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Had it been tomorrow you might have spared yourself the disappointment, but seeing how the World Nekkid Bike Ride and World Cup Futbol games landed today, after a 2nd Friday ride (I'll bet most riders are barely shaking off their drunken stupor), it was just very bad timing. Remember who you did this for, not who wasn't there to greet you. Congrats to everyone involved.
I supported in the way I could; I made donations to several people. But I had to work and couldn't be there this afternoon. =( I wish I could've been there to cheer you in. Great job, y'all!
hey this thread is not fair.... you should be sarcastically thanking the ALC organizers for being so uptight about this. Raquel you were the one who came to me and said they didnt want MR to be there for this. I asked them for an official statement on it and they backtracked about not having people show up but it still carried the message that MR is not the most welcome group.
Congrats on the ride and seriously you guys are awesome for raising the money for ALC. I'm in Colorado right now so I couldnt have gone, but tell you the truth after seeing the message addressed to MR from ALC I was not all that Jazzed to go.
In all fairness to the ALC, my experience last year was that they really like Midnight Ridazz. What they don't want to do, though, is run afoul of the VA -- and the VA really hates MR. So the ALC people are in a bit of a pickle.
As I've mentioned to a few people, I think MR should just set up an unofficial final rest stop along the route (perhaps on the beach) before the riders get to the VA on the last day. Get some Angelopes out there and some music and show the ALC riders -- not just the ones from MR but all the riders -- what LA is all about. Screw the VA.
I'm a little checked out of the whole MR thing these days (and am out of town right now anyway), so I wasn't going to organize it this year,... but maybe next? Or I welcome anyone to take the idea and run with it. After riding that far, it does feel nice to be welcomed back, to feel like you've returned home.
Sorry, guys, that you didn't get a decent welcome back this year.
Thats a bummer. I had no idea.
Why isn't it on the ride calendar?
Not that I could have been there anyway I had to be at a wedding today.
To be honest ... you post kinda stings.
I have personally offered/donated my time and services in one way or another toward fundraising for every TMR ALC to date. Not because one of my best friends was riding. Just to support people who are part of the Ridazz family achieve and awesome goal.
My heart is always with TMR. Even when I can't be there.
I think it really unfair to tell Midnight Ridazz "Thanks for Nothin'" A lot of us have spent a lot of time and money supporting TMR over the years without having the pleasure of being able to do the actual ride.
Rides don't just happen.
Somebody has to plan them.
And all respect due for your great accomplishment and all the fundraising TMR has done , but if you (and TMR) wanted or expected a greeting committee you should have taken greater steps to make sure something had been planned not just take for granted that something was going to go down.
I participated in the welcome home for TMR the two previous years, helped plan the ride and make spoke cards in '08 and I've donated at least something every year, but after what went down at the VA last year I swore there was no way I'd set foot on the VA property again this year.
You guys deserve to be honored for your achievement and dedication, but there are reasons folks weren't there. You should understand this before you throw out a blanket condemnation.
For what it's worth, I was out riding my bike with a group of close friends (and we were all fully dressed).
I'm pretty sure a lot of ridazz kicked down $ so you could GO ON THE RIDE in the first place.
You're welcome.
Today just happened to be maybe the busiest day in L.A. cycling we've had a long time, (not even counting the World Cup). In addition to you guys returning (to a place where the Ridazz had been made to feel distinctly unwelcome), there were events at Bike Kitchen, Bike Oven, and the Bikerowave, as well as World Naked Bike Ride, and a couple of other smaller rides as well.
Anyway, we're glad you made it home safe! Welcome back!
"Thanks for nothing"? Wow. I think you just wrote the slogan for next years' Team MR. They can put it in all the posts when begging for donations. The "fun"draisers and emails and threads and status updates.
Btw, Mike Kwan was there. He rode from Santa Barbara with you. Would you care to thank him for nothing, also?
Were those your ulterior motives for doing the ALC? If so, I can tell you you've lost sight of the real goal here. Congrats on raising the $3000 all by yourself.
