Marie Garcia's
For a more detailed map and information about Opening and Closing Ceremonies locations and camp sites, please visit the ALC Travel Planner's Interactive Map. Click on Experience the Event, in the left column on the Main Page.
WE DID IT!!!!!Hello Dear Family and My Dear Family of Friends, I completed the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride, all 545 miles from SF to LA! WOO-HOOO-H-O-O-O-O-O! And it's time I share my experience with you. Because thanks to all of you, I personally raised $8,004! As I conveyed to you during the months before the ride, once I committed myself to AIDS/LifeCycle, my sentiment was that I could not sign up and be satisfied with raising just the minimum of $2,500. As much as I like a physical challenge, it was way more than just a bike ride. It was an opportunity to make a difference to those living with AIDS & HIV. That's where the real challenge came in :) And YOU helped me surpass my goal! We make a difference together!!! I also said that I would take you with me and I did just that. Thoughts of you were with me during those long miles AND I put your names on my helmet too...each and every one of you! So I carried you with me all the way to LA! But really, it was you who carried me there...and I THANK YOU! So, about the experience of this 7-day journey, well...it was overall A-H-H-MAZING! The cycling & the scenery...JOYOUS ! EUPHORIC! Pit-stops & Lunch stops...FUN! FUNNY! Evening news & entertainment... HEARTWARMING! ENTERTAINING! Sharing the road together...PROUD! INSPIRING! It's a "One of a Kind" Experience, one that is truly hard to equal. The camraderie is like no other. It's 3,000 Especially Loving & Compassionate individuals, riding & working together for the same cause, looking out for one another, offering roadside assistance to eachother and encouraging one another on those tough climbs, like the one they refer to as "Quadbuster Hill". If I had to use one word to describe this event though, it would be LOVE. LOVE...because that is the place from which 3,000 beautiful hearts come together to make this kind of sacrifice. And LOVE, because it is from this place, that Kindess comes forth in huge proportions and around every given corner, through displays of Encouragement & Support. I won't mince words, it IS a sacrifice for sure. For an entire week of grueling miles(not to mention the hours of training to get yourself to that week), with sore muscles, pulled muscles, waiting in line for a shower, sore butts, lots of butt balm to prevent chafing or worse yet, to ease the already chafing bum. Fortunately, this was not me. And I say "Amen" to that! But many riders did and I personally can't imagine what it would take to endure that kind of pain, hour after hour. U-g-h-h-h!!! Bless their sweet little butts and Courageous Heart! Then there was little sleep with alarms going off at 4:30 a.m.(sometimes earlier) and paper thin tent walls only inches apart to separate us, the sounds of zipper after zipper, from sleeping bags and tents. Picture this, zombies all walking in the dark in silence, w/headlamps, looking for & standing in line for the Port-A-Potties. And then, yet another line, but this one for breakfast. And there were sidewinds. Can I hear another U-g-h-h-h-h?... "U-g-h-h-h-h!" and "W-a-h-h-h-h-h !" too. It was on Day 4, that we encountered some grueling crosswinds. My hands clenched with a death-grip so tight, I eventually had to peel them off my handlebars, one finger at a time. I considered getting off and walking, but it was unknown to me the miles I would have to walk before turning a corner into more favorable winds. I didn't see anyone else walking, so I thought if they 're riding, then I can too. I made it into Pit Stop 4 and I just wanted to fall into the arms of the first Roadie I saw and cry. Having taken a quick scan of my surroundings, everyone else seemed to be emotionally intact. My inner chatter told me, "Suck it up Marie, No Crying!" I kept my composure, regrouped after a snack & some water and off I pedalled, keeping my fingers crossed for no more crosswinds. So yes, there were challenging moments. But you know what?! Upon my return home and with considerable reflection on that week of AIDS/LifeCycle, the pluses far outweigh those "I just want to cry" moments. The ride made a huge impact on me. In fact, I wish that our everyday real world, was more consistently like what AIDS/LifeCycle reflects...Everybody coming together for the betterment of a socially global need and not having to know eachother to treat eachother with kindness. If we lived like this, treating eachother equally without divisiveness, A-h-h-h, what a far more Beautiful world we would be living in! More of our time would be spent creating beauty, instead of tearing it down. I LOVE this event, what it stands for and what it accomplishes. It brings out the best in each of us. I am completely grateful for this experience and for ALL who joined me with your monetary contributions, as well as your Love & your Support. I'm sending out Hugs to you all!!! With a Grateful Heart, Marie
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Marie's latest blog entry:
Sunday, Jul 6, 2008 
Marie's Goal: $7,000.00
Current Total: $8,004.00 |
Marie's LinksSan Francisco AIDS Foundation
Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
Pangaea Global Aids Foundation Since its founding in 2001, Pangaea has played a significant role in developing and implementing HIV treatment access initiatives in several countries, including Uganda, South Africa, and Rwanda. Since 2004, Pangaea has partnered with the William J. Clinton Foundation's HIV/AIDS Initiative in China, assisting in the development of national HIV treatment guidelines and training of healthcare professionals. Pangaea is also working with the Clinton Foundation in Ukraine, helping to develop the government's HIV treatment initiative. In Uganda, Pangaea partnered with Pfizer Inc, Makerere University and the Academic Alliance for AIDS Care and Prevention in Africa to help create the Infectious Diseases Institute. The Institute, which opened in August 2004, is a state-of-the-art HIV/AIDS training center and clinic that sees more than 250 patients every day.
