ALC 2014 Ride Re-cap

It's hard to believe that 2 weeks ago I completed my 4th AIDS LifeCycle ride, 545 miles from SF to LA, to raise funds, awareness, and support of HIV/AIDS. With each year of doing this ride my training and writing has dwindled but the energy around it remains. To be honest there wasn't much writing about my training this year because, well, there wasn't much training to write about. I had grand plans to start fundraising early this year and continue to ride the mountain high and dedicate every weekend to training as I did as a novice cyclist. But life had different plans for me. I managed to get in a few short training rides and a couple of long ones, including the Napa Valley Tour de Cure which left me fearful with only a month left until ALC. Mentally I already knew what to expect and I was prepared to spend hours lost in thought on my bicycle coasting down long roads surround by farms but physically I had no idea how and untrained body (more specifically butt) would respond to 7 days in the saddle. The thought of visiting the "butt clinic" had me petrified more than the ride itself. I decided to invest in a trainer to increase my saddle time. Well... yah... that didn't work out so well either. I tried but I'd much rather climb Mt. Hamilton than spend 30 minutes on one of those, no wonder I couldn't ever get into spin. You pedal and pedal and go NOWHERE.

Nonetheless I manged to get in a few more hours in the saddle and then left the rest up to the universe. All in all it was another epic ride no matter how many times I have done it, the experience is always a first. I learn so much being on the bicycle for 7 days. And quite honestly I was looking forward to only having to think about getting from point A to point B everyday, that's simplicity in action. My biggest lesson learned? Whether you are afraid to fall or not it will eventually happen, and when it does... get up (as long as there's no broken bones) and keep on riding.















 Here's a quick and dirty recap of the days.

Day 0: Wow, I can't believe it's here. The safety video makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

Day 1: The opening ceremony prepares resets my mind for what's to come. I shift from work mode to human mode. Before I know it I'm on my bicycle riding out of SF, this year with my partner in crime Jenny (payback for her convincing me to climb Kiliminjaro). This day is always a hard one for me, partly due to the lack of sleep and partly mental. I was glad to make it to Santa Cruz and greeted by my family, they've come out every year to support and it's priceless! It was my first time joining a team and although I didn't know everyone on the team the team jerseys united us.


Day 2: The longest day of the ride, 110 miles. I love this day because I've officially left behind work and life and all of me is truly part of the ride. The humming my wheels on stretches of open roads is like a lullaby that puts me into a road trance. I chase yummy breakfast and cookies from the Cookie Lady and before I know it I'm at the end. With one minor detour... a visit to the med tent. Yup, I crashed! I made a left turn into gravel and before I knew it I was on the ground with Randy and Rod making sure I had no broken bones. Luckily, my bones were in tact; my skin not so much. It could have been worse but the arm warmers and leg warmers were my shield. I got up and immediately asked if my bike was okay. Miss Diva looked bad at first sight but she and I both pulled through and rode on. I visited the Med tent everyday after this, to ensure I could continue riding, the thought of not finishing was non existent.

Day 3: One more quadbuster under the belt and an awesome time hammering with some women power! A delicious bradley burger and inspiration from the community and kids and of course jesus cristo.  Before I knew it I was in Paso enjoying a glass of wine and a lovely steak.


Day 4: My favorite day of the ride. Not only do we hit the Halfway to LA mark but we're surrounded by breathtaking views of the coast riding through Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach. Love love love ocean energy!

Day 5: Red dress day! Short and sweet sprinkled with fashion appeal! We are 2400 riding as one red ribbon.

Day 6: It's bittersweet. I feel like we just started and it's already over. Last year this was my day to hammer and get in the top 100. At the beginning of this week I didn't even think about the top 100, with the training I did I was happy just finishing. But after the crash and hours on the bike I felt surprisingly stronger. I decided to go for it. And I did it. Not only did I get in the top 100 I came in faster than last year. Yes, it's a ride not a race but this is the one day where it becomes a race for me. A day to recognize and celebrate how far I've come as a cyclist. All of that is mere fairy dust compared to what this ride is really about. It's about community, support, and unconditional love.

Day 7: The ride comes to an end but the memories and friendships old and new continue to flourish. I'm blessed to be a small speck of red in the beautiful ribbon.



A big thanks to all my donors and supporters, whether you know it or not you all rode with me with your inspiring words and open hearts.

Life truly is like riding a bicycle.
Until next year....

