AIDS LifeCycle - A Sneak Preview - Part 2

"Today humankind has the potential to turn this planet into a paradise and live in beauty, just as it has the potential to destory itself, the Earth and all living things. At stake in this game is our own individual existence, and the existence of humankind as a whole." - - On the Warriors Path by Daniele Bolelli

A Sneak Preview (continued)- Several individuals within the AIDS LifeCycle Community were asked to reflect on and comment about the 575 mile, 7 day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here's what they had to say:

Name: Eric
Education: Studying for a Bachelor's in Journalism - S.F. State University
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 140lbs.
Age: 20
Birth Place/Origin: San Jose, CA--though I grew up largely in Charleston, South Carolina
Occupation: Student Journalist - Cashier
Present Location /Where do you live? San Francisco, CA 94133
Favorite Book: "House of Leaves" by Mark Danielewski

As a San Francisco Resident, has the AIDS Pandemic affected your immediate community of friends, family, or self? And if so, how?

My uncle died of AIDS shortly after I was born, and it has always been a taboo subject in my family. I know his death was and continues to be difficult on many fronts, but I often wonder if the fact that he was gay also has anything to do with why I never hear stories about him.

As a fellow cyclist, have you ever heard of and/or considered participating in the AIDS LifeCycle Event? And, what would it take to get you involved?

I've never heard of it (before today, anyway), but all it would take is a free week and whatever money I had to contribute! It sounds like a great event in so many ways.

In what ways does AIDS LifeCycle Event sound like a great event?

AIDS LifeCycle excites the hell out of me because "pedal power" excites the hell out of me. The realization that I can go anywhere I need to by the strength of my own legs was almost religious to me, and to see that principal en mass over hundreds of miles would be something both humbling and empowering. I think an event like this would naturally work for the greater good, and to be a huge source of revenue for fighting a horrible pandemic...I'd surely hop on a bike for that.

And, if you could suggest one thing that other human beings could do to assist in making the world a better place, what would it be?

To be honest, following the vectors of their passions whenever possible. Nothing creates more positive social capital than a person for whom existence is joy.

Name: Shiv Charan Kaur ("Shivie")
Education: LLB (Hons) (UK Law Degree), LPC (UK Legal Practice Course), admitted to UK Law Society & the New State Bar Association (tho no longer actively so!!!)
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 125
Age: 39
Birth Place/Origin: Nottingham, England
Occupation: Kundalini Yoga teacher, Bodyworker, Tutor
Present Location /Where do you live? San Francisco, CA 94107 - (On the hill baby, Potrero Hill).
Favorite Book: Agghhh, this is a tough one, there have been different ones for different times, perhaps The Alchemist as this came to me at a pivotal time and I have re-read it many times and given away a number of copies... I love books and I love so many of them.

As a 3rd Year AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist, could you share with us the "Day 7" Experience?

Between now and the last day of the ride, Day 7, we will go through so many experiences. The days are long and the mornings are very early. Before we know we are all lining up at the Cow Palace for Day 0 (the day we hand in our bikes, do the final paperwork, get tent assignments and go home to find ourselves unable to sleep). Others will tell you about the days between Day 1 and Day 7. My task is to cover Day 7.

At the beginning of our week long journey Day 7 seems far away.
Adrenalin gets us all through Day 1.... ...
By days 3 and 4 some of us are wondering whether we will make it to Day 7.
And then we get to Red Dress Day, Day 5.
And that night by the beach will be our last night together as a community, the following morning (Day 7) will be the last time we break down our tents, line up for breakfast, collect route sheets, get mo-jo'd and ride off to the first rest stop...

Day 7 takes us from Ventura along some of the prettiest parts of the route and some of the most dangerous. Surfers and drivers of large "Malibu-esque" Mercedes, Bentleys and the likes don't seem to have much respect for cyclists also travelling along the Pacific Coast Highway.

It is a day to keep your wits about you - which can be challenging. Also, it is the day before we re-enter the "other world" (the one that we left seven days ago and the one that will never seem the same after a week with the AIDS LifeCycle community). Also, It is a short day mileage wise, coming out at about 65 or so (piece of cake after the week of cycling every inch and every hill between Northern and Southern Cali).

I know that for myself it is one of the harder days. My tent is on the van until next year, my week of camping and cycling and being around a giving, like minded community is over until next year...yet, it is not over, because whilst we have HIV and AIDS it will never be over.

