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Denise Maggio's
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage

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I'm Riding to bring awareness to the plight of AIDS

From June 1-7, 2008, I'm bicycling in the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride. It's a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Please help me support the HIV/AIDS-related services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center by giving what you can. We'll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.

Thank you for your support.

Denise's latest blog entry:

2 days and counting.....

Friday, May 30, 2008

Denise's Goal: $5,000.00
Current Total: $6,350.00

Make A DonationSupport Denise:
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Messages of Support for Denise

Nancy Blaha (5/30/08 2:01PM): Denise.. SO GLAD you met your goal (mainly so I didnt have to give up sushi lunch for the next month to get you there!)

PS Threw in another $50 because you are so freaking cute!! By the way. We are in S. Carolina now. Maaarrryy sends her love!

Nancy and Jeff

deb, Cyclist #5143 (5/29/08 12:55AM): Hey GF!!! I am counting on you to keep me laughing, saving me a spot in the shower line and heating my bike seat in the morning! See you on the road!

cyclelover (5/27/08 8:58PM): Denise! As newbies, you and I will conquer this ride, even if we have to lollygag up those hills! It's been so wonderful getting to know you and Cindy, and I look forward to many laughs ahead. Let's rock and roll! xo, Chris

Jill Jackson (5/22/08 1:01PM): I'm so proud of you! Pedal on, baby! Be safe and have a great time, you've earned it with all of your hard work! You're amazing! Love, Jill

Cindy Stephens (5/22/08 7:48AM): I had to get you to the $5000. I know you will get it and more but I know you were having a bad morning and I wanted to do something to brighten your day. I love you to pieces.

Elsie (5/21/08 9:08AM): I'll be cheering for you, Denise! Great job in raising so much money! I want a pic of you wearing the coveted "Fundraising Jersey"!

Jackie (5/08/08 7:59PM): Denise, I hope you have a wonderful time while also supporting such a worthy cause. My prayers and best wishes will be with you as you experience what I hope will be a life changing journey. Love, Jackie

Christine Gutierrez (5/07/08 4:42PM): Denise - What an amazing ride down the coast for such an important cause! Good luck and be safe.

C (5/05/08 4:24PM): You are almost there..............so proud of you.

from your LOMYL

little steph (4/28/08 11:03PM): Heya Denise--what a fun weekend riding (and stopping) with all the girls! Hope you had fun and looking forward to the riding down the coast with you and Cindy. Congrats!! -s ;)

Dan & Beth (4/12/08 8:07AM): Good luck Denise! That's quite a ride... we're sure you can do it.

Lollie (4/02/08 7:37AM): Good Luck on the ride and your new business endeavor. I admire you and Cindy's commitment to contribute in this manner. I was so looking forward to being in San Francisco and cheering you on, but Texas calls me! Maybe I'll have a new account I have to come back for at that time for. Ride on dear friend!

deb (3/31/08 12:02PM): Denise.... just have to share with you the top five reasons to do the ride with you: #5.You wait for me. #4.You make me laugh! #3.You were willing to share your tuna sandwich! #2:You live in Valencia and we can ride together without driving anywhere! and drum roll...... #1: You don't make fun of my silly recumbent bike! Se you on the road.... deb #5143

deb smith, Rider # 5143 (3/27/08 10:14PM): Hey Denise.... so glad I have you to train with in beautiful, windy Santa Clarita.... I am so enjoying getting to know you and watching you climb those fabulous hills, sharing Peet's, wine and lots of laughs!!!

Ron Fox (3/23/08 8:18PM): Denise, I know you can do it cause it's downhill. Drink plenty of water, not carbinated water because it's not as hydrating. Have a Big Mac and fries with a choc. shake for breakfast and go for it! Do not take potty breaks...time is of the essence. A comfortable vibrating seat is a must for efficient peddling. Love Ron

lenore (2/23/08 9:41AM): I'm so happy you have found happiness and a goal to strive for w/cindy.....hope to get to know you....have fun...interesting picture!!!!!

Kara Zahner (2/22/08 8:02AM): Good luck Denise - it's a great cause and the ride should be beautiful but tough. The boys and I will cheer you on from SF.

