Gift

Followers, I left off with a fun Top Gun ride recap. Now for the Gift on my stoop.

After a wonderful brunch Sunday morning, I got a call from a friend to join him for a lunch.  I accepted and we met up and had a heartfelt talk. Again, it is one for the ol pen and paper, however, I left with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.  It reminds me of a quote that I found rather poignant when I watched this particular episode of Medium years ago. “Hope, like dread, it often comes unannounced and then thankfully intoxicates us and inoculates our feelings with an irrational sense of joy and optimism.  Hope is the high.  Dread is the low.  I guess life is the stuff in-between.” (© Medium, NBC part of GE, Air date 4/4/07) I include the reference in case someone makes a movie of my blog then I hopefully wont be sued…. LOL  Also, no dread this day, that was just in line with the quote.  But isn’t it funny, how hope can fill our soul to the brim.  And I was inoculated.

I took off for home, met Manny for shoulders (good grief, this man is changing my life. I have muscles!!), then dinner with some new ALC friends.  On my way home I got a message on my phone; there is a Gift for you on your door stoop.  Oh yeah, what is it.  I was told what it was.  Yeah right, really? OK. I will go get it. I couldn’t believe it for a second.  And just like a child on Christmas day, I started to realize that the Gift really was going to be under the tree. Santa never disappointed. I drove home and passed my stoop. Sure enough, my Gift was right there.  I parked and started to walk to my door. One step. Two steps. Then my feet started to advance ahead of my head. They knew where they were going. I trotted towards my stoop. And like that my head joined in and said “get there, get to your door. The Gift is waiting.” Full jog, now my heart was involved. I knew what the Gift was and by George, I was drunk with anticipation of getting to unwrap it.  I arrive at my door, and there followers, was the most special Gift I have had, waiting for me. I stopped two steps shy of it.  I was inoculated with joy and hope, and the universe delivered.  I will say that at times, the most welcome things come into your universes life path, and it is when least expected that the universe presents her/him/it self and exposes its inner beauty. At that moment, when the universe aligns with what is out there, you can freely fall and know that you will be caught in the energy that is life.  Followers, that is what happened.  I gingerly approached my Gift, and unwrapped it so delicately, so passionately, that one would say I fell in love with it. And life stopped, all for a brief moment, the world was quiet.  There was nothing else there but my Gift and I.  It was a beautiful moment that I will remember and cherish forever.  

Well followers, I teared up that night. This Gift was meant to be in my life. . I can see that now, clearly. I was enveloped in the love of this Gift and could feel the emotion and intent of the Gift. I am not a big believer in a supreme being, but how can one not when life works out the way it does.  What is this gift you ask, one that brought me to such a high emotional state, and full of hope. A special Gift, one which I hope that all of you will have or do have in your life.

Take a leap and don’t be afraid to fall on your face.  Trust me I do it everyday.

Where's my effing Zen??!!

Hi Followers. Are you mad at me? I have been absent for a couple weeks and I know that some of you have asked when my next post would be. Please don’t be mad.  Last week was insanely busy. Insanely.  But I am here now and my attention is back on the blog. I left off last week coming off an amazing ride with Elf’s through Elfin Forest (or lesbians. Aren’t they just as magical as elf’s?).

The week after Elfin was filled with work and gym.  That Friday night presented a fun and memorable night with the boys.  We met up at Wine Steals to relax and unwind, and also meet new friends.  And we did.  Now followers, please mind my next comment, but through biking I have never met nor made as many lesbian friends as I would have ever known.  Why, not sure.  But lo and behold I had a boy’s night out with a lesbian, one of many amazing fierce women I have met through biking.  And it was FUN! Capped off the night with some Margaritas at Betty’s and then a boys night in, which was probably wise. I have not really drank much over this year so it only took a couple margaritas to do me in for the night :)

Saturday, early morning ride from South Shores. Met at 730 (did I mention I went out drinking the night before) and after the 20 or so of us got speeched in safety, we were off.  It was a nice ride along the tracks up to UTC ish area.  However, I was beat.  I felt like shit and was tired.  David pulls up along side of me.  Wonderful talks with that man about Ricky time and Ricky life.  He asked how I was. My response “Where’s my fucking Zen!”.  Yeah, not an easy morning. :) I did though get a nice compliment from a fellow rider, and reader of this blog, who told me that this blog is fun to read and makes them feel good.  That was cool to hear.  I must admit, I am getting such wonderful compliments from people about this ride…..