Ritu Riyat
ALC 2014 Rider #3741

I can't on repeat

One of my cycling buddies and ALC donor kindly pointed out that I hadn’t posted any updates on my training and experience with ALC this year. I looked at my blog and he was right, in fact I hadn’t posted much of anything since the start of this year. I wish I could say I’ve been busy writing on my wellness blog but unfortunately that would be a lie since I haven’t posted much on there as well. I have a long list of great blog titles followed by white space. I haven’t been able to pinpoint it to lack of motivation, busyness, or writer’s fatigue.

Digging a little deeper I realized that’s kind of how training has been for me this season. As you may remember I did my first ALC ride, 3 years ago. I was a complete nube, hence the novice cyclist series, and with the help of some amazing ride leaders, supportive family and friends, and an internal drive I not only did ALC but I did every effin inch of ALC and LOVED IT! The ALC high brought me back for year 2, which wasn’t as amazing as year 1 but I chalk that up to “first timers effect”. The ride was intense last year and I had almost decided it was my last year until I finished and that “high” flushed over me… again! So, of course, I signed up.

And here I am a week away from “take off” and feeling like that nube from 2 years ago who wore panties underneath her bike shorts. Albeit I believe the old sang, “Once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget” and although my brain and body haven’t forgotten my sit bones certainly have! Needless to say I went from training 3 days a week in year 1 to 3 days a month in year 3. It’s going to make for an interesting and adventurous ride.

Last week “taper down” training ride was a mere 67 miles and 5,000 feet of climbing, my brain translated that to 167 miles and 15,000 feet of climbing and immediately began blasting the “I can’t ” story… ON REPEAT! I have heard this story before in Crossfit or on a long run but it had been a while since I heard it on the bike. I spent the first 20 miles trying to shut down the obnoxious voice in my head that kept saying “it’s too hard, let’s go home, I’m tired, I shouldn’t be doing this right now, I don’t feel well” somewhere on the climb the story lost steam or maybe my muscles needed more fuel and decided to shut down the auto repeat cd player in my head. FINALLY. I could see the colors around me; smell the fresh air and smile.

Meditation and Yoga teaches me that moment is a new moment. Who I was when I started writing this post is not “exactly” who I am right now and who I will be at the end of this post. Subtle shifts are constantly occurring and our intelligent beings adapt and keep moving forward. I realized that each time I get on my bicycle and ride a part of me IS still a nube but another part of me is experienced and knows how to keep moving forward. One stroke at a time. Therefore each ride will be unique and filled with its own challenges and triumphs. Am I ready to take on the challenge this year? I don’t know. But I know I will embrace it and keep moving forward.

The journey continues…Stay tuned…

mettaLv

Ritu Riyat

p.s. donations are still being accepted, please visit www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike

One Bicycle. 545 Miles. 7 Days. Take 3!

 

Yup. We meet again. For my 3rd year in a row I will be riding 545 miles over the course of 7 days in the fight against AIDS. My first year doing ALC was new, exciting, challenging, all in all a blast so naturally I signed up for more. And more I got. Last year’s ride was also new, and exciting, and challenging in its own way. As the days went on the thought of it being my last year riding got me through to day 7. But the gratitude I met at the finish line is what brings me back again…

SO… here we go again.

For those that read my story last year and followed along on my ALC journey could vouch that I started off a complete beginner, finding myself at my first training ride in bike pants that were slightly big, a yoga top with no pockets, and an open and anxious mind. By the end of that ride, strangers became friends and the story began. I grew mentally and physically through the challenges each ride and route had to offer. Learning the basics of turning, stopping, shifting, fitting, and ofcourse styling! I couldn’t have done it without the most important people – my fellow riders and training ride leaders.

This year I am back. I am back to support a cause that I believe so strongly about. To support  people everywhere across all borders, colors, races and religions that are at risk to be infected with HIV/AIDS. Which basically means everyone! I’m back to break the barriers of stigma that prevent people from realizing the severity and impact of this disease.  I’m back not only as a fellow rider but also as a training ride leader. Why? Because I want to pay it forward and help out some other newbie who shows up to the first training ride wearing underwear under her bike shorts, riding on an old craigslist bike and determined to do this ride (true story). With all these reasons how could I NOT come back!

I look forward to a new year and experience of ALC, an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to unite with an amazing community of people!

