In 1984, at the age of 22, I moved to San Francisco. During this time period, I could often be found in "The Trocadero," "The End Up," "Buzzby's, "DV8," and various other night clubs. San Francisco's night club scene was "off the hook." Everyone was having a good time. Yet, as the years past, I noticed that my Disco friends were slowly missing. And when I asked others about them, ...the common response was ..."they're dead." And now, at the age of 45, most of my friends are no longer here. Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or complications of the AIDS pandemic.
At first, I sat and watched. And then, I put down the bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay. And, I decided to do my part for humanity. I registered, participated, and completed a 585 mile bike ride from San Francisco to West Hollywood titled: California AIDS Ride #2 sponsored by Tanqueray.
Since 1994, I have experienced life long changes within: my way of thought, my desires, and my circle of friends and family. I have broken the metatarsals of the right foot, the clavicle, the left fibia, the right tibia, and the right hand ring finger .. I've witnessed fellow veteran AidslifeCycle Cyclist: lose their place of residency, spend their last dime on a clif bar, dress in drag for sponsorships, overcome breast cancer, get on the wagon, and even train without a bike. Yet, through perservernce and discipline, we keep coming back. . .
In June 2008, for my 11th Year, I will participate in an event to benefit the S.F. AIDS Foundation called Aidslifecycle. Each year, I cycle 575 miles (from S.F to L.A, CA.). And, each year, I complete the ride knowing I did the right thing.
Sometimes we want to help others, but we are so overwhelmed by all that needs to be done in this world that we don't know where to start. We hope that tomorrow or next week, when everything calms down, we will be able to become the actively compassionate human beings we know we can be. We put off goodness like we put off going on a diet.
Yet world history is a reflection of the actions, thoughts and words of Human Beings. Here's to the friends, family, teachers, crew, sponsors, and fellow cyclist - the machinery behind the Aidslifecycle event.
. Don't put off goodness like we put off going on a diet. Please assist me in raising the $2,500.00 minimum (per cyclist) to participate in Aidslifecycle 2008 - every penny counts. See what you can do today!
Ridazz Roulette!
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