What are you waiting for?

I will continue updating you on the rest of the Ride in the coming days.

2005 and into 2006 were incredibly challenging and rough times for me, with much uncertainty, growing, loss, and grief. It was incredibly difficult to maintain a prayer life and my sense of spirituality. Yet, it was also an incredible time of support and care from family and friends. I had wanted to do the AIDS ride last year, but didn't know where I'd be living, what I'd be doing, so I put it off.


I signed up for AIDS lifecycle 5 still not knowing, and realizing it didn't matter.

With the help of incredible donors, we raised over $4000 to go toward the $8 million dollars to care for HIV and AIDS patients and find an end to this insidious disease.

In the week following the ride I found myself wiped out, and then not so wiped, but watching too much t.v., drinking too much wine, eating too many bad foods, and just low-energy. And I realized I was scared to see that this experience, the ride, the training, the conversations, have broken me open, have invigorated me. Doing this with the incredible support of my new congregation, with friends and family always encouraging and asking about it is what kept me going. At some point, I knew I had to do it. And it crept up over time. Each day of the ride was a little closer.

Before beginning training, I was terrified at the thought of a 40 mile ride, had to work hard to climb a hill, never mind my first 100 mile day being in the midst of about 550 miles. And with fellow riders, laughing, and struggling, and just keep spinning. Oftentimes it was silly and funny, sometimes it was just hard and irritating, and then there were the moments of incredible grace. Dartagnon came to mind often. Steve shared that Daphne and Earl, 2 parishioners I adored and said prayers over their bodies, and was a part of their transition, had cheered him on the Ride a few years ago. And so many other blessings. Tears come just reflecting on this gift you all share.

Thank you!

And what about you? What is something you have long been wanting to do? A goal you have set? But it just hasn't been the right time, or the resources aren't there, you don't have the skills or abilities, or you're not ready. Go out and try the first step. Take it bit by bit and make it happen. Ask for help. Say your prayers. See your own strength, your ability. The blessings from such challenges are incredible!

Go Team Virgin

Some of you have asked about the Team Virgin Jersey--not many people noticed or commented. Maybe they were reflecting on their spiritual lives and those of the saints...

One woman did ask, "does that mean Mary is your homegirl?"

I am a goofy, white girl from the burbs, I don't have homegirls, and Mary--not my homegirl.

But no one even asked about the Virgin!!!

How many tons???

It's difficult to convey the infrastructure, the organization, and supplies and support that go into the Ride but hopefully this gives you an idea.

FUN FACTS

Participants:
1,800+ cyclists
425+ volunteer roadies
Oldest: 78-years-old
Youngest: 18-years-old
40 states are represented
7 countries are represented: (U.S., France, Germany, Holland, England, Canada, Israel, China, Spain)+Ivory Coast


Travel Route:
585 miles
55 towns/jurisdictions
8 counties

Food: (this is the part that is incredible)
38,000 eggs
43,500 pounds of ice
10,000 Clif bars
1,000 Luna bars --never saw these, maybe b/c there were only 1000
14,000 gallons of water
2 tons of chicken --this is where I say "ew" I did a vegetarian option but did enjoy a bit of meat, but 2 TONS!!!? ew
2 tons of oatmeal
5,000 pounds of vegetables
350 gallons of coffee
550 gallons of milk
1,000 pounds of pasta

Supplies:
874 portable toilets --these were cleaned out in between site and very well used
18,000 pc's of "butt balm"
1,250 sleeping tents--we picked up our tents from gear trucks and took them to our sites to set up

Day Four

We woke at about 5 or so in Paso Robles--I never carried a clock away from the bike, dressed, ate breakfast-watching the yoga and morning dancers, (watching being the key) packed up, and delivered the tents and gear to the trucks. We got to the bike and noticed we had a few additions to our group for the day--Makoto and Mandana were going to endure to make it to the Hot Springs! We were taking some time getting air in the tires and the air pumps weren't working, but eventually managed. Oh no! I took my gloves out to wash them--they were in serious need! And now they are packed in the gear truck. The bike maintenance people don't have any, but keep an eye out for a shop on the road. Oh well.

This was a climby, rolling hills morning. As usual, the morning's were much easier--butts not hurting too much and we're rolling. We were on a strict schedule to get to and through the stops efficiently and quickly. Wait in the porta-potty lines and someone will pick up the snacks and we'll eat, pee, and roll.