That sucked. I was at the finish line cheering for my friend Ginny from SF who was at the AIDS Lifecycle and then I saw was it you and some lady in MR bike jerseys. You guys came in before she did and I applauded. wth? *cries*
I was one of those spectators who rode from Long Beach and avoided the England v. USA world cup Beach parties everywhere on the Strand. If you saw a black bike plastered with stickers that said "Bike and Destroy" and "Gasoline Kills" along with Ghetto Geek stickers on my fork, I cheered and applauded. wth? *cries*
I did ride home, two random guys in their bikes followed my bike beacon, from marina del rey to hermosa beach on the strand and we all drank to the riders there after telling them the AIDS lifecycle ride at Underground Pub and Beer.
But yeah, that sucked that no one else in MR was there. I was surprised too. I'd think when I was at the AIDS lifecycle finish line, I'd imagine it's a mixture of the Autism 5k walks I did two years ago with the GloRide feel.
But hey congratulations to you and your friend for a great cause and many thanks to everybody there. I might do a ride like that next year. Did you post your AIDS Cycle donation page?
I KNOW THIS LOOKS LIKE A LOT TO READ BUT I THINK THIS SUM'S IT UP FOR MOST OF US!
Not having anyone show up to the finish was the perfect ending to this FAIL'D ride.
First the good:
Riding from SF - LA was the ultimate bike challenge for my self and I did it. I have not had anything push my physical abilities like that since the LAFD fire academy, and finishing every inch of this ride gave me that same feeling that I can conquer anything again, that I have not felt in a while.
The ride was well planned and we had enough of everything to help us through this journey. Food, Sports Medicine, Rest Stops, and Cannondale bike tecs to fix or adjust any problem for the cost of parts or in most cases free.
Now the bad:
It was very clear Team Midnight Ridazz were not really welcome from day one. Our money YES, but us and who we are (Loud, Crazy, and sometimes annoying ridazz that like to have fun) a big fat NO! We even came up with a new slogan "ALC... We put the FU in fun", and to have Jon Luskin who use to be part of Team MR, now working for the ALC man, was freaked out everyday we might say or do something that would make him look bad. He was the one who did not us (The MR community) to show up at the VA to welcome us back. A bunch of guys in drag wearing pink tutu's 3' high purple wigs are OK but few hommies on tall bikes aren't. Pardon my french but FUCK them!
As far as I'm concerned I will NEVER do this ride again, for many reasons.
We as a Team Failed ourselves. Team fundraising events were a HUGE failure, yes the MR community failed us too. How many of you had a great ride because of one of us, and how many people have I personally helped in one way or another? Yet I only donations from 3 other ridazz. Even $5 would have been cool. Maybe it was the cause it self or the economy or all of the above, but if it were not for a couple big doners I would not have been able to swing it.
Another reason I will not do the ALC ride again is the constant "you can't do this, and you can't do that" and if you do I'm telling and get you thrown off the ride attitude this whole group had. Maybe it was because it was an older crowd or it was just who they were, but I felt I was constantly looking over my shoulder afraid I might do something wrong, and that felling sucked! The icing on the cake for me was when Jen Moore from UTAC velo told Luskin to kick Mike Kwan (who met us in ventura to ride into LA with us) OFF THE RIDE. cuz he did not raise enough to do the ride.
but all it did sour me towards the ALC. Their many other charities that do virtually the same ride
People told me "This ride will change your life" and same route (i.e. Arthritis, Wounded Vet's) that would love to have our money and our spirit. IMHO this should be the last year Team MR does this ride. We gave them 3 good years now time to move on.
I have several friends on present and past TMR teams. ALC has never shied away from loud and fun behavior. Bears in tutus anyone? I mean really...you signed the waivers and agreed to abide by the rules. Many many veterans were unable to ride this year for may reasons. None that I know of but one showed up with an orange wrist band on pretending to be on the ride. That is an ethical and moral violation. This ride does not exist for your pleasure alone. You don't get it. I believe TMR will be back...bigger and better. Who are you to say Todd? Last I checked YOU don't represent all of Midnight Ridazz or TMR. And if you wanted a really amazing welcome home you would have stayed for closing ceremonies. You get what you give...
TheJen responding to a comment by ToddAlmighty
06.13.10 - 2:12 pm
And to clarify...I did not ask Mike to be kicked off the ride. He was never "on" the ride. I asked for the wrist band to be removed. Anyone can ride alongside their friends on public roads. I also heard that Mike was not riding safely which is a huge issue considering the circumstances.
