Tamah Augen's
Together, We are making a difference!!!!!!!!I am cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles with 2500 other cyclists and 500 dedicated volunteers to end the pandemic of HIV/Aids- in a matter of hours!! Day 1 Courtesy of Crewguydc you can see the map for real. We are dedicated to making some serious changes in the way the world views HIV/Aids. Thank you for participating!! Thank you all so entirely much!!!! I would like to thank each and every one of my supporters for making it possible to meet my goal. Special thanks to my sister, Robin for literally pulling me over the hill to meet goal. I would like to thank GAP; Northern New England Region for collectively raising a decent sum for this ride, as well for the corporate donation of a red ipod to raffle off among employee's and for the match program that made another thousand available to donate.....I am so thrilled to be part of a company that supports the fight against HIV/AIDS...OPENLY!!!!!! I choose a world were Aids/HIV has a cure. I choose to ask you for help in realizing this choice. I dedicate myself to this because if one of us has HIV we all do Please join me, and 2500 cyclists along with 500 volunteers by participating in the fight to end HIV/Aids. We will keep riding until HIV/Aids is a thing of the pas I choose to end the pandemic of HIV/Aids. I choose to end human suffering. I choose to give. I choose to ask for your help. Join me in making choices that impact all of us. Your participation in fundraising, donating, emotional support, passing the word to others is greatly appreciated by millions of people. Lets just do this!! I am dedicated to every mile of this ride- I am doing this out of love for a very recent diagnosis of a very close friend of mine. Please make a contribution and be part of a world were HIV/Aids is a thing of the past. Thank you for your support.
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Tamah's latest blog entry:
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2008 
You have to do this at least once in life. at the very least.
Tamah's Goal: $2,500.00
Current Total: $3,860.00 |
Listen to Tamah'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. |
Tamah's LinksSan Francisco AIDS Foundation
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
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Tamah's BlogWednesday, June 18, 20085:32 PMThe profound effect of ALC 7 on me.I wrote this for my job, they wanted to know how ALC affected me. I wanted you to know how you affected me and how it works. Bless you all for taking time to read this. Peace, Tamah I am rider #2922 registered under the San Francisco Aids Foundation, one of the 2500 other riders from Los Angeles and San Francisco who volunteered for Aids Lifecycle 7 this June 1-7th 2008. The Aids Lifecycle ride starts at Cow Palace in San Francisco and ends at the VA Center in Los Angeles, a seven-day event to raise awareness and to end the pandemic of HIV/Aids. For the past two years I have lived in California and in Vermont, presently I live in Vermont and work at GAP #5420, of Burlington Town Center. I have worked for GAP for three years now, including winter break at the Market and Powell Baby store in San Francisco. Since this was my first ride with ALC I was considered a ‘newbie’. Living on the east coast, I trained by myself for six months at a local gym after hiring a trainer. I made friends with other ‘newbie’s’ and veterans of ALC by logging on to the ALC website and keeping a blog of my personal progress. I trained rigorously six days a week, putting in 15 hours of saddle time as well as strength training a few times a week. Few words can describe the experience of ALC but a few things are certain; everyone should experience ALC at least once, of all the experiences of my life time, this single event profoundly changed me as an athlete and as a person, and finally, if our communities could be as courageous in heart, body and mindfulness as those who surrounded me this past week, the word love would live up to its meaning. One of the questions most commonly asked by nearly everyone you meet on ALC is, “Why do you ride?” The opportunity to look people in the eye, and tell them my story was very cleansing. I joined ALC March 22, 2007, only 9 days before my step-sister died from Ovarian Cancer. I was a junior at Mills College in Oakland California, studying English. I felt helpless and needed to be empowered. I heard about ALC from a college friend and a long time friend who transplanted to San Francisco from the East Coast some 9 years ago. Both Steffi and Mark are very loving, generous people who hold strong conviction for ALC’s effect on people. Steffi is a rider and Mark is one of the crew for rest stop 4. I wanted to share this experience with them, knowing how moved they are by it. During spring break from Mills my best friend was diagnosed with HIV. I stood beside him as he collapsed to the floor, once hearing the news over the phone from his physician. Life as we knew it changed in that instant. I decided not to return to Mills that fall. I stayed on the east coast to support my friend while he dealt with the profound effect his diagnoses would have on us and in January I started to train for the ride of my life. I began to feel the effects of the ALC process early on when I started to fund raise. I felt certain that if I was truly dedicated to my training that the rest would fall into place. I had faith in the universe, if you will, as I never had before. Not once did I question if I would make the quota of 2500 for fundraising, even as the days came closer to the cut off for having the minimum. I have sponsors from France, London and the United States. I was embraced by my work place, The GAP,#5420 and the Northern New England Region who donated a (Red) product ipod to raffle off in support of my ride. Online donations came in from unexpected sources. My ex husband donated free massage to participating clients in Santa Monica California. The GAP match program made a thousand dollar donation matching the funds previously raised. My sister Robin donated more than I make in a month when I was only 25 days from the cut off date to submit the minimum amount. Numerous people, from all over the planet extended their hands to help me reach my goal, from Janusz in France to Daniel in London; I began to see the responsibility of commitment is the joy of generosity. Having the ALC community online was very helpful living and training in the east coast by myself. While on line I learned of the Positive Peddlar’s who are a group of men and women living with HIV who ride and roadie for the Aids Lifecycle event. They are a group of individuals who make a positive impact by setting a positive example that aims to deconstruct the stigma behind living with HIV. Because of the Positive Peddlar’s impact on me, I was able to talk freely to anyone on the ride about the feelings I have regarding