Iyengar Yoga Teacher, tony eason cycles 585 miles for AIDS Charity
In June 2008, for my 11th Year, I will participate in an event to benefit the S.F. AIDS Foundation called AIDS LifeCycle. Each year, I cycle 575 miles (from S.F to L.A, CA.). And, I complete the ride knowing I did the right thing.
AIDS LifeCycle -
Home - Oprah Winfrey -
30 June 2007
A Bike Ride for Peace, Friendship & Co-existence
Fourteen Iranian cyclists have traveled city by city across Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States to communicate the pacifist message of the Iranian people to the nations around the world.
The 14 cyclists have now arrived in San Francisco and will be meeting with Mayor Gavin Newsom on Monday the 2nd of July 2007.
On the 4th of July 2007, I encourage fellow cyclist to join the 14 cyclist in a celebration of goodwill to spread peace, friendship and solidarity by escorting them as they bike out from the city of San Francisco (and on with their journey) toward Los Angeles.
04 July 2007 12 noon. Justin Hermann Plaza San Francisco, CA.
Donations to “Miles for Peace” are greatly needed and deeply appreciated. Your donations will help the cyclist complete their journey successfully and attain their goal. This endeavor has been made possible by the donations of diverse peace lovers worldwide.
A Bike Ride of a Lifetime - AIDS LifeCycle 2007 - The Highlights
2, 800 participants traveled 545 miles in a bike ride event that raised more money than any other event for AIDS Services - AIDS Lifecycle 2007.
The cyclists biked through eight counties, talking with local residents and media along the way to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote HIV prevention while raising more than $11 million for HIV services and prevention.
Here are some of the highlights of my 545 mile, 7 day, journey:
Are you Bruce? Are you Ramon? Are your Tony?
During the AIDS Lifecycle event many individuals have mistaken Bruce for Ramon, Ramon for Tony, and Tony for Bruce. And because of this confusion of identity, the three of us have become close friends. And through our interactions, we have pledged to continue to return and represent the Afro American Community in the fight against the AIDS Pandemic.
"AIDS now accounts for one in three deaths among African-American men aged 25 to 44. It kills twice as many black men as homicide. And more children with AIDS are African-American than all other race and ethnic groups combined. Every day in the U.S. about 100 people of color become infected with HIV [the virus that causes AIDS]. "
Bruce, Ramon, and Tony, call on black leaders in academia, business, government, religion, athletics, and entertainment to unite in an effort to raise national awareness and speed a response to this devastating epidemic.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
When I describe the outfits of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, most individual laugh. Yet the Sisters are no laughing matter. You try cycling 545 miles in a full face of makeup (smile) .
"The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a leading edge Order of queer nuns. Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the sisters have devoted themselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promote human rights, respect for diversity, and spiritual enlightenment. The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and use humor and irrelevent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit."
The two sisters (above) participated in AIDS Lifecycle - 2007.
Pit Stops - Cheerleaders & Then some ..
During the 7 days out on the road, a cyclist may contemplate if one is hallucinating, dehydrated, or if what one is experiencing is real. .. .
Yet, as 2nd Yr AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist - Bart says, "Just for the record, every day there are 4 rest stops. Teams of volunteers supply all of us with food, sports drinks, ice cold water and a lot of (medical) care. Every rest stop has its own theme."
Well, like the Chicken Lady, The Viagra Man, and Ginger Brulee, the man above wasn't a mirage or a hallucination - he was there for me and many others handing out Otter Pops in the hot beaming sun.
Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions
10 times, I have cycled 7 days, 575 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles in a cycling charity event called AIDS LifeCycle. In route to Los Angeles, I (and 2,000 of my best friends) cycle thru Montecito - Santa Barbara, CA. ( Montecito is the home to Oprah Winfrey ).
Each Year, the locals of Montecito - Santa Barbara gather and create their own "Paradise Pit Stop" for the approx. 2,000 AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist & 400 Volunteer Crew members.. There you can find: chocolate bars, strawberries, homemade ice cream, corndogs, Twinkies, coco cola, massages, and then some.. ... ALL YOU CAN EAT ...GRATIS!
Years ago (as I ate my strawberries and homemade ice cream), I asked several Montecito residents: "Where is Oprah?"
Responses: 1. She is not here. 2. That's a funny question. . . . . 3. Can I be in the picture ? 4. Great Idea! 5. Who's Oprah? 6. Oprah can be found shopping in the local Montecito Vons.