Day 7 is a day of triumph and a day of sadness - we have made it, done our part, raised millions of dollars (definitely triumphant in that respect). It is sad because we are still living with HIV and AIDS. And that sadness becomes triumphant once again because even though we are still living with HIV and AIDS and many seem to have given up on the cause, i we, on the other hand, have not given up. We continue to rally each year to raise funds, get ourselves fit for the challenge - because we know that if we don't no-one will.

TO BE CONTINUED - Check back to see what others of the AIDS LifeCycle Community have to say.

AIDS LIfeCycle Part 1

Wising the best of all possible worlds,

tony = http://ynottony.com

Iyengar Yoga Teacher - Janet MacLeod

In my eyes, the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco is a place of vast knowledge. And the Advance Teacher training program consists of pranayama, anatomy, physiology, philosophy, apprenticeships, teaching skills, personal yoga practice skills, and a wonderful community of highly skilled advanced senior iyengar yoga teachers.

Janet MacLeod:
Janet ...a kiss to you (smile). I apprenticed under Janet MacLeod. Like all of these teachers, Janet studies under the sensitive eye of B.K.S. Iyengar. She has the ability to get you into a pose without you even noticing ....She is vast in her knowledge yet gives the right knowledge at the right time. And, there's a sense of humor that will make you smile.

"Inspirations From India"

A Yoga Workshop with senior Iyengar yoga teacher

Janet MacLeod

March 22 - 25, 2007

Highland Ranch is proud and delighted to welcome Janet MacCleod (jmacleodyoga.com) for a extended weekend yoga retreat in March 2007.

Janet has been a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor for 20 years. She teaches classes to the general public in San Francisco; teaches in the Teacher Training Program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco (IYISF) and conducts retreats and workshops worldwide.

She continues to study in the U.S. and in India with the Iyengar family. Janet has been an active community member holding positions on both the local and national Boards. She was Convention Chair of the BKS Iyengar Association of the U.S. during the Iyengar Yoga Odyssey in 2001. She has relinquished these duties and is now happy to dedicate her life to the practice, study and teaching of yoga.

Janet comes to this retreat fresh from her most recent course of intensive study with the Iyengar family in Pune, India. Studying with the Iyengars is a personally transformative experience. Janet’s dedicated pursuit of deeper study continues to unfold new dimensions in her practice and teaching. Come and join Janet at Highland Ranch for a mixed level retreat with Janet at her most inspired.

The yoga retreat will consist of Janet’s daily asana and pranayama classes (12 total class hours). Participants limited to 20, so this will be an intimate retreat. Free time to relax and explore, delicious and nourishing vegetarian meals, and comfortable cabins with fireplaces and baths round out your stay.

Arrival is on Thursday, 3/22, 1 - 3 PM, Opening Yoga Class is 3 - 5 PM Departure on Sunday, 3/25, after lunch (1:30 PM)

Price and Accommodation

Dormitory Style (3 per room, shared bath) ($535 total)

Double Occupancy (2 per room/day) ($685 total)

Single Occupancy (per person/day) ($895 total)

Retreat fees includes yoga, three nights accommodation, all meals, beverages, taxes and charges. A la carte extras which can be added during your stay are horseback riding ($75.00/ride), massage ($95.00/hour). Call in advance to book a ride and/or massage.

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellations occuring before 1/19/07 we will refund less a $50.00 processing fee. For cancellations from 1/19/07 to 3/8/07 THERE IS NO REFUND, however we will credit any payments over the deposit to another ranch stay or workshop in 2007 or 2008. For cancellations after 3/8/07 there is no refund and no credit. Workshop may be transferred to another person.

For more information, please contact Susie Cohen, the Highland Ranch Wellness Program Director and resident yoga instructor at (707) 895-3600 or by email at sbcohen@sonic.net.

AIDS LifeCycle 2007 - A Preview

"As Buddha says in the famous parable of the arrow, analyzing the disease is not nearly as important as finding a cure. Complaing about the state of things is a common sport. But who among us has the courage and the willpower to hold on to their dreams when everything around us tells us to give up? Who has the passion and the creative strength to reinvent our approach to life?"

- On the Warriors Path by Daniele Bolelli

Answer: The friends, family, teachers, crew, sponsors, mothers, and fellow cyclist - the machinery behind the AIDS LifeCycle Event.

