Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 4 (2005)

Here we are, our very last day together. It went by so fast, and yet it seems like we’ve been here forever. We didn’t have the glorious sunshine of last year, but we didn’t have ungodly hot days either. We’ve laughed and cried, sometimes both at once.

This week, participants have seen many wonders, natural and unnatural – mermaids and French maids, a whole lotta cows and cowboys/girls, quacking ducks and graceful swans. There were ladybugs and ladies in red, a snake in the grass and the Wizard of Oz, Mardi Gras and Mr. Incredible, Disco Dave, dancing on lightposts and on the street of Casmalia. We saw letters from kids and the Van Trapps, rock stars and a talent show, Dollywood and dolphins, tailwinds and harem girls, pizza and spinning poi.

Some highlights from Day 7:

• The wettest morning yet -- other than Sprinkler Day, of course.  You're in for a little shower should you inadvertently touch the side or ceiling of your tent.
• In Malibu, cyclists guzzled much-appreciated double espressos at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf ("back to civilization" at last).
• Over the course of the week the Camp Store sold more than $100,000 in sundries and ALC merchandise. Proceeds benefit the two beneficiaries, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.
• Another fun fact to know and tell: By end of Day 7, over 400 people are registered to ride in AIDS/LifeCycle 5.
• Friends and family gathered at the Wadsworth Theater Grounds at the VA Medical Center to cheer cyclists as they finished their final mile.
• At 3:45pm, the 1,600 cyclists rode triumphantly into the Closing Ceremony, filling the space off into the distance.
• The Riderless Cycle procession brought tears to many eyes, as thoughts focused on those we have lost to AIDS.
• The 400+ Roadies had their own bouyant entrance, to the cheers of the cyclists they so dutifully supported during the week.
• Two first-time cyclists – Lorri Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, and Mark Cloutier, Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation – spoke to their fellow participants about the joys and accomplishments of the week.

We want to leave you this week with a recipe; it’s been passed down over the years, but changes a little every time it’s prepared.

From the ALC Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 1617 cyclists
• 405 roadies
• A few pinches of staff and supporters
• 585 miles
• 6.8 million dollars

Blend all the ingredients together, being careful not to lose any of their individual flavors. Sprinkle with water. Lightly roast, then chill. Repeat as necessary. Add red dresses, artichokes, costumes, vegan soy ice cream, themes, strawberries, entertainment, ginger and other garnishes as desired. Set for seven days.

At the end, you will end up with the sweetest concoction you ever wrapped your lips around – savoring each of those luscious morsels and yet tasting the brand-new dish they all make together.

Reported by:

• "Aunt Blabby"
• Quentin O’Brien, Director of the Health and Mental Health Services (Rider #3532), LAGLC
• Curt Shepard, Director of Government Relations (Rider #3029), LAGLC
• Jeff Brock, Webmaster, AIDS/LifeCycle