40 MILES!!!!!!

Who needs the LA Marathon, when you can bike more than the 26.2 miles.. Ok, I can’t bad about marathoners, because I was one two years ago—but now I’m a cyclist…

Today, Los Angeles was crippled. I needed to meet my friend Frederick in West Hollywood; well coming from Eagle Rock as HELL—Basically, to get from the east to west side was a head ache. There was no way to cross over- to get back on the freeway was a nightmare too- so, at the end of all this, it took me 1.5 hours to get to his house.

So the journey starts on the Westside (Pico/Fairfax) - my buddy Frederick is making fun of me—I have cancelled on him many times, that he thought the LA Marathon was an excuse to now show up. Another buddy, Eric B. joined us…

The ride was pretty good- we went thru Culver City (this is almost the same route from my first ride). Some lil hills—so getting up was ok, but coming down—I hate speed!! But I was okay. We ended up going to the river (somewhere near Culver City). There is a bike path there—this is the same path where I FELL the first time. I got so bruised up that day, that riding today took me back to those moments. But that is in the past.

It felt good, riding on that bike path. We get to the bridge- I guess its Marina Del Rey. This is the bridge that I should have gone to my first ride out. I felt accomplished- but the ride did not end there. We were going to ride to the area where we can see the airplanes leave LAX—yes LAX, that is far huh? Well it is for me…

The bike path on the beach was a lil tricky. Lots of sand, pedestrians, amateur cyclist (I'm professional now.. lol) and lots of kids… oh yea, lots of turns too.. Sometime into the ride, the guys asked when I wanted to go back- I was pumped up, ready to go for more. I felt this is the push I need- well we passed Manhattan Beach and arrived to Hermosa Beach—now that is HUGE step for me—I believe we did 20 miles to get there. I’ve done up to 20, round trip- but this is 20 one way!!!

We rested and ate—and then headed back….

The way back, we split up a little bit. I was okay with it, cuz it was just the bike path on the beach. I got a little tired, but my ass was starting to hurt.. Eric B. said I probably was not sitting right… No, it just hurts to sit down on a bike saddle for a long time, especially when u don’t ride often…

We meet up before the bridge in Marina Del Rey—and to my surprise- I FALL.. lol.. I forgot when the last time I fell was..lol.. It goes back to, I have a hard time making right turns—that’s not new. I just didn’t think it would happen.. lol but it did.. Oh well, just clean up and get back on the bike.. That’s what a rock star does!

We ride back to Fredericks house—a total of 40 miles!!!!!!!!! Now I get to work my way up to more— next week is 50 miles!

SO, back on track—I hope to be writing more on my experience.. The last two months, I’ve gone on rides, and started spinning classes—but just have not been online blogging. I promise to do more—so, with determination, discipline (heheh) and support; I gain the courage to push myself. Now, I can use your support to.. Remember I am doing this for the AIDS Lifecycle.. to raise funds to bring awareness, treat those living with HIV/AIDS and hopes to find a cure.. So, please support the cause by donating: www.aidslifecycle.com/6003 Thanks!