As I left Montecito, I thought: "Imagine ... How wonderful and empowering it would be .. . .. "
4. To have Oprah Winfrey speak about AIDS in America at the AIDS LifeCycle Closing Day Ceremonies in Los Angeles.
5. To invite Oprah Winfrey to participate in any way that she can . ...
Well, after 10 treks to Los Angeles, on Day 6 as I approached the Paradise Pit Stop, tears began to fall from my eyes. I realized that there was no sign of Oprah Winfrey. Yet, I will continue with my journey. And hopefully, next year, we'll have the support, acknowledgement and/or presence of Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Productions.
When a local San Francisco Mission District Resident leaves 94110 for more than 72 hours - one begins to crave a "carne asada burrito."
Well - on Day 5, traveling at the speed of light, approximately 10 miles from the finish line (the city of Santa Maria), I noticed something familiar.
Siete Luminarias - "Mexican Food" 868 Guadalupe Street Guadalupe, California 93434 Tel: (805) 343-7080 Tel: (805) 929-8152
And being that I love to support local business' , I slammed on the brakes. I dismounted my bike. I walked in an ordered "a carne asada burrito to go .. ." Placed the burrito in my cycling jersey pocket and continued with my journey.
Upon arrival to the finish line, I sucked down the burrito and remembered the days of the San Francisco Mission District.
So if you're ever in Guadalupe, California - don't miss your chance to eat something good.
2, 800 Bags of Luggage
For seven consecutive days, rising at 3:00am, volunteer AIDS Lifecycle Crew Members loaded 2,800 bags of luggage into 14 Ryder Trucks. And upon completion of each days route, the volunteer crew members unloaded the very same gear.
"I had my hesitations about how physical the Gear and Tent tasks were gonna be, and I was right. It’s tough, that’s no joke. People pack TOO MUCH. I think people were SUPPOSED to be limited to bringing 60 pounds of gear, but it’s been on average more like 100 pounds! I felt like I was lifting a dead body with some of these duffel bags that were suspiciously heavy and very long.
I also learned to ask people if they forgot anything before they hand over their packs. This is a key question because one cyclist today had one truck team unload half the truck because he forgot his cycling shoes."
On Day 7, as I approach the last miles of my journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I contemplate the taste of a vegetarian burrito & a 6 pack of Fat Tire Beer. And as a approach the finish line, I listen for the sound of a cow bell.
Each year, my number one fan:
1. Sponsors a one night stay at the Marriot Hotel. 2. Places a 6 pack of Fat Tire Beer & a vegetarian burrito in my hotel room. 3. Comes to the finish line.
At the age of 44, it's a beautiful thing to have one person who has (for 44 years) stood beside my endeavors. It's a beautiful thing to know that one person understands the term "unconditional love." And it's a beautiful thing to finally understand the term "mama." And another wonderful ride it was .. ..
So remember, it doesn't matter what you've been through .. . . It doesn't matter what your sexual orientation, financial status, age, weight, or location is .. It only matters what you do .. .
If you want to create change (perhaps a better world) - you must begin with yourself . .
More highlights to come - stay tuned. Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
AIDS LIfeCycle - Day 2 - A Confrontation with "FEAR"
In AIDS LifeCycle 2006, swiftly and effortlessly, I rode from San Francisco to Monterey (Southwest) and then to King City(Southeast) - 127 miles (22 miles more that required). And five miles before completing this particular day's journey - I crashed.
Here's a glimpse of the AIDS LifeCycle Route - Day 2 - Santa Cruz to King City - 105 Miles - AIDS LifeCycle 2007
At 4:30am, I woke up in the grid - tent plot "E47". And although Chris was still sleeping, I continued as planned.
I rolled up my sleeping bag, packed my DeSoto Tri Bag, and proceeded to the Gear Truck 'E'. Soon later, while sipping my morning coffee, I reflected on the previous day's running of the bulls in Pamplona: And, I knew today, "it was time to become the tortoise - not the hare"
At 6:30am, I mounted my bike. And although AIDS LifeCycle consists of a motorcycle safety crew, a traffic crew, a vehicle sweep team (SAG Wagon), a UCSF Medical crew, and it's own fleet of ambulances - with each mile, I had flashbacks of my last year's misfortunes. And with no intentions of obtaining "road rash" or "traveling off course," I found that "FEAR" was still sitting in my jersey pocket.
So, I remembered the Yoga Sutras - "there are three ways of controlling the mind: 1. Mantra Repetition 2. Gazing at a Fix Point (Internally or Externally). 3. Dwelling in the retention of the breath - using the exhalation to calm the mind.
