Our Ride to End AIDS!

2009-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

After a week of riding my bike past multiple Popeyes restaurants too early for them to be open............ I got Tyler to fold and eat here on the way home! :)

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2009-06-07T16:38:00.001-07:00

Just packed up the car and are headed back to Phoenix. Check back in the days to follow for an ALC 8 Recap from both Dan and myself!!

2009-06-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

Spent last night with friends and family. Dinner at Farfalla and then an evening in Wst Hollywood. Today went to breakfast and a drive down Santa Monica Blvd

2009-06-06T15:17:00.001-07:00

We made it!!!!! dan and i got in today at 1:25 and completed our journey. As i pulled in i was shocked to see my mom and sister her to support me. Tears ...

2009-06-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

Crossed the finish line in Los Angeles, CA around 1:25pm today!

2009-06-06T12:26:00.001-07:00

Last 17 here we come!

2009-06-06T11:44:00.001-07:00

Almost there..... eating lunch at Howdy's Taqueria and 17 miles to go!!! LA here we come

DAY SEVEN: VENTURA TO LOS ANGELES! WHOO HOOOOO!

2009-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

We're almost there! Today our trip south will take us through Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme (pronounced Why-Knee-Me) and Malibu. Is that Mel Gibson I spy!

We will see the military planes on display as you ride past the Naval Air Station on our way to Highway 1 also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Once on PCH it's a straight shot down the coastline for about 20 miles. We will enjoy the southern California sights of surfers and beach goers as we pedal through Malibu on our way toward LA. We will complete our journey with a turn away from the coast and nice pedal through Santa Monica on our way to the Closing Ceremonies site.

Highlight of the day: The streets are peppered along the route on Day 7 with friends, family and well-wishers!

2009-06-06T04:17:00.001-07:00

Lying in my sleeping bag with the tent open looking at the stars and watching the moon dip below the horizon before I get up and get dressed to ride to LA!

2009-06-05T22:05:00.001-07:00

Last night sleeping in this damn tent! But what better place than Ventura?! Tomorrow we'll ride into Los Angeles together - many riders, one cause.

2009-06-05T21:22:00.001-07:00

Thousands gather on the beach in Ventura to remember those we have lost. Shelton i love you and miss you ... i ride this year for you

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2009-06-05T21:16:00.001-07:00

Tonight we honor and remember those we have lost. We love you and will ride until there is no HIV/AIDS.

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2009-06-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

LAGLC CEO Lorri L. Jean greeting roadies and riders in Ventura, CA after a very long, complicated day.

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Tonight, we honor those we have lost...

2009-06-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the participants of AIDS/LifeCycle, as well as our friends and families, honor the memory of everyone we have lost to this disease. As we gather on the beach this evening in Ventura, California, I ask each of you take a moment to reflect on your own memories and the impact HIV and AIDS have had on your own life. We must come together to put a stop to the spread of HIV while helping those living with HIV and AIDS to live in good health and with the dignity and respect they deserve as our brothers and sisters.

Bless you all!

2009-06-05T18:00:00.001-07:00

Just finished dinner in camp in Ventura... It's going to be hard getting used to cooking for myself after 12 days on the road. :)

2009-06-05T17:16:00.001-07:00

Arrived in Ventura and its Gorgeous!! A little disappointing that we didnt get to ride today but nice to have the afternoon to just be

2009-06-05T17:14:00.001-07:00

Arrived in Ventura and its gorgeous!

2009-06-05T16:41:00.001-07:00

All set up in Ventura after a long day of waiting around to leave God-forsaken Lompoc!

2009-06-05T14:45:00.001-07:00

On our way to camp in Ventura. Hungry and looking forward to getting back into reg clothes and relaxing. ONE DAY TO GO!!!

2009-06-05T09:23:00.001-07:00

CA Highway Patrol has CLOSED the route for the day and we will wait for buses to Ventura. All cyclists on the road are being sent back to Lompoc.

2009-06-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

We've been put on hold to see if the storm clears. The roads aren't safe to ride this morning. We'll keep u posted.

2009-06-05T07:11:00.001-07:00

Ps.... If you know me well.... you know how much i HATE rain.... I melt.. LOL

2009-06-05T07:04:00.001-07:00

The rain report says Rain all day with a storm coming through Venture between 1-3. Alpt of folks are sagging to camp but Dan and I ride on. We ride til a CURE!

DAY SIX: LOMPOC TO VENTURA!

