Tiffany Garcia's
To answer your question, YES...I am riding again this year!!!Almost every year I am greeted with the same question from my friends, co-workers, fellow campers and riders, and most definitely from my mom...so do you think you'll do the ride this year? Hmmm, I usually grin and shake my head confused knowing how hard it is not only on me, but my family who takes over care of my 3-year-old for the long haul. I know full well that I intend to ride as long as my legs can get me to LA. The next question I run across at least once a week for the last 12 years is, "So how did you get involved in the whole AIDS thing?" Sometimes I feel like I've become routine in my answer, but with my mouth I usually get off on some story from camp or the ride and nearly choked up with tears by the end of the conversation. People usually leave with more information than they were actually looking for, but hey you're talking to Tiffany!!! My passion is so rooted that most people who donate know only a sliver of what I have seen, people I have met, and how my life has changed. In 1996 I was looking to do some kind of a summer camp as I was just a young college kid. I ran across a TV show where a beautiful girl talked about her experience at a camp for kids with HIV/AIDS. I called the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to look into this particular camp. They directed me to a local organization called Sunburst Projects which ran the only therapeutic residential camp for children with HIV/AIDS and their families on the west coast. To say these children, volunteers, staff, and experience rocked my world would be an understatement. Until 1996, I had never personally met anyone with HIV. Again, and again, and again I went back. 12 years later these people, their memories, and the inspiration has driven me to ride again. Over the years, I have written about various kids and staff to which I dedicated a day on the ride. This year, in such a political climate, I just can't help thinking of Jay's story. Jay started at Camp Sunburst as a camper and eventually joined the staff as he grew up. Quite a feisty Georgia Peach by all accounts and an accent that could never be mistaken on my answering machine. Jay's flirtation with girls and life itself was always clear. Jay's story was one that stuck with me from the day I met him.
To know this story, you just had to know Jay. Jay was an active voice in pediatric AIDS and spoke all over the country at large functions and presentations. He was given the opportunity to sit at a round table discussion with President Clinton at the White House. Apparently, Jay was directed by presidential advisors that when you meet with the president you are ONLY to address the president as "Mr. President", "President Clinton", etc. They made this very clear in the extremely formal atmosphere. Not surprising to me, Jay became very comfortable in his discussion as he continued with, "You know what I mean, Bill...?" Jay said the secret service and other stuffed suits in the immediate area flinched only to be met with a grin from the president across the table from him. Good ol' Jay!
Here's a note from Jay's dad, Dan, who was along on the trip: Oh yes, he also took his own camera into the Oval Office even though he was told that pictures would be made by one of the White House photographers. However, he wanted to get the pictures developed ASAP and he didn't want to have to wait on getting a picture from the White House. So he slipped his camera out as he was leaving and was going to take a picture of President Clinton. But President Clinton told him to hold on, asked for Jay's camera, handed it to his phtogorapher and him to make a picture of Jay and him using Jay's camera. That's the picture that you have on your website. Another story from the visit with Clinton. During their meeting, President Clinton asked him if he was having any problems that he could help with. Jay mentioned that "my dad says we are having some kind of problem with my insurance."
Honestly, this is such a fraction of why I ride, and why I am a part of this "AIDS thing". Riding 600 miles on a bike from San Francisco to LA is a small commitment for such an incredible pandemic that may or may not affect you directly. Consider making a contribution of $25, $50, $100 to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in their efforts to provide much needed services to those LIVING with this virus. Yes, I said living!! I have personal friends, close friends that receive services through this organization. I have raised nearly $25,000 for the SFAF and do not bat an eye that the money is used efficiently both here locally and worldwide through the Pangea Global AIDS Project. Show them what they are paying for, Sam...
I would not have biked eight times to LA and bent over in the back of a medical van with my padded spandex shorts around my ankles to check for saddle sores with a doctor I have never met (in a Minnie Mouse Dress) if I wasn't committed. <photo not available> Come on people, HELP A GIRL OUT!!! See me, call me, email me if you have any questions outside of the shorts around the ankles issue. June 1-7th I will be once again on my way to LA on a bike. See you there.