TheJen responding to a comment by ToddAlmighty
06.13.10 - 2:19 pm
Sry my mouse was acting up on the last paragraph but you know what I what saying.
Additionally:
to those who said they helped we do appreciate it, but this year was not MR's shining moment.
This years team that did the ride was all new, and to have never had that "Welcome Back" feeling well sucked, but we we did not feel welcome all week so why should yesterday be any different?
RE: Biggest bike day in LA yesterday.
I don't care WTF was going on, if my friends took off a week to do a ride down the cost of CA, you bet I'd be there for them. If you had to work NP but WTF you would have to miss a cool ride or a game on TV BFD! My mom and GF were there and wondered why a was in a crappy mood? Hummm wonder why. I just wanted to get my bag and get the fuck home, and that's not the feeling I was hoping for.
Also...and I know I'm just typing for my own sake here...Mike didn't just join you in Ventura to ride home with you. He showed up on the ride Day 6 at the first pit stop...I called him out on being there and he shrugged it off like it was no big deal..."just always wanted to ride through this area". I let it go until I saw him in bike parking in camp the next day.
TheJen responding to a comment by ToddAlmighty
06.13.10 - 2:37 pm
I'm with Mr. Rollrz on this...After last years' bullshit with the ALC rent a cops and the VA Police -------> , there was no way I was going to step foot on the VA property. I donated $50 to Raquel's fund and I feel good about that.
If it was all about the greeting party for you. I think you were on the wrong ride.
Still, If you had started this thread a bit differently I think you would have received a much better response.
Its your ungrateful attitude to the 100s if not 1000s of people that have helped push TMR forward over the years that truly sucks. I think you need find a bit of perspective.
I've been involved with ALC and TMR for 3 years, when they first decided to do the ride. I rode the past 2 years and this year i was on the staff as an official photographer. I was around all the staff from Lorri Jean, board members and all the way down the chain and NOT ONCE did i ever encounter or over hear anyone have anything negative to say about TMR. I certainly heard about individual situations from this or that rider but none were TMR. AFAIK, all the MR were great. The VA situation from last year was an isolated issue. The bigger picture of the ride is not about you or the team but making sure the ride is able to happen again and not lose permits or locations because of outside elements, regardless if they are well intentioned or not quite understood.
As far as MK is concerned, had i witnessed it myself, i would have called him on it too and had the band removed immediately. It was very poor thinking on the part of the person who gave the wristband to him and MK who should have graciously declined the offer.
There are hundreds of people who have to cancel the ride because they were unable to reach there goal, but the funds still go to the main reason we are doing this event- helping others in need and further research, etc. The ride is really the incentive or 'prize' for raising the minimum. The fact that MK raised some money does not entitle him or anyone to be given a wristband and be part of the event.
There are huge consequences for his actions that may or may not have been considered. Maybe it seems harmless, but if he got in an accident, caused an accident, or even did something that jeopardized the ride and/or lost the ability to get a permit for part of the route in the future, it could screw the entire organization and ultimately those who benefit from the money raised.
I did see a number of friends who rode with an official participant during the ride but they wouldn't have jeopardized the ride since they weren't wearing wristbands.
This isn't about an individual or one's time on the ride or a party at the end of the week but really about raising awareness, raising some serious money in hopes of eradicating this disease and helping those who really need it.
I hear what your saying stevo, and I know your friends with Jen, but it still was a crappy thing to do.
He did not have a number on his bike or helmet, and the only reason he had a wrist band (BTW I was not the one to give it to him) is so he could fill up his water bottle at stops, and my personal feelings is that his $600+ donated at least deserved that. As far as his riding is concerned he was not riding any worse than other "ligit" riders I saw and personally rode next to him for many miles and did not witness him break any laws. Like him or not you have to respect a 71yo dude doing what he does, and denying him a snack or water was really jacked up.
I, as well Matt and Raquell never felt welcome on the ride, and I personally would get comments like, Oh Midnight Ridazz, I heard about you guys, or I'll pass someone (safely) and they would say something like figures midnight ridazz. Yea sure we would get positive cheers too but the whole week we had this un easy feeling that we had to watch our back.
