Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 5 (2006)

About Tony

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 42, most of my friends are no longer here. Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or complications of the AIDS pandemic.

So, I had the choice of either sitting and watching or doing something about it. At first, I sat and watched.  And then, a light bulb went ON!

On 01 January 1994, I realized that there was more to life than: guzzling an expensive bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, being the belle of the ball, speaking of what others need to work on, and/or sitting daily on the same coach (in self pity). So, I bought a 10 year old, Bianchi Road Bike. And, I began a 6-month intense cycling training for a cycling event called the California AIDS Ride #2.

In May of 1994, I left San Francisco with $3.00 in my pocket, no idea of how I was going to return, a questionable bike, the fear of failure, and began to cycle (along with 1500 other cyclist) toward West Hollywood. Seven days, 575 miles later, I arrived in West Hollywood. At which point, I realized it is possible to step outside of your normal routine. I realized it is possible to empower yourself while assisting others. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my ideas of creating a better world. And, I realized that miracles could occur (after all, I made it back home with $3.00 in my pocket).

Why do I continue to participate:

1. Supporting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and it's beneficiaries is a great cause.
2. "The Chicago Tribune recently reported that AIDS is the number one cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. Once again, AIDS is on the rise in the United States and around the world. More women, more college students and more people over the age of 50 are at greater risk than ever before. It's really something you need to know about..”
3. Participating in the California AIDS Ride & AIDS/LifeCycle changed my life. .. (I went from a bottle of Chardonnay a day to Iyengar Yoga at 7:00am.).
4. It gives me the opportunity to empower others (by my example).
5. At the age of 42, I stare out the window and smile.

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga teacher,
9th Year, AIDS Benefit Cyclist,
tony eason
http://ynottony.com

Let's get started - AIDS LifeCycle - 2006 - Day Zero

6:30am

"Aum
Bhuh Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat"
~ The Rig Veda (10:16:3)

"Intentions are the key to the nature of conscious beings and to all of their activities. Every activity begins with an intention, and every intention has an "objective": the object, event, or state of affairs that the person is trying to bring about with that intention. Painting a picture begins with the intention to paint a picture. The objective of that intention is the picture. That intention starts an activity cycle -- that of painting the picture -- and a period of time -- the time during which the picture is being painted. Furthermore, in order to fulfill that intention, the person must assume an identity -- that of a painter. And this identity is composed of and supported by a number of skills, tools, and ideas, all of which are means of creating a picture. But the ruling element is the intention.
-- Frank A. Gerbode, M.D.

Good Morning,

As I sit here (in the San Francisco,  Mission District) watching the sun rise, I begin to smile.

First, I must thank the (approximate) 2,000 cyclist, 400 crewmembers, Cheerleaders, Parents, Friends, Family, Stephan Cadby, Susan Parish, Ben Armstrong, Maya Angelou, Sports Basement - SF, Ginger, The Chicken Lady, and my number one fan.  Without all of you .. .  this event wouldn't be the same. . . . ... ..

Secondly, I must thank my personal sponsors: Bella Cucina Catering, Soulcraft Bikes, Fat Tire Beer, Continental Catering, the Senior Teachers of the Iyengar Yoga Institute San Francisco, KRD - Kyle Rich Bike Frames, Satori Yoga Studio, James Howell Studio, Jason Collard, Michael Stokes, "Team Brazil," the Atlas Cafe, "Mike's Bikes - Sausalito," Crimewave, and my friends and family . . . without your nickels and dimes, I'd still be out there fundraising. .. . .

At the age of 44, I am so thankful to have the ability to participate in my 9th AIDS Ride. 

And as Day 1 approaches, I ponder over new challenges that may arise.

I'm so happy that I could cry.

And . . . I'm a bit scared.

Yet, regardless of what occurs during this seven day journey, I will do my best to stay strong, live long, keep my wit, have fun, and stay focused on "my intentions."

With each journey comes a new experience. 

