Hope Rides Again/Livestrong L.A. - Just got Back
Just got back from the Livestrong "Hope Rides Again" in Los Angeles. It was a fund raiser/cancer awareness event hosted by Nike where cyclists could "ride" with Lance Armstrong for a 2 mile stretch along Sunset Boulevard. Starting point was Childrens Hospital, destination was the Montalban Theater in Hollywood. It was a very enjoyable event!
Ok, here's the event lowdown:
We pre-registered, which means you're issued a yellow Livestrong T-shirt and wristband. It also gives you access to the theater where Lance Armstrong, a Nike VIP and the chairman of Livestrong give a presentation/discussion. Your bikes are securely stored by Bike valets at the theater.
Back to just getting there... we parked near the theater. You can ride the Metro to Childrens Hospital, but we rode our bikes along Sunset. What a bumpy/chewed up street! Too many buses? Being around 4:30 pm, we needed sunglasses.
At the starting point, there were the usual freebies and a lot of media personnel. A stage housed Lance and the mayor of L.A. giving speeches, then we were off for a very slow paced ride. It was almost 6 pm and the sun was setting. But Sunset Blvd was closed off and lit up.
DH then told me that his cycling club asked him if we wanted to be in the lead group but he had told them "No". I am sure that his "No" answer was due to the fact that I am a newbie and DH knew I would freak out with self-consciousness!
Along the way I encountered the biggest pothole I have ever seen! Luckily, I avoided it due to the fact that DH installed a headlight and we switched to our $8 pairs of clear safety glasses (as opposed to sunglasses or no eye protection at all). I swear that pothole was 18" x 10" an at least 5" deep!
Then out of nowhere, a homeless-looking skateboarder appeared, flapping his board right in front of me... a vagrant Hollywood type who was not supposed to be there. I verbally chewed him a new "chamois". Actually, I just told him to get out of here. DH said "don't ever do that again... you never know who might have a gun in this part of town."
Ok, did we ride with Lance? Nope, don't think he rode at all...
Inside the theater, WOW! FREE BEER and WINE! We also saw Lance's time trial bike and the bike he just rode in the Amgen Tour of California. The event staff was very kind. Oh yeah, did I mention there was also an endless supply of free popcorn? Helmet in lap, we had 2 servings each. Popcorn rules.
A big surprise was a stand-up act and intro by Ben Stiller! That was pretty cool.
This being a night-time event, I took the opportunity to try out my Castelli Radiation jacket. Temp was around 58F with a slight wind. Long sleeved jersey underneath with no baselayer. It was perfect. The beauty of this jacket is that I could keep it on inside the theater and be totally comfortable. It seems to match your activity level. (Yes, I am a nerd to buy such a jacket in California, but I was fascinated with the technology - can't help it, I'm a clinical scientist).
Back at our car, this evening ended with a most enjoyable personal visual for me. Live strong, and enjoy the small things in life while you have them. When I removed my helmet, the prettiest piece of popcorn flew out! Knowing what popcorn means to me, I just had to laugh, happy to have DH at my side to share the moment.