Tailwinds, Tiffany #1975
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Tiffany's latest blog entry:
Monday, Jun 16, 2008 
Me and Jay in 1998
Tiffany's Goal: $5,000.00
Current Total: $4,546.00 |
Listen to Tiffany's Gabcast |
HIV/AIDS Fact of the DayProvided by AIDS/LifeCycle The number of women in the US living with HIV has tripled in the last two decades. |
Tiffany's LinksSan Francisco AIDS Foundation
Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
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Tiffany's BlogMonday, June 16, 200812:20 PMI am shedding...I have returned and returned in one piece. As we speak, I am sitting above what appears to be a pile of snow under my desk as the backs of my calves always peel about 10 days after the ride. I know, it's gross but so were the thorns in my butt on Day 6 and having to pee on grape vines!! I can tell you it was another incredible adventure. I enjoyed every second and along with 3,000 others we raised $11.8 million for HIV/AIDS services. After so many years, I have become one with my bike, however she still does not want to move any faster. I am so ok with that. I love the kids on the road, the families that cheer us along the way, the stories I hear from people I randomly ride with. People ask me the best part of the ride and there are several favorite stretches of road such as the second half of Day 1 along the coast into Santa Cruz or the beach path through Santa Barbara. But, my favorite part of the ride is meeting random riders along the route or at dinner who I probably never would have spoken to otherwise. A conversation strikes up after I begin complaining of having to pee for the last 5 miles and can't find a place to stop. Or, better yet someone makes a comment about the photos hanging from my handle bars. I really can't thank you enough for the support and encouragement. So many of you sent messages and left me voicemails along the route. They are heaven sent at a rest stop on a tough day. I know funds could be going a thousand different directions these days, which is why your support which is totalling $4800 this year means even more. Some of you I haven't met, some of you I have known for years. Some of you I have ridden with, some of you I ride for. We're all a part of this together. So, another year on the books and another year to look forward to as my calendar year ends and starts with "The Ride". Everything else is somewhere in between. Nick's mom is home and off the bike"for people with HIV" as he says. I will gladly share some of this peeling skin or thorns plucked from the chamois in my shorts as a token from the ride, but instead you can wait for a thank you in the mail knowing you were a part of Jay's mission to Move Mountains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Cheers to you, Jay!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 31, 20087:16 PMLet's rollIt's 8:15pm on Saturday night and I am frantically trying to pay my phone and PG&E meanwhile eat, pack, pack Nick, and get the house ready to go. I know I have forgotten something, I just won't know until I go to pull out a pair of underwaer and remember "That's what I forgot!" Hurry up, go to sleep only to be up by 3:30am. We ride about 75 miles tomorrow to Santa Cruz and then off to bed as I am not good for much conversation with such little sleep. Somehow, I just have to take the time to thank all of you for raising a total of about $4700. I have never raised that much money on any ride. I raised the bar this year and you all rose to the challenge. It really goes to show that you are what makes this ride happen. I have the photos of several people that tag along on the back of my bike. Many of which received services from the SFAF. I cannot tell you how much these children and friends mean to me and the memories you help keep alive. They have names, they have faces and they mean the world to someone and it's my job to bring light to their spirit. Thank you for allowing me to do this with such huge support. I will see you in LA and will post gabcast messages as often as possible per your request. I will ride safe and come back in one piece. Cheers to you!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, May 23, 20087:57 PMChallenge 33...look what you have done!In a matter of 8 days you have donated $1,116 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. My birthday is in 2 days and I am so excited about this challenge to turn that into $3300 by the 25th. You all have risen to the occasion and been so gracious with money that could be going a thousand different directions these days. Your contribution is a testiment to the incredible people I have in my life and I am so lucky. If you are still thinking about donating, there is time. If it's by May 25th or anytime next week before we hit the road. Please read the original Challenge 33 blog for updated photos of people that simply take my breath away. XOXO Uncle Matt - truly one of my bestest friends although we don't see each other nearly as much as I'd like. Matt has continuously been one of my biggest supporters year after year and was my beloved tentmate two years ago. Any wedding, gathering, camp training, or the like, I want to sit next to Matt just so I can pee my pants from laughing so hard.
