AIDS LifeCycle Video: The Experience of a Lifetime

This is much better than my recap video. Check it out.

DM Solo Training Ride: The Long Ride Out for Coffee...

I decided not to go crazy this morning and just rode a short 32.5 miles from Central Phoenix out to Tempe for coffee at Dutch Bros. To make sure I could mix up the scenery and easily round out 30+ miles, I took a loop down past the State Capitol and back before I cruised East toward Tempe.

(They make really stupid laws here... But it's still a pretty building)

I had some consistent crosswinds the whole ride out and back, but they weren't nearly as bad as the winds last weekend that kept Scotty and I on our toes the whole way back from Chandler. And being a holiday, traffic was nearly non-existent. It was glorious to have the road mostly to myself.

It was, however, getting hot fast.

So when I arrived in Tempe, I made a straight shot to Dutch Bros and picked up an iced, blended coffee caramel drink, took a little break, and set back toward home. I hit one lap on Tempe Town Lake and got back on the road for home. It's going to be another six days before I sit on that saddle again - and when I do, we'll be kicking off AIDS LifeCycle 9 in San Francisco.

On the North Shore of Tempe Town Lake with Hayden Butte in the background

 
So here's to the final day of training! See you on the road!!!

TT Memorial Weekend Cross Training

I didn't quite make it out on the road as much as expected this weekend, but did still get in some good cross-training.

Saturday Morning I got called by the Fitness Director at the New Gold Gym here in Downtown Phoenix and was offered a job. After some of my former spinning students that work for the Phoenix Mercury had to switch to Golds, their sponsor Gym, they have been actively

trying to recruit me. I had gone in for an audition last week, it's an amazing new facility and the Cycle Studio is Gorgeous! So, I was offered the job and subbed a class this saturday morning which kept me from riding with Dan and Scotty.

Sunday I went into the YMCA and practiced a new Cycle Class I've been working on and then Ran and Swam before coming home and hunkering down on my last project in the last class I have to take in Grad School!! Now it' s just my Applied Project and I'm done by Late August.

Last night Dan had arranged for us to have our Bike's blessed at Trinity Cathedral where he attends Church. Dan had done so last year and Scotty and I joined him this year.

Today I woke up and met up with Tracy Pitts, another ALC 9 Rider who lives here in Phoenix, we hiked Camelback Mountain before it got to warm out.

- View from Camelback Mountain -

Less than a week to go now before we begin our journey, still need to pack before Dan and I head out to Orange County Thursday morning to drop off bikes for shipping.

I've been looking forward to this week coming since they day Dan and I finished ALC 8.

I'm excited, I am nervous, but more than anything I am looking forward to the being back amongst such an amazing community of people.

Team Phoenix Featured in ECHO Magazine

Riding for Life

Tyler TerMeer’s participation in California’s AIDS/LifeCycle is just part of his commitment to fighting HIV

By Stacey Jay Cavaliere

A 545-mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a test, but it’s just part of Tyler TerMeer’s determination to bring greater awareness to HIV/AIDS.

TerMeer, 27, who is director of Men’s and Youth Programs at for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS in Phoenix, will be participating for the second time in AIDS/LifeCycle, an annual event that raises funds for HIV/AIDS support in California. The seven-day ride starts on June 6.

“Last year I embarked on my first AIDS/Life Cycle journey and it changed my life forever,” TerMerr said. “The community there is unlike anything I have experienced before and the love and passion for the cause only fuels me do even more to fight for this cause.”

Since being diagnosed HIV-positive in 2004, TerMeer has made it his mission to spread awareness about the disease and has worked to erase the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS.

“The silence there is around the epidemic has fueled young people like me to be active,” TerMeer said. “I feel that we have the responsibility to renew the energy and passion to fight the epidemic head on.”

LifeCycle is one way to help. Last year, TerMeer raised $5,600 in pledges for his ride. This year, he has more than 100 donors — family, friends and co-workers who donated $10, $15 or more. “I’ve always encouraged my donors to make a donation of any size,” he said. “Every dollar counts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

TerMeer has been cycling for just a couple of years, something he started after he committed to a healthier life plan that involved eating better, exercising more and obtaining the Schwinn Fastback Roadback that he’ll ride in LifeCycle.

He said the program to benefit his immune system has resulted in a 85 pound weight loss “and I am the healthiest I’ve been in my life.”

To stay in shape, he teaches a spinning class at the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA and goes on weekly long-distance rides. He also runs and swims and hopes to compete in his first triathlon later this year.

A diagnosis leads to a career

It was 2004 when TerMeer discovered that he was HIV-positive after being tested in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. “I’ve always been an individual whom was incredibly responsible both in my everyday life as well as in my sexual life,” TerMeer said. “When I found out the test came back positive I remember a single tear rolling down my face, I was in shock.”