Side note, I was called a hero from a donor the other day.  What!!?? Wow. I was not ready for that. She expressed to me that she had been looking for a cause to donate too (after her husband donated to the NRA without telling her) that she would feel proud of to donate to. She said once she heard about my ride, what I was doing and how this experience has shaped and changed my life, she just had to give.  And she did.  But she said you are a hero to those out there who will benefit and that also, her world, her universe, seemed more aligned.  This reach of this ride is waaay further than I ever anticipated.

Back to Saturdays ride. We get to rest stop one and I am beat.  I find some friends and say lets get some food and coffee or I am not going to make it.  We did.  This of course took some time so when we were finished everyone was gone but six of us.  So Tammy, David, Mags, ? name, Suzi  and I rode out.  Oh how I felt better.  It was great.  I am now in cadence and feeling good.  Four of us pull out a head a little and take off down Miramar road. Don’t ride your bike down Miramar road. Good lord, it has so many bumps! I digress. Right turn on some random road and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere San Diego (near Miramar Air Field). It was fun. The lesbians asked the gays what we look for in a guy.  For the sake of close relatives, I will not repeat the inappropriate jokes and side comments that were brought up at that talk, but needless to say, I think Mags and Tammy are much more educated! :)  But no, it was super cool. Great talks, fun riding, beautiful weather and completely lost….. So we were supposed to merge right onto a road and did not. But for all four of us to make the same mistake looking at the map, I wont feel too bad about it.  But I knew at some point during this biking journey I was bound to get lost. And it was a good lost.  I was with three other incredible people and we went up a very big hill!  At the top of that hill we realized, it dead ended and we were lost.  AND…. I rode that entire hill in my lowest gear!  My legs were on FIRE FIRE FIRE!!!! Felt great!  But what goes up must come down, and we did, and it was fast (we were the hill opposite of WalMart near Friars). Then back up a big hill, but using my middle gears this time.   Then down another big hill (the top gun need for speed hill) and I clocked 37 MPH! FUN!!!! Leisurely ride back and then BBQ with David.  That night dinner with a friend and a night out only to sleep in the next morning…. Why? Because daylight savings time, hell no was I waking up early for another ride! (Sorry TRL, I heard it was a great one!)

So followers, I hope I whetted your appetite.  I will blog soon.  I am again tired and needing sleep.  I have a saddle time ride, another gash on the leg, crown, new Ozarks friends, three

Till next time, peddle on!
Ricky

Where are the magical Elf's

 

Followers! Sorry for the later blog.  First a thank you to all the people on Facebook I took these pictures from :) I only took a few so thanks for letting me borrow.

Here is a recap of my weekend rides.

Saturday was an early morning rise to go on Elfin Forest Ride. We started off at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach at 730 am!  Here is that park. You can see Blanch on the right :)

And we're off! Immediately we take off up a hill.  And immediately someone goes down. It was not an easy hill but it was not going to be our last. I stopped briefly but wouldn't you know, our TRL's were right there getting the person who fell up on their feet and moving again.  Yay TRL's!  I should tell you that TRL's (Training Ride Leaders) do not get paid for this. They are volunteers, there to guide us on the route, give us pointers, motivate us, sweep us, and be all around awesome (they will also help you change a flat).  So TRL's, THANK YOU!!!! You are the best!

Then we are in Rancho Santa Fe. Beautiful. The day was gorgeous (typical 70 plus degree San Diego day) and the scent of spring flowing against my skin as I glide through wooded land was amazing.  I was so loving that moment. It took me back home, to Colorado. And though I have not rode there with Blanch, I hope to one day soon.  I can only imagine that this is what it would be like.  The street was narrow, gentle rolling hills, Other bikers passing who wave at you.  I had a few moments where I rode by myself and it was nice.  There were also a few downhills which were pretty fantastic. We breezed through rest stop one and on ward to Escondido. This followers is where it got really cool. We went down Del Dios Highway. BEAUTIFUL! So awesome (minus the crazy fast drivers). But it was awesome. The road was still narrow, but there was a good bike area on the side. It was like a canyon (of sorts) with hill to climb. Suzi, Romi, Carin, Jen and I stayed relatively together. Good cadence and the majority of our long climb.  But what made it easy was the weather and view. You can forget easily how high you are climbing when you are surrounded by such beauty. Zen, peace.... no. I was smiling too much for Zen. Peace, sure, but a happy peace where I couldn't stop smiling.  Top of the Hill! What!  Crazy ass long hill, we conquered you! And thanks for making it an awesome ride; downhill to Escondido!