This year, I will be traveling the journey with Shivie Cook, "Norwegian Cruisliner" . Thomas Hellivig, "Daddy" -  Chick Pipher, "My Bro" - Nate Maton-Parkinson, Marcus Farage, "My Cycling Mentor" - Kyle Rich, "Mr Rio" - Dhjalma, "My No.1 Bike Tech." American Cyclery - Tyson, "Don Colnago" - Barry Elliot, and hopefully "Oprah Winfrey"

Stay tuned .. I'll be back.

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,

Iyengar Yoga teacher,
9th Year, AIDS Benefit Cyclist,
tony

Shout Outs:

Best Place for Bike Gear at a Great Price - Sports Basement Rocks!

San Francisco Eagle - John is in the HOUSE!

5:45pm - Exhale

In Iyengar Yoga Classes we speak of the exhalation of the breath. . ... In personal practice, if one has a tendency toward anxiety and is trying to release stress, a breath ratio that emphasizes exhalation will be more helpful.

As I walked around the Cow Palace doing the traditional "standing in line"  I was greeted by Xmas Past, Xmas Present, and Xmas Future ...

1.  I reassured 1st Time Cyclists that hot water would be available. (Check out 1st Yr. Cyclist,  Marcus Farage's AIDS LifeCycle Photos)

2.  Upon seeing the faces of veteran riders, I was confident that I was doing the right thing ...

3.  AFTER "Cycling Mentor" - Kyle Rich & "Daddy" - Chick Pipher reached their $2,500 pledge minimum, I began to smile.

4.  I realized ... this is it. "Houston - we have a GO!"

"We hope for the best; we fear for the worst, and they are always based in the future. I am afraid of something. It is not right now. But I'm afraid of something that's coming; I'm afraid of something that could happen; I hope for something to happen. It's never dealing with the actual moment. You don't hope for the present. The present is simply present."

Between now and 4:00am can be the toughest time for an AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist. 

Why?

Because, during 6 months of training rides,  we've talked all the talk ...

And now ... we've got to walk the walk ...

"The Human mind can be thought of as a lake.
When a lake is calm, it sits still, the reflection is clear.
Yet sometimes, a pebble falls into the lake and creates rings of disturbance.
And eventually, the rings can grow and disturb the clear reflection of the lake.
Then everything, around and within the lake, is disturbed..
The same is with the mind ...
So, keep your mind still ....
And don't be influenced by the pebbles which fall within your path."

"Amused like a mother,
dispassionate like a sage,
doggedly like an endurance cyclist,
breathing like a twisted Yogi ... you go on."

So, if you've got a lover, partner, friend, neighbor, taxi driver, yoga teacher, and/or maid on this 585 mile, 7 day, journey:

1. Pick up the phone and send your words of support.
2. Email them.
3. "Fed Ex" a San Francisco Mission District Burrito.
4. Chant
5. Shoot off a flare ..
6. "EXHALE"

And if you're a cyclist, roadie, cheerleader, volunteer, staff, "Ginger", and/or "The Chicken Lady"

1. Please remember, as long as you walk with good intentions, don't be concerned with the outcome of your actions. . .
2. Laugh.
3. Learn from your enemy.
4. If you want to whine . . .  imagine what it would be like if 2, 500 people started whining "together"
5. If you need a hug .....I'm here for you.
6. "EXHALE"

"World History is a reflection of the thoughts, actions and words, of Human Beings."

Today's Pics:

QA Engineer, IBM - Volunteer Penny Valdez made my registration day "painless and smooth."

My Hero of the Day gives me the safety bracelet - "the ticket to a journey of a life time ... "

And the packing list must fit in the bag.

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

And a beautiful day it was . . .

1.  Don Colnago picks up Tony Eason & Nat Maton- Parkinson at 5:15am, Saturday, 05 June 2006, from the San Francisco Mission District -  "94110."

2.  Before beginning our 585 mile, 7 day, journey, Nate, Tony, "Don Colnago" - Barry Elliot, "Norwegian Cruiseliner"-Tom, "Mr Rio," the "Atlas Team," and the "Brazilian Team" all meet up for a brief chat (see previous post for cycling buddies profiles).

3.  Each Year, during out 6 months of training, I tell 1st Yr. AIDS LifeCyclist that: "If you are the first cyclist on 'Day 1" to remind me that I will be setting up your tent for the entire week - I will . . ." So, Tent No. B60 reminds me of my commitment.

