DAY THREE: Another 4 a.m. wake-up led to a morning ritual that was starting to feel familiar. As I was preparing my bike, the sun was lighting the horizon, and the clouds were breaking. By 6:30, it was getting warm. It would reach the low 90's by early afternoon. The four of us started out together again on the last leg into Miami. Today's scheduled ride was 30 miles shorter than day two, so we were all feeling confident about our abilities to complete the ride. As the sun got hotter, medical staff at the various pit stops began to treat riders for heat exhaustion and dehydration. We continued to drink plenty of water, but it was easy to be distracted.

As we neared Miami, an increasing number of people lined the streets to cheer us on. I had never before experienced strangers cheering for me and thanking me for what I was doing. It's very difficult to describe the feeling. By the time we reached Miami, we were all in a very strange, euphoric mood. We had just completed 280 miles and raised over $1 million for various AIDS- related organizations. Even though no one said it, I think we were all very proud of ourselves. We all took part in closing ceremonies, said good bye to new friends and promised to write and exchange pictures from the ride. I then drove my sunburned self and my bike back to Orlando in a rental car.

DAY FOUR AND BEYOND: It wasn't until the next day that I realized how sore my legs and butt were. When I was in camp with hundreds of other riders, everyone limped around and it seemed normal. I also looked back on how my perception of the AIDS Ride changed over the three days. I had my doubts on day zero, but experienced nothing but efficiency through the course of the ride.

Medical volunteers, massage therapists, bike technicians, pit crews, and hundreds of other volunteers worked together to help me complete this ride. I received support and praise from total strangers. The riders were young, old, gay, straight, male, female, HIV+, HIV-, fit, unfit, black, white, and everything in between. I walked (okay, maybe hobbled) away with new friends, lots of stories, and a very strong desire to do this again next year - maybe Minneapolis to Chicago, New York to Boston, or Orlando to Miami again. At least now I know that I can do it.

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