At the top of the hill looking at Lake Hodges

So now we drive into Escondido. I am not a fan of city riding. Don't get me wrong, it is a different experience, but stoplights, absent minded drivers, traffic..... I like open roads.  But here followers, a note for you. Next time you see a cyclist, remember, it could be me. Please use caution. It is insane how cautious I must be to ride in the streets. Remember, by law, I have the same rights as you and can utilize the same road.  I will admit, there are jackass riders who do not obey the law, swerve between cars, cut you off, and yeah, I get pissed at them too. But I and my fellow riders are cautious. Please double check your mirrors and don't drive by me so close that your mirror is a hair from hitting me....  Soap box, done. But, coffee stop.  I really need to get the Starbucks app that the other riders have. Then I scan my food and drink and call it over with (but TRL's, lets hit up a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf soon. Waaaay better than Starbucks :))

Peddle on. Through Escondido, and into...... Elfin Forest. No, there are no elf's there. But it is a beautiful area, once you get through the smells.   Cows and chickens. The other riders were having a rough time with the smells. Me, didn't notice.  Was I in Greeley one day too long on my trip.  Or am I that country of a boy.  Maybe next time I will throw a cowboy hat on over my helmet.

Picture of area near the start of Elfin Forest. Where the cows and chickens live....

Elfin! Oh how I loved you. So peaceful. This is where I hit Zen.  What more can I say.  Hills, yeah. Good company, yeah. But peace.  I will be doing this ride again very soon. Curving country roads, trees sweeping down over the road giving me an archway of nature to ride through, rock outcroppings flanking me and Blanch. And small little houses just like the way life should be :-) And to top it off, a hill.

Elfin Forest (Yup, I took this while riding. Sorry TRL's.  Wait, wasn't I just on a soap box talking about safety.... I did take it when there were no other cars or cyclists around. If I was going to eat shit, I would only take myself out)

Rest stop at Champagne French Bakery!  Yummy! Raspberry filled chocolate dipped cookie :)  Onward through Rancho Santa Fe.  I really like riding through here. Narrow streets (I like to see how close I can get to the side. Yes, this I predict will be my first serious accident, when I run off the road and slip on the rough edges). Fast, curvy downhills, what!  Oh yeah, tires skid on turns, luckily I fixed it before eating asphalt.  Then back to Del Mar.  Here is where it almost ended for me followers. One short steep hill. Del Mar Heights Road. I thought I was going to have to walk..... but no! Romi, Doug and I climbed that little steep hill and it was worth it.  Pure happiness. You reach the crest and before you is the Pacific Ocean, beautiful blue, big and welcoming. We flew down that steep little hill into its embrace (well, we stopped short of going into the ocean). Cool salted air filing our lungs, it was what we needed for the last push back to Fletcher Cove.

Romi, Doug and I after our 47 miles, 2770 feet of climbing ride! Go Team ALC San Diego!

Bringing sexy back. Yeah, toot my own horn. I look sexy and I know it :-) JK, a little. I do love this pic of me and Blanch though!

I felt good! I was on cloud 9. I was high as a kite (naturally) and loved it. BEST RIDE TO DATE!!!!  Off for some home time, Ricky time, and food.  Lots and lots of food.  I am eating so much since I picked up cycling. Off to the movies with friends and a new phone!

 Link to Elfin Forest Ride
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/154596802

Sunday, off for another ride.  Olympic Training Center Loop.  Logan's back (tent mate for ride).  Vanessa joined us for her first ride.  And were off.

I took no pics this day so here is one i took Saturday of my hand accidentally.

What the hell.  My legs are on fire. I was fine. Whats going on.  Oh yeah. All those damn peaceful Zen filled hills yesterday.....  I wouldn't take it back. But my legs were burning.  First hill, I could've easily puked at the top.  I will make this short and sweet. This was a beautiful ride.  Gorgeous weather, spring scented flowers, but I was beat.  Logan was keeping a good pace.  Logan, Romi and I mostly kept together. But I was happy to see this ride done.  I could easily do it again, but not after a hills day!  But again, what goes up must come down.  I love downhill!

Link to ride.33 miles, 1600 feet of climbing
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/155380440


So, I went to a BBQ right after.  Just what I needed!  David, my fast friend, ride mentor and century rider (also the person who has made me cry quite a bit lately :-)) did it again. Tears. David has done the ride 10 times. He is an amazing soul and fun to hang out with. He had videos of ALC rides from past years and also a documentary when a TV station followed him one year.  We watched it all.  So the videos again reminded me of why I do this.  Here is my exact post from Facebook which captures it all.