Mike and Lori - thank you, thank you, thank you... You guys are awesome. Hawanya and Kenny - Hawanya will be on ALC next year if I have to pull her!! Maybe she can just run the 545 miles since I know she probablyl could. Thanks a million. Bret - If I could have worked the next 25 years for Fidler I would have never left Probation. Lucky for him that's not possible :) Thanks Fidler, I take back all those bad things I said about you when you made me write IR's. Dan Minish - I never doubted that Jay would come from such a wonderful Dad. You can read about Dan's trip with Jay to DC above. Truly one great supporter and even better father. This one's for Jay, Dan!!! Oh Geez, I can't imagine what Jay would have to say abuot this. Val - this girl has a heart of gold and no matter what my venture is, she is 100% behind me including just handing over cash to take kids to Disneyland. Val, you're the best!! Nana - she never forgot to donate!! She was going to get her pledge rain, sleet or snow. Thanks so much and I promise to make up for lost time at work as soon as I get back. Hold the fort down.
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, May 16, 20088:51 PMChallenge 33Here's the plan...a little far fetched. I turn 33 years old in 10 days on May 25th. I am trying to embrace this number as best as I can. So, I am trying to raise $3300 between now and when I turn 33 years old. As of today I have met my minimum and am in the $2700 range, but I want to double that at least. I am not a minimalist by any stretch. My challenge to you? Donate $33 (or any variation there of) between now and May 25th. You can donate $33 for each member of your family. You can donate $33 for each of my legs since I mine are going to nearly fall off by the end of this ride. Donate $33 for each person you would like remembered on the ride. Donate $33 because you were going to get me something that was $50 for my birthday and this is cheaper! Donate $33 because that's about $ .06/mile for the 545 mile ride over 7 days. Donate $33 since that is what you'll pay for in gas for two days and I am on the road for 7 on a bike. Donate $33 because you just got your stimulous check and it's either a donation or a cheap call girl/boy. Donate $33 because its PAYDAY!! $3300 will more than double what I have raised so far and top me off at nearly $6,000 by May 25th which will do more for my aging spirit than anything. It's a long shot, but it's only $33!!! Thanks to those who have donated. You've set the bar for this challenge! OMG. I am starting this challenge and my homepage has been viewed 933 times. Message! **** Update**** Challenge 33 Donors!! Michael - the first person I met on my first training ride my first year! Michael showed me you don't have to be a size 2 to ride a bike (with a tiarra). Mom and Jerry - solid supporters and mom gets the job of my 3 year old for a week which is much harder than 545 miles on a bike! Kay - once again. Kay saves the day. She already donated, but donated AGAIN!!! I love you Kay. We'll get Kay on a bike.
Crystal - knows first hand what this ride is like and what I look like at 5am on Day 4. Ugh! Crystal rode 545 miles and never said a bad word...Bad to the bone she is!
Cindy and Audrey - not that she isn't busy enough with the 30 or so beautiful kids she has adopted, but she'll join us for most of the week on the ride. You're right, Nicole would have loved this event and been the first to pass out licorice at the top of a hill until she got tired and I am sure would have let us all know. Cheers to the California Supreme Court...where's my invite? Larry Diva-licious - between camp and the ride you are my partner in crime. Nothing boosts my spirit more than hearing a "holla" from the bus and Larry standing in the door with a wand and boa.
Ric/Ginger Brewlay - to know the ride you have to know Ginger. She is has truly made the ugliest times on my ride just a little better. Ginger will usually be found at the top of the ugliest hill when I am at my worst. She is an inspiration to long time survivors and has touched the lives of millions. Literally millions of people know know Ginger from MTV's Logo series, California AIDS Rides, AIDS Life Cycle, fundraisers across California. She represents everything this ride is about. This donation just popped up and I almost missed it!
Suzanna - My first donation out of the country...and from Egypt at that! Fellow Sunburst-er. Such a committed community. Iris - hottest mama I know. We'll get her on a bike before you know it. Your brother would be very proud of your commitment to this cause, Iris. I will take him with me.
Angela - I would never have doubted that Jay came from such a wonderful family and once again Angela proves this. She's been very generous and rose to Challenge 33! I'll cut her slack this year from not riding, she'd be riding and fundraising for two!!
Charles - who would have thought?? You're awesome Charles and it's people like you that step up to the plate to care for others that makes me know this world still has good people. See you in Lompoc on June 5th. Can you turn the heat down that day? Nicole - So it doesn't really matter how we met, just that we in fact did. Probably the only good thing to come out of such an experience, but lucky am I. This Gomez mama is a rock star and will be even more so with us on the route next year!