2009-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Day Six begins on one of the prettiest roads on the entire route. We will pedal through vast expansive ranch lands with wildflower covered hills on both sides! As we ride toward the coast through the gorgeous Gaviota Pass we will be on US101. After lunch we will pass through the heart of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria and on into Ventura where we camp at San Buenaventura State Beach.

Highlight of the day: Day Six is the best day for dolphin sightings! Tonight is also the annual candlelight vigil on the beach in Ventura. More on that later!

2009-06-05T06:59:00.001-07:00

Morning folks... Well the end of day 5 was rough.. Heavy headwinds to the point that downhill was hard at times. Last night program featured 'Ant' the comedian

2009-06-05T05:47:00.001-07:00

As if I needed another reason to hate Lompoc, CA... It's been raining ALL NIGHT and everything is soaked. There's a nice big puddle inside our tent. FML.

2009-06-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

My view from the tent right now... Beautiful blue skies and endless rows of ugly tents. I'm resting for a bit, waiting for laundry to dry (in a tree), waiting for Tyler to come back from a Pos Peds group photo... Thinking about how exciting it will be to roll into Los Angeles - and for real this year!!! Can't wait to see our friends who will be waiting for us there!

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2009-06-04T18:20:00.001-07:00

Distance Update: 412.2 mi. traveled (yes, Tyler and I have done EVERY MILE) and 147.0 mi. remaining to Los Angeles!

2009-06-04T18:16:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! We made it to Lompoc earlier this afternoon! There were some steep hills and headwinds toward the end but all in all a good Red Dress Day! :)

2009-06-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

Less than 20 miles left for ALC Day 5... Had a few intense hills today and one more to go before we get to camp!

2009-06-04T13:40:00.001-07:00

One final shout out before i head to camp... bless all of u women who have to hike up a damn dress everytime u go to the bathroom!!! lol

2009-06-04T13:34:00.001-07:00

Today has been pretty warm. At lunch now and then headed 23 more miles to camp. Lol... When did 67 miles become the easy day

2009-06-04T13:15:00.001-07:00

Lunchtime spinners hope class went well today. 67 Miles of riding today for me on day 5 of ALC. Fairly smooth today we've just had 1 big hill. I'll see ya tues!

2009-06-04T13:13:00.001-07:00

La.... I was just coasting down to our lunch stop in Solvang and i swear this cow smiled at me... LOL ... You r right California cows are happier

2009-06-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Dan and Tyler on RED DRESS DAY!!! Aren't we beautiful?!?!

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2009-06-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

RED DRESS DAY WITH RALPHIE!!!

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2009-06-04T07:04:00.001-07:00

Its the day youve been waiting for..... RED DRESSES await you.... Stay tuned!

DAY FIVE: SANTA MARIA TO LOMPOC! RED DRESS DAY!

2009-06-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Day Five begins with a beautiful and scenic ride through the farmlands of Santa Maria. At the edge of town, we will enter one of Santa Barbara County's prettiest wine country roads. The scenery will be classic Central California with sprawling vineyards and ancient oak trees making the few challenging climbs along the way well worth the effort.

Lunch is located in the quaint tourist town of Solvang - a town founded by Danish immigrants. The authentic Danish architecture, thatched roofs, traditional windmills give the town an old world feel, making it a very popular cycling destination. Departing Solvang, we will pedal through Buellton, home of the world famous Pea Soup Andersen's and head into Lompoc on more beautiful and scenic wine country roads.

Highlight of the day: It's RED DRESS DAY!!!

(Just a note: This is the day that I ended up in the Emergency Room last year! I'm hoping to avoid a repeat performance!)

2009-06-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

Wow day four has been quite the challemge of endurance. 94 miles with the evil twins and a surprise steep hill towards the end of day. Tired but pumped up!

2009-06-03T13:47:00.001-07:00

Turning over my phone to Ralph for recharging for the afternoon... Going to be offline for a bit. See you all in camp! :)

2009-06-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

This is the topography on today's route map. Observe the HUGE hill at the beginning and the steep descent back down to the coast. We're oceanside in Cayucos, CA having lunch now!

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2009-06-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

Having lunch at Skipper's in Cayucos, CA with some new friends!

AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #9

2009-06-03T11:26:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #9

AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #8

2009-06-03T10:18:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #8

2009-06-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

Tyler and Dan at the half way to LA point atop the Evil Twins on Day 4 of AIDS/LifeCycle!