I also understand the purpose of the ride was to raise $$$ for charity, but honestly if it weren't for the ride I would not have been fundraising, and the fact that the money went to help people in need was just the bonus, and I'm sure I'm not alone with that.
TY barley for helping Raquel, and sorry for the crap that happen last year, I did not hear about that. Not that I did the ride to get a bunch of praise, im just saying a few familiar faces at the end of a long week would have been nice.
You couldn't fill his water bottles or share your snacks with him? He couldn't bring his own or stop at a gas station? A retired military officer should understand rules and regulations. Mike wanted a free ride and he got it. And he'll do the USO ride for free as well. Mike, having done the ride previously, knew raise the money or roadie. He wasn't willing to roadie and the cause is not meaningful to him. Or you apparently. Could be the reason you and others are dissatisfied is that you never really bought into AIDS/Lifecycle for what it is. Just what you wanted it to be. I also heard that someone was saying they wanted to get drunk and get kicked off the ride...so disrespectful to the cause and those that supported you getting to ride your bike from SF to LA. That is a gift not a right. I'd guess you're pretty dissatisfied in life in general. So bitter and negative.
And thank you for screaming at me in front of 2000 amazing people...I loved being able to tell you to go fuck yourself in front of all of my friends. Yeah...Stevo is my friend all right haha...
TheJen responding to a comment by ToddAlmighty
06.13.10 - 3:56 pm
#1 Congratulations on riding 545 miles! You've just changed someone's life and I thank you for your time, effort and endurance.
#2 Listen I did the ride last year and had a blast. All of the rules that they have are absouletly necessary and elementary. Pass on the left, no passing on the 101 freeway, stop at stop signs and no reckless riding. There are thousands people with varying cycling skills on the ride, there has to be order. I saw a guy face plant and slide (leaving teeth behind) down a hill last year -- and he was doing everything right he just clipped someone's tire or something- imagine if there was an accident like that every day of the ride because there were no rules.
The reason we had a welcome home party was because a ride was organized and a lot of people helped to plan it, which I was and still am extremely grateful for. I saw the Welcome Home ride posted up on the right ------>> a few days before we hit LA. I remember Ben (TMR Captain 09) was on the forms asking people to to come while we were still on the ride. Not only that we had people in LA gracious enough to spear head the organizing. There were spoke cards because someone took the time and did them. You can't just expect people to show up. In fact every action was due to someone stepping up and planning it.
#3 Jen's an awesome woman back off. She takes the ride seriously and if you haven't figured out that ALC's more than just a bike ride you've missed the point.
#4 Mike's an equally awesome man whom I adore so I'm torn and I don't know the whole story.
#5 Finally -- I know this is long --- I like this idea of having an unofficial MR rest stop on the last leg for people to meet and greet put some more EEFUN into the final day.
The ALC staff puts in a years worth of work to organize and put this ride on and it's a huge fucking deal to them; it's like their superbowl/crankmob/prom/motherfuckingit. Vince, one of the ALC staff LOVES TMR -- he's held me by the shoulders and told me that. Yes, it's shitty that they called and said that they didn't want MR at the VA but ALC has problems just getting permits to RIDE through towns so they're trying to reduce the risk of having the VA not welcome the ride the next year. As you know we love mischief and are distrustful the law -- these things don't mix well in broad daylight especially on federal land. The story about what went down last year is too long to get into but what it comes down to is that we became liability and that's something they cannot have.
Coming on the threads and blasting TMR, blasting fellow riders, blasting the community for not showing up to a ride that wasn't planned and people were actually told not to show up is in poor taste. Please do not sour our name for your personal feelings. A lot of people put in a lot of hard work training and fundraising (including yourself!) so let's not diminish this esteem feat. I'm not in town right now but I suggest throwing a welcome home party with a photo slide show (I know you have excellent pics -- please post them). Let's flip this negative to a positive. Again congratulations Team Midnight Ridazz 2010 -- You guys rock for seeing it though -- Ride On. TMR will ride again.
et responding to a comment by ToddAlmighty
06.13.10 - 4:05 pm
ALC was weary of the the treatment of the VA Police so they were concerned about how to proceed of a few ridazz showed up at the end of the ride, the person holding Barleye is not wearing an ALC staff T-shirt, it was the police, they did ask us if we were having people come not to drink alcohol on premises and that's it. We decided not to plan a welcome back, I know I didn't plan one or ask a fellow rider to plan one, Todd, if you are mad because no one showed up to welcome you to LA after an epic ride, well please direct that anger towards me. See me on a ride. I'll be the one wearing a Midnight Ridazz Yersey.
