Switched to Roadie instead

Reality bites. A couple of additional falls from the bike made me realize that I am not destined to be a biker. On top of already hurting neck and shoulder, now my lower back hurts too. However, I am not an easy quitter. Since I have already signed up for the ALC, I will go on as a roadie instead of a rider. I am continuing to raise money for this great cause! Please, donate generously!!!

Graduation

After 4 years in the making, I finally received my EJD diploma on Feb 28, 2009 in sunny Los Angeles. The weekend get-away allowed for some R&R and recovery time for my neck/shoulder injury. After driving along Hwy 1 (aka the ALC route), I really questioned myself: Am I physically up to the challenge, or should I accept my limitations and seek alternative way to support the SF AIDS Foundation... Mar 7 will be telling as I will try out the notorious Marin Headlands.

February training so far...

I learned something yesterday. Despite the fact that I continued to struggle with my clip-on shoes and fell 6 times in one day, yes, 6 times, scrapped my right knee to the fullest, and my right neck/shoulder still hurts like hell after 8 tabs of Tylenol, this ride takes on a new meaning to me.

Just at the split second I fell for the 5th time, I said "f**k, you are just not cut out for this," and I was holding back my tears of pain and frustration, I remember what Kurt said about "one of his dark moments" in the morning.

This ride is really about raising money and awareness so that people who are receiving social, financial and medical services provided by SF AIDS Foundation can continue to receive what they need so that they can live; otherwise they will die. My friends, buy me drinks or give me painkillers (or both), please donate generously to this great cause because we need you.

ALC8 Route Announced

You will find below the newly annouced ALC8 route descriptions (scenic highlights, terrain etc.) and daily mileages (subject to change). Whoohoo!

Day 1 (May 31)
San Francisco to Santa Cruz (79.3 miles)
ALC adventure begins! It includes some of the best scenery and cycling roads that San Mateo County has to offer. Tailwinds prevail along scenic CA Hwy 1 to Harvey West Park in the City of Santa Cruz.

Day Two (June 1)
Santa Cruz to King City (107.6 miles)
A long mileage day with relatively flat terrain that leads through the Salinas Valley, also known as Steinbeck Country. The lushness of vineyards, strawberry and artichoke fields stretch as far as the eye can see in all directions as we descend into King City.

Day Three (June 2)
King City to Paso Robles (66.7 miles)
Known as Quadbuster, which is only a small part of the route on Day 3. Pedaling on remote roads and passing only a few small quaint stores, through Mission San Miguel, one of California’s 21 historic Missions. The day ends at the Mid State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles.

Day Four (June 3)
Paso Robles to Santa Maria (94.1 miles)
A feast for the eyes with stunning vistas and ocean views that give way to sprawling fields of farmland and even some quaint seaside towns. Conquering the infamous Evil Twins before lunch, the views from the top of that second sister hill are nothing short of spectacular. Riding through the city of Pismo Beach (smelling Cinnamon Rolls?!) and on into Preisker Park in the beautiful Central California city of Santa Maria. Highlight of the day: Half Way to LA!!

Day Five (June 4)
Santa Maria to Lompoc (66.8 miles)
A beautiful and scenic ride through Santa Maria. The scenery will be classic Central California with sprawling vineyards and ancient oak trees. Lunch in Solvang - a town founded by Danish immigrants. The authentic Danish architecture, thatched roofs, traditional windmills give the town an old world feel. Pedalling through Buellton, home of the world famous Pea Soup Andersen’s and heading into Lompoc. Highlight of the day: Everyone looks fabulous in that Red Dress!

Day Six (June 5)
Lompoc to Ventura(85.5 miles)
Pedaling through vast expansive ranchlands with wildflower covered hills! As riding toward the coast through the gorgeous Gaviota Pass where meets US101, passing through the heart of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria and on into the San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura. Highlight of the day: Dolphin sightings!!

Day Seven (Jun 6)
Ventura to Los Angeles (61.5 miles)
Pedaling through Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme (pronounced Why-Knee-Me) and Malibu, you will see the military planes on display while passing the Naval Air Station before CA Hwy 1 aka the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Once on PCH it’s a straight shot down the coastline for about 20 miles. Enjoy the southern California sights of surfers and beach goers through Malibu toward LA. Now where is my bed?

Please donate generously by following the link below.

My URL: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/wchang

Training for ALC8

Many of you have heard (or are about to hear) that I have signed up for the AIDS/LifeCycle (May 31 - June 6, 2009) biking from San Francisco to Los Angeles which is something I have never done before, and it's the most physically challenging thing I ever think about doing. As I mentally and intellectually challenged myself to complete law school (thanks to many people for their support and patience), now it's time to begin a new challenge.

For people who don't know much about the AIDS/LifeCycle, it is an annual event to raise money to help the beneficiaries of SF AIDS Foundation so that they can continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community by increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, by addressing the misperception that HIV and AIDS are no longer a problem, by reminding us the HIV infection is increasing, particularly in communities of color and in individuals under the age of 25. In California alone, there are 60,000 people living with AIDS, and another estimated 91,000 living with HIV, many unaware of their infection. The SF AIDS Foundation also has global alliances to continue its mission outside of California.

Many people have asked me if I even have a bike as soon as they hear about my crazy endeavor since I never talked about cycling. In fact I haven't biked for 16 years; and yes, I bought a new, low-end, believe or not, Torino Lamborghini bike for this event. It looks good, but has already got beaten up slowly by my clumsiness during practice.

So I started my first ALC training ride on Jan 24. It was a misty morning with rain in the forecast. I sucked it up and went to GG Park. It was wet everywhere. I had no idea how I could do the 21.14 miles ride but I just knew I better do it and tried not to crash. After struggling with the pedals, brakes, numerous stop signs, uphills/downhills, cars zooming by, numb butt, bruises and cuts on my shins, thanks to Kurt my training leader who's wonderful and entertaining, and gives me tons of biking tips and encouragement, I finished my first ride in less than 3 hours.

The rides on Jan 24 and Feb 13 went far better, clocked in another 22.37 and 22 miles each. I decided to get the cycling shoes with cleats with new pedals to improve the pedaling efficiency. As with any new equipments, I struggled to stay on my both feet and fell twice during practice, scrapped my knees (not so badly) and got bruises. "I Will Survive," as I hear Gloria Gaynor singing the song.

I have also started doing the spin class, which is incredibly hard but I love the high energy, at times too much for me. I am like the granny on the bike trying to chase Lance Armstrong. I am getting slightly better though after 4 classes.

Oh, and don't forget my personal trainer Danny my angel. I train twice a week with him as he has been giving me good nutritional tips and tons of encouragement. He's the best!

Anyhow, I have created this blog so that you can continue to follow my grueling training if you are interested in hearing more about me falling over my ass, getting bruises and cuts, or new secret diets on how to lose (water) weight. So feel free to check back every now and then. Ultimately, I am doing the ride because I want to help raise money to support the AIDS Foundation. Please donate generously by following the link below.

My URL: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/wchang

In peace and love. Will