European AIDS Vaccine ride Amsterdam to Paris, June 30-July 6th, 2002 and other rides As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own. -Margaret Mead, anthropologist (1901-1978) Be the People I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence: / Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)

75 million adults and children around the world will die of AIDS in the next 20 years in the absence of a vaccine — the worst human catastrophe the earth has ever known.

Life is full of mysteries waiting for us to unfold and opportunities for us to experience. Are you up for a special treat? Are you ready to experience something else than the usual? if yes, then read on...

To combat AIDS think of training and joining one of the AIDS rides organised in the US like ACTI or in Europe. Join a 2003 ride to benefit HIV sufferers. Like me, you may decide to be on the crew of an AIDS ride, to help others.

A new Ride. 100% of all donations goes to the beneficiaries! It is a combination Ride and Vacation around Central Tuscany, Italy.

My team for the European AIDS ride of "Grab and Go A" includes the following people: Patrice, Renee, Michelle, Nancy and Ben (from left to right):

Article in the French local newspaper, L'Ardennais, of Charleville-Mezieres (Part 1-on front page). ... Part 2 and part 3 on page 10. Pallotta is gone: Some thoughts by Bill McLaughlin, Greg Avila, John, Brad, and Chris. Pictures and wonderful day-by-day stories by Andy, one of our courageous riders. Also read Mike's fascinating story And some more pictures by Chris

Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. - Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) Some mottos suggested by Krista and Sheri, for our riders. Just pedal, a story, provided by Doug O'Donahue, via his sister Nancy. Why Ride? by Lester Jacobson. Also see Why I ride? by Robert, with many daily pictures.

My crew, Grab and Go A, was first on the road on Day 1, and before last on the road on that same day, as a surprise stop. Of course no Port-o-potty there, just a bush for the men, and another for the women. Our theme was Flags since we were going through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, and were celebrating the 4th of July on the way.

On Day 2 it poured non-stop, and we lucked up by being placed in the middle of a Dutch town, which I nick-named "Save-them" (sounded something like that). It was an appropriate name as our riders needed saving. I secured 2 thermoses from a near-by bar, we bought a couple boxes of tea, and with 20-30 refills of hot water from all the businesses around, we managed to give a sip or 2 of hot tea to our frozen riders. It seemed to have helped many of them, who remembered us the following days.

On Day 3 we happened to be located near a soccer field with a bar- club for the players. Speaking French has helped as the owner made a beautiful hot fire for us in the bar area, and his wife made us some coffee and tea for a fee, a portion of which they donated to the cause. Many of our riders enjoyed the warmth, the telephone usage, and the drinks. The bar owner even allowed a few of our people to take a shower on the premises.

On Day 4 we travelled along the path of the bikers and I got to take a picture with Deb with a castle in the background. On that same day we went through yet another fortified village, as you see in my picture with our cleaning crew (Jeff and Mike).

On Day 5, we celebrated July 4th holiday, a wedding, and my birthday, at Laon, France. It was our 2nd and last sunny day out of the seven. That day I also ordered croissants and other French delicatessen from a local baker. The plaza where we set our canopy. Here I am with Gretchen.

On Day 6 we camped at Meaux. The mayor and Dr. Allard, who donated the location, came to greet us in the evening and present a check to a French researcher from the Pascal institute in Paris to continue her work against AIDS. We, the captains were cheered that evening.

Day 7 was our shortest day. We had lunch next to a castle where Louis XIV lived before we arrived to Paris...

And here are my crew members again all supporting friends/partners on the ride:

Benny ...

<=== Benny Renee who lived a year in Israel. Nancy who joined us on Day 2 only and was a great addition to our team. Michelle from California. and... Patrice with son Kevin. Read a word from Patrice ...

See other pictures from Holland, Belgium, and France.

See about my participation in the Avon 3-day walk for breast cancer prevention.      See also my 4-day walk around Nijmegen, Holland.

      There are over 300,000 Americans living with AIDS. In 1999, over 10,000 Americans died of AIDS many of them poor.   And a new generation of young people is growing up with a frightening lack of respect for the deadliness of this virus.

Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

I received the following on email and thought it was appropriate: Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark... One: Don't miss the boat. Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat. Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Six: Build your future on high ground. Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Nine: When you're stressed, float a while. Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

On difficult ground, press on.         On encircled ground, devise strategies.         On death ground, fight.                     ---Sun Tsao

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Past event

ChainBite Gang is a Chicago based training group.

An evening of fun, cocktails, and information on Sunday, February 17!
If you're already registered as a rider or crew member, or just thinking about registering, this is a great opportunity to watch videos of past rides, get inspired, and talk with people who have done an AIDSRide or an AIDS Vaccine Ride. Get “How to” information on bikes, training, and fundraising!
The Meet and Greet was held at Tutto Orsi, a restaurant owned by European AIDS Vaccine rider Anna Orsi. Thanks to Anna for her generosity!
Sunday, February 17, 7 pm Tutto Orsi
324 South Racine, Chicago, (312) 421-3636