Day 3

Today I learned many things, but the most important was the meaning of this bike ride. While we were on the bus on day -1, one of the riders, Amy, said that the ride was for us. I didn't understand this, but now I do. We left as we did on every day at 6:45 for today's 85 mile ride. As I rode between rest area 1 and 2, I began to think of the friend's I had lost. I thought of Richard and his fear of death, the surgery where I held his hand because he was afraid, and the love of his mother. I thought of Wesley and the friendship he created between people, his alienation with his parents and the reunion with them when he died. And I thought about Keith, his sudden death, his kind soul and good heart, and his legacy. I started to cry.

As I entered Oasis 2, someone came up to me and asked how I was doing. I said that I was trying not to cry, and could use a hug. She hugged me, and a wept, shuddering with grief. I whispered to her, "You don't understand. I don't cry." "I've lost many friends too. Sometimes we all need to cry. It's OK."

After three days, our bodies were worn down. The shields we erect to protect ourselves and the walls around us to keep people out crumble. We can grieve, mourn, remember and find comfort in those who have experienced similar losses.

That is what this ride is about.

When I got on my bike today, I experienced a new level of pain from my knee. As it loosened up, I rode more comfortably. The medical team had wrapped it for me, but I needed more. I discovered Bengay.

The ride today went from Clinton, New Jersey to Manhattan. The ride had several good climbs, and lots of nice down hills. I rode with Alan again. As we entered the next to last rest area, Alan wondered whether we should hop on the van. His legs hurt, my knee hurt, and maybe 70 miles was enough. I wanted to go on. There was one huge climb at the end of the ride which gave us great views of Manhattan. We stopped and had a photo op. We then went down to the ferry which took us across the Hudson. A police escort cleared traffic so the 120 riders could join the closing ceremonies. A check for $300,000+ was presented to the Center for its HIV/AIDS programs.

I saw my friend from Oasis 2 there. During the moment of silence she hugged me and I cried again, tears of loss rolling down my face.

The ride was a great experience. The bike techs took care of us, fixing a bent derailure on my bike and making sure the bikes were safe. The crew fed us, kept us hydrated, attended to our medical needs, stopped traffic at dangerous intersections, and cheered us on up when we climbed the steep hills.

Dimitria, Francesco and I have already signed up for next year's ride. My partner Champ has signed on with the Crew. Will you join us?