And as my fellow cycling buddies know, "I think of my 585 mile, 7 day journey as a meditation. .."  Therefore, today and throughout the week, I will ride "solo."  And as I ride,  I plan to sing, laugh, giggle, cry, and reflect on my personal challeges and strenghts (however, anything can happen).

The first day of the ride can be a real challenge.  Why?  As I look around, I see anxiety, fear, and loads of testosterone (not only amongst the crowd - but also within myself).  Yet, the key to "surviving" this journey is to pace oneself and BEWARE of what I call ...the "superman syndrome . . ."

The Superman Syndrome occurs when one hear's "the Theme from Rocky".  The Superman Syndrome occurs when one imagines oneself in the Olympics and sprints for the "Gold Medal."  The Superman Syndrome occurs when one believes one is greater than a car, a truck, a cow, and/or the forces of nature.

So my words to my fellow cyclist are: stay in tune with your thoughts & your physical body, and "PAY ATTENTION."

4.  So the ride begins.

And, as I coasted up that large hill from San Mateo towards Pacifica, I looked forward to seeing my lovely friend and fellow veteran participant "Ginger Brulee" - "Ginger Brewlay" - "IMG_1908 "

Because, as long as Ginger can pack a van full of fabulous outfits for a 7 day road trip, place herself in "the middle of Brandenburg Air Force Base," run up hills in heels, hand out treats to eat, and never seem to be angry, depressed, or whining .. I  can continue to cycle up that hill.

Briefly after accepting some sugar treats from Ginger,  I arrived at the lunch stop.  So I sat with "my boys the bike techs" & American Cyclery - Tyson.

And then, I contemplated "how can I make someone's experience a bit more enjoyable?"

So after lunch, I cycled a approximate 40 mile journey nonstop to camp.

First was the shower.
Second was settting up tent B60
Third was assisting 1st Time AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist from the "The San Francisco Eagle" ... John.
Fourth was checking out the Bike Techs
Firth was cheering on my fellow cyclist as the crossed the finish line (and yes, I packed a "cow bell") ...
And at 8:00pm ... I was repacked and in bed.

Here's Tony's Top 6 things you can do ...

6.  Send an email to rider Kyle Rich telling him to pick Tony up a donut (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle Event is over).
5.  Call the Associate Director of AIDS Life Cycle - San Francisco -Stephen Cadby, and tell him he rocks: 415- 581-7038 (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle Event 2006 has passed).
4.  Send an email greeting to a random cyclist.
3.  Open the window and yell out "go rider" (doesn't matter if the AIDS LifeCycle 2006 event has pasted).
2.  Get Your "cow bell," start the car, find out our route, and come see the action .....
1. An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions

Tomorrow, I'll see if I can find time to write more ... (cause there are several of us bloggers using the 2 computers at the media center - (three fellow bloggers are standing right behind me).

Day 2: Santa Cruz to King City (via Monterey) - A 127 mile ride

Life may not be all peaches and cream ... but, we "can" learn from every experience.

And a challenging day it was ...

1.  All of our cycling gang gets up at 4:30am.  Nate, Tony, "Don Colnago" - Barry Elliot, "Norwegian Cruiseliner"-Tom, "Mr Rio," the "Atlas Team," and the "Brazilian Team" all line up for the 6:30am Start time ... Yet, the Norwegian Cruiseliner informs us that there's some "juju" in the air ...

"And there off ..." Kyle Rich is "the rabbit."

2.  "Norwegian Cruiseliner" breaks a spoke 10 miles before lunch (no chance of be reunited today with "the rabbit.")

3.  After lunch, Tony misses "an arrow" and rides 15 miles off course ..."Can we say ... Welcome to Monterey?" 

After 9 years of traveling this route, I phoned for assistance.  And then, I experienced my first ride in the SAG Wagon (Support & Gear Vehicle) - Scooby Doo's “The Mystery Machine”.

Yet the Ken's SAG Wagon  (with the "rainbow striped Teddy Bear" sitting in the right rear corner of the car) ... was great.  They offered banana chips, water, and selected dried fruit to each passenger.