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Marie's BlogSunday, July 6, 20087:31 PMFINAL THANK YOU's!!!!!
While I was on the ride and even when I got back, I received a few more donations to AIDS/LifeCycle. I don't want them overlooked...after all, they did get me over the $8,000 dollar mark and Joyously exceeding my goal!!! I want to Thank my Cousins Donna Montoya and her husband Keith...THANK YOU! I want to Thank Margie Duclayan...THANK YOU! I want to Thank Applied Materials...THANK YOU! I want to Thank Maria Blake...THANK YOU! I want to Thank Jean Rutherford, for meeting my tired, dirty, sweaty self at the finish in LA and driving me & my bike back home...THANK YOU! AND, I want to Thank Alicia Kosman for taking me and my bike to SF on the very busy and crowded Orientation Day and winning the "Sherpa of The Year" Award. For taking care of the needs of a number of us riders on that day. And for being a huge support to me on a daily basis since the beginning of the year...THANK YOU!
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 31, 20082:24 AMTIME TO RIDE!!!!!The last week has been really, crazy busy, hectic in preparation & trying to get everything I need for a week on two wheels. In addition, I've been waking up early when the sun rises, oh about 5a.m., 'cuz that's when my eyes pop open and my mind starts working the "TO DO " list. Not that I did it intentionally, but you could say I'm now prepped for the early wake-ups each morning for the ride. The common theme amongst all my ALC buddies is, excitement & stress about getting our bags packed and lack of sleep. And I thought I was the only one experiencing these things. We leave tomorrow (Sat.) morning for Orientation at the Cow Palace. We check our bikes in and leave it overnite, turn in the remainder of our donations, fulfill medical & emergency notification requirements...AND, all riders must attend the safety video, or else...you don't do the ride! Once again, safety being one of the more important aspects of the ride. Then, hopefully a chance to relax. A few of us will be sharing a meal for dinner at Bucca Di Beppo, italian restaurant and then early to bed. That would be a good thing, as I am sitting here writing this entry at 2 a.m. and we have to be at the Cow Palace Sunday morning between 5-5:30a.m. Sunday afternoon, I'm not sure of the route once we come off of Hiway 1 to Mission St., so if you want to see riders, I know some folks will be where Bonny Doon Road dumps onto Hiway 1 at the parking lot there. And as for Monday morning when we're leaving Santa Cruz, I believe we ride down Soquel Ave/Soquel Drive. So you can be anywhere along that stretch and see a stream of riders, probably between 6:30am and 8am. If you've never seen the riders before, take 15 minutes out of your morning and watch the riders go by. It's Emotional & Joyous and it generally gives you a real good feeling about something Good & Beautiful & Positive that's happening in the world. So, THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT, YOUR LOVE & YOUR GENEROSITY! When I said, I would carry you with me in me all the way to LA, I meant it. I will have your name(each & every one of you) on my helmet. I carry you with me, because I am Deeply Grateful for all that you gave to me and that you give to those living with this disease. You give Healing to those who have lost loved ones and your Gifts give Hope to a future without AIDS/HIV. You will be in my Heart & in my Thoughts thru the miles all the way to LA.!! My last THANK YOU'S (and certainly not least) go to: Linn Whiteside, Roberta Chacanaca & Joan Leahy, The Chavez Family, Reverand Deborah Johnson & Valerie Joi Fidmont, Jean Rutherford, Lynn Soriano & Carolyn Murphy, Mary O'Neill, Deb Turner, Lenore Sheridan, Adreanna Riley & Randa, Yolie Garcia & Bill Nichols, Nelda Whitaker, Janine Garcia & Tom, Roberta Reyes & Valerie Chase, Martha Macambridge, Ellen Newberry & George, Alisa Van Dissen, Joan Peterson, Russell & Gah Neh Na Downing, Connie & Matt Farrell, Chris Echavia & Wendy, Sandra Walter, Ray Perez and Stuart Rosenstein. AND NOW, I can go to bed! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, May 21, 20089:41 PMSMILE!This is just a few of us from last Saturday's training ride. The guy in the bottom right corner in orange of the above photo, is Eric Drake, our super-duper Training Ride Leader. He's the one who has organized a ride for us every weekend, maps it out, posts it on the training ride calendar, leads us in stretching b4 we ride & goes over all rules of the road...ALWAYS! He keeps track of everybody out on the road and assures we all return safely. All this and a Daddy too! He's been really great to us! We've all gotten to know eachother over the last 6months and it has been a Joy for me to be surrounded by so many really great people...AND an Honor and a Privelege to pedal side-by-side with all of them. 12 DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN to DAY 1!!!!