Northeast AIDSRide 2001 journal (2 of 14)

day zero - registration and logistics
There was a lot to do on Day Zero. First we had to sign in, make sure our medical papers were turned in, and then go to the pledge office line to turn in final pledges if our accounts weren’t at the minimum. This line wrapped around the park, Disney style, weaving back and forth. It took us about 4 hours to get to the front of the line.

The registration tents. The columns to the left were for writing dedications.

Thanks to everyone who so generously supported me for this ride, I had $3300 already in my account, well over the $2100 minimum. I also had another ~$1200 in checks that had not been deposited. So, while waiting in line for Jeremy G. to deposit his final funds, I distributed my remaining pledges to other riders who had not yet met their minimum pledges so that they could ride. So to all of you who donated, you have helped the beneficiaries and the people they care for, you helped me, and you may have also helped other riders who may not have been able to participate without your generosity. Thank you.

The line for the pledge office.

While I am very diligent about putting on sun block while riding, I had not put on any for Day Zero. By the end of the day, the back of my neck was starting to feel hot. To keep from making the burn worse than it was, I was standing facing the sun whenever possible, or I kept my hands on the back of my neck. Luckily, it was a very mild burn and didn’t affect the rest of the ride.

After our accounts were settled, we were off to watch the safety video, get our tent assignment, check out our bikes, and finally catch a bus back to our hotel.

2000 bikes waiting to go!