bring it sweet rules!!

3,000 riders, hundreds of amazing volunteer crew, 7 days, 544 miles, one goal – to end AIDS.

AIDS lifecycle is a life changing event. It is the largest fundraiser for HIV/AIDS non profit groups.

It is our rolling memorial to the generation we lost, a tribute to those living with the disease, and a pedaling – spinning demonstration and protest that we need to do more to end AIDS now!

My hat’s off to your participating.

If you’re thinking of doing the ride whether you’re an experienced endurance cyclist, have done multi-day tours or will be getting your first bike to commit to ALC there’s no better supported ride out there.

The training program is fabulous. If you are a new or newer rider follow it and go on the training rides and you’ll be ready to roll in June.

If you’re already an experienced endurance rider you’ll appreciate that on the ride the AMAZING all volunteer crew takes such good care of you from fully stocked (and wildly themed) rest and water stops, mechanical crew just in case your baby (I mean your bike) needs attention, medical staff, massage staff in the camp and all along the road.

This is a rolling community down the coast with food, tents, CLEAN HOT SHOWERS!!!! and entertainment.

There’s no better supported ride out there. NONE.

However, you do not need and should not bring your own van unless by agreement with the ALC organization.

The route is not publicized beforehand. Even riders don’t know the exact route till handed the cue sheets to the well signed and expertly staffed route in the morning.

Like that surprise extra epic climb up Skyline this year on Day 1. Fun, eh? “Hey, shouldn’t we go downhill here? Why are we turning left and going up!??!! Didn’t we just climb 2,000 feet, that was enough.” LOL.

We didn’t tell you that ALC stands for Another Long Climb ??? Sorry, oops.

That’s by design. This ride is all about rider safety. We do not want the friends and family and vans and trucks of 3,000 riders and hundreds of crew following us unless pre-approved by the organizers.

Your family and friends are welcome to check in at the camp and visit, and most important cheer you off at the very emotional opening ceremony in SF and cheer the heroic riders and crew at closing ceremonies in LA.

The route is chosen to be low or little traffic, safe, and beautiful.

If you’ve dreamed of seeing the best of California from the lush farmland to Missions, from the Central coast wine country to the Pacific ocean, we roll through Redwoods and of course climb epic hills and all on bicycle you should do this ride.

Bring your climbing legs, they will be challenged. Bring your most outrageous jerseys and costumes, you will have fun.

But we purposely avoid traffic and … you should NOT bring your own with you unless you contact ride organizers and have their ok first.

I presume Sweet did.

Dita – proud 5 time ALC’er; Crew CAR4, Rider ALC 3, 4 & 6, Training Ride leader ALC 5, volunteer ALC 7.

Planning to ride again next year! See ya there!