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, May 12, 20089:41 PM100 MILES and $7,200+ dollars!So much to report! But first, I am relieved and happy to say...I finally acheived my Century ride! Whoo-Hooo-Hooooo! I've been anxious to do this distance for my confidence and my schedule has been either too busy or conflicting to allow me the opportunity to accomplish this feat. Saturday I did 54 miles and on Sunday my route was from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay and back, 101.77 miles, 6 hrs 45 minutes, avg speed 15mph. I started out with 3 other ALC Riders and due to Mother's Day activities everyone was on different time restrictions. So, I went it alone from Gazos Creek to Half Moon Bay and back. It was challenging at times. Being that far from home, just me and my bike, I felt a little isolated and alone. About 10-15 miles before Half Moon Bay, my legs were feeling it and I was thinking "And I still have to turn around and go home?" I was having my doubts. I have spent most of my energy fundraising, feeling I may have sacrificed my training. My previous long ride had been 84 miles, but that was over a month ago and since then, my riding has been minimal, for what I feel is necessary to be ready for the week of June 1. So, I was thinking maybe I overestimated my present ability to do this 100 miles today. So, feeling physically depleted, I wandered the streets of HMB, looking for a place to have lunch. After my burrito for lunch, I refilled my water bottles and I was back on the road again. I'm learning with frequent stops for stretching and snacking, when I get back on my bike, my body is more refreshed & ready to go again! So here I was, cruising along Hiway 1, exerting myself physically and...I felt like dozing off!!! How weird is that? It's not like I'm sitting in a car, but i am on my bike , sweating & breathing hard and I'm feeling like falling asleep? (I hope my Dear Sweet Dad doesn't read this, 'cuz he'll for sure worry about me). Anyway, the ride back was not so bad. For this particular ride, it was predictably windy, but I was lucky not to hit serious headwinds. For that I am very Thankful. The other Good News is, that I have now surpassed my $7,000 Fundraising Goal! Yet another reason to "Whoo- Hooo- Hoooo!" I am so happy about this! This is why I am doing this thing. Yes, it's about Awareness Raising. Yes, it's about cycling 545miles from SF to LA. And the biggest YES, is it's about raising needed funds to help improve the Quality of Life for those living with AIDS & HIV AND to end this disease that has taken too many lives! So, although it is not presently indicated/updated on my homepage, I have now raised over $7,200!!!!! Thank You Everybody! Last week, I held My 50th Birthday Dance Bash & AIDS/LifeCycle Fundraiser. It was a huge success in that everybody had a lot of fun, alot of dancing, alot of laughing, happy faces AND I raised another $1,997! It made my heart happy to see everyone having so much fun. We had a Beg. Salsa lesson and a lesson to learn the Hanky Panky Line Dance, as well as three different Dance performances. A Beautiful Night Club Two Step bu Adreanna Riley & Kieren Jameson! The Mucara Walk Line Dance performed by my Thursday Nite Dance Class and a Cha-Cha performed by Kieren Jameson & myself! This is the BD Gift that I wanted for myself and Kieren, my dance teacher made it happen! We also had a Raffle of some Great prizes, which included some Ellen Degeneres Boxers and...MORE DANCING!!! And Birthday Cake, after all, that's my favorite part of having a birthday! It was a GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL! I have some very special people to thank. Without them, I would not have showed up on time to my own party. Nor would I have had all the pieces (i.e the cake, balloons, the plates, my cufflinks, etc.) for the party. My heart is Filled with Deep & Genuine Gratitude to the following: DJ Rebel for donating her complete DJ services & providing the Happenin'-est Dance Party tunes & atmosphere! For coming forth with her Big Beautiful, Generous & Loving Heart. Thank You my Friend! I love who you are! Kat Teare for her music contribution, flexibility & working on the fly (whew)...you go Kat! I don't know how you did it?! And you did it with calm & ease...impressive! Tony Barbatti of Village Caterers, Inc. for the Donation of services, tables & vases AND always bringing Beauty to an occasion. Your taste for the exquisite always impresses!!! I SO love what you do! Kathy at The Flower Shack, for complete Donation of flowers, table arrangements and delivery! I am...I am...I am speechless with immense Gratitude. Joanne Thompson at The Bike Station in Aptos, for Donations of merchandise to the Raffle. And I didn't even ask! Thank You So Much! Thank you to my friend, Kim Powell of Bluewater Ventures for Donation to the Raffle. Thanks for your Support Kim :) Thank You for your Friendship! Thank You to my Friend & Dance Instructor, Kieren Jameson for my Birthday Present! The dance sessions it took to prepare me for my Cha-Cha Dance Performance with you. I LOVE how you teach...you teach with Joy, Encouragement, Kindness, Fun, Patience & Love. THANK YOU KIEREN! Thanks for teaching the Beg. Salsa Lesson too :) Jean Rutherford of Media Magic Design for the Chaminade Gift Certificate Donation, designing the Fabulous Raffle Prizes poster and for always creatively brainstorming with me...you're "The Best" in that department! Alicia Kosman for helping me get there on time, picking up the cake, finishing the photo project when I couldn't focus anymore...and on and on. You made it all so much more manageable for me when I started to spin. I'm so Grateful...THANK