Thank you to all my donors who have supported this cause. A recent dinner with friends reiterated to me why I do this. To not forget. To remember loved ones lost, those living with HIV/AIDS, and those... all of us, affected by this disease. This is bigger than us and one of the most amazing causes I could ride for. But it's you, my donors who inspire me and I celebrate and thank you! Please donate what you can and please check out the amazing organizations receiving these funds and the amazing work they do. They told me saving lives wasn't going to be easy, but you, donors and future donors, make each peddle worth it :) http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/rickysalcadventure

Here's the thing. Rest stop four is filled with hot men in Speedos. Red dress day captures the magic of wearing a dress and riding a bike through the farmlands of California. Condom man on the side of the street is a reminder but also a hoot. But night 6 of the candle light vigil, will pull it all in perspective.  The kids who cheer you on on the side of the street.  The dinners where the ALC leaders recapture the day and what our ride is doing to save lives.  Shit. I ride to save lives. Crazy.  That is beyond me.  I cant quite capture that yet.  And yes, I am reminded by a close friend often that this ain't easy, but no one said saving lives was going to be easy.  Let me sit with this a while longer followers.  But I cried.  Of course I Did.  Have you met me??

Then, a special treat. Chest with Manny!  I appreciate him so much.  I looked at myself naked in the mirror the other day, and I have muscle that I didn't have a month ago!  Crazy.  And.... we are bumping it up to two times a week followed by three times a week starting in April.  I am not trying to bulk up, but I like what I am seeing.

Woot woot! Yeah, it may not be much, but for me, this was a first!

This week, Ricky time. Time to reflect, recapture, think, and calm.  I am beat. I was onstage again for Turbo Kick Box! But this is a lot.  Ricky needs some Ricky time.  This is a journey and I must take time to reflect on it.... and do laundry! 

Follower, like the like. 

Till next time,

Ricky

Zen

Followers! Man what a week.  I am pooped!  Lots to report so here is the short and sweet. Peddle on.

We left off with me coming home from Colorado (two and a half hours late I must mention. Wind issues but made for a fun bumpy flight [I like turbulence]). Late meeting the next day at work. Friday was work. 

Saturday, early morning ride! Into the Hills, Out to the Ocean, a 45 mile ride with hills and climbing. The first fifteen were rough.  Right when we started some guy, not from Team San Diego, rode by and said your back tire is low. I went into a tizzy.  I am still new.  So I was riding thinking, “is it low, is it riding rough, am I dragging?” He put my mind into a moment of light panic because I didn’t want to get a flat, didn’t want to exert more energy than needed and didn’t want to have any other unforeseen bad event because my tire was low. But after some thought and more riding, I realized it was not low, it felt just fine. Moving on, I was kind of upset I let that guy get to me. Lesson learned, take advice from other bikers, but follow your gut. BUT…. Got to ride on the freeway for all of a half mile.  Crazy fun!!!!  After rest stop one, I moved out in the front side of the pack and followed TRL Doug. We went through Rancho Santa Fe and it was just beautiful. The air smelled sweet and the weather was great, but I never got to a Zen spot that I speak so frequently of.  But we got some speed and the rolling hills were fun to navigate.  They were also very narrow! Doug was good to follow. I liked his speed.

Lunch (a breakfast sandwich from Starbucks) and then hit the road again.  By this time I had met some new people. David, cool guy I had met previously from TKB, but didn’t get a chance to talk much to him. Romi, fun girl who matched my speed and was fun to ride with and talk to. But now we are heading to the ocean and the infamous Torrey Pines Hill. Yeah, not feeling it today. Kicked my ass and I was a sweaty mess. To be honest followers, at this point I was just not having the ride.  The ride and I were not jiving and I was done. I just wanted to get to the finish line.  We rode through UCSD campus on the way back. Crappy shifting. Bad stops. Near misses. Frustrated. Move on to the final slow gradual hills back to the starting line and I was just cursing under my breath. Slowing, stopping, right turn, glass. Every call out was uttered in a not so happy tone.  I think I was just zapped.  I had taken a week off from all exercise and was dehydrated and hungry. 

Into the Hills, Out to the Ocean by vazguy at Garmin Connect - Details

I called my buddy David. What is wrong with me? Why am I off? He reminds me we all have our off days and that I should go on the ride tomorrow. We chatted for a while and I think I figured out why the ride was bad, but not ready to share that just yet. (Ricky, check your journal) That night was dinner with a….. person. Names not being used, I will say it was not a bad dinner; I cooked so it was amazing :) but it actually was not a bad night. Say it with me, one for the pen and paper version of my blog chronicle but using this as a place holder to remind me to go to the journal at this moment when I go through this years down the line.