A Sneak Preview - Several individuals within the AIDS LifeCycle Community were asked to reflect on and comment about their 575 mile, 7 day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here's what they had to say:

Nane: Rich
Education: Robert Morris College (1 year)
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 206lbs.
Age: 46
Birth Place/Origin: Dover, DE (USA)
Occupation: VP Sales & Marketing
Present Location/Where do you live? San Francisco, CA 94127
Favorite Book: "The Front Runner" by Patricia Nell Warren

How many years have you supported the California AIDS Ride / AIDS LifeCycle Event? And, why do you continue to support these events?

I have been a supporter of the California AIDS Ride / AIDS LifeCycle Event for the past 8 years. I continue my committment because I personally lost four very close and many not so close friends to this damn disease and they ain't coming back. My financial and emotional support to this cause and others helps me confront and deal with the daily reality that there are still folks, ones who are close and not so close friends and family of others who are still being infected and dying; with no cure in the near horizon.

The courage, stamina and enthusiasm of the many riders and support teams that make the ride to LA are something that my friends Jerriese, Michael Troy, Brian and Natalie, were they alive today, would have also wanted to take part in to continue to fight to find a cure and help spread the prevention message." - Rich

Nane: Djalma (MR. Rio) Fonseca
Education: College
Height: 5-11
Weight: 178lbs
Age: 41
Birth Place/Origin: Rio De Janeiro, Brasil
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Present Location/Where do you live? San Francisco, CA 94110
Favorite Book: When Things Fall Apart

As a 7th yr. veteran cyclist, what words of wisdom would you give to “first time cyclist?” Also, if you could add one thing to the AIDS LifeCycle Experience – what would it be?

My advice to first time cyclist would be: train, train, train. Don't forget to do "back-to-back" rides especially towards the end of training season.

One thing to add to the Lifecycle experience:

The return of DISCO NIGHT.

Or at least, some form of adult, fun entertainment (NOT cartoons, or some solo/slow guitar recital, all of which just puts every one to sleep).

(Tony says: "I'll have to get Oprah to bring Whitney")

Located right on the Bridgeway Bike Path, Mike's Bikes Sausalito is a well-known AIDS LifeCycle cycling destination that is a gateway to some of Marin's finest riding. Over the years, I have developed a fine relationship with their establishment, appreciated their great service, and enjoyed their AIDS LifeCycle Discount.

And while chatting it up with "the boys of Sausalito" - here's what they had to say:

Nane: Jeff
Education: University of Colorado, Boulder
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 175lbs.
Age: 22
Occupation: Sales Manager, Mike's Bikes of Sausalito
Present Location/Where do you live? I live in San Francisco (94121)
Favorite Book: It's a tie. White Noise by Don DeLillo and Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey.

As a observer, sponsor, and supporter of the AIDS LifeCycle Experience, if you were a participant - what three items would you "pack first" in your luggage?

If I were participating in the ALC event the first three items I would pack would be my journal, a good book, and my most comfortable cycling shorts. I would feel naked without the first two, and would actually be naked without the third

And what comfortable bike shorts would you suggest that AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist wear during their journey?
The Pearl Izumi Microsensor Bike Shorts located on the wooden rack in the front of our store.

Nane: Leslie
Education: ?
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 168lbs.
Age: 33
Occupation: Business Owner
Present Location/Where do you live? I live in San Francisco.
Favorite Book: The Iliad by Homer

As a 4th Yr. California AIDS Ride / AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist how did you first become involved with the AIDS Rides - And why do you continue to return?

I started with California AIDS Ride #6 because, I first and foremost loved to ride my bicycle. Eat, sleep, and ride for 7 days straight? What's there not to love? But then, I came back two more times after that because of the amazing emotions and camraderie that I experienced while riding with people and talking with them.The memories of not only the first year that I did it but the following years still bring smiles to my face. I introduced 4th Yr. Veteran Sonya to the ride; her father died from AIDS when Sonya was in her twenties, and she's doing it with me again this year. I enjoy coming back year after year because of the enthusiastic crazies that fight this horrible disease mile by mile. I also love to be in service to people and to a cause that I can be proud to support.

And if you could wear only one brand of cycling gear, what brand would it be?
Castelli
Assos second,
And Giordana a close third.


TO BE CONTINUED - Check back to see what others of the AIDS LifeCycle Community have to say.