Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2 (2003)

Day by Day Coverage: Day 7 - Ventura to West Hollywood

Homeward Bound

Over the inspiring strains of Blue Man Group’s “TV Song,” AIDS/LifeCycle Director Chris Cole built the Closing Ceremony crowd to a fever pitch as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Cyclists into West Hollywood.

“They braved the hills and headwinds. They enjoyed the tailwinds,” he said. [Read the full text of Chris' remarks.] “They climbed hills called ‘Quad Buster’ or ‘the Evil Twins’ and even more hills which they did not name. They rode in mist and fog. They challenged themselves from within and kept going when they thought they could go no further. … Ladies and Gentlemen… Please turn your eyes to the north and welcome home the 1,011 cyclists of AIDS/LifeCycle 2!”

Led by the Positive Pedalers, the Cyclists took their final victory lap and at last came into view of the roaring crowd. Cyclists stretched out their hands for high-fives as they rolled past. The area in front of the stage filled with surging waves of color. Many Cyclists lifted their bikes over their heads in exultation of the long-awaited moment.

Then Chris introduced the team of more than 300 Roadies, who marched in to the tune of Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.” “They were awake day and night,” he said. “They marked the route. Picked up the trash. Set up and broke down camp. Drove the sweep vehicles. Carried our gear. Drove the trucks. Hauled the water, ice and Gatorade. Fed us breakfast, lunch and dinner. They bandaged our knees and massaged our sore muscles. They are selfless and possess hearts unlike anyone else.”

In her closing remarks, Pat Christen, the AIDS Foundation’s executive director, evoked memories from throughout the week. “So here you are,” she said. “Your lips are chapped. Your nose is burned. Your shoulders ache. Your toes are crunched. Your quads are cramped. Your butt is bruised. Frankly, you are a mess. And you are beautiful. You rode in together, a colorful, powerful and caring community. You stand here now victorious and proud. Loved and appreciated. You have made new friends and have new admirers.

“There will be people in this crowd today joining us next year in AIDS/LifeCycle 3 because of your commitment, your success, your inspiration.”

Lorri Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, stirred the audience with a passionate speech and a call to action. “10 years ago, I stood in this very place and welcomed the first 600 people who had dared to do what you have done,” she said. “I have to tell you, that I am very, very sad that, 10 years later, we are still riding—that we still have to ride because this epidemic is not over. And I’m more than sad. I’m MAD. …

“I’m mad that so much of the political leadership in this country has not had a fraction of the courage and the will and the determination that you have shown. … Together, we can act up, fight back and fight AIDS.”

Participants then took each other’s hands as the Positive Pedalers marched in with a pair of special bicycle wheels. “The two wheels symbolize the reasons we ride and the spirit of those who can not,” Chris Cole told the crowd. “They symbolize the spirit of someone we loved ... Someone we laughed with ... Someone we cried with ... Someone who is no longer here to enjoy this glorious day and feel the warmth of the sunshine upon their face. Someone who has gone before us.

“These wheels are pure. They have never touched the roads of this earth. Just as those we have lost to AIDS are pure in our hearts and memories. Just as those loved ones and friends are no longer of this earth.”

About half an hour after it began, the Ceremony ended, and many participants reunited with their families and friends who had come to support them. An incredible week – and year – came to an end, and eyes began to turn to AIDS/LifeCycle 3 – June 6-12, 2004!

-- Jeff Brock, ALC Webmaster & Cyclist #5410
Reporting from West Hollywood

Check out today's route photos and Closing Ceremony photos!

Read the closing remarks by:

• Chris Cole, AIDS/LifeCycle Director
• Pat Christen, SFAF's Executive Director
• Lorri Jean, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's CEO

Read today's journal entries from:

• Danelle
• Roland