After being returned to the lunch stop (backtracking and increasing my day's milage by approx. 27 miles), I continued my journey to "King City."

4.  Soon after my departure from the Lunch Stop, I passed "Mr Rio" on the side of the road.

He broke a spoke.  Therefore, we dissengage the cable from the back brake (leaving "Mr. Rio" with only a front brake - yet allowing more room for his lopsided wheel to spin).  And then, I guided him (to insure a safe passage) to Pitstop 4.

5.  5 miles before the finish line in King City, I was confronted with a 15 mile per hour sidewind combined with a side draft from "a Rig" ... "I lost control of my Soulcraft Bike Frame ... "I ate it."  Tony becomes reunited with "road rash."

A very kind cyclist insured "my" safe passage to the finish.

6.  After experiencing my longest ride ever (an approximate 127 mile ride).  I parked my bike.  And soon following, I met the Buddha (a nice woman sitting out in the woods).  We began to speak of today's journey and our experiences.

She told me:

"A broken foot and a stolen bike won't keep me from riding ..."
-- Tati Olea - A "Velo Girl"

I felt empowered.  Thank you Velo Girl!

Now, it's time to visit the medics and prepare for tomorrow's ride.

I'm having a wonderful time.

tony

Day 2 - Aptos to KIng City - AIDS LifeCycle 2005 (last year's journey)

Day 3: King City to Paso Robles - To the Crazy ones

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. You can quote them. Disagree with them. Glorify or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."
--An advertisement by Apple Computer

And a very hot and challenging day it was . . . .

1.  Again, the alarm clock rings at 4:30am.  As l opened my eyes, I wondered if my left leg is still attached to my body. 

Why?  Because as a result of yeterday's bike crash, I have road rash on the left hip and outer left knee.  Yet, I found my leg to still be attached. 

I proceeded to dress in my "Team Brazil" gear and limped over to the starting line. 

Chick, Nate, Kyle, Tom, Barry, Shiv, and "Mr. Rio" were glad to see that I was still in the game ...

Upon arriving to pitstop 2, I popped 600 mg. of Ibprofen.  Soon later, I went into "warp speed."  And then, It became approximately 90 degrees in temperature, and "warp speed" went off line.  Therefore, in order to avoid the heat, I road straight from pitstop 2 to the finish line.  And here we are ...

Traditionally on my journey to Los Angeles, I focus on doing acts of kindness /or/ Karma Yoga.  Part of my duties include being the "Bike Tech Bitch."  Therefore, after my shower and setting up tent #B60, Tati, Nate, Isadora, and I visited the local Pasa Robles, Carls Jr. and got 6 orders of "fries to go with that shake" .... and delivered them directly to the bike techs - gratis.  (However, it wasn't until the next morning that I realized that I still had their straws).

3.  Here's some shout outs to the fans, family, friends, and then some ...

Mr. & Mrs. Eason ... I love you!

Rabiah Harrison (my housemate) ... thanks for the miso soup, the great heart, and the listening ear.

Jamie Mastin & Fat Tire Beer ... Send a case of beer to the Marriot Hotel LAX (I'll be there on Saturday).

UPS - Your delivery men rock ... but the UPS woman at the AIDS LifeCycle bike parking is "the bomb."

Mike's Bikes - Sausalito Cyclery - "Arron" - You're a RockStar!

Bella Cucina Catering - Lisa Hines "Thanks for 10 years of continued sponsorships ... And help, I'll need some work when I return"

Sarah Jane Evenson - I miss you.

Oprah, you've got 2 days to warm up the jet.

Closing Words:

It amazes me how people who can't pay their rent (when they return home), how people who have never road a bike, how people who have no idea how they are going to ride "again" tomorrow, how even CEO's have donated their services, how people from 17 to ?, the fat, the thin, the old, the young, the round, the tall, the short, the square, the liberal, the conservative, and the eccentric have joined together for a common cause. 

It amazes me how dreams can become reality.

Got to go ... times up ... ciao

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga teacher,
tony

Day 3 - King City to Pasa Robles - 2005

Day 5: The Three Jewels

"The ideals at the heart of Buddhism are collectively known as the Three Jewels, or the Three Treasures. It is by making these the central principles of one's life that one becomes a Buddhist."