YOU ALICIA! Lyle Blake for ALWAYS being there for me! I can always count on you. You see things that need to be done and you're on it! Thank You for picking up the pieces, when they get dropped (literally...you know what I mean). You're the Go To Guy in an emergency and that was you, whew. THANK YOU LYLE for all you do in my life. XOXO Lynn & Carolyn for volunteering ahead of time for my own piece of mind. That was Big for me! For ice pick-up, set-up, clean-up and the in-between stuff too! Your willingness to help meant alot to me. THANK YOU BOTH! Diane Morgenstern for working the Donation/Welcome table. You did an excellent job bringing in the moo-la! THANK YOU MY FRIEND! Stuart Rosenstein & Steven for clean-up!!!!! The hour that is in most need of help, you were there, ready, willing and doing it! THANK YOU BOTH! Adreanna Riley for Choreographing the Mucara Walk Line Dance Performance and teaching the Hanky Panky Line Dance. Thank you for taking it on! To my Thursday Night Same-Sex Ballroom Dance Class ( Irene, Stefanie, Jen, Michelle, Eileen, Patricia, Kat, Lin, Alicia, Jane, Martha, Caera, Randa, BW & Kathy...I Love You gals! Thank you for supporting my event, dancing with me and bringing your party spirit! You showed up ready to make it happen. Deborah Turner, my friend who made last minute changes in her life & schedule to make the trip from Seattle. I Love You Deb! How could it be a dance party without you?! AND...THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO CAME! WITH YOU, IT WAS A PARTY TO REMEMBER!!!!!
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb 7:18 AM101.7 MILES!!!Come back later! Tonight I'll write about SO much...my Birthday Fundraiser,
my 100-miler and more Thank-You's!!!
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, May 1, 20086:27 PMYou'll just never know......what you may run into on a Sunday ride. My friend Eva (another ALC Rider!) took me to visit her new found camel-friend, Jafar. He's nine feet tall and a very gentle, social camel at that! It made for such an enjoyable break on one of our training rides. Well, this week not doing a whole lotta riding, but gearing up for a Fundraiser I am putting on this Saturday. I'm shamelessy capitalizing on my 50th Birthday, by way of asking for donations to AIDS/LifeCycle, in lieu of BD gifts. For a good cause...I don't have a problem with this. Wish me luck! I also want to say THANK YOU to two people that recently made donations to ALC on my behalf. These are people that I recognize as having, very especially beautiful hearts. It is my pleasure to know you both. ...THANK YOU RAY PEREZ and THANK YOU JEAN PETERSON!!!!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, April 15, 20087:16 PMI'M BACK!Haven't gone anywhere, just haven't made an entry for a while. I know it's been too long! I just did not want to report to you when I was feeling so low. I was struggling with my energy & strength and I was questioning whether I could really do this thing. We were scheduled to ride from SC to Pescadero ( about 80 miles) and I had to turn around after completing Swanton Loop, which means I only rode 43 miles...and that alone was HARD! I was in tears, because i had zero strength and my spirits were very low. It turns out, I had a bladder infection. But once on anti-biotics, I was back in the saddle again! So YES! Just so you know, I MOST DEFINITELY CAN DO THIS THING! News on the road: weekend before last i went up to Pleasanton for an All Women's Ride called "The Cinderella Classic", it was a 65-miler...very fun to ride with all women and run into a few women i had not seen in ye-e-a-a-r-s! The next day I did a 50-miler that included the climb up Eureka Canyon to the Summit. Back to my normal self and meeting my expectations. I felt good about two back-to-back rides in length. This last weekend our AIDS/LifeCycle Training Ride Group pedalled to Pacific Grove and back ( an 87 mile loop). We began with our usual stretching and reviewing the rules of the road with hand signals, and discussing how to communicate to one another potential hazards, to keep us all safe. Much care & attention is given to Safety, giving it a high priority. We also shared stories as to why we are doing this thing, along with a moment of silence in Honor of those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Thank you Eric Drake (he's our Ride Leader) for setting the tone for our day's ride and for always taking Safety seriously. About the ride itself...it was Absolutely Awesome! Even though I have lived in this area my whole life, I have to say the scenery was very impressive. I seem to appreciate it 500% times better on bicycle than by car. And of course the weather was beautiful! The other high point of this ride was that I hooked up with another Rider named George. I so enjoyed his company, his pace and his kind & thoughtful nature. We checked in with one another regularly about hydration and general "how you doing?" Thank you George Janour. It was a real pleasure. It's all of the above that affirms my commitment to AIDS/LifeCycle. I am training and spending time with people that are sacrificing alot of their time and their bodies with the hopes that this disease comes to an end. Upon reflection of that days' ride, I came away with an overwhelming feeling of being truly honored to ride side-by