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2009-06-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

Tyler and I made it to the top of the Evil Twins with little effort! Great ride up! :)

2009-06-03T07:30:00.001-07:00

About to roll out... And get f'ed by THE EVIL TWINS! FML.

DAY FOUR: PASO ROBLES TO SANTA MARIA!

2009-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The route on Day 4 has a little bit of everything - 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. The route will wind along some remote and seldom-traveled roads as well as some congested town streets. Before lunch we will conquer the infamous Evil Twins. The Evil Twins are no fun! The name comes from the fact that once you reach the first summit, you have to ride back downhill a bit before riding UPHILL again to the second summit.

The views from the top of that second sister hill are nothing short of spectacular! The hills beyond the second hill seem to ripple and roll out toward the ocean just a few short miles away. From there we will ride back out to the coast and through the city of Pismo Beach and on into Preisker Park in the beautiful Central California city of Santa Maria.

Highlight of the day: Half Way to LA!!

2009-06-03T04:28:00.001-07:00

Ugh it early... Evil twins be nice to me

2009-06-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

As I drift off to sleep my thoughts tonight are of Scott and his family. now part of my journey... my hope is for their understanding and trust in my openess

2009-06-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

In reflection: today as i rode by the beautiful backdrops of Cali. I think of you Shelton and am inspired. 'HIV has not been my end, but a new begining.'

2009-06-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

Today has been a great day ... Made it through quadbuster and used my free massage tonight. Another long 94 mile day tomorrow with the dreaded evil twins!!

2009-06-02T19:27:00.001-07:00

Tyler and I just had our free massage for the week and feel GREAT!!! :)

2009-06-02T17:28:00.003-07:00

CORRECTION: We have completed over 240 miles so far... So 305 to go!!!

2009-06-02T17:28:00.001-07:00

To my Tuesday evening spinners... Have a great class... I Just got into camp around 330 and am feeling great. 240 miles down and the evil twins tomorrow!

2009-06-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Day 3 is DONE! WHOOOOOOOOOOO! Tyler and I got our Quads busted, hung out with the school children in Bradley (pop. 120), visited Mission San Miguel and the Rest Stop 4 Tran Am Airlines crew, and rolled the rest of the way in to Paso Robles. 63.4 miles today! We're at roughly 200 miles for the week so far... That sounds like a lot but means 345 miles to go! Yikes! Tomorrow is a steep hill day... THE EVIL TWINS!!! Shower time!!!

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2009-06-02T12:59:00.001-07:00

Made it to lunch in the town of Bradley... Population 120. School kids here r hosting a bbq for us. sitting at med. Tent icing my knee... Whew i ache today!

2009-06-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

Alright my noon time spinners work hard today. I just climbed a 1.3 mile verticle hill called quadbuster... Those 8-14 min hills in class r paying off!!!!

2009-06-02T10:24:00.001-07:00

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jolon, CA!

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2009-06-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Dan AT THE TOP OF QUADBUSTER!! It's (mostly) downhill from here the rest of the day! Next stop: Bradley!

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2009-06-02T10:03:00.001-07:00

Tyler and Dan at the base of the very steep, infamous QUADBUSTER! That's it behind us. See you on the other side!!! :)

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2009-06-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

We're at Rest Stop 1 on Day 3 and about to climb the very steep, infamous QUADBUSTER!

DAY THREE: KING CITY TO PASO ROBLES

2009-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS THE QUADBUSTER!

Don't let the name scare you, though. Quadbuster is only a small part of the route on Day Three. We will pedal on VERY remote roads passing only a few small quaint stores, mostly later in the day. Last year we rode past the most expensive gas in the United States - no kidding - at $5.09 for Regular Unleaded!

Rest Stop 4 is at Mission San Miguel, one of California's 21 historic Missions. This is where I bought the crucifix for the Anglican rosary I created for this year's AIDS/LifeCycle event. The day ends as we ride into Paso Robles where we camp at The Mid State Fairgrounds. We dine inside the fairgrounds dining hall - what a treat! Highlight of the day: Lunch on Day Three is in the small town of Bradley where the local school hosts a BBQ to raise money for their field trip program. I'll gladly donate some money to the kids this year, but I'll bypass the burger line to get back on the road I think.

2009-06-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

Doing well this morn. Knees are a bit sore, but we are pushing ahead! Today is 63 miles .... But known as quadbuster day haha.. Wish us luck!

2009-06-02T05:12:00.001-07:00

I do not want to be awake yet.

