The H.E.R.O. Creed

While on the AIDS ride last year, there was a team named H.E.R.O. that created a creed, which they printed onto bandanas. It truly encompasses the reason why I've done this ride for the past three years and why everytime I'm there and everytime I come home, I am reminded of why it is so important to never give up, and to always give back. Here it goes:

The H.E.R.O. Creed

I have risen before dawn in this fight against AIDS. I've rallied family, friends and strangers to support me in this fight. I've spent mornings, afternoons and weekends training for those who can't. I have spent hundreds of dollars on equipment, clothing and energy bars. I have learned hand signals, how to clip in, and the importnace of stopping at every stop sign. I have yelled "Car Up!," and "Car Back!," and "On Your Left!" approximately one million times. I've raised thousands of dollars to support the well being of someone else's life. I have learned that if I don't talk about HIV, to prevent it from spreading, who will? I will stand in line with my closest friends for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and to use the bathroom. I will ride side by side with them for the same cause. I will spend a week sleeping in a tent, eating in a tent, and showering in a truck. I will make over two thousand new and interesting friends while raising public awareness of HIV/AIDS. I will laugh out loud and cry with them. I will dedicate a week of my life to improve someone else's. I will do things with my body I did not think I could do. I will boldly show the world how strongly I believe in this cause. I will ride my bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise awareness and money in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I am a California AIDS/LifeCyclist. I am a HERO.

I'll see you in a week. ;)

Much love...

Thank You! Thank You!

Less than a week away!!!

I want to take this time to say thank you. Because of you, my friends and family, aquaintances, and those people who donated just because they thought it was a great cause, we are able to make a huge difference for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The cost of medicine is on the rise, the prevalance of HIV in our youth is on the rise, and together we can create awareness that this disease is still very much affecting our communities.

We are the ones who will make a difference in the world. We are the ones who will leave this world a better place for our children and their children. We are the ones who bring joy, gratefulness, and compassion to the world.

Thank you for being amazing. Thank you for supporting me.

You will be with me during the ride every mile, every hill, and every porta-potty! ;)

Last Xpedition this wknd

So sad, but true...it is the last Xpedition this weekend in Sacramento for me! It'll be nice though because it is my old stomping grounds and it's always nice to see old friends. So, I guess it's a great way to end the season! ;)

Tip for the day: 1600IU of Vitamin D helps rid the body of oncoming colds and flus! It is a fat soluble vitamin so you want to make sure you don't take too much, but up to 2000IU a day won't do any damage. Thanks to Marilyn for the Vitamin D this morning! My body wants to get sick so badly but I say oh no no no!!!

Have a great weekend!