Glory - if I should fall somewhere on the route and get some crazy road rash and/or need aide, can someone call Glory to come with her wonder fanny pack and/or bug bite kit? I will wait...really. Sunburst Club Med in the HOUSE!!!
Amy - Ha ha ha. Sucker! See you on the road Teresa - I am so lucky to connected with you by a chance and am so looking forward to a BIG pizza in Lompoc with some new and really great friends. Keep your own kiddo safe on the road as well. See you soon. Dale - an awesome ALC motocrew for many years has pledged once again as he has done for so many years on my birthday. Years ago I asked to take a picture with Dale on his bike as he rode into camp. He scooped me up on his bike and said "Ok, let's take the picture". Truly one of the softest souls and honest spirits the world could know...his biker ponytail is just for looks.
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, May 14, 200812:15 PMMore on Who's donating...This blog shouldn't be just about me....hats off to YOU!!! Anita - people born on May 25th just seem a little smarter than others :) Thanks again! Rob - "Rob, I need HELP!!"....and he does. Proof that hockey players can hang on to all of their teeth. Jane - without a doubt one of my most loyal supporters...just don't make her mad :)
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, May 8, 20087:51 PMWho's donating?With what you see on my homepage and the few checks that I have to mail in...I have met my $2500 minimum goal!!! If you've ever done the ride this is a huge milestone, BUT I am determined to double the amount to $5,000 this year. Who's donating? Let me tell you about these incredible people.... Jeff and Jackie - parents of twins and more creative talent than anyone and have donated to all 8 rides!!
Angela - Jay’s sister and maybe a future rider. Jen - friend of Angela’s. An incredible support and I haven’t even met her!! Kay - met Kay at camp in 1996. If you were ever in Girl Scouts, or wanted to be a girl so you could be in Girl Scouts….Kay would have been my favorite girl scout leader! Dan - motorcycle crew keeping us safe on the road. He and his wife Lynn have taken two years off to care for Baby Sam. And guess what guys…he’s straight so pay up!
Jenna - frickin’ ROCKS! We met in high school. She was on ALC massage team 2 years ago and her brother was a medic….where are you when I need you now, Jenna?
Kelly - friend of Dan’s in Colorado and I have never met her. People like this really knock the wind out of me with generosity. Paul - has about 2% body fat and rides like the wind. He’s raised close to $15,000 for ALC just this year and donated to me on HIS birthday!!! Incredible
Heather - sent me to LA on a bike 8 years ago and told me I could do this just like she did. I still rely on her to tell me the same thing every year.
Bruce - one of the last honest engines left in Santa Clara County. We need more. Margit - If I only had nickel for every time I needed Margit in my pocket out in the field. Once again, she is not afraid to use the word stupid in a professional capacity. Marc - ummm, just Marc. Forget it, you OWE me this money!!! Omarr- I take back all those bad things I said about professional athletes. Not fair, I want a butt that fits in a cereal bowl. Matt - you’re awesome Dat. Wasn’t expecting your donation, but you scored a few bonus points. See you on the road and in LA. (PS I need a ride home!) Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, April 30, 20088:40 PM576 visitors to my homepageI've had 576 visits to my homepage. Who are you guys? I know a handful of you since you have either handed over a nice chunk of change to the SFAF or left really inspiring messages. Truly, reaching out to so many people, sharing the stories of incredible people who changed the world, and the sheer enormity of 2,500 cyclists riding through towns that don't have an AIDS Foundation is just as important as the money raised. Awareness. You have no idea what it's like to ride through some remote agricultural towns with children at nearly every corner, school, and intersection cheering us on and would take anything and everything you would offer as a memento. They think sweaty bike riders (sometimes in red dresses) are cool. So here at my feet I have a box from Oriental Trading Company of 150 tattoos, flower crystal rings and rainbow whistles just to get a chance to thank these kids for letting us ride through their town. More importantly I'll have a chance to answer their question, "What is this bike ride for?" (photos from ALC2)
Beads...everyone loves beads!!!
Bye guys!!!