I hope you will ride with me this year, if not physically then with your support. Last year, ALC raised 13 million dollars to support two fabulous organizations. I hope we beat it this year. Remember every penny counts, and every message of love is just as meaningful. To place a kind donation visit www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike

Fact:

In 2009 About 2 million adults were newly infected with HIV/AIDS

Fact:

In 2009 women accounted for just over half of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.children

Fact:

People of color are infected at disproportionate rates

Fact:

One person CAN change the world!

So here I am taking on this challenge again, and hopefully alongg the way help another person go from novice rider to ALC rider and support a cause that impacts everyone, everywhere.  There are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that is true for me and my involvement with HIV/AIDS awareness.

I have set a goal to raise $5,0000 dollars that will go towards the SF AIDS Foundation.  I am asking for your support to help me meet this goal. So take a moment, a deep breath, and if you feel compelled to please donate whatever you can. The suggested donation is $50. Remember to check with your company matching program to cause a ripple effect with your every dollar. To place a donation visit www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike

I’ll keep you posted on my training with blog updates so check back to hear the latest and greatest from my bicycle diaries!

Thank you with love and gratitude

Ritu Riyat

Novice Cyclist Series: Helping Hands

Today marked the grand finale of the South Bay training series and what better way to do it than with a Century ride. The group has worked hard over the last 6 months starting with a mere 25 miles and slowly working themselves up to 100 miles and for some it was their first century, for others like myself it was just another training ride. I find it surreal to feel or say such a thing, just last year I was completing my first century and experiencing the flood of emotions and feelings that come along with the accomplishment, after doing 10 more after that the novelty has worn off.

To be honest my goal for this century ride was to get done quick, I had scheduled a flight later in the evening and was on a pretty tight schedule. The universe, however, had a different plan in mind.

Riders new and old gathered at the meet point and prepared to ride out. While crossing over the Dumbarton Bridge I met Jim, a first time ALCer, he asked if we could stop and take a picture of him on the bridge, he hadn't ever crossed it before. Right then I realized today's ride was going to be different. In taking Jim's picture I realized how many times I had crossed over that same bridge oblivious to my surroundings and never once having taken a picture to capture the moment. So of course a picture was warranted, but along with that a quick look around to take in the surroundings. So often we speed  by overlooking some of the most beautiful, picturesque glimpses of nature.

The ride continued and the heat poured in. By rest stop 3 I was tired and it was hot! A couple of the other newbies decided to sag so it was just me, another TRL and Jim left at the tail end to take it home with 40 miles to go. It was Jim's first Century ride, he had started riding this year and was a fairly strong rider. With a few tips and techniques tricks he became even stronger. By the last 20 miles the fatigue was setting in... the end was near but not close enough and there was still work to do. Initially I was anxious riding with a slower rider, I had a flight to catch! When I let go of that ego, I settled into a space of compassion and committment. I was committed to Jim finishing this ride. Encouragement, a few laughs, and some coaching got him to the end.

While turning into the parking lot we congratulated Jim for his accomplishment, he experienced the reaction that most of us have experienced after our first century, a rush of emotion and overwhelming joy. He expressed a heart felt gratitude and thanked us for helping him make it to the end, he sincerely stated he couldn't have done it without us. In that moment, nothing else mattered. I had been questioning why I had become a TRL, initially it was to help out another newbie and coach them to transcend from novice to intermediate, but after almost 6 months of training I gave up on that idea and decided I wouldn't TRL next year. Working with Jim today made TRL'ing worth it, his dedication and determination is the reason why I am out there wearing the TRL jersey, to him I made a difference.

2 more weeks until the ride!

metta
ritu

Novice Cyclist Series: ALC Take 2

Last year was my first year doing 545 miles over 7 days... I myself thought it was crazy but somehow I managed to do it and complete every mile. It wasn't all roses though... Day 6 of ALC 10 I found myself exhausted from 5 days of riding and hitting my threshold. Every mile that day was a challenge, more mental than physical. I remember stumbling into camp and thinking... one more day and then its over. Ha, what a joke. Little did I know it was just the beginning. Before I could barely get my gloves off and wash up I found myself signing a form saying that I will participate in ALC 11?! Was I delerious? Quite possibly. A part of me resisted the thought of doing this all over again and another part of me couldn't imagine not. I guess that's the funny thing about the "ride" you hate it at times with so much love and support that how could you not come back... SO ... here we go again.

