Our Ride to End Aids: DM Training in Los Angeles: Baby Dragon 180 Training Ride at Malaga Cove and 67 miles with Leo

Last weekend, I drove out to Los Angeles for a few days chock-full of Baby Dragon and AIDS LifeCycle fun! I was so looking forward to getting out of Phoenix - the HOT SANDBOX - for a long weekend for training rides, ALC Training Ride Leader certification, and time with some of my very favorite people in LA.

I drove out Friday afternoon and evening and had some time to hang out with Julie Friday night. We had to go to bed at a decent hour as we both had training rides Saturday morning - her's with Team Ventura and mine with the Baby Dragon 180 crew.

Saturday morning I drove down to Culver City to meet the gang. Eric Kamm and I were the first ones there and I had a great time getting to know Eric, who I had only met on Facebook, while we waited for the others. We had a great ride along Bologna Creek, Malaga Cove, the beach, and Palos Verdes. It was a gorgeous day and I had so much fun in the company of the baby dragons. The hill climbs were actually fun and very little work after so much training on South Mountain! We got in about 45 miles of beautiful Southern California. I was in heaven. And it was so good to spend some time with J.R., Scotticus, Jackie, Veronica, Eric, and Justin.

Geeking out at the sight of the Pacific Ocean... We don't have water in Phoenix.

With Justin and J.R. on a Baby Dragon 180 Training Ride

After the ride, I dropped off a trunk full of clothes I had gathered from friends and my closet at the Jeff Griffith Youth Center. Several of the clients of the Center came out to help carry bags in... The look of excitement on their faces was enough to make the whole weekend worth it. I was so happy that I could bring some clothes out to them and I am so happy to be riding for them in the Baby Dragon 180 Ride in September.

The Jeff Griffith Youth Center in Los Angeles

Sunday, I had a full day of training to be certified as a Training Ride Leader for AIDS LifeCycle. I'm not going to dwell on this much, but it was great to be among some amazing people for the whole day! Enough said.

Monday morning Leo and I went on a GREAT 67 mile ride across Los Angeles. We started in Highland Park and rode through Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and up to Malibu... Then back. It was such a beautiful day and a great ride. Leo and I kept a very brisk pace. At one point we were asked if we were training for a triathlon. That was nice.