The time between now and Sunday at 4am when I awaken for the ride are probably going to be a blur...
But just wanted to jot down one last post.
First of all, you can send me messages while I'm on the road at:
http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/2008/support/
(I'm rider #2285)
Second - check my home page during the next week to see if I've added any audio recordings from the road. I'll be calling in via pay phone periodically, and leaving messages that you can access at:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/2285
Just scroll down a bit to the "gabcast" window.
Third - there is no third. But I want to add that I will be flying on the wings of support of everyone who has been here for me over the last 6 months, since I made it public that I would be participating in ALC. The experience of training and fund raising has made this already one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have felt so many changes mentally and physically occur in my body, and how I relate to the world. It makes the actual event (which starts in 2 days) just the icing on the cake. I am so excited to undertake my first bicycle tour of California, taking in the sights and scenes of the landscape from SF to LA. I will ride as many of the 545 miles as I can, while remembering that I am mortal. I vow to strike the balance between a healthy sense of pushing myself, yet avoiding injury. I am not afraid to get on the "sag wagon" if necessary. I want to remember this event for the joys and challenges, not by the physical therapy that I inflicted upon myself by not respecting my personal limits. I am also open to the possibility of completely surprising myself and riding more miles than I expect possible. From where I sit now in this chair, nervously typing away on my last work day before the event, I am ready to mount my trusty steel horse, and get on the road!
Send me a message while I'm on the road, if you feel so inspired. And be sure to check out my audio broadcasts all next week. I'll try to represent some of the spirit and culture of the event I'll be participating in.
Also, http://aidslifecycle.typepad.com/ will have photos and info updated daily, as well.
With Gratitude,
Alex
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Epic Stall!Century Cancelled...Bigger Lesson Learned.
I was all set to ride 100 miles on Saturday, but with the temperatures heading up towards the 90's last week, I went to bed Friday night sick to my stomach from heat stroke. Rather than injure myself 2 weeks before the ride, I slept in Saturday, and made a more mild 33 mile jouney from San Francisco to Fairfax.
I am learning at this stage that it is more important to learn to listen to my body and know when to quit, than to ride through adversity, with the possibility of injury. I have had to come to terms with the fact that I might not ride all of the 545 miles, taking advantage of the sweep vehicles to take me and my bike forth on the course, if necessary. But I will ride every mile I can, with a goal of riding 100% of the 545 miles. But if it comes down to a decision of health versus statistics, I've decided to take a break where necessary.
So this Saturday was good practice. I got to feel the effects of extreme heat around mile 25 and it was very uncomfortable. By the time I made it to the end of my ride, I was sick to my stomach and light headed. I think 100 miles in those conditions would have been debilitating. And I got to practice saying "enough." Perhaps just as important when it comes down to completing the ride and remaining healthy.
I am learning at this stage that it is more important to learn to listen to my body and know when to quit, than to ride through adversity, with the possibility of injury. I have had to come to terms with the fact that I might not ride all of the 545 miles, taking advantage of the sweep vehicles to take me and my bike forth on the course, if necessary. But I will ride every mile I can, with a goal of riding 100% of the 545 miles. But if it comes down to a decision of health versus statistics, I've decided to take a break where necessary.
So this Saturday was good practice. I got to feel the effects of extreme heat around mile 25 and it was very uncomfortable. By the time I made it to the end of my ride, I was sick to my stomach and light headed. I think 100 miles in those conditions would have been debilitating. And I got to practice saying "enough." Perhaps just as important when it comes down to completing the ride and remaining healthy.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Happy Bike To Work Day 2008 !!!
Between leaving my house this morning and arriving at work, I stopped by four energizer stations, ate 2 free bagels, got a free stylish tote bag, renewed my SF Bike Coalition membership, and spoke with a handful of friendly cyclists.
On my 10 mile ride to the office, according to the on line calculator, I burned 360 calories. And compared to driving a SUV, I spared the air of 12.1 lbs of toxic emissions, and saved $6.66 in fuel costs. I wonder if that number is not merely a coincidence . . . you decide.
Commuters arriving at the Caltrain station this morning to find the friendly volunteers giving out bagels and tote bags and signing up new members to the SF Bike Coalition. I'm proud to be a part of the growing bicycle culture in the city.
On my 10 mile ride to the office, according to the on line calculator, I burned 360 calories. And compared to driving a SUV, I spared the air of 12.1 lbs of toxic emissions, and saved $6.66 in fuel costs. I wonder if that number is not merely a coincidence . . . you decide.
Commuters arriving at the Caltrain station this morning to find the friendly volunteers giving out bagels and tote bags and signing up new members to the SF Bike Coalition. I'm proud to be a part of the growing bicycle culture in the city.
Lunch: chicken fried steak torta from a "frutas, verduras, tortas" shop in SF. With my metabolism geared as high as it is, and the number of miles I'm riding, I don't have to worry about the amount of calories I eat. I just eat until I'm full. Another plug for cycling in this food obsessed society: canceling your gym membership! (yet more $$$ I'm not spending on a monthly basis on top of not owning a car.) Alright, enough ranting for this blog post. Off to digest . . .
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mind over matter. The turn of the century is near.
A "Century" is a slang term for a 100 mile ride.
June 1st is right around the corner. That is the day that I will be amongst 2,500 bicyclists rolling away from San Francisco on our seven day, 545 mile journey towards Los Angels.
I am ready. Almost.
I sent out my final fund raising letter to my email list, and it resulted in a massive final outpouring of funds that pushed me well over my $5,000 fund raising goal. At this point, the pressure of fund raising is off.
I think between now and June 1st, my strength and endurance won't change much, so it's just a process of preparing mentally for the exertion and fatigue that will ensue during so many consecutive days of riding.
So towards the goal of mental preparation, this Saturday am going on my final intense training ride. I will be starting at my house at 5:30 am, and joining a group near the Golden Gate Bridge for a ride to Petaluma and back home. All together it will total about 100 miles! I have decided that if I can pull an unsupported century in relative comfort, then I am as ready as I need to be for the actual event, which will involve massive group energy, and staffed rest stops every 10 to 15 miles.
Whether I am with a group or not, I no longer feel that I ride alone. I am coasting on the support and encouragement I have received from countless people. I am grateful.
June 1st is right around the corner. That is the day that I will be amongst 2,500 bicyclists rolling away from San Francisco on our seven day, 545 mile journey towards Los Angels.
I am ready. Almost.
I sent out my final fund raising letter to my email list, and it resulted in a massive final outpouring of funds that pushed me well over my $5,000 fund raising goal. At this point, the pressure of fund raising is off.
I think between now and June 1st, my strength and endurance won't change much, so it's just a process of preparing mentally for the exertion and fatigue that will ensue during so many consecutive days of riding.
So towards the goal of mental preparation, this Saturday am going on my final intense training ride. I will be starting at my house at 5:30 am, and joining a group near the Golden Gate Bridge for a ride to Petaluma and back home. All together it will total about 100 miles! I have decided that if I can pull an unsupported century in relative comfort, then I am as ready as I need to be for the actual event, which will involve massive group energy, and staffed rest stops every 10 to 15 miles.
Whether I am with a group or not, I no longer feel that I ride alone. I am coasting on the support and encouragement I have received from countless people. I am grateful.
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