I wore these itchy lei's for miles before I found these kiddos!!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, April 23, 200810:29 PMguy at the pizza place has a nameSo here's the story. On Day 5 last year there were about 10 of us in our Minnie Mouse dresses sitting in our regular pizza place after riding into Lompoc. (Long story: EVERYONE wears red dresses that day...Yes. On bikes, up hills) Attracting obvious attention in the restaurant, we get alot of questions and words of support as nearly 3,000 riders and roadies set up shop in their town for the night. As the ten of us were about to leave a man walked up and thanked us all for riding. He added that as an HIV+ man himself, it's rides/fundraisers like this that have allowed him to see his two boys grow up. He pointed them out across the way. Needless to say, there was hardly a dry eye at the table. We thanked him for bringing light to what we do and he soon left.
Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, April 14, 20081:39 PMthumbs up...So I got the thumbs up from Jay's dad, Dan as well as Jay's sister, Angela on the stories I wrote on the website. Check out the follow up above on more of Jay's shenanigan's at the White House!!! Much to my surprise, Angela made an incredible donation. I have never met her or Dan, but it truly doesn't surprise me that they are incredible people. Last year Angela sent me this recipe for "Slush"...one of Jay's favorites. Given the 85 degree weather outside this weekend it might be good to have around for post ride hydration. Unless it's after 7 days of riding to LA then I would add rum :) Jay's Frozen Fruit Slush "Slush" 2 small cartons of frozen strawberries 1 can crushed pineapple (about 2 1/2 cups) 5 bananas sliced or diced 1 6oz can frozen orange juice concentrate 1 6 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate 3 cans water Stir ingredients together. Freeze in serving size containers. Remove from freezer an hour or two before serving. Works great for picnics as a freezer pack to keep food cold. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, April 10, 20087:57 PMSpeechlessI am always a little anxious about fundraising since traditionally it is slow to progress. People really are extremely generous and they become even more generous the closer it gets to the ride. Last night I logged on to check my pledges and my stomach turned. For the first time in 8 years I had a $1,000 donation. A thousand dollars from one single person. Let me introduce to my hero Paul Lopez. I met Paul on Day 2 of my first ride. I think we were riding out in a cow hearding fashion early in the morning and both of us kind of had a semi-panic look on our face meanwhile we were trying to look cool in cycling gear like everyone else (more so Paul than me but who's counting). It was a 100 mile day and I had never ridden a century. Come to find out, Paul hadn't either. It was the start of an awesome friendship and we rode together the rest of the week. When I stopped to catch my breath, Paul stopped with me. When I turned into a raving bit*h on Day 3 at Rest stop 4, Paul just brought me asprin and water and walked away. Through years of break ups (several on both ends), moves, job changes, and now children...I am still a raving bit*h. Ha ha. Paul is still just as close to my heart as he always was, still about 500 miles away. Love you Paul!!!
Please, please, please understand that ANY dollar amount counts towards this incredible effort of the SFAF. I really don't think some of my friends would be here if it weren't for the help of the SFAF. Keep the dollars coming. I am dying to hit that $5,000 mark this year!! Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, April 7, 200812:59 PMIt was time...I figured since I had received a few e-mails and questions asking if people should take me off of their donation list or write a check, I figured it was time to get my butt in gear. So I was up until 1:00am last night creating the information on my homepage. Shows you how little time I have during daylight hours. In addition, I got my first official donation in hand on Friday. $500 at that!!! Looks like the CHP is paying good overtime this year. I still don't think Matt understands the madness of the ride. After 3 years of stories, adventures, videos, panic attacks about fundraising, I still think he's scratching his head a little like quite a few others. Who cares, he wrote a check!!! Now where is the other $2000 going to come from??? Help! I can't say that I have been neglectful in planning for the ride. Bob, The Mayor and I have been hard at work planning, shopping, ordering, and re-ordering for the infamous Red Dress Day. Jerry designed and ordered our team jerseys that are sure be incredible. The spring garden is planted so now it's full steam ahead in ride mode. As I was reading and re-reading my homepage and previous year's pages, it seems I focus alot on people who are no longer with me. The ride gives me long hours to contemplate and solve the problems of the world on deserted roads... sometimes alone. Just then I snap out of my daze, as I am passed by a positive pedaler (HIV+ cyclist) at 25mph who looks better than I do in black spandex and trying to help push my fat ass up a hill after he's done the same hill 9 other times for "moral support" of us slower folk. They ride, they work, they live...they are my friends and considered family. Ride on my friends. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb |
You'll be back again and again and again. Promise. So glad you'll be joining me. You hold the roots of Sunburst amongst the bouquest of flowers that are about to get tore up on the road. Whatever that means. Stay strong!
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