side with this special group of people. We're still just in the training phase, but the experience has already begun! If any of you ever have any inclination to do this in the future, I say "Do it!" You'll receive so many blessings, make new friends, share stories, laughter and tears and get more than a few ah-ha's along the way. I want to leave giving Thanks and Praise to those who recently made a donation, so... ...THANK YOU KIEREN JAMESON for your donation and for donating your time to prepare me for my Cha-Cha Dance Performance with you at my ALC Fundraiser and 50th Bd Party! You're tops in my book! ...THANK YOU KAKI RUSMORE for your generous donation! I recognize & appreciate your consciousness and I am impressed with your consistency! Thank you. ...THANK YOU BOBBIE CARRIKER for your very generous donation! Your support touched my heart and I am so happy you are in my life! I am only $48.00 away from $5,000...WOO_HOO_HOOOO!!!! Thank You everybody for getting me this far! But I'm still $2,048 away from my goal of $ 7,000.00. I'm not stopping now. I'm getting on it, how 'bout you? Keep in mind, I am not only riding 545 miles from SF to LA (which is ALOT!). I am also riding many more than that in training miles. As you have read above, there are tears, sometimes doubt, for sure sore and aching muscles and the mind struggle when the climb up a hill never seems to end, or when the wind is hitting you face on and your effort seems to get you nowhere. Your donations fuel me and obligate me to accomplish this Ride. SO...Will you support me to support AIDS/LifeCycle? I would be most Grateful :)
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, March 18, 20087:47 PMLIFE IS GOOD!
Basically, I'm feeling very Grateful for my body right now. It manages to keep up with me AND it talks to me ALOT! Like "What are you making me do here?" "Do you think you can still power like it was 9yrs ago?" Or my legs yell at me, I don't know, they're probably telling me I'm pushing too hard, too soon. "What the _ _ _ _?!" I do try to listen to what's going on. When I'm fatigued or struggling with recuperating from a long ride, I try to act accordingly. TRY is the key word here. I realize we are a team, my body and my spirit that is. We are working together and since I am older than the last time I did this ride, we are working to get along in a much different way. Very different in fact. I am thinking so much more about nutrition now and I am so Grateful that I am. I would not be doing so well with my training, if I had the same diet as I did before. Like this evening after work, I went for a 25-mile ride and it was FUN! And I'm getting much more connected with my bike, i'm starting to feel like it is a part of me when I ride. May sound funny to some of you, but I am SO DIGGING IT! It's an ALL NEW experience for me, one that I have never known. Like running was for me years ago, the bicycling is becoming another way to get in tune with my body...and it's WAY FUN!!!!! SO YEAH, LIFE IS GOOD! ALSO, I HAVE MORE PEOPLE TO THANK FOR THEIR KIND DONATIONS and THEY ARE : CECELIA & AL SOLOMKO, SHARI & BERT ROSS, CHERYL WEBSTER, KARYN TAYLOR (aka:KT), MARIO MOISE, VICKIE CAMPBELL, ROSEY & ESTELLA CHAVEZ and MARIA ROMAN!!!!! WITH SO MUCH LOVE...I THANK YOU...EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, March 15, 20088:50 AMre: After-Work Party/FundraiserHi Everyone! Last night I gathered together with some VERY SPECIAL people in my life, some of whom I have not seen in awhile and it was S-O-O-O-O good to see them! This particular fundraiser was and for, my PG&E family of friends. It was not as well attended as I hoped. In other words, for the time and effort I put into organizing it, it raised very little...AND, I AM STILL HAPPY I DID IT! My philosophy has been that every little bit adds up AND IT DOES. Anyway, makes me want to organize some more get togethers, just for the sake of sharing that time. So, it was good to share a few laughs and a few margarita's with you. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING! THANK YOU BONNIE, CARLA, MIKE & HEATHER, GARY, ROSEY & ESTELLA, JOE & CHRIS, JOEY JR., AUNT DOT, DONNA & DECK, RICHARD, DAN AND MARIA & HER HUSBAND! AND THANK YOU CAT FOR BEING THE ACCOUNTANT & TABLE GREETER :) !!! It would have been challenging without your Presence. I have been sitting here in my bike clothes for a few hours now, waiting for the weather to clear, and well, I'm not so sure it's going to happen today, h-m-m-m. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, March 14, 20088:46 AMre: I FELL IN LOVE!Can you just stand the suspense?! Well, I am in Love! I won't say head-over-heels (that's not literally where I want to end up), but she really IS Gorgeous. She's Sporty, Stylish and oh, she handles so well. She responds to my every move. What else could a gal ask for? Her name is Sweetness. OK, the truth is... ...I bought myself a brand new ride (the two-wheeled type'a ride). Yep, I finally did it. I got myself a road bike. I love my mountain bike and it worked for me the last time I did this Ride. What can I say...ignorance was bliss. It was time for me to move into something much more efficient for this kind of mileage. And I am so glad I did! From the moment I took it around the block for the first time, I WAS AMAZED! I went back into the store