One of the more impacting experiences that I have been through recently has been my preparations and participation in the 2002 Northeast AIDS Ride. The preparations allowed me to make a statement to friends, family and co-workers that I wanted to make a difference in the fight against AIDS. Preparations for the AIDS Ride did not only include securing sponsors and financial backing but also most importantly included preparing my body mentally and physically for the rigors of a 315 mile multi-day cycling tour. .
The physical and mental preparations were very daunting and challenged me to the fullest. However, it allowed me to develop my physical strength and mental drive to reach my goal of raising money and completing this cycling tour. Eight months prior to the race I started cycling a couple of miles on a daily basis. This was a big adjustment because prior to this, I rarely went cycling at all and only on a leisurely pace. After a a week or so the strain on my body was so great that I questioned whether I would be able to actually be in position to go on this tour. I contemplated quitting but decided that I needed to focus on the fact that by completing the AIDS Ride I would be helping a cause that has affected me both directly and indirectly. My uncle was inflicted with HIV through a blood transfusion and later died and I also have friends that were inflicted as.
well. I pushed harder and within a month I was increasing the distance I cycled everyday. Not only was I feeling more fit physically my mental drive and stamina increased dramatically.
With the Aids Ride quickly approaching and my physically conditioning going well, my main concern was then getting people to sponsor my ride. While it was a very difficult task, I enjoyed talking with other people about what I was set to accomplish on this ride and talking to people about the push to find a cure for AIDS. Doing all of this also reinforced my feelings on AIDS awareness and that we as a society should do what we can to find a cure to this dreaded disease.