I did not know about the miss treatment of MR riders last year at the VA, and Barley of all people. If I did I may not have done this ride. For a group that preaches acceptance and tolerance, I am a little surprised.
I do love the fact that our money goes to help people in need, but there are other charities out there who do a similar ride, and need our money just as bad, who will probably treat us better and not tell us to go fuck ourselves.
Thanks et for seeing & articulating both sides of this. I don't think it's a clear cut issue, but for reasons outlined above, I made my choice this year to be somewhere else on closing day.
Time to delete this thread. Having ridazz greeting me last year after a stressful week was something I'll never forget nor will I forget seeing friends from that community handcuffed, pushed around and sitting on the sidewalk like a bunch of criminals. I feel sorry that Matt couldn't have had that experience too but I think it's even more sad to your close friends get hassled by the VA security. I'm guessing but I'm pretty sure this year they were just waiting to go after any Ridazz that showed up.
I wanted to share some moments with team mates whom I have come to love. Knowing how tiring it is towards the end of the ride, I wanted to try to share their most stressful moments and be with them at their moment of triumph. I drove all the way up to Lompoc the night before and made several trips into town so they could get together, have a few beers and laugh with others and then drove them back and drove home. Hell, for the price of my gas alone, they could have just taken a cab into town but by my driving them it eliminated that hassle. These are really cool people who worked hard to take on that type of physical ordeal and for that, I salute them. For the support this team and last year's team gave me as I struggled to train for the ride, I will be forever grateful.
In the past few years, I've put in a lot of time and emotional energy towards that team. Since I didn't see anything posted, I figured there wouldn't be anything for them. I could have been part of the huge crowd but for me last year, the high point was to get high fives and hugs from friends in the Midnight Ridazz community. When I saw those faces, I realized I was finally home. I saw that two years ago when I met the Team at the closing ceremony. They were exhausted and feeling down when along San Vicente came the Angelopes on tall bikes! The sudden shift in the teams mood was amazing.
I hugged a few riders, high fived others and hopped on my bike and left. I screwed up in the process and just hate to see my name dragged through the coals.
I'd like to let this drift into a more positive feeling so I think it's time for Roadblock to delete this thread. Unfortunately, the genie's been let out of the bottle but maybe in time, we'll only remember the positive moments.
mk4524 responding to a comment by WindNature
06.13.10 - 8:14 pm
I can't speak for all MR, but we apologize for not being there for you all to show.
I really wasn't even aware that you guys were even arriving on Sat. There weren't many announcements, a lot of us are on trips, it was morning after a MR ride, and the shit that went down at the VA last year (including the letter that was posted about it that did not want us there) - these were all reasons that it didn't work out. So, I hope those who feel upset about it can understand and try to let it go and focus on the amazing trip you just accomplished. The drama is always stupid meaningless bullshit that should be let go of. This is true in all situations and circumstances. Get together to celebrate your achievements.
Sorry we weren't there for you all like you were expecting us to be.
(mattspeed, I don't recommend ever going to Burning Man)
He couldn't bring his own or stop at a gas station? A retired military officer should understand rules and regulations. Mike wanted a free ride and he got it.
@thejen
i'm sorry jen, but that's extremely mean-spirited and fucked up of you. i disapprove of your actions and your attitude.
@mattspeed and raquel,
i'm so sorry that siku and i weren't there. as it were, siku was taking bobby to get track-certified in carson! (he's an official racer now!) and i had to miss that too because i was getting rid of my schoolbus. so on both of our behalfs, we're very sorry we couldnt have been there, but the stars were not aligned.
in any case, congratulations on a stellar ride. you guys are amazing. siku did the ride last year and we both really wanted to see you guys in. in the end, remember that you did this to help people with HIV/AIDS, and not for ALC or TMR.