with my jaw on the floor and the biggest grin, there was no way I could hide. My bike is a Wilier-Izaord, an italian road bike, all carbon, very light! I test rode alot of bikes, at alot of stores(and I mean alot) and this is the one that worked for me. The folks at The Bike Station were great! When I arrived to pick up my new bike, Joanne Thompson (one of the owners of the shop), already had the mirror and odometer, that I requested, installed on it. I thought I would be picking them out myself, but she really did know better! I could not have been more pleased with the choices! The miror is very stylish & cool looking and the white odometer, I like that too! They fitted me properly, with seat and handlebar adjustments, so that I am comfortably positioned. It was all part of getting the most out of my investment. Yes, I'm in Love! We will go places together the two of us! I really could go on and on about this. The bottom line is, I am SO enjoying this new experience and how the bike handles and responds to my demand. On my mtn. bike it would take 10-15 pedals to build up momentum and with my new bike, she responds immediately. The ride is sm-o-o-o-oth and sweet, thus her name, "Sweetness"! In comparison, on one of my after-work 20-mile loops, I have gone from 15mph on my mtn.bike to 17.5mph on my road bike. THANK YOU to EVERYBODY at THE BIKE STATION in Aptos! I am SO HAPPY with my purchase and experience. You'll see me again soon! I'd like you to meet her. The photo is above. Also, this afternoon I'm having an After-Work Party for local PG&E Friends. I'll report to you on this later...'til then...HUGS and lots of them!!!!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, March 11, 20088:39 PMLast weekend......I planned on doing two back-to-back rides, one with the Santa Cruz Cycling Club on Saturday and the other with the AIDS/LifeCycle group on Sunday. And well, in that first sentence you probably already gathered that it didn't happen and you would be right. I did join SCCC on Sat. for a 45-miler with a 4,150 ft. climb, from Boulder Creek (including a detour on Lodge Rd. for additional miles), up and through Big Basin Park, continuing up CA 236, Hiway 9 to CA 35 and back down Skyline to Bear Creek Road back to Boulder Creek. It's beautiful up there in the heavens. The views are really spectacular. It was a VERY GOOD workout, I would estimate probably about 3 1/2hrs uphill pedalling and 1/2 hour of downhill riding. I felt strong while riding, but I was completely spent on Sunday and did not even get on my bike. I went for a short leisurely walk and my legs were pretty fatigued. I tried not to beat myself up about it and I really think I made the right choice, but I was disappointed I did not follow through on my plan of back-to-back days. In learning more about nutrition and hydration recently, you are suppose to replenish your system immediately upon completing an extreme workout (with some kind of Recovery drink) and then eat a real meal an hour after that. And that did not happen, due to uncertain circumstances. I was also very depleted because I chose to ride with the leaders of the pack...so, I did push hard. It was fun for me AND it was alot, as my body told me later. Lesson for me: that kind of intense riding is great, but not if I want to be riding consecutive days, you know, like 7days in a row, like from San Francisco to LA! / And tonight after work, I did my 20mile loop, which I want to be doing 2x's during the week, maybe three-schedule permitting. / Then I went to The Ugly Mug, as there was an AIDS/LifeCycle Meet & Greet Event, with Cycle Buddies from SF describing what the week of the ride will be like and to give alot of us a chance to meet other ALC Riders. / Well, that's it for now! Next time I will tell you about my new Love. I can't wait to tell you! Big Hug, Marie Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, March 10, 20089:15 PMMore Thank You's!I have yet more Beautiful Hearts to thank for their contributions...and they would be: Pat Dellin!!! Melissa Snyder!!! Wouter Scheepe!!! Linda & Vern Lillehaugen!!! AND Jim & Mary Walsh!!! THANK YOU!!!!! Also...keep checking back into my Homepage/Blog. I hope to add some new photo(s) soon :)! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, March 9, 20089:31 PMThe Journey
I wanted to share with you some insights about this concept of Fundraising from my last entry and well, here goes. I have heard AIDS/LifeCycle referred to as a "Journey", and in many ways it is. So far it's consuming most of my energy, both mentally and physically. My brain constantly working out new ideas to fundraise, sending out e-mails, write thank-you's, research & shop for a new road bike, talk to different work groups at my work place, flyer, meet with a personal trainer, keep my Blog up to date, attend a Nutritional & Hydration Workshop AND put in miles and miles on my bike! Insights from every aspect of the above...all part of the journey. Anyway, I have to admit, I began my journey with dread, as asking people for money is something I have not enjoyed doing. As I began to reach out to all of you for financial contributions to ALC, I questioned whether I deserved to ask this person or that person, until one by one, you came forth with your contributions....AND, I heard one of Reverand Deborah Johnson's