A Tiara Finish

After 6 months of training, 22 training rides and 1,012.04 miles ridden, we have completed our training for AIDS/LifeCycle 10.  We met up with the Chain Gang for our very last training ride.  It’s hard to believe that our training is over.  It’s definitely bitter sweet.

The ride was short – only 22.07 miles.  We started in Griffith Park and rode west along the north border of Griffith Park past Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  We circled around the studios in Burbank and headed back down to Griffith Park.  Then we turned onto Griffith Park Drive and climbed what most people call the “Garbage Hill”.  It was given the name because there used to be a landfill there.  It’s rather shocking to learn that there once was a landfill in this beautiful park.  I didn’t see any garbage, landfill or Jake Gyllenhaal (who’s known to ride this hill), but the scenery was breathtaking.  On top of that, we had great weather, just perfect for riding.  It almost made the climb effortless.  But honestly, it really wasn’t that bad of a climb.  Maybe all that training is finally paying off.  After our descent, we repeated the loop around Burbank and returned to Griffith Park.

The Chain Gang held a pot luck picnic at Griffith Park immediately after the ride.  Training ride leaders Tony and Chris also conducted a packing clinic, which was immensely helpful.  They taught us how to pack effectively for AIDS/LifeCycle and offered up all the tips and tricks they know.  Tony also showed us how to put up a tent, which, for a non-camper like me, was very helpful.  Riders are responsible for setting up their own tent when we get into camp every night on AIDS/LifeCycle, so it’s important to know how to master the art of tenting.

Training for AIDS/LifeCylce has been challenging but it also has been rewarding.  It’s been such an adventure to be able to ride with Sam and all the awesome riders we’ve met along the way.  Special shout out to our riding groups, the Chain Gang and Shifting Gears, without whom we would not be ready for AIDS/LifeCycle.  In particular, all the training ride leaders who have helped us along the way like Beth, Leslie, Doreen, Tony, Uncle Mel, Mel and Chris, who jazzed up my helmet with a princess tiara.  Of course, beaucoup thanks go out to the awesome team at I.Martin: Cameron, Matt, Ryan and the one-and-only Jaime.  Last but not least, hats off to every single person who donated money and cheered me on.  Your support means a lot to me.  Thank you!

This ride is dedicated to these awesome sponsors: Ericson H. and Jimmy D.