After the initial jolt, TerMeer immersed himself in finding out everything there was to know about the disease and resources. He said the Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF) proved to be his biggest support, and eventually inspired his life’s work.

“I am so touched when I stand and look back at the organization and all they do for people like me,” TerMeer said. “Through this organization I was able to take control of my situation and have also had the pleasure to have given back to them as a volunteer as well.”

TerMeer’s HIV/AIDS activism gained momentum in 2005 when he was hired as director of programming and client outreach coordinator for Ohio AIDS Coalition. He supervised a team of outreach workers, coordinated events, wrote grants and developed the Ohio Positive Youth program, which was aimed at raising HIV awareness to young people. He also continued his partnership with CATF, designing and implementing events for youth and establishing a social marketing campaign that advocated for comprehensive sexuality education in schools.

TerMeer joined Hope’s Voice International, serving as a national speaker in the Road to Hope National Speaking Tour in 2006. TerMeer and other HIV-infected individuals traveled across the country as a spokesperson for the organization’s “Does HIV Look Like Me?” campaign. The tour gained national attention and the group was featured on the cover of Newsweek and in other national publications.

In August 2008, TerMeer started work at the Southwest Center, the largest clinical trial, education and behavioral health and nutrition support center dedicated to fighting the HIV/AIDS in the Southwest.

His job includes overseeing HIV testing and counseling and working with prevention programs for men. He’s also building a youth transition program for newly diagnosed young adults and those born with HIV who are seeking treatment but aging out of Phoenix Childen’s Hospital programs.

Support from family and friends

TerMeer has been raising funds since last year’s AIDS/LifeCycle ended in an emotional family reunion. “My mother and sister surprised me and flew out to Los Angeles to watch me come through the finish line,” Ter Meer remembered. “When I turned the final corner I saw them cheering for me. It was that emotional moment we all shared as a family.”

His sister Stephanie is coming from Atlanta again — this year to ride with TerMeer. His best friend, Scott Brown, also will be along for the ride.

“AIDS/LifeCycle is a community of people you only dream about existing,” TerMeer said. “Everyone is so caring, compassionate, and are all making a huge difference.”

He would like to see a similar ride started in Arizona. “While I understand the importance of the ride in California and the money and awareness it raises, I also see the need for it in other areas of the U.S. as well, especially Arizona. There are thousands of people in the Valley that need the same support, as there are still very limited resources here,” TerMeer said
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“This is a pivotal moment in the movement and I will continue dedicating my life to raise awareness, education, and fight to erase the stigma attached to the disease.”

To learn more about TerMeer or to contribute to his AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising efforts, visit www.tofightforhiv.org/goto/tyler.termeer or visit his AIDS/LifeCycle blog at www.alcteamphx.blogspot.com.

Four other Arizona riders

TerMeer is one of several bikers from Arizona participating in this year’s AIDS/LifeCylce. He formed Team Phoenix with Dan Maxey and Scott Brown. Melissa Kuhlman and Nicole Carver, also of Phoenix, are the AZ Girls.

Dan Maxey, who is participating in AIDS/LifeCycle for a third year, said he rides for family and friends whose lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. “Throughout this journey, I have been deeply moved by the very strong will and determination of my friends who are living with HIV,” Maxey said. “I’ve seen many of them through some really tough days, but have also seen them rise above challenges many of us never face and approach their lives with a strong desire to make a difference.”

Scott Brown said he’s a novice to cycling, but he’s training by cycling with friends every week. He said his education about AIDS began two years ago when he met someone living with HIV for first time. “That conversation has led to an enduring relationship that is fueled with passion for making a difference in the world,” Brown said. “I am riding for everyone who is living with HIV or AIDS. I am riding for those who have a brother, sister, friend, mom, dad, or even coworker living with HIV or AIDS. And most of all, I am riding for my best friend.”

Melissa Kuhlman is participating in AIDS/LifeCycle for the first time and is training by running, cycling, yoga and hiking. “I am inspired by a family friend’s HIV diagnosis,” Kulman said. “I have a renewed commitment to HIV/AIDS activism and am looking forward to the challenge of the ride.”

Nicole Carver follows a cycling training program and attends spin class three times a week to prepare for her first AIDS/LifeCycle. “ I have not been personally affected by HIV/AIDS, but I am thrilled to have this opportunity to help out and be affiliated with such an important cause,” Carver said. “I can’t wait until the ride because I know I will meet so many cool people and it will be a life changing experience for me.”

About AIDS/LifeCycle

AIDS/LifeCycle is a 545-mile cycling tour through California, beginning on June 6 in San Francisco and ending on June 12 in Los Angeles, that raises funds for organizations that support HIV/AIDS services.

