Debi Farber Bush: AIDS Lifecycling Again, With Your Help
Debi air-biking in Trinidad.
Once again I’ve committed (or should be committed) to ride in the AIDS Lifecycle. I will be making another go at riding my bike 545 miles from San Francisco to LA. I’m excited and nervous. Memories of last years ride are still fresh. It was a pleasure to join thousands of people riding together to help end HIV/AIDS.
You might remember that last year’s ride was the culmination of the massive health goal I set for myself. I had participated as a volunteer, but the thought of actually riding in the event was something I never believed was possible.
From the moment I left my home in Humboldt County I was in the AIDS Lifecycle fog (not to be confused with the San Francisco Fog). My mind was bursting at the seams, filled with all the knowledge of bike safety, nutrition and just amped because AIDS Lifecycle was a dream that I was going to fulfill.
It was up to me, to believe in myself, and remember MY reason for riding. The last year of calculating calories to the 3rd decimal point, constant training and overcoming obstacles I never thought I could had been all about me. I wanted and NEEDED to be part of something that was much bigger. In the end, the experience was more powerful than anything I’ve ever felt.
As I rode with people that were now more than friends, they were my team, every rotation of my feet, every hill I climbed, every bag of chips I ate, and every new friend I met along the way had deep meaning. My inspiration for riding was no longer just the culmination of a personal goal but a chance to remember friends lost to HIV/AIDS those still fighting to live.
Every time I wanted to say, “I can’t climb this hill or, I quit,” I was able to press on with the thought that “I ride BECAUSE I’M healthy and alive! Because I want to make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. To be honest, when it was over and I sat looking at the bruises and feeling the deep aches and pains I thought I would never do it again.
Once again however, 3,000 riders will be cycling through Santa Cruz, King City, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Ventura, and finishing the ride in L.A. and I will be with them.
From June 2 through June 8, I will ride my bike 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in AIDS/LifeCycle 12. I’ve committed to raising a minimum of $5,000 and I need your support. The funds I raise will enable the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to help those impacted by HIV get the treatment and care they need, and provide targeted prevention efforts for high risk populations.
Please consider making a donation to my ride by clicking here or writing a check to AIDS Lifecycle and mailing it to Debi Farber Bush, 1924 Ridgewood Drive, Eureka CA 95503.
Together we can and will make a difference in this world.
Thanks very much,
Debi Farber Bush
Arcata
