ve lost and what we
stand to gain. On many times during the ride I was moved to tears by
the emotional impact the ride had on me. I thought that I understood
what it meant to be affected by this disease, but I have a whole new
sense of loss and of hope after the ride. I am so grateful for the advances
in treatment and for the work of groups like the San Francisco AIDS
Foundation. However, it was a chilling reminder that the fight is not
over when two cyclists from past years died from AIDS in the months
leading up to the ride. The work that the AIDS Foundation does is still
vitally important for those who are struggling to live normal lives.
As is their work in preventing new infections. The money raised for
this ride will make a big difference to many people.
Teamwork and Community: Over and
over again, I was struck during the ride by the immediate sense of community
that developed between all of the cyclists and roadies. It was so easy
to make friends and to feel connected to those around you. This was
facilitated by our close quarters (take a look at our camp, affectionately
known as ‘The Grid,’) but was strengthened by the openness
of everyone I met. I learned the first day that it was important to
stop at every rest stop, even if you didn’t need it physically,
as it gave you a chance to meet new people, talk to the friends you
made yesterday, and appreciate the people who were on the road with
you. At the end of a long day, it was nice to be able to walk to dinner,
sit next to strangers, and be friends by the end of the meal. I also
became closer with people I knew before the ride, especially my tent-mate
Sarah and the members of my bike club, the Oakland Yellowjackets, who
were on the ride.
Here we are at
the end, celebrating our successful finish.
|