my friends diagnosis. Proudly, I made the Positive Peddlar’s supporter jersey my official jersey of the ride. Thousands of us cried during opening ceremonies when the Positive Peddlars walked in procession down the aisle between riders and roadies, holding banners with names and notes in memory of loved ones living with or lost to HIV/Aids. In silence the empty bicycle and unworn helmet leads the way to better understanding, education, hope and a cure for those who live with HIV/Aids. The emotions we expressed as a group created the first cohesive bonding of the riders and roadies of ALC 7, galvanizing our conviction to proceed with bravery and purpose. On day one, as I crested the first really steep climb at nearly a thousand feet above sea level, I was immobilized with fear. Looking down along the edge of the mountain I saw in the distance a thin line of highway to my right, speckled with teeny tiny cyclists far, far below. To my left were other cyclists tucking to take the hill at a speed that I am not sure I will ever be able to master. Beside them were vehicles traveling even faster. In an instant, my life changed. I was more afraid of the fear that immobilized me, the fear that told me if I stopped right here, right now, I would fall apart emotionally. I knew if I got off now, I would not be able to get back on my bike to take this long, steep descent. I had to make some choices, I brought my attention to my feet, used my breaks to keep my speed to a minimum and kept my focus on the road while repeating, “you are okay, you are okay”; truly the most terrified I have ever been in my entire life. I felt the edge of my limit in the same moment I experienced the expanse of my courage. On day 3 I was in a sweep vehicle because I became dehydrated while riding 101 between King City and Paso Robles. I was told by one of the sweep drivers, that the ride is designed to expose its riders to the same emotional and physical spectrum that a person with HIV is exposed to; I imagine this is true. I would not make it alone, I could not make it without all the riders, the roadies, the sweep vehicles, the medical vehicles filled with countless volunteers looking out for the safety of each other in order to make the trek of 545 miles possible. I had never ridden in a group before this ride. I learned the language that keeps us safe on the road in minutes, hand signals, and verbal call out. Instantly I became part of a chain that works like a caterpillar, each one of us intent on keeping the chain moving smoothly, safely, by cueing if there is gravel, or glass, or yelling, “car back”, “car right”, or in passing, “on your left!”. I felt safe in my surroundings though I had never seen the road ahead of me, nor did I have any idea where I was going. Sure, I had a route map, but honestly, I trusted that as long as I had a rider in front of me and a rider behind me, I was safely going in the right direction; This is the essence of the Aids Life Cycle Ride. I am rider #2922, I am a number amongst the thousands of riders ahead of me and behind me who ride because if one of us is HIV positive, we all are. I identify as rider #2922 because this is not about me, it’s about all of us. Though my journey along the route map is different in some way to that of another, the outcome is the same; I am part of a community of people, riders and roadies who are taking care of one another day in and day out with the utmost consideration, kindness and humanity that we can bring forward. When we finish the ride, we agree to bring the same intention to the world around us. I believe we are doing that, each one us, in our own way, through awareness of one another’s safety with an open heart, hand signals and verbal cues. The empty bicycle is walked silently through closing ceremonies surrounded by positive peddlers bearing witness, holding banners, led by the youngest and oldest rider in memory of those before us who have died and those who live with HIV/Aids who are unable to ride. We ride for them, for us, and for you. I am rider #2922 registered under the San Francisco Aids Foundation, one of the 2500 other riders from Los Angeles and San Francisco who volunteered for Aids Lifecycle 7 this June 1-7th 2008. The Aids Lifecycle ride starts at Cow Palace in San Francisco and ends at the VA Center in Los Angeles, a seven-day event to raise awareness and to end the pandemic of HIV/Aids. For the past two years I have lived in California and in Vermont, presently I live in Vermont and work at GAP #5420, of Burlington Town Center. I have worked for GAP for three years now, including winter break at the Market and Powell Baby store in San Francisco. Since this was my first ride with ALC I was considered a ‘newbie’. Living on the east coast, I trained by myself for six months at a local gym after hiring a trainer. I made friends with other ‘newbie’s’ and veterans of ALC by logging on to the ALC website and keeping a blog of my personal progress. I trained rigorously six days a week, putting in 15 hours of saddle time as well as strength training a few times a week. Few words can describe the experience of ALC but a few things are certain; everyone should experience ALC at least once, of all the experiences of my life time, this single event profoundly changed me as an athlete and as a person, and finally, if our communities could be as courageous in heart, body and mindfulness as those who surrounded me this past week, the word love would live up to its meaning. One of the questions most commonly asked by nearly everyone you meet on ALC is, “Why do you ride?” The opportunity to look people in the eye, and tell them my story was very cleansing. I joined ALC March 22, 2007, only 9 days before my step-sister died from Ovarian Cancer. I was a junior at Mills College in Oakland California, studying English. I felt helpless and needed to be empowered. I heard about ALC from a college friend and a long time friend who transplanted to San Francisco from the East Coast some 9 years ago. Both Steffi and Mark are very loving, generous people who hold strong conviction for ALC’s effect on people. Steffi is a rider and Mark is one of the crew for rest stop 4. I wanted to share this experience with them, knowing how moved they are by it. During spring break from Mills my best friend was diagnosed with HIV. I stood beside him as he collapsed to the floor, once hearing the news over the phone from his physician. Life as we knew it changed in that instant. I decided not to return to Mills that fall. I stayed on the east coast to support my friend while he dealt with the profound effect his diagnoses would have on us and in January I started to train for the ride of my life. I began to feel the effects of the ALC process early on when I started to fund raise. I felt certain that if I was truly dedicated to my training that the rest would fall into place. I had faith in the universe, if you will, as I never had before. Not once