After another climb up--


oh, the guy we're pointing at, just happened to pop into the picture--no idea who he is! He just joined in!




We're halfway to LA! There were about 5 or 6 signs to take pics with, thanks to a very smart person. Shayne shared his iced, blended mocha--SO Good!









(*editor's note: notice the lovely, clean, unharmed left arm on the Team Virgin girl) (okay, clean is a very relative word on the road, but unscathed is a good one)



After our pics, it was an incredibly beautiful descend toward the coast--yeah! Cooler air! Beautiful scenery. Dolphins playing in the ocean. And then a turn a bit more inland.

We had lunch and got back on the road. We were passing Rest Stop 3 and making a "wrong" turn, oops, a little lost... oh no, let's ask for directions! Oh this lovely hotel looks like a good place to ask and refill our water. Oh and if we must--a dip in the hot springs up, up and in the midst of the oaks. What? flushable toilets? Okay. Big showers? Okay. Hair dryers? Okay. The springs were so beautiful and relaxing.



What were we thinking??? Getting back on those bikes? With 20 miles to go, it didn't seem so bad. Mandana was smart to SAG at the next water stop. This one time at bike camp... I stuffed my wet swim suit top in my jersey--kept me cool in the heat.

We road toward camp and stopped for the M & M people, who had fresh STRAWBERRIES--yum! But there was a dark cloud over the occasion with fire trucks, plural, and sirens ahead at the freeway on-ramp. We only knew at the time that a cyclist was involved and found out later a car had cut a cyclist off without enough time to react. We stayed with the m&m people longer, hoping the accident could clear up. One of these generous people was a bit pushy about eating his chips ahoy--not a fave of mine and kept trying to shove them in our mouths--eww. And it did NOT taste like strawberry shortcake. The strawberries were delicious!!

The accident seemed to be clearing and we were rolling--only to find a GIANT, meaning unexpected, steep, and we're relaxed from hot springs, climb. The road was incredibly busy with traffic flying by us. There was more traffic and more rolling hills. Shayne and Makoto took off ahead and Kelly, Kelsey, and I rode together. I entertained us with the mayor story.

And then...dum dum, da DUMB... I got our adrenaline pumping hard and fast when I noticed something sticking out of my back jersey pocket, which were brimming... and lost my balance, swerved and fell into the traffic lane. Kelly reached and yelled. Kelsey was quick to stop and climb off her bike. I hit the ground and immediately pulled myself off to the side. I'm fine, I'm fine. Oh, I think my heart is pumping a bit fast. Breathe. No I'm really fine. Let's take a minute. How much do I love my friends?


This was the moment that made long days all worth it, that made grumpy comments worth every second, Kelly and Kelsey just there with me. I was surrounded and cared for. And Kelsey, who was starting nursing school the next week, checking my wounds. And rolling, still shaken, but rolling. Remember how I forgot my gloves? A little bruised and battered, but a wet swimsuit is a nice cool compress/glove.

And into Rest Stop 4!! Or not--"if you ride in here, you will be sagged." But we HAVE TO PEE!!! So we stopped at a gas station in this strange town. No, this giant store and gas station has no bathroom. Okay, it's only 8 miles. Or is it? We met up with some others at the end of the group and they had found somewhere to use the bathroom. Our butts hurt, this isn't funny. Not funny. But we're almost there....really...really?...Kelsey, how are you doing? The pain in this woman's face-my bladder is more than full. There's a school and a park and bathrooms--let's go. Oh, and BIG men hanging out. And we're three women who have hydrated to the point of pain.

I think we're going to be the caboose--almost. Camp--let's see a dismount Kelly! But watch out for Jen running into you. Shayne was there cheering people in, oh how much he had missed!! We parked the bikes and there's the caboose!

Dinner first, Kelly, Shayne, and Mandana were off to their hotels. Mandana's wallet was lost, I found out on my messages, later, since I was off showering and having my wound dressed, so I could sleep and keep it clean the next day. Too bad I missed Charlie searching through our tent for the wallet--thieves!! Intruders!! Bruised and a little battered, it was time for bed. Never try to hug the paved road--it's not for loving.

Sleep, sleep! Oh, but Rowdie has sleep apnea--snoring, wait, wheezing--BREATHE!! BREATHE!! I guess he'll survive the night. I'm back to sleep.

Day Three-Why are we doing this ride?

I think it's MS, children with too few barbies...Oh right! HIV and AIDS-and that is how we kept going on Day 3.

