I have signed up for the AIDS/LifeCycle 7 ride. That's the 545 mile charity bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles for AIDS funding from June 1-7, 2008.

This will definitely be a challenge, but it also just makes sense for me. As you know, I'm already an avid road cyclist, but I have also had a very good friend die from this dreaded disease and I don't want that ever to happen again to anyone. I especially have my friends in mind who are currently living a positive lifestyle right now. This effort is most definitely for them. Let's make sure there are enough resources and research done to keep everyone now, and in the future healthy and thriving.

Some might think a long bike ride such as this is crazy. Bur really, it seems like nothing compared to the pain, suffering, and sadness this dreaded disease has already caused for so many people on our planet and local communities. I'm sure many of you know someone or of someone affected by it.

Truthfully, this ride almost feels selfish on my part because I get to go on a bike ride that will travel along the majority length of California. That's something I've wanted to do since I went on my first long road cycling ride in high school where I fell in love with the sport. This ride, however, will be with many, many like minded, similarly dedicated individuals. I'm sure many friends will be made and heart-felt experiences will be had. I'm really looking forward to it.

Through the course of my training, I'll be posting blog updates to tell everyone how it's going. I've already done a cold, wet, solo self-inflicted, early morning 6AM (pre dawn) ride this week, but will be joining regularly organized group rides with other participants in the coming months. This training has the aim of ramping my endurance up to be able to handle a 100 mile day, and do it over again the following day. Each month, my weekly riding mileage average will be increasing.

Now, this is always the most awkward part of a charity bike ride. I need your help!. I can not do this alone. You can take part with me in this endeavor by sponsoring my ride. Don't think of it merely as a donation, but really, as a sponsorship. A bit of you will go with me, so to speak, on that ride and I will be representing you. If you can't do the ride, you can certainly help by giving to the event through the link you can find on my official Rider Home page: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/2543.

This very much is a legitimate cause and organization, and if we together can raise the $2500 minimum limit by ride start time, we really will have done our part to help real people in need.