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AIDS/LifeCycle is a 7 day, 545 mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to support critical HIV/AIDS services. Please click the image below to support my participation in AIDS/LifeCycle!

Here we go again...

Join me with all my adventures that will lead up to AIDS Lifecycle 8- Yes, I am doing it--once again.. Well, I am part of TEAM UTAC (Until there's a cure)-- there isn't a cure just yet-- so i will ride.

I have a lot to share-- please come back and read my updates!

xoxo

Jose

http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/cyclistjose

A quick update..

So- it's been a few days since I have been back from the 7 day AIDS Lifecycle bike ride-- It's been a busy hectic week, just trying to get back to my normal duties.. I will give a detailed update of my experience, along with pictures by the end of the week- Thank you all for coming to my website and for the support!

Days leading up to the AIDS Lifecycle

So, it's been a week since I have been back from the AIDS Lifecycle-- I want to blog about everything (that I remember). I think it's only fair to share my experience with everyone, especially my supporters.

First of all, thank you for supporting me. This experience was the best I have ever had in my life. If i can put a name to it, i would just call it COURAGE, for many reasons.

The days leading up for my flight to San Fran, were really hectic. First of all, I had the nervousness that anyone would have, putting themselves to ride for 7 days. But, on top of that, I had the nerves of knowing that I was not comfortable with my bike. A week prior to the ride, I got a professional fit, where they raised my saddle 1.5 inches. That might seem like a lot, but in riding it is. I had to learn how to stop and start cycling the correct way. I had 3 days of experience with the new height days before the ride.

Anyhow, packing my clothes and gear was a MESS! I tend to over pack when I travel; I needed to be more aware of what I would take, since I had limits on the weight of the bag, but also, remember that I would be dragging this bag around in the camp sites. The night before leaving to San Fran, I think i was awake up to 2am. I was on the phone with my friend Val-- trying to figure out how to pack. I re-packed my bag 3-4 times, each time taking things out. A huge portion of my packing were my snacks. I was told that they would provide us snacks, but I needed my energy packs-- like gel shot blocks, jelly beans. I still need to figure out a way to pack my sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I ended up putting them in those vacuumed bags, hoping to carry them on the plane. Overall, it was a long stressful night...

I don't know how many hours of sleep i got that night, but i know it was not enough. It was awkward saying bye to my family because I knew I would not be able to talk to them as much (i would be taking my cell phone, but I needed to be careful on my usage since I would not know how often I would be able to charge it). I decided to take public transportation to the airport; i figured it was the best and cheapest way to go. My mom dropped me off in the metro station in Highland Park-- she hugged me and off i was. I took the train to downtown and then took the fly away bus to LAX. I was good with time. I had to meet my friends Frederick and Eric at the terminal. I arrive to the ticket counter and was informed that I had to pay $25 extra for the sleeping bag to go on cargo... great, it would not be as expensive. I give the young lady my card and it gets declined! WHAT? I just got paid; i need money for the trip. How embarrassing! Luckily my bank was opened, I called them and apparently the lady put the wrong security code in the system.

As i get out of security check, I see my friend Frederick taking pics of me coming in. I started to feel the excitement. I knew that we were just hours away before getting to San Fran. As we walk to our terminal, we see SOOO many other cyclists; it's like we took over Virgin American airlines that day. Frederick and I started to talk to people (he knew more people than me- but i was introduced). I was really hungry and the only thing that got my attention was Cinna-bon.. heheh yummy!

Moments later, Eric showed up. Our little group was there. I was ready to get on the plan but we were delayed.. oh well, time to rest.

We finally got on the plane-- I have never been on a flight so fun. Not only was it full of cyclists, but we were able to chat with each other (thru the airline's chat system). I created my own play list of music. After a little over an hour, we arrive to San Fran. Baggage claim was soo full of cyclists. I was interested in seeing how people packed. Some took decent size luggage and some took big ones. Hmmm, i had my bag, plus the sleeping bag and pad separately. I htink i might have over packed, as always. I get my stuff and Frederick realizes that i might have packed too much. I was worried-- how am i going to make it work for the ride.

