I know, right?

Okay lesson 1 learned.  Sunblock on the face and arms just isn't going to do it.

Lesson 2 was learned earlier but put in to practice on Saturday.  See, I used to ride with these shoes:

But while the 1991 Reebok Pump sneaker might be a great conversation piece, they don't hold a candle to the comfort of efficiency of these:



Shoes that clip in to the pedals.  I am now clipped in to my bike and FUSED TOGETHER MAN AND MACHINE! Which is totally nuts.  I practicied on Friday and fell down in front of the following:

1) a little league game
2) a group of senior citizens on Fairfax and Santa Monica Blvd
3) an old man coming out of whole foods
4) a prayer group in a park.

It was also a good learning experience.

Anyway, back to Saturday.  The official mile count was 81.  But I'm going to say it was at least 85, because some of those miles seemed a little longer.  To date this was the longest ride I've done with the most hills, and luckily there were enough orange weges and Cliff Bars at the rest stops to keep me energized.  Also, before I clipped in to the bike I never realized how much fun cycling really is.  Getting up those hills is a lot easier, pushing and pulling instead of just pushing.

My goal for the day was to keep peddaling and only stopping during at break points and rest stops.  Happy to say I accomplished that save for the one time I fell over.  At a stop light, no less.

Here's what check in at 7am looks like:



Here's what lunch looks like at Mile 45, eating what was at that point the most delicious turkey sandwich in the whole world.



This is what James and I look like at the beach very happy after a long downhill ride:





This is what it looks like at mile 65 eating Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels.  Yes, thats the ground.  No, I don't care.



And here's why I'll never leave my gloves sitting on my desk at home again.




All in all a good day, and since the sunburn was the only thing hurting bad the next day, I can honestly say that I'm ready to go in June! 

And honestly, while this was a big physical struggle, there are folks living with HIV who's struggles physically and emotionally are exponentially more difficult than riding a bike to San Pedro from Santa Monica.  Thank you all for your donations and support, and if you haven't yet, you can send a donation by going to www.aidslifecycle.org/6902.

Thanks!
Gary Cotti
Los Angeles Cyclist #6902