Woke up Sunday at 7. 730 rolls around and I say, do it. Go for a ride.  Make it there just in time for the safety speech. Coronado Bayshore Loop. An easy 25 mile ride around the bay. Started out great. Tammy led a good solid 18 mph pace. Met Ken, some others whose names are just escaping me right now, and some familiar faces were there. More nice talks with Romi. And followers, I was feeling good. Today felt different. I had food in me, rest, and maybe some reflection time.  We round the bay down by Chula Vista. Now I am feeling the Zen. I looked out at the bay, bikers, joggers, kids and families around enjoying a gorgeous San Diego day and I felt good. I was happy. I also have a revelation. Biking fulfills me with what has been absent from my life for years.  I used to dance all the time (ballet). It was my exercise and life. I loved it. But after a four surgery injury and years off, I never went back. What I was feeling on my bike was similar to dance.  My body was challenged and getting fitter, stronger. A nice observation and realization for me to make. Now we are on the silver strand. Tammy is deceptive…. That woman took off.  She is a speed demon and I LIKE IT!!!! I kept up with her. I got to my personal best of 25 MPH while peddling! That was an incredible accomplishment and I was so proud of myself! How cool to fly down the strand so fast at your own doing! Tammy, let’s do that again, anytime. 

Tammy flying ahead of us all

Starrs, The Noiseless Tenor. Followers, I have been sad recently, we have discussed this. Or rather, I have blogged it. But at that moment, I was at peace. It was a beautiful moment that words cannot describe but I wish upon everyone that feeling. 

We push through Coronado and all meet up at the ferry. Then the fairies got on the ferry (Ha, I told you my humor was bad) and we went back downtown.  Logan and I talked, which was nice. Logan, if you remember is my tent mate.  I like the guy. He is cool and fun. I am glad to call him a friend and know I have one item out of the way for ALC.

Coronado Bayshore Loop by vazguy at Garmin Connect - Details

Made it home and ate and started to feel better.  Work. Than off to the gym with Manny for shoulders. “Manny, take it out on me and don’t hold back.” Oops.  Maybe I shouldn’t have given him that challenge. He killed me! My shoulders hurt for three days, in a good way. :) Thanks man!

After the gym, I come home to this,

 

My landlord installed landscape lighting, and lit the big (anyone know who this is) statue in my front yard. I love this statue. I know it has to do with either Buddhism or Hinduism, but I love it. Very peaceful and it looks nice lit up.

Monday, work and some much needed home time :) What was cool was seeing the statue. When I walked up to my place, I realized I have my sanctuary, and I love it. My little cottage with no shared walls and quiet neighbors. It is peaceful and calm here and I love it.

Tuesday, work and back to the gym. TKB with Bobby. Fun class, he was a great teacher. Bis and tris by myself. First time doing that without Manny. It was nerve racking going up with all the muscle guys, but as Manny reminded me, they all started somewhere.

Wednesday, work and…. TKB and Emily pulled Ray and I onstage!!!! Super cool. And guess what. I loved it!!  It was because it was like teaching dance again. And I miss that.  I had already talked to Emily about being certified as a TKB instructor but I think this was the push I needed to realize I want it.  So yeah, come May, I will start practicing so that come June July, I can be certified as a Turbo Kick Box Instructor! Thanks Em and Bobby for agreeing to help me get there :)

Thursday, today. Followers, let’s talk. The day started great. Work, not bad. Took Body Pump. Feel good. But today was a unique emotional day. Today is a joyous and sad day. Here’s why. My little buddy was to be born today. He was not though. Crap, this is hard to write. Tears are in my eyes but here goes, this is the journey. My little buddy, what I considered to be my adoptive nephew was born in November. He shared a few hours here with his mother and father and then passed on. I never met him. But I love him. And though I never met him I feel him. He is with us. Regardless of spiritual beliefs, we are all comprised of energy. And energy never goes away. I made it through the day ok, but when I got home and saw the statue lit up beautifully, I stopped.  I looked at the sky. There were some clouds, and some stars. The air was perfect, still with a gentle breeze every so often. And I felt him. He is a part of us, and a part of my journey. That was the joyous part. I was happy to think of him and feel his love. Though I ride for those impacted by HIV and Ricardo, I will ride for him and know that as the days are rough, and I feel so tired, he is with me and seeing the coast of California, as he gives me the gentle push I know I will need. So buddy, my simple note to you. 

You are loved. Your adopted Uncle, Ricky

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." -- John Muir