We began our day without streching, yoga, but with a full-size break and then time to get on the road, after packing up the tents, finding Mandana after her princess night (aka hotel-stay) and getting our tires air, and don't forget the MoJo!

We rolled out and pedaled and pedaled and saw some serious road-kill in the midst of the vineyards. I forgot to mention the snake-kill and the LIVE snake from Day 2 that was in the middle of the bike path, trying to get out and coming right at me!!! But Day 3 was more eclectic road kill with the bird-kill area. And the funny wineries--Grey Wolf, the winery stop that was being built in the shape of a Disney castle.

Where's Mandana? She rode ahead. We waited and waited at the porta potties at Rest Stop 2 and waited! And we were getting ready to roll when Mandana! She was at the SAG stop to be carried on her way in a lovely air-conditioned bus with videos! She was also trying to hide!! But we found her out, wished her well and hit the road to QUADBUSTER.

Quadbuster gets compared to White's Hill, which I've been over a number of times--I see no resemblance. I think Quadbuster is steeper, faster and nevermind that it comes after a couple hundred miles of riding already! And you can SEE the entire thing!!@! The mind is an amazing tool. Chickenlady stopped along the way and dropped sparkly eggs for riders. There were people riding back down, for another ride up the steep, LONG hill-did I mention how long!!, and some were calling out the names of people affected by this AIDS. Some were riding to cheer the slower folks up and over. There were dancers, singers, and people willing to give a push--if you stay to the right and look pathetic, as Kelly said.

We did it! We all did it and celebrated!







After quadbuster it was just HOT and a long way of boring flats. It was pretty, but consistent, and long and flat!!! We were grumpy. When was this going to end??? Then we got to the stop with HUGE sugary blue pops! But those didn't compare to the beauty of standing under the air-conditioner in the store!


We had lunch in the teeny, tiny town of Bradley, pop. 120 . They sell hamburgers and complete their fundraising for their school on this one day. It's pretty windy and we were getting sillier, then we hit the road and had to endure miles of bumpy, scary freeway time on 101.

Rest Stop 4 was the after-prom, complete with pregnant partiers...

at a church

The last ten miles was where my punchiness was at a new level. Punchy Jen is a scary and hilarious thing to endure. We were all so tired and silly. This one time I went on a bike ride... and then this one time at bike camp... we saw a mailbox shaped like a horse. Oops, try to stay on the road. The road where Michael, my neighbor, hit a HUGE hole and fell and needed stitches and gained a bruise to end all bruises (pics to follow later).

Who's the idiot, who's already tired and punchy and at the end of a 90 or so mile day, taking pictures from the bike??? That would be the braintrust-me.

FAQs

*How much did you train?
I bought my bike in November, went to Mississippi for 10 days, returned home, turned 29 with a blazing fever and some weird Katrina disease, slowly improved with a newfound love of antibiotics, and rode about 12 miles every few days. Then I accepted my new job, left the old one, and was sick again, but just a cough/head cold/energy-draining thing. Oh, and then I moved to S.F. I truly began training in January and had to buy a "trainer" to hook my bike into at home, due to the tremendous rains. I trained alone, because I was so nervous about my ability. One of my first rides out, on my virgin ride over the Golden Gate, once I found it, was up over the Headlands--a serious climb and didn't I know it! My short, solo rides made me fear my ability to ride with others

I joined the Friday training rides, met people, and kept up--phew! By May we were supposed to be training about 20-25 hours a week, mostly on the bike. I was probably close to the 20 hrs per week, with my longest ride being 78 miles on day of the ride. It made me nervous to see those people riding out for the weekend, when I was off electing a bishop and working!

*Do you carry your gear?
There is an incredible group of roadies who take our gear and tents along with mobile showers, and our whole AIDS ride city to the next site. At the end of the day we pick up our tents, our luggage and find our spot, then it's off to the showers in trailers--great water pressure and heat and don't make me leave the shower-ever!! Except for food, and sleep--if only we could do all three together.

*How does your body feel?
My muscles were sore on the last day-hah! Surprise! I was WIPED out for the first few days, but am coming back and slowly getting back into riding and running and using my body again.

*How was it?
It was a great experience of support, of being able to "just ride", of riding with such a diversity of people, of feeling fully supported, of knowing that there was no shame in being picked up/SAGged and getting to enjoy the pride of riding, as Daniel said, EFI-every f-ing inch. Some days felt SO long and most felt like a couple days. I slept hard in that tent city. I fell only once-not surprisingly due to messing around/carelessness. There were a couple rude people, but the kind, funny people so out-weighed them. It was a pilgrimmage--sacramental. Coming back to regular life is still jarring--it shook me up in a good way! I wish I had found the right saddle...