For those that read my story last year and followed along on my ALC journey could vouch that I started off a complete beginner, finding myself at my first training ride in bike pants that were slightly big, a yoga top with no pockets, and a slightly nervous open mind. By the end of that ride, strangers became friends and the story began. I grew mentally and physically through the challenges each ride and route had to offer. Learning the basics of turning, stopping, shifting, fitting, and ofcourse styling! I couldn't have done it without the most important people - my fellow riders and training ride leaders.

This year I am back. I am back to support a cause that I believe so strongly about. To support  people everywhere across all borders, colors, races and religions that are at risk to be infected with HIV/AIDS. Which basically means everyone! I'm back to break the barriers of stigma that prevent people from realizing the severity and impact of this disease.  I'm back not only as a fellow rider but also as a training ride leader. Why? Because I want to pay it forward and help out some other newbie who shows up to the first training ride wearing underwear under her bike shorts, riding on an old craigslist bike and determined to do this ride (true story). With all these reasons how could I NOT come back!

I look forward to a new year and experience of ALC, an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to unite with an amazing community of people!

I hope you will ride with me this year, if not physically then with your support. Last year, ALC raised 13 million dollars to support two fabulous organizations. I hope we beat it this year. Remember every penny counts, and every message of love is just as meaningful.


Fact:
In 2009 About 2 million adults were newly infected with HIV/AIDS


Fact:
In 2009 women accounted for just over half of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.children


Fact:
People of color are infected at disproportionate rates


Fact:
One person CAN change the world!

So here I am taking on this challenge again, and hopefully alongg the way help another person go from novice rider to ALC rider and support a cause that impacts everyone, everywhere.  There are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that is true for me and my involvement with HIV/AIDS awareness.

I have set a goal to raise $6,0000 dollars that will go towards the SF AIDS Foundation.  I am asking for your support to help me meet this goal. So take a moment, a deep breath, and if you feel compelled to please donate whatever you can. The suggested donation is $50.

To donate visit: www.tofighthiv.org/goto/ibike

Thank you with love and gratitude
Ritu Riyat

Novice Cyclist Series: Getting Specialized

Now that the AIDS ride is done and over (for this year) it’s time to start the hunt for a new a bike… who will take the place of Hot Rod? I am by no means a bike expert now and still consider myself a novice by far, I can barely pronounce have the components and let alone understand their function but I WANT to be a geek eventually so I ask questions and listen carefully and then ask more questions…  it seems to be working out well.  I honestly have no idea what bike I want but I did have some bikes in mind that sounded good, seemed to be rated good, and MOST importantly looked good J

Day 1 of finding my new love led me to Mikes Bikes in Los Gatos. I had been eyeing the Specialized bikes for some time now and it was time to finally experience them. Before I get into the deets, a little side notes: My motivation for starting up bike shopping was triggered by a few things:

1. I tested the new Volagi bike which I thought was my new love but the novelty quickly wore off however she was an amazing ride. It was little disappointing and frustrating and meant getting back to the drawing board.

2. My first subscription to bike porn (Bicycling Magazine) arrived in my mailbox the other day. I flipped through it and came across an article about a novice cyclist and just happened to be about his new bike. The words he used to describe his bike were “Ir seems to me that a bike is like a girlfriend. You drape your body across it, align your bones and sinews with it. And either it feels right or it doesn't" By no means am I willing or wanting to describe my bike like a boyfriend but it was an ah-hah moment… there IS a bike for everyone, you just gotta feel it. "I did, and it was love" that's what I am hoping to feel in my new bike.
3. No brainer- Having the Tour de France up close and personal on my TV is a definite motivator.

Getting back to Mikes Bikes… I asked to test ride the Ruby expert and the Amira expert. From what I had heard in past q/a sessions. The Ruby is a comfort bike and the Amira a race bike so what defines me… well good question …  I want to believe that I like racy cuz it sounds fast but comfort is important too, I’m not trying to wear away my bum. So am I comfort or race? I don’t know … but I’d rather be the one to define me vs. someone telling me what the right bike is for me.   I took out bike number one, Ruby, for a quick spin and climb. She was smooth for sure, even over bumps and holes, but there was something missing… the “it” factor. I would work hard but I didn’t feel the work being transferred over in speed … hmm… this is what everyone was talking about, the transfer of energy.  Luckily I had a good comparison, the Volagi experience was dead on in energy transfer. She wasn’t the bike for me. Next up… Amira expert. I had been eyeing this bike for days … she looks good on paper AND in person. I took her out for the same spin and immediately felt the connection. I moved and she moved… I rode over bumps and pot holes and she smoothed them out…  I climbed and she climbed but it seemed a little harder… not sure if that was the Amira or me.  I brought her back with raving reviews.  Next… for fun I was set up on the Amira S-works, an 8k bike that is waaaaay outta my budget but hey a girl can dream.  I took her out for a spin and immediately I realized SHE was in control of me …. I think she was the one riding over bumps with a mind of her own cut that shit was BUMPY! Talk about PMS! I didn’t even make it to the climb before bringing her back… nice bike but quite honestly she’s too aggressive for me… I’m not there YET. Thanks for the ride though, at least I can stop drooling over her now.