Anyhow, we arrive to the hotel and went straight to eat. We were in Japantown, but were in the mood for orange chicken (Chinese)-- i was sure we would not find any. We ended up eating at the good restaurant-- we were not sure of the portions, but we ended up with too much food.
Saturday we woke up early to meet up with his friends so we can attend the orientation. This couple was going to be our tent mates, but since they were doing the princess tour, they would be staying in hotels, leaving us with our own tents. I could not thank them enough!

We get to orientation at 8am--to find out-- we were first in line! How great was that-- that meant we would not be making this day a long day of lines. I think we were done by 10am or so-- We checked in, got our cycling numbers, got our tent assignment-- and as if i really needed it, bought new stuff (my bag was beyond full with this). I was also asked, if I can carry flags that have cyclist dedications of those that have passed away to AIDS, during the opening ceremonies. That was a great honor to be part of that.

The rest of the evening was about hanging out with friends and trying to calm our nerves. that night, Frederick and I ended up renting "Semi-Pro" at the hotel. Great comedy to help my nerves for the next day. It was probably 11pm and we went to sleep (although i was woken up at around 12:30am; the city had fireworks). We had to wake up at 3am... what a long night it would be......

that is it for this entry-- the next one will be about the actual ride....

The journey begins.. Day 1

The journey begins... you will read about the courage I have to do this ride and to help face my demons....

Day 1- starts off too early for me. I believe we woke up at 3:30am--- i wish i drank coffee to help me stay awake, but I don't. We arrive to the bus pick-up-- wow, so many cyclist ALL full of energy. hopefully some of that rubs off onto me.

As we arrive to the Cow Palace, they have the gear trucks ready-- we have to take our bags to our correspoding gear trucks (mine was Gear Truck C!!!). It's not even 5am, and the Cow Palace is full of volunteers-- they must have had a lot of coffee themselves. I go into the facility and i start eating so i can get the everngy i need to start my day- fruits, breads, bagel, lots of powerade. I had to rush to my bike and get some of the stuff together (make sure my tires were full of air, fill my water bottles, put my energy snacks away)-- I didnt have a lot of time, since I was going to be one of the cyclists carrying the banners that have been dedicated to those that have died of AIDS. We had to practice walking in, on cue.

I was able to go back outside-- all the cyclists were there. I still couldnt believe, that in a matter of moments, i was finnaly going to embarck into my journey of the 7 day ride-- I walked around and took pics with so many friends. It was very comforting seeing them. Then i had to go back to my spot for the banner.

This is where i got emotional-- the cyclists were allowed to go into the big auditorium room. Imagine, the sight of 2,500 cyclists, 500 roadies and all the visitors that went to cheer us on! I actually got my camera and video taped people walking in. Butterflies in my stomach from the exictement and the fears. i picked up my phone and called home very quickly, to wish my sister a happy birthday. After i hung up, i took a moment to myself, away from others-- to cry. All these emotions were running inside of me. I still couldnt believe i was doing this- I've trained for the past months, but all that training went out of my mind.. i kept asking myself, can i really do this?? But then i rememberd, the reasons why i took this challenge. I was doing it to help others, living with HIV and to bring awareness to others, so they dont become HIV positive. I knew, this fear will go away, all i had to do was think of my reasons of doing this ride.

We finally line up, all the cyclist are inside. I was at the end of my line (there were 10 of us holding banners). i saw my friends from Team UTAC (Until there's a cure)- As the ceremony went on, we had a moment of silence for those that have passed away. Although it was quiet, you can feel the emotions and energy from everyone. I was HONORED to be amongst all the cyclist, to carry the banners.

We are allowed to go to our bikes-- OH MY-- The exictement is just too much! Imagine, 2,500 people on there bikes.... You have soo many people outside, cheering you on.. Telling you :YOU ARE A HERO!"

I AM A HERO-- no matter what, that is what i am. All of us are....

Finally, the bike ride begins-- we start our 7 day journey-- and my nervousness kicks it.. LOL.. remember, I had not learned how to really stop and start back onto my bike. The seat level was still new to me. From being at the beginning of the ride-- i started to go towards the ending of the groups. I didnt want to feel presssued from riding. I was hoping to have seen some of my friends, but with soo many cyclists, that was hard to do.

4 miles into the ride, there was a woman that was on the floor. She fell from her bike. Luckily, there was a group assiting her. I still couldnt believe it happened to someone, so early in the ride. i had to be very careful and make sure i am safe.