The mission is to increase awareness, visibility and knowledge about services and programs, to increase activism and volunteerism, and to encourage an environment of dignity and improved quality of life to those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Now in its ninth year, AIDS/LifeCycle has raised nearly $60 million. About 3,000 riders participate in AIDS/LifeCycle, and they are asked to raise a minimum of $3,000. More than 500 volunteers assist along the route.

Participants pass through hundreds of communities in California as a memorial to those who have died of AIDS, all the while raising awareness to those they pass along the way.

Cyclers ride an average of 80 miles per day over varying terrain. One day will be a long, flat stretch of land, while another may be a strenuous uphill climb to the top of a steep mountain. Along the route there are thousands of supportive people cheering them on, pushing and encouraging them to the finish line.

The event is produced by the L.A Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

To learn more about AIDS/LifeCycle, visit www.aidslifecycle.org.

A Video Recap of AIDS LifeCycle 8

Sorry the video quality isn't too great... You get the idea.

DM & SB Training Ride: 35 Miles and a Mountain!

Scotty and I set out this morning to conquer South Mountain for the second time in about a month. Rather than driving out, we met up at the Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix and rode to South Mountain Park before beginning our ascent to the tv towers at the summit. The weather was nice, but even at our 6:45am start time, it was well into the 70s and started warming up fast.

We had a pretty steady ride out to the base of the mountain and took a pause at the foot of the first long climb. There were A LOT of other cyclists out this morning, so we had lots of friendly company along the route. We started our climb right behind a couple other cyclists, which helped moderate our pace a little bit. We had a really consistent speed climbing - until we hit the last mile and a half or so. The final stretch is quite steep in spots and it's no secret to my friends how much I really hate the very last half mile. Today, though, I was able to take that hate and turn it into some butt kicking power to crank up the final hill.

We took a quick breather at the top of the mountain. Both of us probably look like hell, but we had a great ride to the top.

We caught our breath pretty quickly, got our celebratory "we kicked this mountain's butt" photos and set back toward home.

On the way back home, Scotty blew another flat. We got it changed pretty quickly and were back on our way. Great ride today, excellent workout. Here's the elevation profile for today's ride:

ONE MORE TRAINING RIDE BEFORE AIDS LIFECYCLE! AND ONE WEEK TO THE RIDE!

DM & SB Training Ride: Downtown Phoenix to North Scottsdale and Back

Scotty and I went out for the first of three consecutive training Memorial Day weekend rides today, completing a 65 mile loop from Downtown Phoenix to North Scottsdale via Tempe and back. It was really nice when we left this morning, but warmed up quickly to nearly 100'F.

Today's route was more or less an extension of our usual 40 mile Greenbelt route, tacking on a couple laps around Tempe Town Lake and riding the distance from Phoenix to Tempe and back. Here's the elevation profile and map:

Since it was pretty warm - and dry - out today, we had to make sure to stop to hydrate EXTRA. I made sure we stopped for lots of water... But I hadn't really stretched much before we set out, so I made sure to get a little stretching and hydrating in at the same time. It's an efficiency I've been working on for a little while. What do you think?

For as hot as it was, it was an absolutely beautiful day in Phoenix. Scott and I made sure to take some photos up in Scottsdale. In a week, we'll be able to start posting some beautiful ocean shots. Stay tuned!

Scott blew a flat on one of our final laps around the lake and I decided that I'd let him try to change it on his own. Turned out to be a cactus spine through his tire and tube. Scotty made a couple "rookie mistakes" but did a pretty good job of changing his tube altogether.

Tomorrow: Downtown Phoenix to South Mountain, up to the summit, and back home!

A Little Peek into How We Live on the Ride...

One of the most frequent questions I get is, "Where do you stay each night? You get hotel rooms, right?"

Wrong.

We live in tents for an entire week in what can best be described as a traveling TENT CITY that follows us from place to place. Imagine over 1,000 8'x8' tents, several large white tents like you see at special events, and a whole fleet of trucks and service vehicles.

Roadies set up camp in a new town each night, complete with all the "amenities" we need. When we arrive in camp each day, we typically park our bikes, set up our tents, grab a shower (in the back of a truck no less) and some food, and enjoy the company of our fellow riders and roadies. The time we spend in Camp is more or less our own.

Here are a few photos to help you understand what this is like...

 Home Sweet Home...

Rows and rows and rows of tents... Over 1,000 of them!

Tyler takes a little nap... The air mattress is a GOOD IDEA.

 See? We really DO shower in the back of big trucks!

L

LA Gay and Lesbian Center CEO Lorri L. Jean makes announcements...

 

 We typically bundle up for colder evenings and eat in BIG dining tents...

Roadies on Red Dress Day receive our gear before we hit the road...

WHY WE RIDE

It’s easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is why the work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is so vital. These agencies continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors, and the general public. We ride because—in the current economy—our agencies need these funds more than ever. Ultimately, we ride so that someday, we won’t have to.