It was wonderful, I would do it again, and I often thought of my own amazing community at St. Mary's, amongst my friends, and of Dartagnan, all children affected by this disease, and my dear friend, who I have often watched taking his cocktail of drugs on an empty stomach.

I found new friendships with people who are invaluable and will last a lifetime! We stayed together and needed one another and depended on each other in so many unexpected ways. What a blessing!

Let me know of more questions! This is truly a shared experience--riding is still such a small part of the whole!

Special Note

A special note to the Nishi's, who will fly to their new city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, taking all their special children,



and especially my sweet, sweet goddaughter, Lauren Jennifer, aka Ren,
who now calls me Jennifer, but still sometimes it's Abeck!



Oh, I'm going to have to visit just to see that smile! We love you all! You are very much in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts!

Day Two

Did I mention the late night (like, 8 p.m.) stop at the med tent. Some of the guys were in need of band aids for their nipples--must have been a rough day one!

Jennifer...wake up...

5:00 a.m.? 5:30 a.m.? It don't matter-it comes EARLY either way, when Kelly beckons. And add to that poor Mandana's not being able to sleep with the snorers in our tent village, some of whom were about a foot away on a couple sides, so in the night, as her ear plugs weren't in, I awoke to "shh" "quiet". The snoring was loud and an indication of the week. She got the eaer plugs to work and was soothed by the thought of her sweet hotel room the next night. We quickly dressed, (on Kelly's rec. our clothes were in our sleeping bags with us--a greatly appreciated thing in S.C. because our tent was dripping wet) pulled sweats over cycling gear and took our puffy-eyed selves by the bathrooms and onto a breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, meat, and whatever else could be piled on our plates. Then it was over to yoga, the yoga-nazi, who had us stretching and waking and holding poses under amazing redwoods

We packed up the rest of our gear and tents, dropped them off at the gear trucks, who would drive them onto King City. We found our bikes, peed, waited in the line for air, got our MO-O-O-J-O-O- from the Mojo man, had our butts blessed, but the butt-blessing lady and were rolling- or so we thought... It was treacherous getting out of Santa Cruz, with all the traffic and traffic lights. Cyclists were anxious to get moving and this added at least an hour to our day. But Aptos and Soquel were supportive with coffee and sweet kids cheering us along.

It was a 105.4 mile day--so I'll give you the highlights. Shayne and I took off ahead, rode past the artichokes, were almost thwarted by a live snake in the path, and were pushed out of the closing rest stop 2. We decided to meet Kelly, Bob, and Mandana (Kelsey went out way ahead this day and we never SAW her!) As we were enjoying an incredible tailwind to lunch, I remembered my sister was supposed to be having a baby and sent special prayers. We all re-gathered at lunch in Salinas and I borrowed Kelly's phone, before the sweepers were pushing us out, and it's a girl! But no name. But she has a name now--
Naia Malle Bordeau, 7 lb 14 oz was born and kept me going on that century.




I had tears at not being there for her birth and tears in thanksgiving for being right there on the ride!

Then it was time for the long haul--when your butt is hurting something bad, your tired, and we're inland with the winds hitting us and the dust moving. It was Steinbeck country and so beautiful, but the miles were long, on top of the previous days early wake and 80 miles, so it was a lot to take in. Shayne and I moved ahead and then he developed some sort of monster turbo engines that took him to Rest Stop 3--we barely even noticed the toilet stop on the way. Rest Stop 3 was a dust stop. We all rode together from there. Mandana wasn't sure she was going to make it, but Kelly had urged her this far and she was still going. There was definite fatigue before the water stop/otter pop stop at Mission Soledad and it was rough-going.






But we made it there and were reminded why we do this





The sweet chapel at the mission had a frontal where we could write messages and remember people and why we ride--very powerful places, filled with Spirit and tears. It was a beautiful chapel--I'd love to go back, and likely will. I lit a candle for Dartagnan, for all those who mourn, and for celebration that we will conquer this ugly disease.

We rode out, passed the skinny-dippers along the way--no time to stop,






because the cookie-lady was coming up! Kelly's knowledge and promises were always true and awesome, even though she had to carry the load of ride leader--we were all SO thankful! --don't get between me and a cookie--Ride to Eat


Then it was a stop at Camp Sorebuhm,



and we were riding out to avoid the sweep in.