11 miles or so into the ride, we have our first water stop. It was FULL of people-- trying to fill up their bottles and in line for the rest rooms. That gave me an idea of what to expect in the lines for all the rest stops. I did see friends-- but we all left at different times. I figured, I cant stay behind.. i need to get on my bike...

Moments after getting on my bike, i see my friend Chrystina.. YAH!!! Someone i can ride with. She was great to ride with, since she knows how slow I can be, but eventually I lost her. i started to ride alone again- i noticied that my bike was wobbling a lot. I just thought it was the wint hitting me from the side, along with the conditiions of the road. I kept going, but it felt like i was riding in a car with no suspension-- i was hitting the road with my tires.... i start to swerve a lot.. I dont know whats happening.. I stop my bike and go to the side of the road-- My front tire is FLAT!!! I had been lucky that it didnt happen to me during the training season.. Why today?? WHY?

I see a group of cyclists not far from me changing another persons tire. I walked to them to see if they can fix it for me (since i didnt know how). great thing for AIDS Life cyclist-- there is a comadrity, that everyone helps each other out. Unfortunately, i forgot the name of the cyclists that changed the tire. THANK YOU!

My tire still needed to be checked by the bike tech-- it felt like it was out of true (not balanced). In addition, i needed to check the air in them.

I finally arrive to rest stop 1-- there is a HUGE line for the bike techs-- what do i do? just ride or wait in line (i still needed to get food to energize myself). As I am in line, i meet my future wifey, JANINE, we bonded----- She was soo nice to hold my bike so that I can go to get some snacks.
We shared our personal stories as to why we were doing the ride-- then about relationships, and everything else. I guess you can just open up to anyone during the ride. As we stand in line, they tell us that we have a few minutes before they close the route on us. I had to decide on whether i should ride, or just end the day-- hmm for me it was about safety...i ended my day at mile 20 (out of 82).. Wow, did i just fail my first challenge?

I was bummed out-- but i was cheered on by Janine and my other new roadie buddy- SOPHIA--BLUE WIG!!!! I went on the Sag bus (the one that takes those that end the day-- no more riding for the day). We start to ride off to the lunch stop.. So, what do i miss out on?? HILLS HILLS HILLS!!!!!!!! But, not just regular hills-- they were nice to look at, but the downhill looked like HELL! There was steep and long- it seemed like cyclist can fall over the cliff, or whatever is on the other side. I think i would have died there-- with the fast speed and my nerves... So, at the end of it, I was glad i missed out on that part.. i know i know, i should have done it all, but there is more to come in the days to follow.

We arrive to Santa Cruz for Day 1 camp-- it was nostalgic arriving there. I went to school at UC Santa Cruz- It had been 7-8 years since i had been there. As soon as i arrive, I call my friend adrian (who still lives there) he went to visit me at the camp site. Shortly after, I asked him to take me to UCSC-- i needed to see all the changes (where there were many).

Adrian and I had lunch, with a student i used to mentor. She was happy to have someone from LA visit her; We then went to KRESGE COLLEGE (and had to take some pics)..lol..

We then went to camp-- adrian was kind enough to mail some of my stuff back to LA- remember how my luggage was too full?? Well, he took care of that.

The day ends, with having a great dinner and hearing everyone's stories of the ride.... Then it was off to bed--- a new journey starts the next day...

*** Writing this entry was emotional-- i took me back to the feelings that i was experiencing during the cermonies.

What a LONG DAY!

Day 2- we were scheduled to do 105 miles.. that is more than a century-- will i be able to do it? The most i had done was 62 miles... let's see....

I left the camp site in Santa Cruz with lots of energy-- i was ready to conquer this day! 105 miles? I can do it! It's all on my mind...

