And in June 2010, it's time for me to do it for the THIRD TIME!

In Year 1, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and that was probably a good thing. The ride becomes an all encompassing thing in one's life - especially in the last final months leading up to it. If I had been told that ahead of time, it would have been too daunting of a task to even think about tackling.

But what could never have been explained are the wonderful changes that the ride would bring to my life -- the empowerment from spending 7 days with 3,000 people who want to change the world, the new people I'd meet, the positive shift in my general disposition, the laughs, the training, the struggles, and yes, the tears.

The ride is not easy. Most days we're on the bike from 8 AM to 6 PM.

It's exhausting, frustrating, too hot, too cold, too crowded and too darn long!

It's also inspirational, insightful, educational, liberating, empowering and believe it or not; at times, fun.


In Year 1, for ALC 7 .... I raised $8,500!

In Year 2, for ALC 8 .... I raised over $5,000!

And now, for Year 3, for ALC 9 .... my goal is to raise $10,000!

The money all goes on to support services for the LA Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The money directly helps people living in our backyard who have nowhere else to turn -- teens who are put out by their families, adults who are jobless, folks living with HIV & AIDS who have nowhere else to turn for help.

The work offered by the LA Gay & Lesbian Center is miraculous.

I understand that the economy is still TOUGH this year --- as a result I know that many of you will not feel able to give, but honestly, even $20 makes all the difference, if you could possibly give that.

Can you help me out by giving whatever amount you can?