Rich Garmsen (2/20/08 4:28PM): Good luck - ride safe!

Richard Freeman (2/15/08 3:27PM): I know it takes alot of dedication to make a ride like this and I admire you for making the committment. I won't wish you luck because I know you will do this. Richard

Vida for Rebecca Fleenor (2/15/08 10:17AM): Hi Denise, this is Vida, Rebecca's assistant. Rebe's out and about doing business but I know she'd want me to tell you Congratulations on your endeavor and much good luck (and fun) riding down to L.A. You are doing something spectacular that will make a difference in many lives!

Our Hats off to You!

Rick (1/17/08 11:16AM): What a ride, I admire your intestinal fortitude! Enjoy, be safe and I look forward to hearing all about it.

Bob Frankel (1/08/08 8:29AM): Denise, Good for you, have a safe ride. As you know I have been a walker in the AWLA each year and for the past 20 years, I have raised over $200,000.00 giving you a total to beat. I only mention that because I know how competitive you are, and I have to have something to gloat about since I can't outdrive you. Best of luck. Bob

sally (1/01/08 3:11PM): Hey, 545 miles - piece of cake!

Love and hugs to you both, Sally

david zack (12/30/07 10:49AM): good luck!!!!!!!

Jennifer and Richard Sears (12/29/07 7:58PM): Denise,

This is an awesome cause and the fact that you and Cindy are doing it together is nothing short of inspirational. You couldn't have picked a better partner (and not just for the race) !!! Good luck to you in both your training and your ride. We look forward to seeing you cross the finish line!

Jennifer and Rich

Nancy and Jeff (12/27/07 7:17PM): You go girl!! We will be behind you (so to speak) pushing.

PS you will make better time if you don't stop at a lot of local bars...

Nancy

Cindy Stephens (12/24/07 9:18AM): You go girl! You are gong to be awesome on the ride. Looking forward to shring the experience together.;

Love ya

leslie #5380 beth #5379 shifting gears (11/03/07 9:21AM): welcome to shifting gears team 100 thanks for being part of this team :]beth and leslie shifting gears

Denise's Links

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, a leader in battling AIDS and caring for those who are HIV-infected since the earliest days of the pandemic, provides free medical care to those who can't afford treatment and distributed more than $17 million worth of free HIV medications last year. The Center also provides one-on-one and group therapy, mobile testing/counseling, education, advocacy, and prevention services. Each month 700-1,000 people are tested for HIV at the Center.

San Francisco AIDS Foundation
Committed to ending the pandemic and human suffering caused by HIV, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation develops innovative solutions, combining scientific evidence with community experience to fight HIV/AIDS and promote health. Established in 1982, the Foundation provides direct services to thousands of people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS and supplies information to thousands more about HIV prevention and treatment through programs that include the California AIDS Hotline (800-367-AIDS). The Foundation promotes HIV awareness in the community and advocates for sound HIV/AIDS policies at all levels of government.

Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2007
Get a taste of last year's event, with participant blogs, audio podcasts, and hundreds of photos.

Denise's Blog

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Friday, May 30, 2008

6:27 AM

2 days and counting.....

It's Friday and only 2 days away from the Aids/Lifecycle Ride. One of our Team 100 members (Stanley Appleman) will be sending an ALC Live Broadcast everyday after the ride. Please check the site at www.aidslifecycle.org/100 for the daily news after about 6pm each day of the ride starting Sunday June 1st. I hope to see some of you at the Team 100 gathering around noon on Saturday June 7th at Ocean & San Vicente in Santa Monica. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

9:12 AM

Recovery.....

Well, I finally slowed down over the long holiday weekend. A short workout on Saturday and a 28 mile recovery ride on Sunday. I will be doing light workouts this week (no racquetball) in my final preparation for the big ride, including packing and getting psyched up. It has been a great run and now that I am 12 pounds lighter and 2 pant sizes smaller, I should cruise with no problem. Please watch the ALC website for Podcasts @ www.aidslifecycle.org starting June 1st. My personal pictures and info will be forthcoming upon my return. Wish me luck!

Monday, May 19, 2008

8:30 AM

It's getting hot out there ! ! ! ! !