did I question if I would make the quota of 2500 for fundraising, even as the days came closer to the cut off for having the minimum. I have sponsors from France, London and the United States. I was embraced by my work place, The GAP,#5420 and the Northern New England Region who donated a (Red) product ipod to raffle off in support of my ride. Online donations came in from unexpected sources. My ex husband donated free massage to participating clients in Santa Monica California. The GAP match program made a thousand dollar donation matching the funds previously raised. My sister Robin donated more than I make in a month when I was only 25 days from the cut off date to submit the minimum amount. Numerous people, from all over the planet extended their hands to help me reach my goal, from Janusz in France to Daniel in London; I began to see the responsibility of commitment is the joy of generosity. Having the ALC community online was very helpful living and training in the east coast by myself. While on line I learned of the Positive Peddlar’s who are a group of men and women living with HIV who ride and roadie for the Aids Lifecycle event. They are a group of individuals who make a positive impact by setting a positive example that aims to deconstruct the stigma behind living with HIV. Because of the Positive Peddlar’s impact on me, I was able to talk freely to anyone on the ride about the feelings I have regarding my friends diagnosis. Proudly, I made the Positive Peddlar’s supporter jersey my official jersey of the ride. Thousands of us cried during opening ceremonies when the Positive Peddlars walked in procession down the aisle between riders and roadies, holding banners with names and notes in memory of loved ones living with or lost to HIV/Aids. In silence the empty bicycle and unworn helmet leads the way to better understanding, education, hope and a cure for those who live with HIV/Aids. The emotions we expressed as a group created the first cohesive bonding of the riders and roadies of ALC 7, galvanizing our conviction to proceed with bravery and purpose. On day one, as I crested the first really steep climb at nearly a thousand feet above sea level, I was immobilized with fear. Looking down along the edge of the mountain I saw in the distance a thin line of highway to my right, speckled with teeny tiny cyclists far, far below. To my left were other cyclists tucking to take the hill at a speed that I am not sure I will ever be able to master. Beside them were vehicles traveling even faster. In an instant, my life changed. I was more afraid of the fear that immobilized me, the fear that told me if I stopped right here, right now, I would fall apart emotionally. I knew if I got off now, I would not be able to get back on my bike to take this long, steep descent. I had to make some choices, I brought my attention to my feet, used my breaks to keep my speed to a minimum and kept my focus on the road while repeating, “you are okay, you are okay”; truly the most terrified I have ever been in my entire life. I felt the edge of my limit in the same moment I experienced the expanse of my courage. On day 3 I was in a sweep vehicle because I became dehydrated while riding 101 between King City and Paso Robles. I was told by one of the sweep drivers, that the ride is designed to expose its riders to the same emotional and physical spectrum that a person with HIV is exposed to; I imagine this is true. I would not make it alone, I could not make it without all the riders, the roadies, the sweep vehicles, the medical vehicles filled with countless volunteers looking out for the safety of each other in order to make the trek of 545 miles possible. I had never ridden in a group before this ride. I learned the language that keeps us safe on the road in minutes, hand signals, and verbal call out. Instantly I became part of a chain that works like a caterpillar, each one of us intent on keeping the chain moving smoothly, safely, by cueing if there is gravel, or glass, or yelling, “car back”, “car right”, or in passing, “on your left!”. I felt safe in my surroundings though I had never seen the road ahead of me, nor did I have any idea where I was going. Sure, I had a route map, but honestly, I trusted that as long as I had a rider in front of me and a rider behind me, I was safely going in the right direction; This is the essence of the Aids Life Cycle Ride. I am rider #2922, I am a number amongst the thousands of riders ahead of me and behind me who ride because if one of us is HIV positive, we all are. I identify as rider #2922 because this is not about me, it’s about all of us. Though my journey along the route map is different in some way to that of another, the outcome is the same; I am part of a community of people, riders and roadies who are taking care of one another day in and day out with the utmost consideration, kindness and humanity that we can bring forward. When we finish the ride, we agree to bring the same intention to the world around us. I believe we are doing that, each one us, in our own way, through awareness of one another’s safety with an open heart, hand signals and verbal cues. The empty bicycle is walked silently through closing ceremonies surrounded by positive peddlers bearing witness, holding banners, led by the youngest and oldest rider in memory of those before us who have died and those who live with HIV/Aids who are unable to ride. We ride for them, for us, and for you. I am rider #2922 registered under the San Francisco Aids Foundation, one of the 2500 other riders from Los Angeles and San Francisco who volunteered for Aids Lifecycle 7 this June 1-7th 2008. The Aids Lifecycle ride starts at Cow Palace in San Francisco and ends at the VA Center in Los Angeles, a seven-day event to raise awareness and to end the pandemic of HIV/Aids. For the past two years I have lived in California and in Vermont, presently I live in Vermont and work at GAP #5420, of Burlington Town Center. I have worked for GAP for three years now, including winter break at the Market and Powell Baby store in San Francisco. Since this was my first ride with ALC I was considered a ‘newbie’. Living on the east coast, I trained by myself for six months at a local gym after hiring a trainer. I made friends with other ‘newbie’s’ and veterans of ALC by logging on to the ALC website and keeping a blog of my personal progress. I trained rigorously six days a week, putting in 15 hours of saddle time as well as strength training a few times a week. Few words can describe the experience of ALC but a few things are certain; everyone should experience ALC at least once, of all the experiences of my life time, this single event profoundly changed me as an athlete and as a person, and finally, if our communities could be as courageous in heart, body and mindfulness as those who surrounded me this past week, the word love would live up to its meaning. One of the questions most commonly asked