Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 3 (2004)

Day by Day Coverage: Day 7 - Ventura to Dodger Stadium

How could we already be at the end of our time together, my little Blabbettes? It seems like we just left EssEff and now we’re only one eighty-mile ride away from EllLay. A week seemed so long on Sunday, and it is nearly over.

Together, we’ve dressed in red, walked the plank, been chased by Dalmation pups, pillaged the Shire, cruised on the Love Boat, Solid Gold-danced, been blessed by parking angels, gotten lei’d, been serenaded by Miz Tracy, and exercised by a herd of Richard Simmons. We’ve seen cowpokes and Lompoc, the Brady’s and Beth’s bras, farmers and firefighters, patriots and cartoon characters, the Chicken Lady and Ginger Brewlay, peanut butter and jellyfish, trailer trash and treasure chests. We’ve taken the Time Warp to the Roaring 20s, 70s discos and 80s video games. There were slumber parties and kind people along the way cheering us on.

Before packing it in ourselves, I want to mention the Pack-Up Roadies. Remember that awful movie from a Mister Stephen King book, The Langoliers? They gobble up a past moment like striking a stage set; that’s just what Cap’n Rachel’s crew has been doing with our campsites and rest stops. Sweeping them away and leaving the place lookin’ better than when we got there. They pick up trash and are proud of it!

There’s so much more to say, loves, but you’ll be sharing that yourselves with your loved ones when you get home. For now, take your leave of one another after Closing Ceremonies today, m’dears, and go back to the Real World. Take some of this week with you; the whole world may not ever look this way to us, but your world can. A big, blubbery, Blabby good-bye to you all till next June.

Closing Ceremonies

“In just a few minutes we will welcome home the 1200 heroes who just completed a 7-day, 585 mile journey. [Read the full text of Chris’ remarks.] This journey took place not only on the roads of California, but also in their hearts. They confronted their fears, faced challenges, supported one another, and had an experience of achievement and courage.”

Led by the Positive Pedalers, the Cyclists took a final victory lap and at last came into view of the roaring crowd. Led into stage area by the AIDS/LifeCycle motorcycle contingent, Cyclists came into position, high-fiving each other and lifting their bikes over their heads in exultation of the long-awaited moment.

The closing ceremonies fell into silence as Chris asked all to join hands and close their eyes in a moment of silence to reflect on the shared mission to see and end to the pandemic and human suffering caused by AIDS. As Cyclists opened their eyes a slow procession that included dedication flags and a Rider-less bicycle symbolizing the reasons we ride as well as representing the memory and honor of those who can’t be with us. His words galvanized the crowd into the true spirit of AIDS/LifeCycle.

“For each person we hope to live in a future where AIDS does not exist. To be clear that the fight against this pandemic is not over. To stand here with hope for a cure. These courageous and passionate individuals before me confronted their fears and today are fearless. They are a beautiful illustration of the human spirit. Of a community that will not stop caring. Will not stop acting. Will not stop supporting one another. As long as there is a reason, As long as we carry hope in our hearts, There will be AIDS/LifeCycle.”

With the entire audience and cyclists enjoying this moment of reflection and solidarity, Chris raised the emotional tenor and welcomed in the 367 volunteer Roadies to closing by listing the many roles they played in the support of the cyclists throughout the week. “They were awake day and night,” he said. “They marked the route. Picked up the trash. Set up and broke down camp. Drove sweep vehicles. Carried our gear. Drove the trucks. Hauled the water, ice and Gatorade. Fed us breakfast, lunch and dinner. They bandaged our knees and massaged our sore muscles. They are selfless and possess hearts unlike anyone else.”

In her closing remarks, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, stirred the audience with her trademark “HELLOOOOOOOO RIDERS! HELLOOOOOO Roadies!” [Read the full text of Lorri's speech.] “You riders have peddled your hearts out! You rode through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and over some of the most hellacious hills. And you survived! And look at this crowd! Thousands of people are here to welcome you because they know what I know. We all know that each and everyone of you is a HERO! Many of you rode every single mile, others rode every mile you could, and everyone did their best…..and what’s more you have raised over $4.9 million dollars!”

Lorri very poignantly put into perspective where we are in respect to AIDS, “ The one thing that is clear is that when it comes to AIDS, the road ahead is very much like the one that we have just traveled---we know where we want to go, but each mile brings new challenges. And the only way we will make it is if we all stick together and give our very best.”

As Lorri completed her inspiring testament to the participants she graciously introduced Pat Christen, Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

As Pat took the stage she walked us through the past 8 days of our journey together. [Read the full text of Pat's speech.] The audience hearing for the first time an overview of what their loved ones had just accomplished, broke into thunderous applause. As Pat pointed out highlights of the week the Cyclists and Roadies laughed, cried, hugged each other and nodded their heads as the memories filled their thoughts. From the struggles with hills and wind to the glorious weather and countryside views, all remembered a moment that they will carry with them as the ride fades into history.

As Pat recapped our week together her comments culminated in what we all looked like.

“Since you have not looked in a full-length mirror for some time, let me tell you a bit about what you look like and how you likely appear to family and friends who have not lived this odyssey with you.

"Your skin is burned and your noses are blistered. The heels of your hands are bruised and your butt is worse.

"You do not smell good. You are wearing goofy looking clothes and have weird tan lines. You have helmet head and cracked lips. Your knees are swollen, your thighs ache, your fingers are numb and your shoulders burn. And by the way, you’re walking funny, too.

"You have become a collective wreck.

"You have also become a community.

"And you are very, very beautiful.

"This week – alone and together – you have demonstrated what is best in humanity.

"You cheered, shouted cajoled, badgered, humored, teased and literally dragged one another across these 585 miles.

"Hold on to the lessons of this week and the wonder of this moment, for you are a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.”

About 45 minutes after it began, the Ceremony ended, and many participants reunited with their families, loved ones and friends who had come out to support them. An incredible week – and year – came to and end, and eyes began to turn towards AIDS/LifeCycle 4 – June 5- 11, 2005.

Check out today's photos!

Read the closing remarks by:

• Chris Cole, AIDS/LifeCycle Director
• Pat Christen, SFAF's Executive Director
• Lorri Jean, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's CEO

Read today's journal entries from:

• Donna
• Tom