May 29, 1997

DAY ZERO: This is the day before the start of Florida AIDS Ride 2 - a day that should be used to rest and mentally prepare for the ride. After all, I spent the last six months training for a three-day bike ride from here to Miami. I'd even raised the $1,500 I needed to participate in the ride. All I had to do was to register for the ride at the Convention Center.

It wasn't nearly as easy as it sounds. It was a three and a half hour ordeal in which I was sent from one booth to another and back again by volunteers who weren't quite sure how things worked. I became rather concerned that if they couldn't walk me through a simple registration process, they might have a rough time offering me food and shelter from here to Miami. I left registration frustrated and worried and didn't fall sleep until well after midnight.

DAY ONE: I awoke at 3:30 a.m., so I could be back at the Convention Center by 4:30. I spent the next two hours preparing my bike, eating breakfast, stretching and participating in opening ceremonies. We finally began the ride at 7 a.m. with a mass start of nearly 800 bikes. The number of bikes made me nervous, but the large group quickly fragmented between numerous stop lights. Each small group then spread out as the bikers set various paces. As I passed Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, it hit that I was finally on the ride. This was what all of the preparation had been for.

The temperature was in the low 80's; it was overcast with a light breeze and bikes were spread out as far as the eye could see. Simply put, it was a beautiful day for biking. The ride became very peaceful, and the last thing on my mind was the chaos and disorganization from the day before. By 12:30 I was on the Melbourne causeway and could finally see the Atlantic. By 3:30 I finished the day's ride and went in search of a hot shower, a good meal, and a massage - I found them all. Yesterdays doubts were put to rest for good. Once I was fed, clean, and massaged (and what a massage), I collapsed into my tent for the night - 400+ tents and everyone was asleep by 10 p.m.

Dave Sheldon is a biology teacher at Valencia community college. He is an environmental activist who hails from Minnesota. Gin is his preferred alcoholic beverage. Other Articles I've Written