This weekend was the hottest so far of this cycling season. We trudged through the 100 degree heat and rode 45 miles on Saturday (another Spunky Canyon run) andf 35 miles with Team 100 on Sunday. We are less than 2 weeks away from the start of the Aids Life/Cycle ride and I am not only excited but nervous too. I know that the training will pay off and it's time to slow down and get into recovery mode before the big event. Can you tell that I am nervous. I am so close to my personal fundraising goal which gives me great joy. I have worked hard, dropped 12 pounds and have really bad tan lines, but in the end, I will make everyone proud of me for completing this great event.

Monday, May 12, 2008

10:41 AM

Dog bites.

So, if you think that I have not been on a training mission, you are wrong. Not only did we ride San Francisquito Cyn/Spunky Cyn/Bouquet Cyn last Saturday at a blistering pace, I did it after a dog took a bite out of my BUTT. Yes, a huge German Shephard sent me to urgent care, after the ride, for a tetnus shot. I think my arm hurt worse from the shot, than the dog bite itself. The dog is on double secret probation (quarantine) for 10 days and should be home with it's owner, who I am sure will be more mindful to keep it indoors, shortly. And on Sunday, the "LOLLYGAG GIRLS" rode a short, recovery ride with Team 100. It's only 2 1/2 weeks until the ALC ride. I am getting really nervous but still planning on riding all 545 miles. Get those donations in soon!!!!!! Otherwise you will not be privy to the pictures and I am sure you do not want to miss me on Red Dress Day.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

10:14 AM

Santa Monica to Santa Barbara.... and back!

It was 100 miles out on Saturday and 100 miles back on Sunday. Yep, a double century. It was hot and it was windy, but we made it. These were two very long days and I couldn't have done it without the support and push from everyone I rode with both days. There are too many people to thank, but I am sure you know who you are...... I am inspired by those who rode in front, along side and behind me. These are incredible people with a purpose. AND MOST OF ALL..... a huge kudos to EVERYONE who made this ride possible, including Team 100, the roadies, the rest stops, the massage therapists and the PB&J sandwiches! June 1st is right around the corner and I can confirm that I will be ready.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

8:23 PM

A Day on the Ride

Yesterday I rode "A Day on the Ride" with 400 fellow cyclists, of the approx. 2,500, who will be participating in the Aids/LifeCycle in June. We actually rode a day which will be similar to a day on the Aids/LifeCycle ride. It was 82 miles from Santa Monica to Palos Verdes for a spectacular, 3,000 ft climb which was about 3 miles (seemed like straight uphill to me), down to San Pedro, eventually back towards Palos Verdes and then on to Santa Monica. It was quite the experience and needless to say, I was exhausted. In true form, I got up today, feeling somewhat rested, and rode 28 miles including some climbing near Lake Castaic. Oh, how my legs ache. I will continue to train this week, including some riding, and then next weekend it's the Santa Barbara ride. Along with 250 fellow riders, I will ride from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara (100 miles) on Saturday, spend the night in Santa Barbara and then turn around and ride back on Sunday (another 100 miles if you hadn't already figured it out). So, wish me luck and stay tuned. LOL, Denise.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

8:42 PM

It's getting hot outside......

Ok, this was probably the hottest day so far this year. We did a valley ride..... Balboa Park to Simi Valley and back. We (Deb, Cindy and I) rode just shy of 40 miles. We did enough climbing where we couldn't tell whether we were sweating from the heat or the hot flashes. Oy vey. Thanks for the push up the hill Deb...... And Cindy, you rock! It's been great training with you both. We will be ready to ride to Santa Barbara and back together in a few weeks.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

2:59 PM

First Century of the season......

Well, we made it. Rode from Valencia (Santa Clarita) to Ventura and back on Saturday. That's 104.2 miles. Yes, it took all day, but we did it. 7 hours and 6 minutes. Average 14.8 MPH. And thanks to Cindy and Deb for riding with me all day and all of the Team 100 members, ride leaders and roadies who made the day possible. And of course, Mexican Food for dinner. How much better does it get? My legs felt like jello, but for an encore, we got up and rode with Team 100 on Sunday morning. A short 15 mile recovery ride and a bicycle yard sale that was well attended. And of course, Mexican Food for dinner. Thanks Beth and Leslie for the invite!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

8:10 AM

Upcoming events......