messages at Church (that's Inner Light Ministries, for those who don't know where I go). She spoke of Audacity and what she said about that, really got me into gear. It literally impressed me directly into action! Thank you Rev. Deborah! Questioning my ability or worthiness to ask all of you for money, is an attitude that would get me nowhere. I realized, all that doubt is lack of Faith, not only in me, but also in all of you...and who am I to judge where anybody else is with Giving. I knew I just needed to get out of my own way and put myself out there. SO, I stopped the questioning & all the mental acrobatics, and I asked Inner Light Ministries if they would consider tithing to ALC. Because you know I was asking myself whether I even deserved to ask!! And you know what, they said "YES" with a $1,000 check/tithe...AND, they asked me to share about ALC with the 500+ congregation at Sunday Service...AND, they offered me a table after Service to share more about this grand event. So you see, I received so much more than I ever expected. I received an opportunity to raise awareness as well. I am now going at it with conviction, because it is not for me! It is for those infected with this disease and for those who I hope will never contract it. When I signed up to do this Ride, it was not just about a Bike Ride. I made a commitment to take part wholeheartedly and I see it as my job to do ALL that I can, to raise as much as I can. Your giving continues to solidify my commitment to fundraise and gives me the Courage to keep on asking. I Thank you for that! Like I said, this is not just a 7 day, 545 mile journey from SF to LA. It has so far been a Journey of the Human Spirit, with new insights, "Ah-ha's" and the Gift of Giving together! I have already reached the minimum requirement of $2,500 that every rider has to raise and so I have upped my goal to $5,000 and well, who knows?! Anything is possible!!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, February 25, 20089:49 PMWith a Capital G!I'm talking Gratitude with a Capital G! I have some new people to express my deepest Gratitude to, for their kind and generous donations. I'd lovingly like to Thank: Tom and Janna Reinke, Diane Morgenstern, Sue Egan, an unknown woman who handed me some cash at Church, Darwin & Peggy Ernst, Mike & Heather Farinsky, Thomas (I'm sorry I don't know your last name from Inner Light), but I know who you are :)! and to Inner Light Ministries for choosing to tithe One Thousand Dollars to AIDS/LifeCycle! I Thank you all, for it is every single donation (no matter the amount), that provides Education for Aids Prevention and additional Care and Quality of Life to those already infected with HIV & AIDS...and, I will continue to BELIEVE that every dollar gets closer to a Cure. I AM HUMBLED BY ALL OF YOU AND YOUR GENEROSITY! THANK YOU! My Cycle Buddy, Hillary Casper left me with this: "If you think fundraising is about raising money, you're really missing the point. The inspired fundraiser understands that their job is to foster greater generosity and gratitude in the world". I'll talk more next time about this concept of fundraising and the ways that I am enlightened through the process. I look forward to sharing more with you! ALWAYS WITH LOVE, Marie
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, February 21, 200810:40 PMI DO!I DO...LOVE YOU THAT IS! You guys are so great! You know who I'm talking 'bout?! Well, it's this great group of guys I work with. They make me smile when I think about them. Over the years, they have always come through for me. At work it's business as usual, but I just want to make sure you know how much you mean to me :) Thank you for your support. Thank you Eric Eberhardt! Thank you Mark Creech! Thank you Phil Rojas! Thank you Ron Malone! I also want to thank my dear friend Celine-Marie Pascale from the East Coast, Kathy Fahmie from my dance community and Dr. Eric Soltanoff,D.C. (my chiropractor). I continue to be blessed knowing each one of you...Truly. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, February 19, 20089:04 PMRoute Map!To give you an idea where we'll be pedalling and how much for 7 days straight, here's a map of the route we'll be taking to L.A.AIDS/LifeCycle 6 Route MapPermalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb 8:22 PMHi Everybody!Well, it's been about a week since my last entry and I of course, have a new list of people to thank! I also can report to you that over the weekend, I had two good back to back rides of 34miles on Sunday and 46 miles on Monday. It felt good to accomplish, although i have to say I was pretty beat by Mon. evening. Tired but not sore. That's a good thing! From this day forward though, I'm going to have to start increasing the mileage. The majority of it to be done on the weekends, because of not much daylight after work. I can fit in a 20-miler after work though. It's something. And my Thank You's go to some of my Friends & Co-workers at PG&E. WITH SO MUCH THANKS TO...BONNIE VOGT, KEITH ORMEROD, CHRIS HALL, GARY ELIA & RHONDA FERGUSON. I LOVE YOU GUYS! