AIDS LifeCycle 8: Day 6

Day 6: Friday, June 5

We awoke early on Day 6 – to RAIN. Not just light pitter-pattering on the tent…but PUDDLES in our tent. *sigh* Ellen’s shoes and phone were soaked. The good thing is that we packed our suitcases each night and most items remained dry.

When the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m., Ellen and I just looked at each other and curled back up in our sleeping bags and listened to the rain. We did NOT want to get up, get out and ride 86 miles in this. Our adventure for the day was Lompoc to Ventura and unfortunately, the ride took us down a steep hill to Hwy 101. This would be a dangerous high traffic area – with RAIN. Ugh.

For once Ellen and I took our time getting up. We made out way to breakfast around 6:30 – listened to everyone’s evaluations of the day. There were many heavy hearts and souls watching the weather. After breakfast we rolled up our tent, packed up our bags…by this point the ALC staff called a halt to any riders heading out. Those that already left were heading straight into the heart of the rain – and they would climb 16 miles in the rain. We found out ALC staffers stopped all riders at Rest Stop 1 – and everyone was in a holding pattern. All riders were either stopped at Camp or Rest Stop 1 until further notice.

At this point the rain was faint – but again, we were heading right into it. It would follow us / be with us for a good part of the day (we heard rain was hitting the entire Southern California shore down through LA). So we waited…. Finally around 9 a.m or so ALC staffers called it a day. There would be no ride – it was too dangerous for 2200 of us to take to the roads. I guess there was flooding at the bottom of the steep hill and there was an accident on Hwy 101. I also heard on an unconfirmed cyclist that wiped out in the rain…

So what do 2200 cyclists and 550 Roadies do? We wait…. ALC had to get buses to take all of us 86 miles south to Ventura. The few coach buses they used every day for SAG’ged cyclists as well as Roadies was suddenly very insufficient. I guess a staff member pulled some strings, had some favors returned and got many local school buses to help us out. We all got in line and waited to board buses for Ventura.

While we waited the staff kept us fed, hydrated, amused (Twister, games, naps). They were so good at keeping us healthy and safe – many kudos to all the volunteers!!

Day 6: Twister while we wait

Some of us chose to get massages or pay a visit to the chiropractic team. I had my left shoulder worked on since it is where I held a lot of tension and stress. After the 15 minute massage I felt much better!

The day was an unusual day for AIDS LifeCycle. In 16 years of rides they never had to call off a day due to weather. We were informed that a contingency plan is always in place and they are always ready for it… this was the first time they ever had to use it. They did great – we all arrived to Ventura safe and sound. Many of us were able to rest / take naps throughout the day – which would make Day 7 even sweeter and stronger.

Once we arrived to Ventura we made camp and made our way to In N Out burgers. It’s down the block from camp and we got ourselves some wonderful cheeseburgers. I had another diet Coke – and enjoyed every bit and sip! As we were sitting – the line to order starting wrapping around the inside and soon to be outside. I am sure they enjoyed the business the cyclists gave them!

Day 6: Waiting was the theme of the day

This evening was a special evening – it reminded us while we were all here…. our purpose for this ride. There was a candlelight vigil on the beach – for riders and roadies to remember those so important to them that are no longer here. It was beautiful – watching all the people walking along the beach with their candles…very moving.

The day ended – and it was a very unusual day indeed. The good thing is I found my bike in the chaos – and noticed it had a flat front tire (AGAIN! I think that was the THIRD or FOURTH one!) so I switched it out that night and bought ANOTHER spare. *sigh* Others, such as Ellen, did not know where her bike was yet since they were STILL HAULING bikes back. Wow!

Our tent was quite far from any porta-potties…so I knew those mid-night jaunts to the potties would be less than fabulous and oh, I was right. However, I knew the next night I’d be home in my bed next to Super Husband… warm, happy, content. One more day – and THAT was all the fuel I needed. I was so excited for Day 7 to arrive!