May 31, 2007
Packed Up!
The doll is just for kicks, but I thought it would be funny to have her as a reference to see how big my bag really is! I think I will name her... Ricki after the brand of my bag.
You wouldn't believe what I fit in that bag! My sleeping bag, pillow, cycling clothes for 7 days, a camping pad, my helmet, shoes, tons of accessories, and even a red dress! (Just no kitchen sink).
I catch the 7AM flight out of LAX tomorrow morning to SFO and from there I begin my adventure. This year they have added Gabcast feature for the participants to use. Check out my homepage for some VOICE updates! Maybe I'll call at the top of a hill or in some crosswind, or coming down an amazing decent... or maybe just at dinner while I scarf down a dessert. Who knows! You'll have to check.
They also have an Experience Aids/LifeCycle 6 page with photos and blogs. Help me through the week with your support, love, and thoughts. You all will be in mine. It's also not too late to donate! I'm still counting on a few of you who have already promised to help me meet my goal! All in all, visit my homepage now and check out my latest!
Keep Rollin'
Tricia
May 25, 2007
Holy Moly Batman!
This time next week I'll be wondering the streets of San Francisco with my rolling gear bag full of tightie bikies and bandanas. Where has the time gone?
As odd as it sounds, I think I'm a little MORE nervous this year than last year. I'm sure you are thinking... "Why is she nervous? She did it last year. She's a veteran! (And she's super cool.)"
Well, I think it is because I expect more from myself. Last year we struggled a bit. This year I want to be able to conquer the hills with confidence, ride through the crosswinds smiling, and be the one to encourage other struggling riders. Most of all, I want to make you proud.
We have a chance to make a difference everyday.
Although nervous, I am ready! Check out my page while I'm on the ride. They added a little feature called a "Gabcast". I can call a phone number, record messages, and they will be automatically posted to my webpage! SWEET! You can also send me messages of support that I can read from camp each night too. I'll have more information on that right before I leave. Of course you can text me too. :o) Every added encouragement really does make a difference. Every penny does too! I'm still short of my goal. If you haven't donated yet, today is the day! If you have, consider another donation... $5, $10, $15 bucks instead of coffee or a pedicure could really make a difference.
Keep Rollin' Tricia
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/1708
May 09, 2007
24 Days... 24 Thoughts
Oh yes! The count down begins! Only 24 days left until I start pedaling down the state of California! With that in mind... I give you my 24 thoughts proceeding ALC6.
1. AHHHHHHHHH!!! (Whew, that felt good.)
2. Need to make flight arrangements and secure a place to crash in SF. :o) Dan? Jess? Alex? Anyone?
3. I would love to find a way to hook my camera onto my bike and take a video of me going down hill at 40 miles an hour. Would my face really be pulled back like a puppy with its head out the window?
4. Do cycling socks NEED to match the whole outfit?
5. I'm already not looking forward to the football bread lunches, but my mouth is watering over dinners and dessert!
6. Note to self... at Orientation, make friends with a nice roadie. Megan can't set up our tent from Australia!
7. Must try on my red dress with bikie tighties and sit on my bike and make sure the ruffles won't get caught in my spokes.
8. Detox until after the ride... no wine, beer, or soda... ouch.
9. I should get another 300 miles in on my bike including some HILLS.
10. Maybe I really SHOULD get my nose pierced... that's a great look on me.
11. Heidi and I need to create a new ALC song this year, just in case certain staff members try to sign us up for the talent show again. Perhaps to the tune of “Under The Sea”?
12. Eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty.
13.
14. Remind Heidi to bring a bag with WHEELS.
15. I need to remember that I don’t need to be a ferret during the ride and save and hide food in my pockets. The Ride will feed us and it might attract bears into our tent… and when I say bears, I really mean big, scary animals… and when I say big, scary animals, I really mean bums in Santa Cruz.
16. “Sunscreen’s for sissys!”
17. Pajamas vs. no pajamas... more room for extra stuff in my bag, but a less happy tentmate.
18. Two words… Ear plugs.
19. Remind myself of those that donated while I climb the big hills and I'm cussing and raising my fist. They believe in me, so I should too!
20. Buy a head light so at night I can see in the pitch black porta-potty and still have use of both hands.
21. Bring some money so I can purchase that SWEET jersey that Dinh and I designed. It’s going to be awesome seeing it on the road!
22. Is a photo gallery of road kill we see on the ride funny or just gross?
23. Remember to bring extra batteries for my camera so I can share my experience with all of you!
24. Remind all of you out there that NOW is the time to donate. It's getting to be crunch time and I am SOOOO close to my goal.
"Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change." - Barbara Mikulski
Please make a contribution to support my efforts. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible and will make a real difference in the lives of many affected by HIV and AIDS.
Until next time... Keep Rollin'!
- Tricia