And using a combination of the these three yogic tools, I cycled approximately 40 miles to lunch and then (passing up my past year's route error) I arrived to the Otter Pop Stop.
Otter Pop Stop - Soledad Water Stop -
Upon arrival to the Otter Pop Stop, I realized the importance of an enthusiastic and vocal supporter. I realized that these volunteer crew people were put here to save me from "FEAR." I understood that these people (if necessary) would empower me, hold me, distract me, assist me, and/or push me to the finish. And then, the fear of possible "road rash" vanished.
Later that day, arriving 1 hour & 15 minutes behind "the slacker" (shortening the gap between us), I completed the 105 mile route without injury or logistical errors.
After eating dinner, I spoke with an AIDS LifeCycle Staff Member.
I asked her, "what is your job during the AIDS Lifecycle Event?" She replied. "I'm in charge of Safety." And, I told her - THANK YOU!
Over the years, I have recorded my Annual AIDS LifeCycle Experience. And, during each year's 7 day journey, I dwell in the retention /or/ kumbaka of the breath - and bring awareness to everything within & around me.
Stay tuned (and check back) to get a taste of this year's, 545 mile, 7 day, San Francisco to Los Angeles adventure.
At 4:00am. on 03 June 2007 (in accordance with tradition), 6th Year California AIDS Rider / AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist, "Don Colnago" telephones to state "Tony, I'll pick you up at 5:00am." At 5:30am, Don Colnago and I arrived at the Cow Palace for the opening ceremonies of AIDS LifeCycle 2007.
And although, each ride has brought me a new experience - some things remain the same. As I looked around the Cow Palace, I saw a bunch of bulls waiting to be set free. And although the key to "surviving" such a journey is to pace oneself, as they opened the gates, I and 2,500 other cyclist, jetted out like the running of the bulls in Pamplona
However, like human beings, even a bull can only run so far. . . So as I embarked on an approximate 9 mile hill climb up Skyline Blvd, I turned down my testosterone and put myself in low gear. And as I made my decent down the hill. I witness a "rock star!"
Cycling 8 feet in front of me , moving at about 32 miles per hour, intertwined in a pace line of 15 cyclists, wearing a pair of cut off jeans & Vans, cycling with toe clips - this guy was cooking.
In all my years of endurance cycling, I've pushed wearing the spandex shorts, the cleats, and having the "so called - appropriate gear." However, with each day we have the opportunity to learn something new. So now, I would say "if you can ride a bike - you can ride a bike wearing anything."
A San Francisco Local Cyclist - "ROCK STAR!"
Name: Alexei
Education: Stanford Graduate Student, Philosophy Height: 5'10" Weight: 155 lbs. Age: 31 Birth Place/Origin: Santa Cruz, CA. Occupation: Graduate Student Present Location /Where do you live? San Francisco, CA 94103 Favorite Book: "As I Lay Dying"--Faulkner/"The Sun Also Rises"--Hemingway
Q. - If you had any advise and/or words of encouragement for the AIDS Lifecycle 2008 Cyclist - what would they be?
A. - "My advice would be to make sure that you keep your eyes on the ground ahead and your legs on the pedals below, chug like a train, and most importantly, concentrate through breathing. Like that, seven days is a breeze."
Over the past 6th months, each and every cyclist has built a tight community /or/ sangha of individuals with whom we have gone on training rides with, met yoga classes, met in a bar, or even met at Sports Basement.
Upon my arrival to the lunch stop - I was reunited with my "posse."
And after a 2 hour lunch, some Paschimotanasana, and conversation, I rode the remaining 45 miles - non stop to the finish line in Santa Cruz.
The Slacker -
Greeting me at the finish line was Ramon - "the slacker." He informed me, "in past years, you've come across the finish line 15 to 45 minutes after me . . .Yet today, you came in 3 hours late. Are you feeling okay?"
(And the challenge was on!)
Team Google -
At 4:00pm. Ramon - "the slacker" and I proceeded to the dining tent. Yet unknown to me, I was seated next to a 6 man cycling team, Google sponsored - "Team Google." And while sharing in conversation & eatting dinner, Team Google presented me with the google seal of approval for my outstanding AIDS LifeCycle Packing List. Team Google says, "it was exactly what they were searching for .. . "
And a wonderful day it way - stay tuned for Day 2 - AIDS LifeCycle 2007.
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
I believe that World History is a reflection of the thoughts, actions and words, of Human Beings. Therefore, I have choosen to be a positive addition to History. And, I strive to live a non- violent(ahimsa) and empowering way of life. [However, I'm not a saint/far from perfect].
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