Mike's Bikes

Striving to walk the path of the karma yogi, I am moved when I experience or view acts of kindness. And today, again - I was touched.

While returning from a training ride loop to San Rafael, CA., I made my usual "pit-stop" at Mike's Bikes of Sausalito. I visited their "WC." I purchased some CyloMax. I filled my water bottles. And then, I noticed something different - something new - something simply "FANTASTIC!" (And no, it wasn't a taxi). It was karma yoga in action.



How it Works:

"Bring your donation bike (in reasonable working condition) to any Mike’s Bikes store.

Make a $15 donation to cover our discounted shipping rate to get the donation bike over to Africa (optional).

Leave your contact information with Mike's Bikes for updates on your bike’s journey.

Mike's Bikes will disassemble and pack your bike into a shipping container, which will sail for Botswana in late April.

Mike's Bikes will travel to Botswana to unpack the container and assist with building the bikes and distributing them to their sister shop partner.

This upstart bike shop in Botswana will sell the bikes at a reasonable price to local residents, and generate operating capital allowing it, in turn, to import more bikes.

By establishing a steady supply chain of bikes—and a reputable dealer to sell, service, and repair them—you will have been instrumental in developing a sustainable source of bicycles for a community that has never had them. It will make a huge difference in the lives of people for decades to come." - Mike's Bikes

And another wonderful Aidslifecycle training 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, creed, or location is ..
It only matters what you do .. .

If you want to create change (perhaps a better world) - you must begin with yourself . .

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,

tony

AIDS Rides:

• The Smart Ride
• The Empire State AIDS Ride
• Ride for AIDS Chicago
• AIDS Walk + Ride
• AIDS Foundation of Chicago
• Act 6 - The Wisconsin AIDS Ride Ride 4 AIDS
• New Jersey - Ride Against AIDS
• STAP - Ride for Life
• Hill Country Ride for AIDS
• The Lone Star Ride
• Red Ribbon Ride
• Braking the Cycle
• AIDS Ride
  

Aidslifecycle - 2008

Aidslifecycle - 14 years - 11 treks - A bike ride of a lifetime

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 45, 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
1.) To sit and watch
2.) Do something about it

At first, I sat and watched. And then, I put down the bottle of Robert Mondavi Chardonnay. And, I decided to do my part for humanity. I registered, participated, and completed a 585 mile bike ride from San Francisco to West Hollywood titled: California AIDS Ride #2 sponsored by Tanqueray.

Since 1994, I have experienced life long changes within: my way of thought, my desires, and my circle of friends and family. I have broken the metatarsals of the right foot, the clavicle, the left fibia, the right tibia, and the right hand ring finger .. I've witnessed fellow veteran AidslifeCycle Cyclist: lose their place of residency, spend their last dime on a clif bar, dress in drag for sponsorships, overcome breast cancer, get on the wagon, and even train without a bike. Yet, through perservernce and discipline, we keep coming back. . .

In June 2008, for my 11th Year, I will participate in an event to benefit the S.F. AIDS Foundation called Aidslifecycle. Each year, I cycle 575 miles (from S.F to L.A, CA.). And, each year, I complete the ride knowing I did the right thing.

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 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 the Aidslifecycle event.

. Don't put off goodness like we put off going on a diet. Please assist me in raising the $2,500.00 minimum (per cyclist) to participate in Aidslifecycle 2008 - every penny counts. See what you can do today by sponsoring online!

And before you prop your feet up on the coach - resend my invitation to Oprah Winfrey

Related Links:

• An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey
• AIDSLIFECYCLE - Sneak Preview Part I
• AIDSLIFECYCLE - Sneak Preview Part II
• AIDSLIFECYCLE - Sneak Preview Part IV
• AIDSLIFECYCLE - Sneak Preview Part III
  
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• My AIDS LifeCycle Story
• Iyengar Yoga Teacher cycles 575 miles - Aidslifecycle 2007
• Iyengar Yoga Teacher cycles 575 miles - Aidslifecycle 2006
• Iyengar Yoga Teacher cycles 575 miles - Aidslifecycle 2005