Another year, another
ask. My preparation for Aids Lifecycle 9 began at a snails pace, even though I rode regularly through the winter. Fund raising and communicating my intentions to past and potential donors is way behind my previous efforts. I'm not sure why, but maybe it was the imminent participation in Medicare .... Don't
they say being on the
dole makes individuals lazy? Two weeks after my birthday (65th), my brain tells me I am as youthful as ever. However, when Linda and I had Easter brunch with my mother (88) at Spring Lake Village it
was different. It was the first time in 8 years I was an age eligible visitor to that Life Care community! While there are many alternative vehicles on the campus, I've never seen a bicycle! I'm guessing as long as I keep riding, living in such a place is not likely. But as with Medicare, I will probably get volumes of literature suggesting the benefits of senior living!
Looking back at last years blog entries from the ride, is a little disappointing. Particularly the three posts from the ride! The images suffered from a film of sweat and dust on my iPhone's lens. And the text formatting was distracting. Perhaps a better strategy this year.
As I contemplated asking friends and acquaintances to contribute again, I focused on my reasons for riding.
First and foremost, the HIV/AIDS positive community continues to be stigmatized, shunned and under served. The recession has produced an ongoing threat of reduced or completely eliminated funding for essential services. Successful lobbying and protest, both visible and behind the scenes, resulted in some stability. But the organizations charged with delivering these services have changed. Here in California, he responsibility has fallen to Community Health Centers, like Healdsburg's Alliance Medical Center. These institutions already struggle for funding every year. Hopefully, federal and state funds will be redirected and fully cover the additional burden. While there are many pressing needs in the world, raising money for services and research for this disease remains an imperative. One of the phrases from the ride always strikes home:
We Are All Living With AIDS.
Second, doing this ride has improved my well being and health. For the first time in many years I went on a backpacking trip in the Sierras last summer with old friends - a direct consequence of feeling fit and strong. And Sonoma County continues to provide surprises with hidden pockets of beauty and quiet - all discovered on two wheels. There is delight in being able to go a world away - without starting an engine. For example: after New Years, I just had to see and smell the ocean. On January 3, 2010, I rode out to Bodega and sat above the beach enjoying the sun of a new year over a calm Pacific. And chased the darkness all the way home!
Third, and finally, there is the generosity and affection in the community of Aids Lifecycle riders and roadies, new and experienced, young and old. In the last couple of months I've been to a couple of events and gone on training rides with ALC riders. The ride brings out the best in everyone. Connecting with others, after the long days of winter, renews my faith and hope in the underlying goodness of humanity. It is as powerful and energizing as the first buds of spring and rich aroma of warming soil.
And now its time to begin fundraising.
Here are a couple of pictures taken while cycling in Sonoma County over the last six months. Surprise and beauty around the corner.
Mustard off West Dry Creek - February
Geysers Road late one February afternoon
Angel Island and the City from Tiburon - March