There was a little problem though--- it took us almost 1.5hours just to get out of Santa Cruz-- just 5 miles... that REALLY put a dent on my schedule-- Nevertheless, taking so long to get out of Santa Cruz was somewhat refreshing. We cycled pass many areas that I used to drive through. It was beautiful and scenic. Unfortunately, i drank TOO MUCH water-- LOL i was hoping to make it to the rest stop to ... you know.. lol but I did my first un-official rest room stop-- good thing i didn't get a ticket. =)

I made it to rest stop 1-- i had 15 mins to leave-- i hurried up because there was NO way i would take the bus today. I really wanted to finish the ride today--

So i got on my bike and continued my journey-- the scenery changed completely. We rode into Watsonville, Salinas, Greenfield and other rural areas of California. It felt very serene, just cycling through open fields, full of strawberries and other fruits/vegetables. For a moment, I started to ride with Brendan- he saw how fast my feet were cycling. He told me to change gears-- it's great to have Training Ride Leaders (TRL) around you.. changing my gears, made it easier and smoother to ride without a lot of fast peddling.

As we cycled, i thought--- this is too easy for us to do-- maybe that is why it's 105 miles?? Well, little did i know what i had coming up. CROSSWINDS-- sometimes going over 20 mph-- There was NO training that would have prepared me for this. It was very difficult for me to cycle with the wind hitting me from the right or from the front... it was all a struggle.. I would look ahead and try to figure out when we make a turn so we can have the wind hitting us from behind.

i was able to make it to lunch without being put on the bus, which is where i saw fellow UTAC cyclists Valerie and Haley- we caught up for a bit and Haley left-- i still need to catch up on my food and stretch out.. Valerie and I finally rode off-- the miles after were THE BEST! They were just flat lands-- Val and I kept passing people "ON YOUR LEFT!" If one of us passed each other, we would occasionally scream out our names to see if we were still behind each other.


At one of the rest stops, I saw TRL Kitty Ears (Chris E.)-- and she said there was part of the ride coming up that looked flat, but it was an actual incline-- Well, we got to it and I felt it really good. I can see all the cyclist struggle--

Shortly after we made it to Rest Stop 3-- what a FUN stop-- we had ice Popsicles, and the "bears" were dancing away--- oh yeah it was at a Mission too.. lol.. We caught up with Haley-- and we left just minutes before they closed that stop--


Riding with two sexy mamas was great. We just gave each other more energy to keep on riding. But that started to end soon. We made it to the bridge where people jumped into the river naked-- but i keep on riding. I know Haley and Val are good riders, so I just wanted to make sure i can go, and they would be able to catch up..

I started to struggle-- wind was hitting me from up front. I would see cyclist pass me- i looked at what techniques they used to ride thru the wind, but i just couldn't make do it... but i did not stop-- i kept pushing myself.. I was determined to make it!!
at about mile 89-90 i see some school kids on the right side, cheering us on.. they were so cute.. that helped me with my persistent to continue-- then it happens again-- my front tire gets a FLAT!

The first 2 days just weren't meant for me-- why a flat? why again?? I didn't want to change the tire, i knew that rest stop 4 was near-- i got my pump and put some air, enough to carry me on for a mile or so-- Once i arrive to Rest Stop 4, i am told i must continue (and not stop) if i wanted to finish the ride. i informed them, i just needed a tire change-- the woman said to do it quick and i would be able to make it.

I go to bike tech--and was informed that it was not just the tube i needed to change, but my actual tire (there was a piece of glass that went through it). He said I could risk getting a back on the road-- it would only be 14 miles..


I got back on the bike-- but as soon as i got to the rest stop exit, i was told to get back inside-- i missed the closure by 5 mins.. I had to get back on the bus--- damn!! This would have been my first century-- i didn't make it, but it was because of my tire... 91 miles!!! That is still something to celebrate! I started my day at 8 and finished at around 6:15-- long day huh?

Emotionally high

Day 3: The most emotional day of my ride and you will read all about it---Today's goal: 66.7 miles

Today was about testing myself.. pushing myself.. accepting myself for me.. and opening up-- to show the person inside of me...

The first part of the beginning was am easy 8 miles-- i knew that would change.. i wondered why the first rest stop was at 8 miles.... I get to the rest stop and i see my friend Chrystina-- we decided to ride off together-- we had QUADBUSTERS coming up-- This would be one the first hills that everyone hypes up-- think about, just the name of it- the climb is 1.3 miles and elevates almost to 1500 feet....

We realized we were wearing too many layers; we pull over to the side of the road to start undressing-- lol-- we needed to be in the least amount-- well at least our shorts and shirts-- we had fun doing it- we met two other girls that took a break so we decided to stretch for a bit-- it was like doing ballerina lessons (as you can tell, this ride is about having fun too)..