2009-06-01T20:50:00.001-07:00

Amazing dinner tonight in camp... Steak, chicken, baked potato, and corn on the cob.

Is butter a carb? :)

AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #7

2009-06-01T19:22:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #7

2009-06-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

To my monday night spin class - by the time u get to class today i will be on day 2 of ALC and rode 93 miles today alone! work hard for me today!!!!

2009-06-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

This is lunch on Day 2... We are 46.7 miles into our 107.6 mile day. Tyler and I are keeping a pretty good pace but there was a lot of congestion coming out of Santa Cruz this morning. Good day so far. The weather is clearing up nicely and it is warming up a bit.

My old cycling partner, Scott, wrecked just after lunch last year. I told Tyler not to go napping in any ditches like Scotty!

We will keep blogging from the road, so keep checking in. Thanks!

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2009-06-01T11:10:00.001-07:00

Passes a bad crash today... Makes it so much more important for us as a community of riders to be aware. No worries mom i'm being safe!

2009-06-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

Dan did great this morning up at 4:15! We made it out of camp early and are making good time 9 more miles til lunch! 37 down 69 miles to go!

2009-06-01T10:04:00.001-07:00

NOT A SEA LION! That's Tyler! :)

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2009-06-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

SEA LIONS! Cool, huh? :)

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The view from DAY TWO: SANTA CRUZ TO KING CITY!

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is what the better part of Day Two ought to look like... I took this photo on the ride last year -- Just before Scott wiped out and broke his shoulder.

Beautiful, no?

Day Two is going to be 107.6 miles this year, so a little longer than last year! This is a long mileage day with relatively flat terrain that will take us 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. There are usually excellent tailwinds (except for one horrible spot where the tailwinds become CROSSWINDS!) along the roller coaster road that takes you into King City at the end of the day. Highlight of the day: Mission Soledad, the Water Stop location on Day 2 is one of the most historic and special destinations on the ride.

2009-06-01T05:21:00.001-07:00

All packed up and ready to get Day 2 started. Breakfast, then stretching clinic and ON THE ROAD!

2009-05-31T20:57:00.001-07:00

A group of 'bears' comment about Dan ... 'DAMN baby got back' after we walked by and were called hotties on the way to bed ... LOL

2009-05-31T20:46:00.001-07:00

BTW - I visited the woman I saw standing on the road in Santa Cruz memorializing her brother last year. Gave her a big hug. She was a + influence last year!

2009-05-31T20:31:00.001-07:00

Oh and three shout outs for the moment. 1. La I met Bjorn hes wonderful! 2. Jeff im staying hydrated thus far. 3. Scotty and Archie i miss you!

2009-05-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

Today has been more powerful than i could have imagined. Day One has already introduced us to many new friends and moments of laughter and tears.

2009-05-31T19:38:00.001-07:00

You can also follow the ride this week at http://experience.aidslifecycle.org! Official video and blogging from the ride!

AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #6

2009-05-31T19:31:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #6

2009-05-31T16:53:00.001-07:00

Just got to Lunch... Making great time... 41 down... 38 Miles to go! Thanks for coming this morn. Big brother :-)

2009-05-31T16:47:00.001-07:00

Got into camp in Santa Cruz around 3:15pm. We set up the tent, blew up the air mattress, set up, showered... Now off to dinner! Good day!

2009-05-31T11:10:00.001-07:00

Just got to Lunch... Making great time... 41 down... 38 Miles to go! Thanks for coming this morn. Big brother :-)

2009-05-31T11:06:00.001-07:00

Just wrapping up lunch on Day One! Back on the road soon!

2009-05-31T09:53:00.001-07:00

Rest Stop 2! 31 miles down and 11 miles to lunch! Had a long hard ride UPHILL! We're still feeling great and making good time!

AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #5

2009-05-31T06:46:00.001-07:00

Gabcast! AIDS/LifeCycle 8 Updates from the Road! #5

2009-05-31T06:17:00.001-07:00

Tyler and Densil... We just found out we raised OVER $10 MILLION this year!!! AMAZING! Thanks everyone!

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2009-05-31T06:04:00.001-07:00

OPENING CEREMONIES!!!

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2009-05-31T05:42:00.001-07:00

We've arrived!!!

