AIDS Lifecycle Day 6: 84 miles Lompoc to Ventura

It was another amazing day as we returned to the Pacific for the final time.

Friday:

Today, because you rode, you made it possible for 1,000 men, women, and children to receive AIDS care and medications in rural villages in China, South Africa, and Rwanda through the work of the Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation.

Pangaea is part of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Pangaea’s staff knows what it takes to prepare a country for HIV because they learned it in the US – by pioneering syringe exchange, by advocating for lower-priced drugs, by taking a firm stance about HIV prevention and education.

The first dozen or so miles took us out of Lompoc through rolling hills and smooth roads. We encountered no major hills as Jim, my tentmate (left in red and black), and I made our way to the first rest stop. I can't recall the theme of this stop, because it was early and I didn't spend much time here.

A view from the first rest stop of Day 6. A short climb after this rest stop, the route dived down into the Gaviota Pass where Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 meet and flow down toward the ocean. It was a steep decent all the way to sea level.

Jim and I at rest stop 2 on the Pacific after Gaviota Pass.

They held us up at rest stop 2 before opening up one of the highway lanes across a narrow bridge. Once the clock struck 9am, everyone rushed out of the rest stop as if it was a race. Competitive juices flowing, I gave chace.

After passing a bunch of people, and finding out who could hang and who couldn't, a pack of riders suddenly formed. But, only myself and four other guys were willing to ride at the front of a group of 25 riders. An hour later of the hardest, fastest riding of the week, we finally encountered a major hill that blew apart the group of riders into many fragments. I didn't look back as I charged up the hill to stay with the lead group of six riders. We worked together to finish the last 5 miles before heading into lunch. Exhausted, I ate my lunch in the shade and told myself to take it easy the rest of the day.

After lunch, I headed out alone and toward Santa Barbara. I wasn't alone for long as another group of about five riders formed and we pushed hard into town. So much for taking it easy! Santa Barbara was the first city that had local people out cheering on the riders, and I got a sense this was going to be a good time to take in the hospitalities of the people. How? I had no idea.

Rest stop 3 in Santa Barbara(left). With palm trees and white sandy beachs everywhere, I took my time taking in the So Cal sun biking along the beaches. The route turned off the beach and onto a bike trail that went inland a few blocks.

I was alone and gliding along the bike path when suddenly I heard screaming coming from ahead. I looked around wondering what was all the commotion. As I got closer, I realized it wasn't screaming but cheering. Cheering for me! The clouds parted and down came the heavens to deliver...

...Paradise Pit! I suddenly found myself surrounded by women spraying me down with cool mist, taking my bike and helmet, and leading me to the massage table. Organized by Paul Mitchell Salon and Spa to support the AIDS Lifecycle, this place was an oasis with massages, ice cream, music, and plenty of shade!

Where the loud cheers were coming from!

Reluctantly, I left the Paradise Pit and headed south out of Santa Barbara toward Ventura.

On the night of Day 6, there was a candlelight vigil to remember those that have died of AIDS and for hope for the future. It was a powerful scene as we all walked onto the beach and formed a gigantic rectangle in silence. After a few moments, each person walked to the water's edge and doused out their candle.

Although Day 7 was a celebration of completing the ride, Day 6 was the most complete day. It had amazing scenery but also addressed the meaning of the ride in a unique way.