Northeast AIDSRide 2001 journal (4 of 14)

day one - up and out
The alarm went off at 3:30am and, reluctantly, I got up. I felt shaky and sick to my stomach as I sometimes do when I get that little sleep. I was also very nervous. Jeremy and I rushed and made the 3:50 shuttle back to Bear Mountain.

On the bus, most of us were trying to catch some final zz’s while we still could, but a few folks in the front of the bus started taking flash photos in the dark. This was a bit disturbing for those of us trying to sleep, but soon the flashes stopped and everyone was asleep.

It was still pitch black when we arrived at Bear Mountain, and there were huge floodlights illuminating the field like a stadium We took the gear that we would bring with us to our bikes and then dropped the rest off at truck J that would carry our luggage and tents for the next few days.

Breakfast was an assortment of fruits, juices, bagels, pastries, and other finger foods. While we ate, I was able to find some of the other people that I had trained a lot with, most importantly Derrick. Derrick came and gave two fundraising presentations at Sapient (where Jeremy G. and I worked) to help us raise money from our co-workers. He had been trained in how to give these presentations. Jeremy and I raised over $500 in the two sessions. They were tough because a lot of layoff rumors had been going around, and we didn’t get the turnout we had expected. We talked with Derrick and some of the other riders as the sun started to peak over the mountains.

Following a light stretch was a very moving opening ceremony. It began with a man carrying a large white flag through the crowd and giving a poetic monologue about strength through surrender. It was very Zen-like. After that an empty bike was led through the crowd to symbolize the riders who are no longer with us. Six men led the bike while a seventh carried a helmet. Some walked stoically forward. Others had stern faces with tears streaming down their cheeks, while one man cried openly, his face red, his sobs audible at quite a distance. After that, Dan Palotta, the founder of Palotta Teamworks, the group that runs the events, gave a moving speech. Then everyone rushed for their bike with great enthusiasm!

Everyone trying to get out at once.

Starting out was supposed to be a bit more organized, but everyone rushed out all at once. This made for a slow start as 2000 riders tried to get on the road at the same time. I think I spent a lot of time standing, but after about a half an hour of stop and go riding, we were spread out pretty quickly. The ride had begun!

Held up at the starting gate.

Jon and Derrick, both in yellow, waiting to roll.