@Mike Kwan,
you're awesome. i know how much it meant to you to do the ride last year and i know how much harder it is for you to raise that much money. im glad you got to ride in from santa barbara. sorry you got shit for bending a rule. if you can't make it next year, i hope i can be there to fill up your bottle for you.
maybe everyone should stop posting. online arguments never resolved anything.
everyone is bitter about everything
just let it chill and resolve it face to face in a month where no one cares and no one feels dismissed
aksendz responding to a comment by tortuga_veloce
06.13.10 - 8:59 pm
No worries. As certified ALC training ride leaders we are supposed to set a standard and uphold the guidelines of the ride. Not flagrantly break them. Walking around flashing that wristband is a slap in the face of every rider and roadie and past veteran of ALC. I have done the ride 3x now and every year it is a struggle to make the minimum and a part time job to run a team, schedule rides, train new riders, and raise awareness to eliminate stigma of being HIV+ My friends have suffered and died because of this pandemic. My friends use the vital services of the SFAF and the Jeffery Goodman Special Care Clinic. My friend and teammate Paul Serchia's bike was the riderless bike this year. Disrespect is disrespect. The ride is not about ME or YOU...it's about Ending AIDS.
Mike...what would Casey Keller and Rich Benbrook think? Think about that.
TheJen responding to a comment by tortuga_veloce
06.13.10 - 9:04 pm
I don't mean to step on any toes but seriously, what you're doing is just adding fuel to the fire. Let this thread die already. Same goes for everyone else.
July responding to a comment by TheJen
06.13.10 - 9:06 pm
I respect your feelings, however, as long as I'm addressed by name I'll reply. I have no guilt about what I did. In fact I was thanked by Jon Luskin for speaking up. Better I say something or another Staff member notice what was happening.
TheJen responding to a comment by July
06.13.10 - 9:11 pm
I understand. It just seems like this "discussion" can go on for a good while and could really continue to divide the awesome MR community (because they're sitting on both sides of the fence on this issue).
July responding to a comment by TheJen
06.13.10 - 9:15 pm
Respect to that July. I understand. I don't expect anyone to "take a side"...I'm living with gratitude for an amazing event that helps so many. I hope some here will consider doing this ride. Join us for World AIDS Day Nov 28. This week marks the 30th year of HIV. I work to get back to a world without AIDS...for all people.
TheJen responding to a comment by July
06.13.10 - 9:19 pm
Yeah, despite what I've read thus far, me and my friend Sofia plan on signing up for next years. Sadly, I'm leaving CA within a few weeks, but hopefully this won't prove to be too much of a hurdle to raise the money I need to take part of this.
I still need to purchase a bike and that, might be the ultimate deciding factor.
July responding to a comment by TheJen
06.13.10 - 9:25 pm
This is our history.
Sometimes its not pretty, but it is what it is.
Hopefully we can all learn from this so that in future years a ride will be planned, people will be clear on the VA rules (real ninjas know what rules to break when).
@ TheJen,
I appreciate the personal connection you have with the main purpose of the ride.
And I also appreciate your direct understanding of the importance of the rules and the organization and how that can directly affect the money that is used to ease the suffering of people who are dealing with HIV/AIDS.
But, I think its unfair to characterize some errors in judgement (that were likely thought to be very harmless) as insults, disrespect, or a slap in the face to the ALC or the people it helps.
Some people have trouble with rules. Personally, its one reason why I donated my time to TMR fundraisers and not gone on the ride.
mike didnt mean to slap anyone in the face. i know he cares about the cause. he said he's sorry. im sorry. let's focus on what's this is really about and move forward.
mike, try again next year. hopefully the team fundraisers will go better next year and you get all the money you need. if it works with my school schedule, im coming down from vancouver to ride with you all.
If we had been wlecome last year and hadn't been specifically dis-invited to the ending ceremonies this year..... I would have been there. You can't expect a bunch of people to go to an event where they're likely to be in confrontation with the police.
but in all seriousness, i was there. the police were seriously fucked up that day. that aside, i really hope people make it happen next year. maybe greet the ridazz on san vicente. i do regret that i wasn't there.
i appreciated the support. Don't get me wrong, but it was kinda sad not seeing any other ridazz. M.R. could of been there all you had to do is not drink.