All in all day 1 was an awesome learning experience.  So what am I, comfy or racy? Neither but so far I like the Amira expert, but is she the new love? Too soon to say, it’s like finding “the one” you gotta kiss some frogs before you find a Prince. The search continues… what’s next…. You’re guess is as good as mine… stay tuned.

~ ritu

Novice Cyclist Series: ALC 10 Ride Recap

"It truly was a memorable experience that I can only try to capture in words and pictures. I guess this is what they mean when they say its life changing." It's hard to believe a week ago I was finishing up the AIDS/Lifecycle ride, the nostalgia is finally kicking in. Each day was special in its own way, the new friends, crazy climbs, breathtaking views, and exhilirating descends were the framework of a lifetime of memories. Did I really do this? Is it done? Sometimes I think its just the beginning. A lot of people asked the same question this week " So, how was it?!" You would think I would be prepared to answer this but instead I would pause, stare blankly, and slowly say withi hesitation " iiitt was go-od?". What I should have said was "holy craziness, it was freakin amazing, the crackwiches, the butt butter, oh the insane traffic getting out of SC, and the mashing on day 6, and then that bee sting, lets not forget the ocean, and ... and... and..." But all that came out of my mouth was "it was good"  I was and am at a loss for words to articulate my week long journey. I defer to the cliche "more than words can describe". It truly was an experience that engulfed for me those 7 days. It was magical. Thoughts drifted away leaving behind a subtle foggy feeling that seemed clearer than a cloudless sky. It was the ultimate "live in the moment" feeling. If a hill was ahead, climb, if there was a road then pedal, if your body asked for water, drink and if it needed food, eat, if your eyes met anothers then smile. The simple pleasures of life. I miss it... but revel in having experienced it.

I am proud to have ridden alongside so many passionate people of all walks of life. When I sent out my donor letters I had written that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. The community that came out to support the ride whether as a rider, a roadie, a donor, or sponsor proved these words true. Usually I would be in crowds having to repeat my name a few times because of its uniqueness, here I was surrounded by unique names, and diverse individuals. I have to admit I was suprised to even see a few of my fellow South Asians out there representing (although I hope the 4 I ran into will slowly multiply into 400 one year... Curry Pedalers???). Everyone that participated in this event helped to build awareness and break the stigmas associated with HIV.

Everything happens for a reason and everyone crosses your path with a message, as long as you are listening. Day 3 was a turning point for me. I got into Paso Robles kinda early and was bursting with energy ( as I usually am after a ride). I met someone who was tenting close by mine, we began chatting. I mentioned it was my first time riding and then asked how many times he had ridden. He hadn't. He was infected with HIV 10 years ago and has not been able to ride, he was there as a roadie, working in the kitchen to provide us riders with hot meals. He went on to thank me for participating, and he wanted me to know that he was one of the people that was directly supported by my fundraising efforts. I could barely hold back the tears, not becuase I felt sorry, but because I felt the impact of what I was involved in, those that had done this before were right, it's bigger than me.

Yes I had my ups and downs on all levels, physical, psychological, emotional, and spritual. At times the smallest comment seemed like the biggest insult, how could that person do this to me...  or I hope they don't think I was ignoring them I was hungry and had to eat NOW!  But in the end none of that matters and that is the magic of the ride. There are moments of challenge, defeat, and victory and every inch of it is worth it!

Thanks again for all of your support. This is just the beginning of the Novice Cyclist Series... I couldn't even stay away from the bike more than a day, yup come Monday I was back on it for a short ride.

Pictures say a thousand words. Here is my week in pictures and videos... enjoy!

Day 0:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5;

Day 6:

Day 7:


mettaLOVE
Ritu