AIDS is not over.

In California alone there are 151,000 people living with HIV. Nationally, 70 percent of all new infections occur in communities of color and people under the age of 25 are increasingly affected.

The costs associated with medical care and treatment for a person with HIV are about $20,000 per year. Access to life-saving drugs, clinical trials and state-of-the-art treatment helps those with the disease live a longer and better quality of life. AIDS/LifeCycle will help those living with HIV/AIDS gain greater independence and get the treatment and care they need. Prevention services geared towards high-risk populations will ensure that future generations will not experience the same level of loss that we have faced in the last two decades.

As the number of people living with HIV increases, so does the need for the services provided by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, the two agencies producing this event.

AIDS/LifeCycle is the only AIDS fundraising bicycle event in California organized by the non-profit agencies that will benefit from the money raised by its participants. Our sole concern is providing critical services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Your support and commitment to this event is pivotal to our success. Your participation and the monies you raise will allow us to provide these critical services.

DM & SB Training Ride: Downtown Phoenix and Around South Mountain and Back

We're running out of training time and the big ride starts in TWO WEEKS! Unbelievable!

This morning, Scotty and I set out on a 77 mile ride from Downtown Phoenix, through Laveen, Gila River Indian Community, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and BACK to Phoenix. We set out around 8 am and headed Southwest toward Estrella Mountain. Our ride took us down Central Avenue and eventually West on Baseline to 51st Avenue. I hadn't had any breakfast, so we stopped at Starbucks in Laveen and continued on toward the reservation.

The ride down 51st Avenue took us through the pass between the foothills of South Mountain and Estrella Mountain. We saw (dead) snakes, ground squirrels, a coyote... And got chased by domesticated dogs. Picture this: Scotty and I are riding along into headwinds and at a slight incline when we hear this screaming to our left, which we came to find was the owner of two BIG dogs... That were headed right for us. I've never seen Scotty ride so fast. According to my Garmin GPS computer, we went from about 15/16 mph to 25 mph pretty suddenly around that point on the route. The dogs were pretty fast, but no match for us, and quickly gave up.

The Southern side of South Mountain

The ride through the reservation was a little disorienting as 51st Avenue begins to turn to the Southeast. It felt like we were still riding due South and putting ourselves farther away from more densely populated areas. Once we were back on straight course to the East, we could see signs of life on the horizon. We stopped at the first one - a convenience store right along Interstate 10 - to fill up on water and Powerade. We took a little break, talked with some of the locals, and then continued through Sun Lakes and toward Chandler.

Our route took us north along Arizona Avenue through Downtown Chandler... Past the San Tan Brewery, where I would have LOVED to take another break if we didn't have another 40 or so miles to ride home. We eventually started our ride back East through some awful head winds and stopped at Wildflower Bread Co. for lunch. DELICIOUS!

Back on the road and back into the wind, we headed toward Tempe and the ASU campus, passing along the Eastern edge of campus along Rural Road. We completed one partial lap around Tempe Town Lake. The northern stretch was PAINFUL. Strong headwinds out of the East kept our speeds between 12-15 mph. When we turned onto the Southern bank, we quickly picked up to around 23 mph before slowing through Tempe Beach Park for a short break and crossing the lake over Mill Avenue. The ride back along Washington Street into Downtown Phoenix was tough - the headwinds were incredibly strong. Wind advisories be damned... We had two weekends left to train and needed to get the ride in. And ALC doesn't stop for wind, so neither should training!

We made it home alive. It was a good ride!

36.5 miles of today's adventure...

We're about halfway through today's ride and have had some crazy wind at times, rode through some remote areas in the Gila River reservation, nearly got eaten by dogs, and are finally starting to see signs of human life again. 15 miles to lunch!

Tomorrow's 80+ Mile Training Ride

Here's the rough route for our training route in the morning - with a long, fairly isolated stretch through the desert south of South Mountain. Lunch at Wildflower Baking Co. I'll need to modify this route to make it 80... It's only 70 right now.


View LONG Training in a larger map

DM Solo Training Ride: Phoenix to Laveen for a Ballgame

This morning, after dropping mom and my sister off at the airport, I rode out to Laveen to catch the Mad Dogs' first game of the morning. It's only about 12 miles each way, but there's a bit of an incline and I hit some wicked headwinds in the first and third quarter of the route. On the other hand, tailwinds and a slight downhill into Laveen bought me a steady 25 mph into Cesar Chavez Park.

Here's the elevation profile:

And here is Scotty doing a little... Ummmmmm... "Cross Training" I guess. He hit a home run for me and brought in a couple other runners, so it works.

Good morning for a ride, but it's WARMING UP OUT THERE! It's already 80'F.