Here's the Buddha, Dharma (duty) and the Sangha (community).

Day 6: Santa Maria to Ventura (via Oprah Winfrey)

Karma - "Cause and effect."

Karma (Sanskrit: ???? from the root k?, "to do", [meaning deed] meaning action, effect, destiny) is a term that comprises the entire cycle of cause and effect Karma is a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The effects of all deeds actively create present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain in others.

And a very challenging, learning, and great day it was . . . .

1.  Again, the alarm clock rings at 4:30am.  This time, Nate does not budge from his sleep state.

I rise at 4:45am. (knowing that riders will be detained in pitstop 2 until 9:00am). Why?  Because the roads are being worked on ...

So, I putzed around camp unitl about 7:15am and began to fly like a "bat out of hell" to Pitstop 2.  However, by the time I reached pitstop 1, I realized that "turbo was offline." So, I pressed the "cruise control" and began to coast my bike to Pitstop 2.

Yet, three miles from Pitstop 2, I received my "first flat on the ride."  So, I pulled over and began to change it.  And then, from the corner of my eye, I witness a very sexy man appoaching me.  And then, he offered to change my flat.

Being one that was raised (by my  one fan) to be independent, first, I refused to accept the kind offer.  And then, I contemplated "YNOT."  So, I set  and enjoyed the panoramic view as this "beautiful hunk of a man" change my flat.

Then, passing up the lunch stop, I proceeded directly to "the Unofficial Pitstop - Paradise Pit in Montecito". 

Upon arriving to Montecito, I was greeted with Ice Cream, cookies, Strawberries, familiar "Paradise Pit" volunteers, friends, new faces, and AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist that I had never seen ....

Yet, I was completely impressed when a Montecito resident began to put "lavender oil" on my road rash.  Thank You Montecito, CA. - Paradise Pit - The Unofficial Pitstop -

Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions were not present.  However, during this weeks adventure, I have been introduced to some very ... shall we say "Important People."  One of which, will see Oprah Winfrey on Sunday. ... the other promises to speak with her within the week ..

Regardless ... like the 1,700 cyclist & 400 crew members ...

I'm a Warrior (Arjuna). 

I will not quit. 

And, I just may have to visit Chicago ..

After leaving the Paradise Pit, I arrived in camp.  And then I proceed to do my 9 Yr.Tradition of:

1. Visiting the "In & Out Burger" - Ventura, CA., 

2.  Picking up a Fat Tire Beer,

3.  And then, sitting on Ventura Beach while contemplating the previous 5 days.

This week has been one intense experience. 

1.  I can feel my entire body (physically & physiologically).   Therefore, my emotions are rising, my body aches, and my brain tires quickly.

2.  I made new friends.  Learned more about old friends.  Discontinued a few friendships. Stumbled over friend's of mutual friends.  Yet found that all of us have a common interest.

3.  I'll be back next year.

Why?  YNOT? 

I believe in what I'm doing here with AIDS LifeCycle & The San Francisco AIDS Foundation & The Los Angeles Gay & Lesibian Center.

I want to hear more from the wonderful voice of "Lorri Jean - CEO Los Angeles - Gay & Lesbian Center" - (Lorri Jean, you'd make "big" money in Vegas ... )

Shout Outs:

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence - Thanks for participating and showing your support.

Information Services - "Best Music in Camp" - I nominate this woman for next year's DJ - AIDS LifeCycle 2007 -

And to whichever theatre company (can't remember the name of the Theatre) in the Bay Area - East Bay that sponsored this man - He rocked the house.  Send me his info

Closing Words:

"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."

Just imagine if every individual did just "one" positive thing to change the course of humanity.

Just imagine if every individual reminded themselves that "World History is a reflection of the actions, thoughts, and words of human beings.

Just imagine if every individual thought about "someone else" for an hour each day.

Now ... stop imagining ... and get to work ... see what you can do ...

Together, with the right actions ... we can change ... and we can make changes ...

It's all about "Cause and Effect."

