Day 7- We Made it to LA!

Originally uploaded by bmiller1710

So day 6 started out a little wet. We all woke up to rain and flooded tents. As we headed out at 6:30am, we watched the first riders struggle through pouring rain and fog. Just as we started our setup at the lunch stop, we heard that the ride had been stopped at the first rest stop; and soon after canceled for the day by CHP due to bad weather and a serious car accident along the route; the first cancellation in ALC history.

The roadies on all teams scurried into action: canceling, changing, consolidating, and adapting; figuring out how to support and move 2150 riders from one camp to the next. It was quite the day. And I’ll be honest, I was over being wet and considered “princess’ing” it in a hotel the next night.

Although the riders and bikes arrived, the skies cleared and we had a wonderful evening at a beach-side camp in Ventura. The night ended with a moving and beautiful candlelight memorial out to the ocean.

The final day stayed dry and riders road along the scenic california coastline from Ventura through Malibu and ending in LA this afternoon. Both riders and roadies were greeted with hundreds of supporters cheering us in.

After 7 days, 545 miles, 2150 riders, 500 roadies, 420 gallons of coffee, 2.2 tons of oatmeal, 14,000 eggs, and 5400 pop-tarts; we’ve raised $10.5 million dollars to support those with HIV/AIDS and prevent further infections.

I’ll have to say this has been quite the experience. Lots of being tired, hot, cold, sad, happy, and energetic. Definitely a lesson in supporting others, feeling like you make a difference, and believing that each of us can make things better.

I heard this quote one evening from another rider and I will steal it to sum up my experience also, “The reason started the ride is not the same reason that I finished.”