NorCal AIDS Challenge - wow!

[Richard Kirkham]

I was googling for "NorCal AIDS Challenge" and found this thread listed. Lo and behold, I found Miss SnapDragen on here! It's been at least a couple of years since we emailed each other. I hope all is well with you.

I was involved in organizing the Challenge and designed the route (the logistics and details in setting up a multi-day cycling event are amazing!) , but didn't participate in planning the 2006 event since I moved to the Atlanta area last fall. I took on a new work opportunity with my company and wanted to be closer to my mom and other family members in New Orleans after Katrina. I'll be here (and overseas a lot of the time) for another year or two before returning to California.

I followed the planning for this year's event, and knew that the number of riders had tripled and revenue had doubled over last year. However, it was wonderful to read your report and get your perspective as a rider. I'm so excited and happy that you enjoyed the event! The AIDS/LifeCycle is magnificent and inspiring, but the Challenge provides an equally incredible experience on a different scale.

I'm still in touch with a number of people who are involved with AIDS/LifeCycle, including a friend from France who rode for the first time this year (he crewed the previous two years). I remember my first time as a rider, and it's thrilling to vicariously experience that feeling again through others. I hope to ride in both the Challenge and AIDS/LifeCycle when I eventually return to California.

I'm a "boy", so I'm not quite sure how welcome my posts are on this site. But, I couldn't resist sending this one reply to your post, Snap. I wish you and your fellow cyclists all the best, and hope to be riding with you again someday. Congratulations on all you do to raise funds for the fight against AIDS... and, Thank You!

Rich (Kitty) Kirkham
Alpharetta, GA

[snapdragen]

Kitty! So good to hear from you. I think I still have your email....I'll try to get a "catch-up" note out to you.

Hugs and smootches,

Janet

[Hill Slug]

Whew......finally got pictures up....Sorry they aren't labeled. There are no day 3 pics since I wasn't there.... And I forgot the camera on day 4, but my partner took the pictures at the capital building. Also another friend of a friend took pictures at the end of the ride too. His have a different numbering system, and are a little fuzzy from the rain on his camera lens....

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nancgo...5EeCFB0nqQAPRT