Day 6 - Lompoc to Ventura (via Oprah Winfrey) - AIDS LifeCycle 2005 (last year's ride)

Click here to view my complete AIDS LifeCycle 2006 Photo Journal

P.S.

I'll keep you posted on my personal blog - Iyengar Yoga Teacher cycles 575 miles for AIDS LifeCycle

Day 7: Ventura to the finish line

Post Ride Depression: It is not uncommon for cyclist to suffer post-event depression after finishing the AIDS Life Cycle Event. This is due in part to achieving a goal which took much time and energy to reach. Now that the goal has been accomplished, cyclist oftentimes feel a void in their lives. 

And a very challenging, learning, and great experience it was . . .

1.  Again, the alarm clock rings at 4:30am.  This time, I arise from my sleep state  with a big smile on my face. 

And, for the first time during this week adventure, I altered my morning ritual of:

a. Being dressed, packed, and heading to "Gear Truck H" by 5:00am.
b. Doing my yoga sequence and then heading for breakfast by at 5:30am.
c. "Jetting like a bat out of hell" towards the finish line.

Instead:

a.  I walked around the camp site and studied the faces of others. 
b.  I spent time congratulating, thanking,  and speaking with fellow cyclist, roadies, and crew members..
c.  I began to ponder .. . "What's going to be next?"

Later that day, I arrived at the finish line to be greeted by my #2 Fan, my father, Ralph Eason.

Although we've had our differences, it great to see that my father stands beside his son.  It's great to see that he understands that regardless of age, sexual orientation, social status, financial status, or our personal challenges, everyone can do their part to assist in improving the world. 

With a 4 hour layover until the "official group ride in" and ceremonies, my father and I proceeded to  the predetermined rendezvous point - Peet's Coffee to meet my "cycling buddies."  Upon arriving at Peet's Coffee, I was greeted by:

1.  "My boys" from The  Atlas Cafe Cycling Team.

2.  "My boys" from Team Brazil.

3.  My Cycling Buddies.

4.  The Best of Show - Helmet Award Winner's - Team Lion AID

There we sat and rang the cow bells, talked the talk, and cheered on the remainding cyclist (as they approached the finish line.

Approximately 4 hours later, we arrived at the closing ceremonies. 
And, a wonderful site it was. . .

The closing ceremonies is probably the only time you can view

1.  All 1,800 AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist
2.  The Chicken Lady
3. Ginger Brulee
4. The AIDS LifeCycle Staff
5.  Ben Armstrong
6.  The Sister's of Perpetual Indulgence
7.  The Approx. 400 Crew Members -  (Medics, Media, Logistics, SAG Wagons, Gear Trucks, and then some)
8. Lori Jean - CEO, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center
9.  And, all the supportive family members and friends.

And as the ceremonies began .. tears began to grown in my eyes . .
It's truly amazing. 

The effort. 
The pain.
The challenges.
The personal growth.
The Ibprofen
The perserverance.
The discipline.
The love.
The common goals.
The ephifanies.
The disasters.
The victories.
The fears.
The tears.
The memories.
The kindness.
The friendship.
The bonds.

All of these things in "the same pot."  All these things standing on the same road.  All these things for the single purpose of improving "humanity."

It's Truly amazing.

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 some individuals actually believe that 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 AIDS/LifeCycle

So where do we go from here?

1.  Cycle simply for fun, not worrying about following a training ride schedule;
2.  Supplement your cycling by participating in cross-training activities like Yoga;
3.  Take a break altogether from cycling;
4.  Spend more time with family and friends and enjoy some social activities or non-athletic hobbies .... . .. .
5. Setting new goals

Yet regardless of where each individual goes from here .. . please learn from this weeks experiences and carry them into your "daily life."

Don't put off goodness like we put off going on a diet. 

See what you can do TODAY!

AIDS LifeCycle - 2006 - An Experience of a Lifetime

More AIDS LifeCycle Photos

Even More Photos

An Invitation to Harpo Productions & The Oprah Winfrey Show

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga Teacher, tony eason

http://ynottony.com

My Official Blog

Day #7 - AIDS LifeCycle - 2005 - Ventura to Los Angeles