AIDS Lifecycle: Halfway to L.A.

Hey readers!

We have made it safe and sound to Paso Robles, Calif. — mile 250.4 (44.8 percent of the total route). When I last reported on my week right here at Tonic, we had finished day one in Santa Cruz. Yesterday, the alarm clock rang (much too early) and we were on the road at 6:30 a.m. for a 106-mile day from Santa Cruz south through the Salinas Valley to King City. Yes, my quads hurt. My back hurts. My neck hurts. But, it's all for a good cause as our 2,000+ riders have raised $10.5 million to fight AIDS.

After six Advil and a good night's sleep, we headed out of King City and over "quadbuster hill," a killer 1.3-mile climb into beautiful weather and a far shorter day of about 60 miles. At mid-day, we hit the tiny town of Bradford (tiny is correct — the population is 120 people).

Each year, the town shuts down to welcome us riders. After Highway 101 opened decades ago, the town lost most traffic and tourist income. Now, it depends on the AIDS ride to raise funds for its school, which has one teacher for all students, kindergarten through high school. The town shows up to sell homemade souvenirs and grilled hamburgers, a true treat for ravenous riders. The townspeople raise $8,000 to pay for graduation and educational field trip for its kids, many of whom are children of migrant workers.

Erik Hertler, age 12, told our AIDS ride daily paper, appropriately titled The Daily Spin, "Last year my family made 90 pounds of Rice Krispies treats for the cyclists and they sold out in two hours. I'm glad the riders are helping people with AIDS. I had leukemia, so I know what it's like to be in the hospital and worried."

Other townspeople told us that the event helps to teach their kids acceptance and tolerance.

And I have to say that giving school kids a high five who waited hours for us to ride through town has been likely the high point of this week.

Oh yes, the massage I had about an hour ago came in second.

I'll be back to report on Thursday's "red dress" day. Gotta hit the sack!