Ok, so I got yelled at for not keeping up on my blog so here is an update. I have been spinning, lifting weights and playing racquetball during the week to get ready for the RIDE. And of course riding on the weekends. Here's what's coming up: On Saturday we will do the Paul Hulse Positive Peddlers Ride.... our first Century Ride (that's 100 miles for those of you who are not familiar with cycling lingo). Sunday is a short 28 mile recovery ride with Team 100 and then the Bicycle Yard Sale to raise more money for our group. In 2 weeks, I will do A Day on the Ride which is an 80 mile ride, simulating what a typical day is like on the Aids Lifecycle Ride. Then at the end of April we are riding with Team 100 from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara and back the next day. 100 MILES EACH WAY........ OMG. Anyway, stay tuned for the updates. And thanks again to all of you who are supporting me in this endeavor.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

4:39 PM

Mandeville Canyon - 5 miles up/5 miles down

It was a gorgeous day for a bike ride and after 30 miles from Santa Monica thru Marina Del Rey and back, we climbed Mandeville Canyon. It was 5 miles each way and we conquered it at a blistering pace, for us. I really felt strong climbing today and thanks to those that rode with Team 100 today, it was a blasty blast. The training is really starting to pay off.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

4:42 PM

Racquetball/Cross Training

Thanks to my friend Jennifer, I have been trying to play racquetball once a week. This week was the best. Not only did I get a great workout, my legs weren't even sore the day after. The cross training is really helping my endurance.

Monday, February 11, 2008

6:32 PM

Ventura to Santa Paula to Ojai (the VERY hard way)

On Saturday we did a 36 mile ride from Valencia out Hwy 126 towards Filmore. We had a horrible head wind the whole way back. One hour out and 1 1/2 hours back..... yikes.

On Sunday we rode with Team Ventura and started out on our 1/2 Century ride around 8:30 am. After a grueling 21+ miles into the wind we started up Hwy 150 which is nearly a 5 mile climb to get up and over to Ojai. At the top a spoke broke and I didn't even get to enjoy the 6 mile downhill. I hate it when that happens, but thanks to Tom Benbrook, I had a ride back. It is especially lucky for me that this didn't happen on the decent as I could have had a serious accident.

Well, it's on to another week of cross training and travel. Stay tuned for more.

Monday, January 28, 2008

9:41 AM

Cross Training

Ok, so I started my cross training at the gym yesterday. I shot baskets (and chased the ball alot) for 25 minutes. My legs feel like jelly today...... I realized that I have a ways to go in my trainig. Riding alone will not get me from San Francisco to LA in June.

Monday, January 21, 2008

7:11 PM

Shifting Gears - Team 100

I am so glad that we joined Team 100 and thanks for making us feel so welcome. The rides are great and I especially love Tony's safety speech. Riding up PCH from Helen's in Santa Monica to Trancas was quite the experience. 50 miles with hills.... I can't wait to do it again.

866.245.3424 • 415.581.7077 • 323.993.7483 • info@aidslifecycle.org • Privacy policy

Denise Maggio'sAIDS/LifeCycle Homepage

Make A Donation

I'm Riding to bring awareness to the plight of AIDS

Messages of Support for Denise

Denise's Links

Denise's Blog

Friday, May 30, 2008

2 days and counting.....

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Recovery.....

Monday, May 19, 2008

It's getting hot out there ! ! ! ! !

Monday, May 12, 2008

Dog bites.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Santa Monica to Santa Barbara.... and back!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

A Day on the Ride

Sunday, April 13, 2008

It's getting hot outside......

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

First Century of the season......

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Upcoming events......

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Mandeville Canyon - 5 miles up/5 miles down

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Racquetball/Cross Training

Monday, February 11, 2008

Ventura to Santa Paula to Ojai (the VERY hard way)

Monday, January 28, 2008

Cross Training

Monday, January 21, 2008

Shifting Gears - Team 100

Denise Maggio's
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage