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"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 48, 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

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) .

"In June 2011, I will began my 14th, 545 mile, 7 day journey, from San Francisco to Los Angeles in support of the efforts of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation & the fight against the AIDS Pandemic.

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. . "

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An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey

 

Twitter / Oprah

Twitter updates from Oprah Winfrey / Oprah.

05/19/2010 07:11 PM

Oprah: Think you can host YOUR OWN SHOW? Or know someone who can. The search is on. Go to oprah.com for details.

Oprah: Think you can host YOUR OWN SHOW? Or know someone who can. The search is on. Go to oprah.com for details.

05/19/2010 08:45 AM

Oprah: RT @TheOprahShow: The global call to end distracted driving--will you respond? Hang up; put it down; just drive. #gcedd #npz

Oprah: RT @TheOprahShow: The global call to end distracted driving--will you respond? Hang up; put it down; just drive. #gcedd #npz

04/16/2010 04:34 PM

Oprah: Great way to spend a Sunday - "Life" marathon all day on Discovery Channel

Oprah: Great way to spend a Sunday - "Life" marathon all day on Discovery Channel

04/05/2010 03:51 PM

Oprah: Time flies ? O Mag celebrates its 10th anniversary May 7-9. Join me and my friends in NYC! Tix @ Oprah.com/Oturns10

Oprah: Time flies ? O Mag celebrates its 10th anniversary May 7-9. Join me and my friends in NYC! Tix @ Oprah.com/Oturns10

03/26/2010 01:58 PM

Oprah: A big No Phone Zone shout-out to ABC'S Cougartown! That's right guys, talking on your phone while driving IS crazy-dangerous

Oprah: A big No Phone Zone shout-out to ABC'S Cougartown! That's right guys, talking on your phone while driving IS crazy-dangerous