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, February 12, 200810:38 PMTraining update!?With the weather drastically improved from the previous weekend, I was so looking forward to putting in some good mileage for two consecutive days. If you're thinking it's not sounding like I did, you're right. I was not able to get on my bike, as the backside of my leg was in great pain! Did not sleep for two nights. I was S-O-O-O majorly bummed not to be out cycling in such gorgeous weather and putting in some miles. I can't even tell you what the cause of the leg thing was...AND, I don't think it's the bicycling. I went out for a 20-miler after work on Monday and well, no problem...whew! Just an FYI, Saturday a.m. I was in alot of pain, trying to figure out how to get out of bed without excruciating pain and two hours later, I felt drastically better! I followed the advice of my Dad and took a bath in epsom salts. I'm pretty sure that's what did the trick. It was a pretty amazing turnaround in such a short time. H-m-m-m. I got two more donations today, so a BIG SHOUT OUT (makes me wanna "shout") and THANK YOU'S go to (drum roll....................drum roll, drum roll, drum roll............................................................................................ .....Johnna Tolch and Rosemary Christian!!!!! Thank you Both :) Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, February 11, 20088:38 PMI'M BIG ON GRATITUDE......Because, it's important that you all know how much you truly touch me with your Generosity & Compassion. As much as I find it difficult to ask for money, I remind myself, that it's not for me. It's for those that it will help! AND, although it's not for me, it is a gift. For I'm blessed with the opportunity to view the Love & Kindness that resides within your Hearts. When I see how much you give, I am pretty much blown away! So much so, I sometimes feel that I come up short in finding the proper words to convey the depth of my Gratitude to you. So here I go again...THANK YOU to those who made donations in the last week!!!Thank You Irene Verkaaik! Thank You Darrel Hicok! Thank you Robin Balowitz! Thank you Steve & Linda Williams! Thank You Jake & Shannon Seigle! Thank You Amy Selover! Thank You Toni Stevens! Thank You Earle & Diana Donnelly! Thank You Stefanie Brown! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, February 7, 200810:48 PMFor My DadI have to Thank My Always Generously Loving and Caring Dad. Thanks Dad for your contribution to the Ride! You touch my heart, yet again...with your Compassion and your ability to consistently lend a helping hand to those in need. I LOVE YOU DAD!
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, February 5, 200810:40 PMNine years ago?!!Like I said, it's been nine years since my last AIDS Ride and back then, I used a mountain bike. Now why on earth would I choose to ride a mountain bike as opposed to a much more efficient road bike. I had not been on a bicycle for many years and I wanted something solid under me. Those skinny tires that a road bike has were rather intimidating and made me feel uncomfortable. May sound silly, I know. Anyway, to be more efficient I ditched the knobby tires and put on slick tires. My bike served me well. I did not have a single flat on the entire ride! I was happy with how my bike supported me. What can I say, ignorance is bliss, right? Well, I am now seriously thinking about getting a road bike. A bicycle enthusiast friend of mine, said you work approx. 1 1/2times harder on a mtn.bike than a road bike. H-m-m-m, yep, it might be time. So, I'm shopping around. I haven't been on one yet. Every time I go looking, it's raining and can't take one out for a test ride. What does that tell you about my training? Not a whole lot yet. For those of you who have sponsored me so far...no worries. I'll get there! This last Saturday, I got in a 37mile ride before it started raining. I beat the rain, but not the cold. Darn it was cold! As I was riding, I thought if I don't wriggle my toes, I won't notice they're frozen. When I get home, I want to jump in the shower right away. But what I learned from the previous weekend, thaw out before taking a hot shower! Otherwise, your skin itches bad from the temperature change. I won't do that again! I'm excited about the training and have really enjoyed the few rides I've had. I'm enjoying feeling my strength, the sound of the wheels on the road and at times, the feeling of flying along. It gives me time for myself, my thoughts, for reflection...I think of you. I think about those of you who have made a donation...THANK YOU! Thank You God for this body of mine, that I may participate in this endeavour and contribute how I can to AIDS/LifeCycle. I am grateful for all that I have. Big Love, Marie
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb 10:05 PMThank You'sPerhaps you can say it all begins with my commitment to do this thing, but it really begins with YOU! So, I want to give thanks to those who have sponsored me so far. You are the ones who have jump-started me into action. Your donations encourage me to go forth with the hardest part...fundraising. THANK YOU ALL! Thank You's go to: Jack Alcantara Lyle Blake Alex Gonzales Jane Schwickerath Elaine Johnson Kim Tyler & Daniella Woolf Cindy Cummings Eileen Esplin Kyle Hughes and Amber Lopez. What can I say, I LOVE the people I have in my life! Yeah, that's you! Thanks for stepping up. In Gratitude, Marie Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb |
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