And we all DID IT!!! 105.4 miles--maybe a bit more, because route sheets lie--and don't think a couple miles don't matter!!! But we did it!! And although this is a LOOONG post, it's nothing compared to over 12 hours out and a 105.4!!!miles after and 80 mile day and before Quadbuster







I think this was the day we got in so late, we rushed to set up tents, take showers, and then-- oh shit! Dinner closes at 9--we were there at 8:58. As I stood in the vegetarian line, I talked to the guy behind me and after a few minutes we realized he was on his second dinner, which is common in camp, and I was on my FIRST. We had just met, but he was so empathetic and rubbing my shoulder, saying "oh my gosh"! We met up with Donald, on his second dinner, and laughed and talked and ate and then suddenly we were asleep, after peeing, again, of course.

Day Zero and Day One

On Saturday, June 3 we brought our bikes to the Cow Palace and checked them in for their overnight stay. It was not easy to leave Priscilla there and, because she's my most expensive property (I know--it's time to think investment) I had to remind myself that she was in bike parking. We then went through the lengthy saftey video and Mandana cracked me up making faces about all the talk, talk, talk. We got our bracelets that showed we had seen the safety video, then lined up, Disney-style with inside back to back lines, and were given our numbers. After that it was more lines to get our tent neighborhood sites, so we could be around friends. Three and a half hours later I was late for returning my city-car and needing to get to work. Oh, and packing--no easy feat, trying to figure out how to fit a sleeping bag, thermarest, 7 sets of ziploc-bagged biking clothes, shower items, and camping clothes in one duffel bag. Then it was off to Pizza Orgasmica for a carb-loaded yummy pizza dinner.

At 5:00 a.m. Mandana, Khosro, Kelly, and Shayne waited as I shoved the final stuff into my bag and somehow got it zipped. We got to the Cow Palace and turned in our gear and made the first of so many visits to the porta-potties. Then opening ceremonies and ride out. It was a sign of the coming week that the staff was urging us to head out, while we waited for someone in the potty. Kelsey, Kelly, Shayne, Mandana, Charlie and I rode out together. As we were leaving, Michelle mentioned that the saddle she'd lent me was a man's. Charlie's tentmate was in the crowd cheering, since his cab had taken off with all his gear, fortunately he met up with us that night in camp. The crowds were cheering and a helicoptor overhead reminded us that this is a BIG deal!



On the ride out of So. S.F. we passed my parishioners, Peggy and Julie, out on their ride. It was misty and foggy heading down toward Pacific and our helmets were dripping. As a rider passed, saying "on your left", Charlie said, oh yeah? you're still not going to win! We did the hard climb over 92-a road I have driven many times and never thought I would be able to climb on a bike.

I had shared about the Team Virgin Jersey (photos to come later) and pointed to the woman with a Virgin of Guadalupe banner and said, "See! It's the Virgin! I mean... it's not you..." Oops.
/Users/jenniferhornbeck/Desktop/DSCN1158.JPG


The coast was stunning! I love the Big Basin kite surfers!

We had lunch in San Gregorio and some fell asleep. I was on a mission to find Michelle and a girl saddle to save my poor sits-bones, but she'd forgotten. We met up with Bob, who had ridden out at front with the Positive Pedalers. Then it was down to Davenport for ice cream. I had separated and joined up with Julie, Donald and Chris from the Friday rides, taking the hills a little more quickly. At rest stop 4, the Bike Wash, I waited for my original group, who were enjoying the REAL ice cream in Davenport, so we could ride in together.




We rode into Santa Cruz and winded around to our campsite at Harvey West Park.
Susan and Lindsay were there cheering in riders,
wearing these gorgeous wigs:

They left me sweet notes, one for each day, and headed off to Susan's show in town.





Hello, Smurfhead!





Then it was off to set up tents, shower, and inhale dinner while announcements were made, and we had to miss the gay magician so we could get to sleep.


Day 1--1840 riders, 400 roadies
San Francisco to Santa Cruz
80 miles

And so we begin

I've set this space up to share with you all about the AIDS Lifecycle and the journey you all shared in through your love, support, and donations. You all have shared so much in the experience and while it is difficult to convey the experience, hopefully this will give you an idea!

This blogging thing is new to me! In the coming days, I'll update on each day on the ride.