by nearly everyone you meet on ALC is, “Why do you ride?” The opportunity to look people in the eye, and tell them my story was very cleansing. I joined ALC March 22, 2007, only 9 days before my step-sister died from Ovarian Cancer. I was a junior at Mills College in Oakland California, studying English. I felt helpless and needed to be empowered. I heard about ALC from a college friend and a long time friend who transplanted to San Francisco from the East Coast some 9 years ago. Both Steffi and Mark are very loving, generous people who hold strong conviction for ALC’s effect on people. Steffi is a rider and Mark is one of the crew for rest stop 4. I wanted to share this experience with them, knowing how moved they are by it. During spring break from Mills my best friend was diagnosed with HIV. I stood beside him as he collapsed to the floor, once hearing the news over the phone from his physician. Life as we knew it changed in that instant. I decided not to return to Mills that fall. I stayed on the east coast to support my friend while he dealt with the profound effect his diagnoses would have on us and in January I started to train for the ride of my life. I began to feel the effects of the ALC process early on when I started to fund raise. I felt certain that if I was truly dedicated to my training that the rest would fall into place. I had faith in the universe, if you will, as I never had before. Not once did I question if I would make the quota of 2500 for fundraising, even as the days came closer to the cut off for having the minimum. I have sponsors from France, London and the United States. I was embraced by my work place, The GAP,#5420 and the Northern New England Region who donated a (Red) product ipod to raffle off in support of my ride. Online donations came in from unexpected sources. My ex husband donated free massage to participating clients in Santa Monica California. The GAP match program made a thousand dollar donation matching the funds previously raised. My sister Robin donated more than I make in a month when I was only 25 days from the cut off date to submit the minimum amount. Numerous people, from all over the planet extended their hands to help me reach my goal, from Janusz in France to Daniel in London; I began to see the responsibility of commitment is the joy of generosity. Having the ALC community online was very helpful living and training in the east coast by myself. While on line I learned of the Positive Peddlar’s who are a group of men and women living with HIV who ride and roadie for the Aids Lifecycle event. They are a group of individuals who make a positive impact by setting a positive example that aims to deconstruct the stigma behind living with HIV. Because of the Positive Peddlar’s impact on me, I was able to talk freely to anyone on the ride about the feelings I have regarding my friends diagnosis. Proudly, I made the Positive Peddlar’s supporter jersey my official jersey of the ride. Thousands of us cried during opening ceremonies when the Positive Peddlars walked in procession down the aisle between riders and roadies, holding banners with names and notes in memory of loved ones living with or lost to HIV/Aids. In silence the empty bicycle and unworn helmet leads the way to better understanding, education, hope and a cure for those who live with HIV/Aids. The emotions we expressed as a group created the first cohesive bonding of the riders and roadies of ALC 7, galvanizing our conviction to proceed with bravery and purpose. On day one, as I crested the first really steep climb at nearly a thousand feet above sea level, I was immobilized with fear. Looking down along the edge of the mountain I saw in the distance a thin line of highway to my right, speckled with teeny tiny cyclists far, far below. To my left were other cyclists tucking to take the hill at a speed that I am not sure I will ever be able to master. Beside them were vehicles traveling even faster. In an instant, my life changed. I was more afraid of the fear that immobilized me, the fear that told me if I stopped right here, right now, I would fall apart emotionally. I knew if I got off now, I would not be able to get back on my bike to take this long, steep descent. I had to make some choices, I brought my attention to my feet, used my breaks to keep my speed to a minimum and kept my focus on the road while repeating, “you are okay, you are okay”; truly the most terrified I have ever been in my entire life. I felt the edge of my limit in the same moment I experienced the expanse of my courage. On day 3 I was in a sweep vehicle because I became dehydrated while riding 101 between King City and Paso Robles. I was told by one of the sweep drivers, that the ride is designed to expose its riders to the same emotional and physical spectrum that a person with HIV is exposed to; I imagine this is true. I would not make it alone, I could not make it without all the riders, the roadies, the sweep vehicles, the medical vehicles filled with countless volunteers looking out for the safety of each other in order to make the trek of 545 miles possible. I had never ridden in a group before this ride. I learned the language that keeps us safe on the road in minutes, hand signals, and verbal call out. Instantly I became part of a chain that works like a caterpillar, each one of us intent on keeping the chain moving smoothly, safely, by cueing if there is gravel, or glass, or yelling, “car back”, “car right”, or in passing, “on your left!”. I felt safe in my surroundings though I had never seen the road ahead of me, nor did I have any idea where I was going. Sure, I had a route map, but honestly, I trusted that as long as I had a rider in front of me and a rider behind me, I was safely going in the right direction; This is the essence of the Aids Life Cycle Ride. I am rider #2922, I am a number amongst the thousands of riders ahead of me and behind me who ride because if one of us is HIV positive, we all are. I identify as rider #2922 because this is not about me, it’s about all of us. Though my journey along the route map is different in some way to that of another, the outcome is the same; I am part of a community of people, riders and roadies who are taking care of one another day in and day out with the utmost consideration, kindness and humanity that we can bring forward. When we finish the ride, we agree to bring the same intention to the world around us. I believe we are doing that, each one us, in our own way, through awareness of one another’s safety with an open heart, hand signals and verbal cues. The empty bicycle is walked silently through closing ceremonies surrounded by positive peddlers bearing witness, holding banners, led by the youngest and oldest rider in memory of those before us who have died and those who live with HIV/Aids who are unable to ride. We ride for them, for us, and for you. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, June 11, 20084:14 PMTo all my ALC FamilyI LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALC FAMILY! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, June 9, 20085:56 AMThis is not over.Although I am in Los Angeles, and my bike is downstairs taking the needed break it needs, this ride is so not over. I am still dreaming the stream of riders passing on the left, yelling out "car back!" and when I get to a yellow light, my inner voice, says, "slowing! stopping!" I am much more observant on the road. I am so full of love. I just want to thank you all so much for keeping me safe out there. Peace out for now. More later when the aches subside. Love you all sistercycle, Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 31, 20087:30 PMReady, Set, GO!!!!This is it, folks. I am doing laundry, new jerseys to support the Positive Peddlers are being washed and dried, then packed for each day. I have my RED silk jacket for RED DRESS day, bought at a second hand store next to orientation. I have been well fed the past few days, Mark, my tent mate and fellow roadie at rest stop 4 treated me to a mani-pedi, so now I have bright red toe nails. Let me tell you, these dogs needed it!!!! Now, all there is to do is to get some good sleep. I have gotten some Mineral Water from Coach Dean, that is making me feel like new, each day. I really have to get sleep, so peace out folks. I love you all, thank you for participating and I will try to write while on the road, not sure how much I will actually do, but I will try. Promise. Love to all of you Sistercycle, aka Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, May 29, 20089:02 AMWings On, Wheels Down..landed in SFOMet Mark (Roadie group 4) at the airport. Met Haley! Hi Haley!! While picking up bikes in a box. The bottom was open on mine..guess she needed to breath..far as I can tell, nothing lost or stolen. That is the dream. I had Mark look because I just couldnt take that in right now. She seems to have held on tightly. So odd, really. Went to bed at ten SF time, one my time, and now all the time I have is NOW. I am well rested, stiff from sitting all day long on the plane. I feel a bit like the tin man but I am sure once the tea kicks in and the sun hits my back (while lounging in this comfy chair) I am going to feel good as new. Lots of liquid today-not enough yester- Looking forward to getting my bike set up on Saturday and being able to ride for seven days. I can not wait to meet all of the fabulous peeps that are on this ride. I met Kevin yesterday too, with Mark, in the grocery, he is doing Massage. Great guy!! Peace out, Love, Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, May 27, 20085:00 PMEmotionally Charged....I have worked my last day now, for the next 14. I have packed my bag, and seperated the absolutes: cletes, helmet, radio, solio, tele, gloves, hydrator pack, from the rest of the baggies full of clothing, to take on the plane, just in case the duffle ends up in the hands of a person with a plastic fetish....I have hugged those who came close enough to embrace, those who used the phone shed some tears, and gave much support, the bike is in the box, gear bag attached, and my outfit for flying has been laid out....for the next 14 days I get to be an athlete behind an amazing event. I am so profoundly touched by all that each one of you has done to make this trip possible, the trip that is not about me, the trip that is about the big picture. the big picture that colors us all in, swirls, dots, curves, angles, splatters....the art of life that mixes us all into one big rainbow..... Blessed be all that are, will be, have been, shall be, Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb 12:02 AMFlight PlanDear Everyone, This is my morning journal entry. I am up at 3 a.m. as usual for a day of shipment, to say so long to the folks at work and close a chapter of my life. To put the training to the test, finally, to experience my physical ability and emotional stability under fantastic skies!! I overflow with gratitude and love that I am participating in this event, for the reasons I participate and that the circle took me in-I stand changed by this training and remain open to the wave of new emotions and physiological altering that takes me over the miles. All I can say is the fountain of youth is the heart over flowing. Peace, stay in touch, I love you all. truly I do. Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 24, 20085:03 PMTaking the show on the road......Here it is, the last few days before I board JET BLUE and I am off to SFO to hang with Mark, Teej, Erin, Tater. Holy cow palace bat girl, its time!!! the duffle bag has not yet made it to the floor, but the pile of gear in the corner has been growing for weeks. Actually, I am a light packer and a heavy sleeper, so in my favor all the way around. Took a scenic jaunt today once picking up my bike from the Old Spokes Home, total tune up baby....oh yeah....layed down some fritters for that one, I tell ya!!!! Resting is not easy for me. I am walking to work tomorrow as the Burlington City Marathon is happening and I need to be around large crowds of people in order to break myself in for the rush of pupil gazing to come......... Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, May 22, 20081:41 PMTuning up and tuning inAs hard as it is to 'turn my bike over' to the spindoctors, it had to be done. I am having the ultra tune up-nearly a new bike because all the really important peices are being replaced. The chain and all the gears that make it tick. Apparently it is developing sharks teeth, and thats bad, so when I get it back on Saturday I will have a smooth machine to take for a day-then its back to the shop for a dismantle and boxing. I am on foot now, because my wheels are in pause for the moment.....I will walk to and fro to work for the next few days just to keep the knees from freezing up. LOL I have far exceeded my goals, my dreams have already come true way beyond my wildest imagination and still so much fun to be had, so much feeling to flow through me and new emotions to add to the already vast array. The one I am most certain of right now is gratitude. Thank you all from the center of my heart, every ripple, every thub dub thub dub.....all for you. Peace out, sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, May 21, 20084:02 PM70 miles and pushed an SUV!!!!!Well, I had a rough ride today. The weather was cold, well, not for Vermont, really, but it was raw. 41-45 all day, wind blowing, cloudy, rainy, in and out sunshine. Mostly in..I started out on the indoor trainer, then, I got sick of it-my body wanted to be OUT, so we went OUT, as I thought to myself,"What would Lance do?" He would go OUT. At one point during the ride a motorist ran out of gas. I was cycling along and this lady ran out of gas as she was trying to pass me, so I propped my bike up against a mail box and pushed her SUV!!!!!!! I didnt think that I would be able to move it, but I did, that not so small voice that said, YOU CAN MOVE THIS VEHICLE!!!!!! Interesting with the rain and such. Rough ride, over all, though, I got more tired than I anticipated and thats rough, but it is done and I send my bike to the shop for a tune up tomorrow, then I have it for a few days and then its off to be boxed. We are so near, yet so many hours left for last minute stuff... Much love to you all, thank you for stopping by. Love Tamah aka Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, May 18, 20083:53 PMsunday to sunday 274 milesMy weeks for training start on Saturday and end Sunday, so last week totalled 202, and today I did another 70, technically, if you tally it all up I rode half the big one....the ride coming up....already this week....pleasant thought....because it was A MAzeing!!!!! I hope to log many hours, many miles this week. Thank you for stopping by....Peace out, Love Sistercycle. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 17, 20081:40 PM72 miles and loving it...The weather was fabulous today as I started out on my back to back ride for the weekend. I took the hills nicely, three times around them 33.3 miles worth, ofcourse, you have to count the other side of the hill as well. I love those hills, truly. They are much easier this week than they were last week when I did them. The plan is to take them again manana if weather agrees with me, I do hope so because I feel good. 6.5 hours, solo. Read a blurb about taking hills seated, I had been doing this because Lance says its wise, so I took them seated today as well. I feel like it went well. Thank you to Earls for adjusting my break and tweeking my spokes a tad before I started out. What a great start to a hopeful double run. Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, May 16, 20082:11 AMWork, Train, Work, Train, ....After the Ninty miles on Sunday, Mothers day, I had three thousand units to bring in for shipment next day at 6:30 am, so that was a busy day, our store structure changed, so I got a new hat, job title, and all the perks that come with that. :) Tuesday I rode 40 miles and worked on college applications. I was so hungry by mile 40 that I had to go home to eat...wow, it was kind of amazing to feel such hunger that I had to stop, even with 'feeding' as I use GU while cycling, it still had to be done. Wednesday I walked 7 miles to work and then 2 miles from the bus stop to home, I walked back home yesterday as well, another 2 miles as it was raining in the morning and I was not in the mood to ride to work in the rain at 6:30 am, another shipping day...I have a very physical job, which I am thankful for but it keeps me on my feet for NINE hours at at time, every day, other than the occassional 15 min break, which does not take me sitting down..I am off to a coffee shop to step outside for fresh air......Last night I went to bed at 7 because my legs were just exhausted...finally today they feel somewhat rested, but this weekend SAT and SUN are going to be the last back to backs I am able to do before the ride because of work and getting my bike tuned up and then boxed up....all has to be done. I plan to give blood the red cross on Monday. Fresh hemoglobin will be good for the big ride....... When I get tired, I get emotionally tired, it has been difficult justifying any rest at all.....but I have to rest my legs for the big rides I am about to do this weekend..... I love my life, thank you for stopping in to see whats up with me today. I think I will walk to work again today, just for good measure..... Much love, Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, May 13, 20086:29 PMfor my parents and my brother who are not here to read this...today I dedicate to my parents, Sherwood and Anita, and to my brother Stafford, all of which are not here to read this. Here is a riddle for you; Although she is my mother, I am older than she is, and though he is my big brother, I have nearly four years on his 41, and my dad, well, there is no riddle to my dad because he died on the 41st wedding anniversary to my mother, she would have been 56. My mother was 41 when she died August 6, 1978, I was 14. My father passed Nov. 6th 1996 and my brother May 08, 1998. All I can say is its a damn good thing I listened to my father~ He was a cyclist!! its a damn good thing I listened to my mother~She knew how to sing!! Its a damn good thing I listened to my brother~ He told me I didnt have to be poor, that it was a state of mind. I want to dedicate this day to the three of you because today the crows flew low over my head, as if they were trying to tell me something. I see you when I see them and I know, they know, we know, we are all here, even if we fly a little differently. I love you all~ Perhaps the fabric of my dedication and the weave of my integrity to train will make more sence to everyone if they know how doing it solo is something you learn. I feel that you dont have a choice to fall as long as there are others who depend on you~ Like a soldier, I have always believed that. I was made that way, and I am glad I am this way. This is because of you~ My loves!!!! Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, May 11, 20085:00 PM85 solo miles...I took the hills like I should have, and I learned some good stuff about myself today. I did some out of the saddle climbing which is unlike me...but it was fun. I saw some creatures that were fun to see, a beaver? or a ground hog? and some trillions. I am tired but it was well worth it. I love my life, I love cycling, I am thrilled that I have the ability to do this ride, and that I have made my goal plus. I love you all. Each and every one of you for helping all of us to do what we need to do. Much love, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 10, 20081:25 PMRegrouping, downtime, tune ups.I just got back from the daily ride, I have no idea how far I went. Today was about just having fun, finding a new path to go down, a nice cafe to take lunch, the bike shop to see what a tune up and boxing is going to cost me. That sort of thing. I wanted it to be fun, happy go lucky, not all about the daunting mileage...today, I do not want to be in that mindset. The wind is blowing nicely, nearly blew me over at one point going down dorset and those folks who dont stop at stop signs..and just blow right threw them- Not so much. Its a good day for a kite, a good book, or a visit with a friend. I am going to work on College Applications that have been put off and I am tired of doing that. Burlington College, right here in Vermont or The Eugene Lang School, the 'new school' in NYC. We'll see what happens with that. I miss writing for hours and drinking so much black tea that it feels like I could stay up all night. I am a writer after all. So, I did some happy miles and I have next day off to put in that huge ride that is expected, but today, just for fun..that turkey sandwich at the cafe, the ride into town to get an estimate on a tune up- my chain is loose the cage needs to be changed out, the break pads need changing, etc..etc..is okay, I am going to happy when it rides like a dream once its done. Right now, not so much. Thank you all once again for being there for me. Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb 4:44 AM6:30 am Cycling and Tune Ups!!!Yesterday I took a 2.5 hour jaunt before going to work, up at three to be out the door and cycling at 6:30 am. A little chilly on the hands, but did not wear fleece gloves, which, sometimes is the case around here. It was gorgeous out!! It was very helpful for my mood to be out so early and to watch the sun rise over the hills of Vermont. What a beautiful state to live in when the buds are bursting and the scent in the air is full of various varieties of spring essence. I took it to the bike path along Lake Champlain, then to the gym for a shower. It was exactly what I needed before a nine hour day at work. Thankfully, I have the next two days off from work. I have the back to back scheduled so I am enjoying my tea right now, will eat and get on the saddle in about an hour or so. Yesterday I took my bike to North Star to see about a tune up- Wow, I need it!!! The chain is stretched and the gears need to be replaced because I have been cranking on that TREK for a while now. I am okay with it, its what needs to be done. I appreciate you visiting, come back soon, be well. Peace, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, May 9, 20081:14 AMDedication and LOVEFirst, I want to thank all of you once again for being so amazing in changing lives, keeping people from NOT having the services they need and I want you to know that in a letter from my cycle buddy he said that we are affecting lives in other countries as well. That gives me a feeling like none other, I have to say. I am excited to have the ability to take a country like this one and share the love so that others can have where they may not have. Bless you all for participating. Truly, you are all a tremendous gift to me. This week I am going to intensify my time in the saddle, as last week I put in 185 miles, I wanted this week to amount to more than that. I was able to ride 15 on sunday and then 75 on Tuesday, here it is Thursday and I have a few hours before I have to work until 7, so I can put in, realistically, a few hours worth. I am excited to do so. It is supposed to be gorgeous out!! Yippee. I am looking forward to the early morning ride. In addition, this weekend I get to ride both days of the weekend, so I can do a back to back, and then on Monday I can work my tail off and tuesday be back at it again, so this week has a lot of potential. I am very stoked!!!! to be moving forward with training. I will use my new communter bag today that I bought a few weeks ago. I havent used it because it has been raining off and on, but this week, starting today, I am going to ride as often as I possibly can. Peace out, and thank you all so much once again for helping me reach goal. WOW. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, May 7, 200811:53 AMGOAL MET!!!!!!I want to thank each and every one of you for your loving participation....I am floored to have reached my goal. So much love,
Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Tuesday, May 6, 20086:29 PM75 miles solo.Yes, thats right, I do this because it is part of what has to be done. I took a new route, made a loop soup and added some hills; my own version of the three sisters, since I know not these babes, I had to have my own!!! I took them twice and I can feel it, believe me. I am very proud of myself for having done the full 75 and the sisters twice..wow. Thank you for the donations people, you are making this possible and I am so proud to be part of it all. right now, sleep........
Peace out. Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, May 4, 20082:59 PMFamily outingIt took a while for the rain to pass today, by the time it did I had all my financial information in order, I like to keep track of expenditures, etc. and today was the day for that. I changed my tire that blew yesterday and took the tire to Earl's to get it pumped the rest of the way. I asked Twizzler, the kids dad, to go for a ride and next thing I know, all ducks in a row we are having a family outing...it was a blast to see Johannes and Helena cycling and to be on the outside of the inner perameters to protect and be sure they do not get hit. Dad was on the bike with Helena on the trailer bike and Johannes was back with me. They all did very well. I love these people, my cycling family, they are wonderful. Amanda, the mother of the children met us at Dorset Park with IceCream for the kids and let Twizzler, (the dad) go for a ride with me. He was on a mountain bike that he is not used to, so his butt was soar, he had a headache and he was writing a lecture while we rode....It was nice to get out again. I can feel the 80 of Friday and the three hours yesterday ....all makes me very happy. I cant wait to ride after work Monday. Yippee. I love riding. All in all it was about two hours of riding, but just recovery family outing for us all. :) Yeah families!!!!!! I just love watching them grow up. Ofcourse I hope to cycle long distances with them one day. That is my dream. Until then, the dream is to fulfill my goal of 2500.00 please. and thank you. Peace out, Sistercycle aka Tamah Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Saturday, May 3, 20083:27 PMriding and giving.Back in the saddle again!! Three hours into it and I got a flat. Dealing with some terrific head winds and the looming clouds kept whispering...its gonna rain! its gonna rain!! but I wanted to chance it anyway. I did not clock my miles today as I just felt like tooling around, so I did. Took the bike path to no where...and decided to get back on the road, where I can open up-went downtown and back out into the sticks again...just for fun. Saw a group (5) of cyclists, ( the most cyclists I have ever seen in one place out here on the road) it made me hungry for more spandex, more polarized eye wear, more helmets, great legs and zippers!!! I just love the way we look all dressed up in our suits, honestly, it is very exciting to see the preparation and watch the prepared. I enjoy being part of a group of cyclists and can not wait to meet all the people who are doing this with me. I am going to be energized just being that close to others who share the passion I do-riding and giving. That is what life is about. the three hours today was fun, short and more in the a.m. I plan to break another personal record on sunday. Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Friday, May 2, 20084:37 PM80 Smiles....I went 80 miles solo today. I am now eating a salad and some quiche...I feel great and can not wait to do it tomorrow. I hope it does not rain, if it does, I will cyclops train indoors....but lets hope it doesnt rain. That was really fun.
Peace out, Sistercycle Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Wednesday, April 30, 20081:40 AMWhat are you made of?????Okay, so its time to get tough. I am up early, as usual, 3 a.m. with plans to ride this morning, then, I look at my ever present job schedule and realize that if I am going to get my fundraising to excelerate I have to finalize some details, TODAY!!!!!! The time I would have taken to ride this morning, is going to have to be used for fundraising efforts. Last night, after a nine hour day, I did come home in chilly weather and used the indoor trainer because it is convenient and I really wanted to be HOT and wanted to ride HARD and FAST because it was a long day in the retail world. I would like to thank all of my pals from GAP for donating and sending in their donations and for participating in our raffle. Northern New England Region is the best!!! thank you all so much for being so great. thank you all, each and every one of you for donating. We are down to the wire and I have to sell some more raffle tickets. so, I better get organized and get it done. Balance, this is where that comes in........ Peace out, T Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Sunday, April 27, 20084:14 AMHeadWindsYesterdays ride was not the smooth sailing I had anticipated it being. First, I left my phone at the bank on Friday and if I was going to ride a long ride solo, as I do, I would need that. I took the hills out behind the house and did a 30 mile loop to pick up the phone. On the way up the hill shifting gears into the granny...the chain got stuck and I had to get off, tinker....then, I thought I would need to take the bike to the shop to have them do something to it, but before doing that I decided to try the hill again. No problem this time. Fewf. On the way back from Burlington I made good time, thought I saw a dried Newt on the road, stopped, but it was just a peice of Mulch...I could have sworn! I took Dorset down to Hinesburg and it was like pushing led, literally, the head wind was keeping me at a stand still. It was not fun, this is the first time in my cycling career that I felt like progress was not being made and it was a tiny bit irritating to be facing the wind like this. Pulling taffy...I spent 6 hours in the saddle and (without odometer to be exact) I think I only did another 53 or so. I had to look on Googlemaps to get exact mileage as I have not invested in that peice of my odometer that flung itself into the bushes last week. Today is another day for the weekend pile up mileage. Here on out, commuting every day, no matter what. Getting down to the wire and all the support is a beautiful thing. Thank you so much for all of it. Really. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Thursday, April 24, 20081:26 AMAn Easy 55 down 116Yesterday was gorgeous. My goal was to see what it would be like to ride to Bristol Bakery along route 116 through the beautiful mountains of Vermont. Hah, what a breathtaking ride. Lots of huge trucks, as they have granite quarry, farms, logging and its a nice wide road so going fast for those large vehicles is easy. I loved it. I left at 7:30 am and got into Bristol at 9:45. I stayed for 45 minutes, had a coffee, croissant and walked around a tad. Got back in the saddle at 10:30 and got back to Van Sicklen at 12:45. My time on both ends is exactly the same. 12.22 mph average, I am proud of this time because I did not dog on the return flight...I had great cadence, easy gear change, and felt good all the way. Brought GU, as I am a firm believer in feeding while you ride. Importante if you want not to flag...rather not, thanks. Now that I know it is that easy to do the 55- this weekend I have sat-sun off so the plan is to do 75 saturday and then 55 next day. I know I can make it. I got a call from a donater who I have never met before and is excited to meet me and like wise. Jodi from New Hampshire! Thank you so much for your generosity and for warning me about my boots. Today is a long day at the office, but when I get home I like to do time trials on the flats, just to see how long I can sustain while really putting out. I am stoked!! I also got my new commuter pack yesterday and a cap for sweatie head- its a little radical, but really fun!!! Peace out - You know I take you in my heart while my wheels are turning. I love this life. Permalink | Share this posting : Care2 News | del.icio.us | digg | NewsVine | Reddit | YahooMyWeb Monday, April 21, 20085:27 PMProfoundly movedThank you so much for visiting my webpage. I want you to know that you and a lot of other wonderful folks have taken time to check out what its like out here on the roads of South Burlington, Essex and Williston Vermont...from my front tire view point...its fun, its long and occassionally it is challenging. Listen to this: I commute to work every day now, back and forth from South burl to Burl, an easy seven or so miles. I borrow a lamp so I can see, a nice Cateye and my odometer has not functioned for a while, but the scanner is still attached to my front fork. I am on my way to work, the lamp falls off, smashing all over the ground...hmmmm, I pick it up. Then, after a days work, I go out on the bike path, my odometers scanner piece goes flinging into the bushes....hmmmmm, then I get a hole in the leg of my shorts from a nasty little peice of velcro that was apparently hungry. Then, this is the best part, I am sitting on my fit ball reading my email and I hear this faint hhhhhssssssssssssss........a tiny hole developed from ???? and now its is like a chrome meteor that crashed in my room collapsed in a heap on the floor. What a stroke of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Todays ride was edible, I ate up the road like licorice, it was divine. You really have to laugh about such things, oh, and the other day I was all ready to go for a ride and I went to get my helmet and I realize it is locked in the office of my work. I can not get it until they open, its Vermont and its Sunday....okay, so thats 11!!!!!!!! ARGH/ |
