I'm back!!! and exhausted LOL

Hi Cali Friends,

Sorry to be MIA for a week or so but what a week it was.

My hubby and I were "Roadies" on the Aids LifeCycle (ALC) ride from SF to LA.  What an incredible week it was too.  I can actually say that I spent the week with 3500 people where everyone was kind, considerate, friendly and caring.  The world could learn so much from the week that we just experienced.

ALC 2011 raised 13 million for the fight against HIV and Aids this year, a record and is the biggest fundraising event for this cause in the world.

As roadies and riders, life for a week is spent at 6 different camp sites between SF and LA.  Can you imagine moving a 3500 person city each day?  It was simply amazing how organized everything was.  We had a camp store, medical, chiropractic, sport medicine, massage, incredible meals (meat and vegetarian), entertainment and lots of port-a-potties (which were kept amazingly well).

Our group Rest Stop 2 rose each day at 4am, took down our own tents, ate breakfast and were at our truck & van by 5:30 am each day.  Then it's off to our rest stop where we set up everything (bike parking racks, food ten****er tent, medical tent, bike technician tent) and put up decorations for our rest stop and then got into costume for the theme of the day) all by 8:30 a.m. when the first rider arrived.  Our crew gave out snacks, water and electrolyte drinks to riders, directed traffic, talked and encouraged riders, were taken hundreds of photos of and laughed until our rest stop closed at 12:30 pm.  Then we had a quick bite of lunch which was brought to us each day by the meal crew and took everything all down and packed it all away again for the next day.  Lots of lifting and carrying yeah exercise. 

We then went back to camp and put up the tent, showered in portable shower trucks, had a massage, chiro treatment or sports med treatment (if you wanted ) and headed to the tent for dinner and entertainment.  Lights out for us ususally between 9 or 10 and the camp was all amazingly quiet at 10.

On day 6 in Ventura there was a candelight vigil to remember those who have passed away from the disease or just anything you personally have been affected by in your life.  This was done on the beach and I swear you could have heard a pin drop.

On day 7 after our rest stop we headed into LA for closing ceremonies, wow what an emotional experience.  The 380 roadies came in after the riders did and to show their appreciation, we were showered with water from water bottles from the riders.  It was a very emotional ceremony as I have lost both my parents to cancer and a brother in law from my previous marriage to Aids.  I lost it and cried like a baby but I wasn't alone and soon comforted with hugs of goodbye and thank you and see you next year.  Yes, we signed up and will do it all again and can't wait to spend another incredible week with 3500 of our closest friends!  Truly a life changing experience!

Hugs,
Barb

Hi Barb,

What a wonderful experience to be a part of. I'm sure you and Ron are just wiped out. Is this the first time you have done it? I hope you guys get some rest. Good to have you back on the boards. Thanks for sharing.

Eileen,

Yes, this was our first time, we were roadie rookies or newbies as they call us on the ride.  It was SOOOO much fun.  Can't wait for next year.

Hugs,
Barb

Barb,
what an experience for you both?  How did the costumes go, toys dress for Ron??  Sounds like it was all worth it.  You give to so many people and we all appreciate it!!  Will miss seeing you all this weekend

D,

It was wonderful.  Costumes were GREAT, you can see on FB.  Can't wait for next year.  Can't wait to see you in July.

Hugs,
Barb

OMG I LOVED REST STOP 2!!! You guys rocked it!!!

This was my first ALC too! Wasn't it amazing?!?! You roadies totally RAWK!

I still can't believe it's over, what a whirlwind.... have you thought about riding it next year? 

Thanks for the support, it was a total life-changing experience.

Hi Inkd!

Wow how cool is that?  We've already signed up to Roadie next year, in fact most of our group will be back.  We all really get along well and work well together, so that will be fun.

I have not thought about riding, it would take some monumental training I'm sure.  I didn't catch where you live in CA.  I think it's awesome that you rode.  Did you go to the closing ceremony?  That was very emotional for me.

We had such a wonderful time and you're absolutely right, it was a total life-changing experience.  The world could learn so much from spending a week traveling, living and working together.  I was amazed how well organized it really way.

Hugs,
Barb

Hey Barb,

It's such a small world after all! :) I'm so glad that I'll get to see you there next year. How far in advance did you guys set up all the ideas for the Rest Stop, they were so creative!

I live in the South East Bay, and I went to closing last year when my friend rode, but I was not about to get back on my bike and ride in, so I skipped it. Maybe next year...

It is truly amazing how they get over 3000 people down the coast in such a fun and organized fashion. You know what I would love though, is to get a WLS team together to do it next year!!!!

Hope you guys are recovering!
:Danni

Danni,

It is indeed a small world.  I think we submitted ideas around Feb and voted on them in March/April and then we had to get our costumes together.  We have already begun thinking of things for next year.

I don't have a fancy bike to ride, and I know they are not cheap but I love the concept of getting together a WLS team together.

I hope that one day you might join us for our Nor Cal Loser's Luncheon's.  In fact, we're having one this Sat in Concord.  See my post a few posts down for more info.  Great people, getting together for support and friendship.

Today was my first day back at work and I must admit I'm dragging a bit.  Each day will get better I'm sure.  At least I'm not having to go to bed at 9 and get up at 4!  LOL

Can't wait to meet you one of these days!

Hugs,
Barb

Barb,

Ohh I can't wait to see what ya'll come up with next year!

I would totally join you guys on Sat, if it wasn't my anniversary! I'll be celebrating up in SF with my fiancee, but I'll keep an eye out for the next one!

Happy Mid-Week!

:Danni