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WELCOME TO DAY ONE: SAN FRANCISCO TO SANTA CRUZ

2009-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

Our AIDS/LifeCycle adventure begins as we ride out of the Cow Palace grounds in San Francisco immediately following Opening Ceremonies. The route on Day One offers some of the best scenery and cycling roads that San Mateo County has to offer. The stunning coastal views from hilltops to the ocean are truly Northern California at its best! Tailwinds prevail as we pedal along scenic CA Hwy 1 on our way to Harvey West Park in the City of Santa Cruz. Highlight of the day: The lunch stop on Day One offers a spectacular and breathtaking view of the ocean.

Day One offered three very moving experiences for me last year: The opening ceremonies, the crowds along the streets with memorials to family and friends lost to AIDS, and the beautiful views along the Pacific (pictured above).

In closing, since it's Sunday AND the first day of the ride, allow me to offer a prayer for all of the cyclists, roadies, and support staff on the ride!

O God, our heavenly father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those of us who cycle across your creation; surround us with your loving care; permit us to safely enjoy the sights and sounds as we travel; protect us and those with whom we share the road from every danger; and bring us safely to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GOOOOOOOOD MORNING!

2009-05-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone... Quick post. We're awake and getting ready to run out the door! I bet that not even all the East Coasters following this blog are up right now on a Sunday morning!

Tyler and I are already a lively team this morning... Joking and laughing about this and that. We'll have to take a photo this morning with all of our morning gear on! If you thought the spandex shorts were cute, you'll have to see the TIGHT reflective spandex leggings! :)

And yes, Theresa. I will be having a Red Bull for breakfast. Work on our sponsorship deal for next year, k?

OFF WE GO!!!

2009-05-31T04:02:00.001-07:00

Alarm just went off on day... How should i attempt to wake up Dan today?

Day Zero and time to go to bed!

2009-05-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

Before I head off to bed I wanted to take a few moments to reflect not only on today, but the journey it has been leading up too the AIDS LifeCycle experience.

Today was Day Zero -Orientation Day. Dan and I got an early start so we could get a jump on the long lines. We arrived at the Cow Palace, the starting point for the ride, and waited in line for Check-In, the Orientation Video, Tent Assignments .... you know all that logistical stuff and then went to visit the Pos Pedalers Booth. I am excited to have signed up with the Pos Pedalers, a group of openly HIV Positive Cyclists, to bring awareness and strive to elminate stigma surrounding the "face of HIV."

Dan and I traveled back to Densil's apartment here in the Pacific Heights area too relax and grab a bite to eat. We walked the area, found a couple thrift stores and low and behold - I found my red Dress!!! LOL I know you cannot wait to see the pictures, but you'll have to check back on Day 5 :-)

We rounded out the evening with Densil and his friends, several of which are going on the ride as well for a CARB Fest, one of the many luxuries of riding for seven days straight!

Tonight I sit here and think about not only the journey i've had training for AIDS LifeCycle, but the journey over the last five years living with HIV. Since my HIV Positive diagnosis in the spring of 2004, I have committed myself to advocating for the rights of young people everywhere using my face and personal story as an educational tool and resource in hopes of inspiring other young HIV Positive indivduals to live each day to it's fullest! In so many ways I look at where I am today in my life and realize that the individual that I have grown to become in so many ways has been shaped by being diagnosed HIV Positive and am in awe. It has impacted the relationships that I now share with friends and family, the career I have grown so passionate about and am inspired by each day, and the happiness I have found.

I could write forever, but I need to get some rest. Know that I love you all.

This is going to be an emotional week.... sigh ... this one's for you Shelton (tears rolling down)

2009-05-30T17:34:00.001-07:00

Packing and relaxing a little bit before we go to an ALC dinner hosted by Densil's friend Brendan.

2009-05-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned for ALC day 5 ... Thats right folks, I just found my Red Dress!

2009-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

ORIENTATION SAFETY VIDEO!!!

2009-05-30T09:46:00.001-07:00

Day Zero! Dan and I got here a bit early to beat the crowd. There are so many people... This is going to be an amazing week!

2009-05-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

We just saw Chad Allen while we were waiting for Orientation to get started... HOT! HOT! HOT!

A Night Out in the Castro!

2009-05-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Tyler and I had dinner with Carolyn Barbadoro at Thai Chef in the Castro. Afterward we moved on for a drink at Toad Hall and then along to a party in the neighborhood.

We ended up running into Chris Dyer, Peter Kester, Brad Russi, Ryan Winfield, and Gregory Zitterkob at The Lookout! It was like being back in DC at JR's all over again!!! It was so cool to see them all before the ride!

Headed to bed now to get some rest so we can go to Orientation EARLY tomorrow morning!

GOODNIGHT!