Day 5 is the shortest riding day of the week. On Day 5, you notice how strong you have become. On the average, most riders are finished cycling the route by 9:30am. And several cyclist visit the city of Lompoc and Solvang to wash their laundry, go out for Thai Food, or even see a movie.

Traditionally, Day 5 is “Red dress day.” So many cyclist put aside the spandex and cycle in various red dresses (guys & girls). I, myself, wore my “New Belgium Beer – Fat Tire Beer” Jersey.

I cycled the route at a very fast pace. My intentions were to get to camp and spend the remainder of the day relaxing in the sun (a siesta) chatting it up with fellow cyclist and crew.

At mile 16.7, I began a 1.6 mile hill climb. At mile 22.0, I began a l.5 mile hill climb. At that point, I ran into friend, ex roommate, Ciara Hogan.

Ciara, a 1st Year AIDS Life Cyclist, spoke the most beautiful words. As we rode together, she spoke of how no one could possibly imagine the AIDS Life Cycle experience unless they were participating. Also, she expressed how she was so glad that she was involved with the ride. And, she knew that “somehow” she would finish the route.

Looking at Xmas Past:
One year ago,upon my return from AIDS Life Cycle #3, Ciara told me that she would be joining me in AIDS Life Cycle #4.

Therefore: I schooled her in purchasing a bike. I suggested a training routine. And, I answered questions all along the way.

Yet, it was Mary Hogan (Ciara’s Mother), the town of Dundalk, Ireland, and the vilage of Black Rock, Ireland, that raised the $2.500 (pledge minimum) and made Ciara’s dream a reality.

Thank you “Black Rock!”

click here to send the Dundalk, Ireland’s local newspaper a shout out about Mary Hogan.

And then came one of our many volunteer cheerleaders . . . . Like “The Angels,” the “Mojo Man,” “The Chicken Lady,” and “Kermit,” several people devote an entire week of their lives to cheering us on ….At every challenging spot, you would definitely find someone there to keep you smiling and awake.

As I rode past pitstop 2, I was greeted at the top of the hill (in Brandenburg Air Force Base) by Ginger.

This year, I stopped and spoke with Ginger. Ginger expressed that she is unable to do the ride ..yet, she’ll definitely spend the entire year designing outfits to keep us smiling.

Annually, Ginger rents a van. And then, she packs the van with a queen size bed and various outfits for the journey (Imagine:Monroe, Streisand, Ginger from Gilligian’s Island ). Yet, ginger hasn’t missed a beat. And, Ginger is present om many of the AIDS Ride events. It just goes to show you that EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING TO HELP SUPPORT AIDS RESEARCH, AIDS FUNDING, AIDS TREATMENT, AID EDUCATION, AND AIDS SERVICES. THERE IS NO EXCUSE!

My hat is definitely off to Ginger. And, I admire: her courage, her compassion, and her attention to detail.

P.s.
Ginger: I would like to support your endeavors and buy you a Channel Lipstick …..so get in contact with me.

Love to Ginger, tony

Today’s Route: Santa Maria to River Park, Lompoc, CA.

Today’s Weather:
Mostly Cloudy AM; Partly Cloudy PM
High: Upper 60’s
Low: 49
Humidity: 58%
Winds: Very windy in the PM! NW/WNW up to 22mph.
UV Factor: High

Route Hours: 6:30am – 3:00pm.

Rest Stop 1 – 9:5 miles – Adam Basin
Rest Stop 2 – 21.0 miles – Winifred Wollman School
Lunch 42.7 miles – River Park, Lompoc

Entertainment:
Photo Night
Talent Show

Breakfast Menu:
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
Bacon
French Toast
Warm Apple Conpote
Muffins
Assorted Dry Cereal
Cream of Wheat/Oatmeal

Lunch Menu:
Ham & Swiss on Sourdough
Fresh Vegetable Cup
Assorted Chips
Apple or Pear
Chocolate Chip Cookie

Dinner Menu:
Chicken Marsala
Grilled Pork Loin
Eggplant and Mushrooms with White Beans
Roma Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Asparagus
Garlic Bread Sticks
Assorted Cheesecakes