We left to face the challenge of the climb- wow, looking ahead of us, you can just see the struggle of the cyclists--pushing themselves to go up the hill..... All i can do, is keep my face down, enough to know what is directly in front of me-- I cant look to see when it's going to end-- the other thing that was working was-- yelling silly things-- anything to keep my mind off the climb--


Pushing down and pulling up--that's all i can do with the pedals-- my legs were burning.. but no pain, no gain-- there was a rest stop in between all this-- Chrsytina and I decided to take a quick break-- we needed to get some some air and take our energy/electrolytes (it was getting hot).

We get back on our bikes and a roadie that was in charge of the small rest stop-- gave me a push-- i got the momentum to keep going.. from this point on--- i started to physically and mentally feel it.... i know why i am doing this challenge-- this does not compare to what one is going thru living with HIV/AIDS-- this challenge is for them... and for myself.. to believe in myself...

I am coming close to reaching out to the top of the hill.. all i hear are cheers from roadies and cyclists that stopped at the top of the hill to cheer us on.. I see Brian H. (from Team UTAC taking pics of all of us cycling)-- i start to see more familiar faces-- Ginger, Brendan his family... I get to the top-- and i just burst into tears-- tears of accomplishments-- This physical challenge just opens up my mind, that any challenge that is in front of me, I can overcome them.

I get off my bike.. and i get hugs from my friends-- Brendan, Shawnet, Chrystina and Chris E.-- they kept telling me-- YOU DID IT!! YES I DID!! I start to cry more-- they assure me, that what i am feeling is okay-- Hearing from Brendan and Chris E-- meant a lot.. they know my struggles of just getting on my bike--from falling down--and for me to do that part was a huge success.


I stood at the top for a while.. i really wanted to sink in-- i took pics with my friends-- but then, i started to help those that were still climbing the hill-- I walked down a little bit and start to run and push the cyclist-- i know that really helps..


After a while- we are told to leave-- they wanted to make sure that we would be able to complete the whole ride. I forgot-- for every climb, there is a downhill and usually a long downhill-- I HATE DOWNHILLS-- I looked at my bike computer and i was clocking over 35 mph-- all i could do is break and break...

Finally i get to the bottom-- it was a great adrenaline rush but also scary-- I just have not gotten used for my bike to go that fast--

As the day progressed, i saw different things-- again, open fields of nothing-- we were something close to our lunch stop, but there was a man standing in a SMALL town bbq some hot dogs-- at this time, everything and anything smells and sounds good.

The rest of the ride, was HARSH-- we cycled on the 101 freeway and a lot of it, was bad pavement-- lots of potholes, bumps, cracks on the floor-- it made it very difficult to ride that way. Every time we got off an exit, all i could hear is people curse--lol

We ended up in a SMALL town called Bradley (40 miles)-- they were having a fundraiser-- another BBQ but this time burgers-- the town takes advantage of 2,500 cyclist going thru their town. The money raised helps their after school summer programs. The town is very welcoming to the AIDS Lifecycle community.

I rode off-- making sure that I make the rest of the stops-- it's only 26 miles for me to get into camp-- that is nothing-- so i think-- but by this time, my body is giving in on me-- The miles accumulated plus the hills i did are things that i don't think i really prepared myself to do it. I decided to just fight my mind-- if so many cyclist can continue, i can too...

I finally got to rest stop 4-- i think this was my first time, me getting there and still not being closed-- and what a great surprise i had for myself-- the theme for the stop was GREASE-- one of my all time fav movies.. they put on the BEST SHOW!!! (there is a youtube video of it, once I figure out how to post on here, i will)

After a short (well not really short) break-- i get on my bike and was determined to finish!!! I rode off with Chrsytina, but at one point I lost her-- she went ahead of me-- my body was just not working with me-- inside I was crying-- my body was aching-- the last 11 miles were a struggle (especially when i needed to take a small off the road restroom break)...

I arrive to Paso Robles-- my first completion!! Frederick was there cheering me on-- what a great feeling-- i freaking did it-- it was not an easy day, but i overcame it...

I learned a lot about myself today--

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

My day didn't stop there-- there was something even more special that night...next entry