Thank you Matthew for posting that video. That was the first time I ever saw Funderstorm and I met a lot of great people that day and I enjoyed myself so much and even though this is a crappy thread thanks for the Nostalgia.
so much for any future criticism of momz and ktown airing each other out on the forums. For such a tight community that prides itself on being just that -- a community -- you'd think people could just send an email, make a phone call, send a mass text, etc.
Good to know that being friends with some people comes with the disclaimer that via their friendship / knowing each other anything done together may be subject to internet scrutiny.
For all the posts to enable people to "legally" do the ride, this is sort of a spoiled brat approach. I donated to Mike's account, and he get's shitted on for still wanting to ride with his "friends" and having fun.... The problem with these events, you rarely know if people would ask for so much money for these causes, if money being raised did NOT support the participants ability to JOIN THE FUN.
RBI didn't complain about no one showing up to the end of Diabetes ride? Don't worry I'll wait for the ride distinction.
I'll also be waiting for all your aids research threads that do not benefit your week long vacation of bike riding, because we know how much everyone here hates to ride their bike. Lets see, you get to ride your bike for a week, while camping, etc... due largely to the donations of others, and those funds go to aids research, etc... okay, okay... lets start the celebration for this martyrdom. And lets criticize a fellow rider because he didn't do as good a job of soliciting funds as others. Please direct me to the "Get Rid Of Mike Kwan" thread...
Fuck this thread... i feel like I should have kept my money and donated it to my cycling... because at the end of the day, this thread makes me think some of us didn't do enough to complete YOUR good time, rather than help people struggling with aids. "thanks for nothing"????
This thread pissed me off.
WHO.. seriously... WHO the fuck was this ride FOR anyway?
While this thread did get off to an unfortunate start and there are many layers of complication and opinion. I think part of the emotionalness of these posts also has to do with sheer exhaustion after a long physical ordeal.
There are other things at play as well. But I think that sheer physical exhaustion can account for a lot.
I know at the end my first century, I was in a pretty crappy mood at the end, as were my most of my fellow riders. I don't think its uncommon for people to have huge emotional swings after a week of pushing one's body to the limit.
... you know, I can understand that... i really can... I could see a thread that stated, "hey, thank you all for supporting our ride, but it was still disappointing that we didn't see anyone at the end".
but, "thanks for nothing"???
NOTHING?
that's childish.. thats a spoiled brat... only a spoiled little kid would come from a week long bike ride, etc.. and thank people for nothing.
Tell me I'm wrong! Let's see if Tortuga's friend Bobby comes back from camp to the forum and says "thanks for nothing". I doubt he'll make a fuss if people don't show up to his last day of camp, but I bet he'll be forever grateful.
You know who is probably not saying "thanks for nothing"? The people who will benefit from the donations.
md2 responding to a comment by trickmilla
06.14.10 - 10:01 am
We have solved our problems with MR. Just make sure TheJen is on all the rides so she can enforce the rules. No more riding on the left hand lane, no more tagging and no more stealing.....
Foldie responding to a comment by Joe Borfo
06.14.10 - 10:29 am
A little birdy told me that tortuga_veloce and his girlfriend were going to crash the entire ALC ride from beginning to end. I guess its a good thing that you two are mentoring that black kid.
what the fuck is your deal? What does Tortuga veloz or his girlfriend have to do with this? They are very kind people and so is "that black kid". It takes strength to be gentle and kind.....double fail for your character whoever you may be. Some coward you are.
P.S......2 tabs on SAX LOOP! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tarmonster. responding to a comment by anonymous rider
06.27.10 - 10:55 pm
-->
Ridazz Roulette!
I KNOW THIS LOOKS LIKE A LOT TO READ BUT I THINK THIS SUM'S IT UP FOR MOST OF US!
I'm with Mr. Rollrz on this...After last years' bullshit with the ALC rent a cops and the VA Police -------> , there was no way I was going to step foot on the VA property. I donated $50 to Raquel's fund and I feel good about that.
This thread is done. Please move along day old member. Nothing more to pick at the bones are dry.