an incredible journey

everyone who knows me has known for some time that i am riding my very first ACT ride this year. felicia cried and hugged me, lots of people said "wow" or "good luck with that" in the sort of way that one does when the event sounds less appealing than mowing the lawn on the hottest day of the year, and lots more people pledged money to help me raise over $1700 for the AIDS Network.

it's less than 12 hours to opening ceremony, and i've registered, numbered my bike and helmet, and run my jersey through the wash. after watching the introductory/safety video at registration tonight, i can easily say that i am more proud to wear the jersey that i received tonight than i have ever been of any other jersey ever.

physically, i'd say i'm as ready as i'm going to get. i don't do a whole lot of distance biking, but i do commute (about a half an hour each way) every day on a one speed. i've also had about a liter each of water and gatorade today, and am working now on loading up on carbohydrates while i pack my bag.

emotionally, i'm ready for a rollercoaster. check this out, from the official site actride.org

who is rider zero?
rider zero represents those lost to HIV/AIDS. at the end of the day's ride, a bike without a rider is led into camp by a small group of people, which usually changes from day to day. the tradition is for riders and crew, all of whom are already at camp, to come out to the driveway and form a line on either side while rider zero is led in. an announcement is made in the school to let people know the last riders are coming into camp. whether you are eating dinner, setting up your bed for the night, or you are still in your riding gear, it is considered good form to drop what you are doing and join the tradition. it is a quiet moment when people reflect on the day and the people we're riding for.

last night, someone who i don't know came into the bar where i work with a check and wanted to give it to bob, the bartender who has ridden the ACT ride for the last 2 years, but can't this year. so bob gave the check to me. the handwriting was small and cursive, exactly like my grandma used to write, and in the memo line were the words, "in memory of brenda." i don't know the person whose name is on that check, or brenda, but i'm doing this because she can't.

i have a voice and i have an able body and i'll use it to help ease suffering.

so, to everyone who has donated money, bike parts, and labor to me and the rest of the ACT riders: THANK YOU.

wanna see it for yourself? volunteers and people to cheer on riders and crew are always in demand. visit actride@earthlink.net.

time to finish packing and try to get to bed early. 300 miles i can do, but getting up at 4am? suck.

Comments

[Yolanda]

I hope you know how proud I am of you.

[cj]

you are the champion!

cj