AIDS Lifecycle: It's a wrap

The AIDS Lifecycle finished yesterday afternoon in Los Angeles. I have to say that volunteering for this ride may be the most extraordinary experience of my entire life! It was seven days of long hours, hard work, sleeping in tents, port-a-potties, showering in trucks, surprisingly delicious food, and absolutely amazing people!

In the beginning I didn't really know what I was getting myself into; I was nervous, scared, and excited. After the first day though, I knew I was in the right place. The next six days were some of the most fun and rewarding days. As the ride came to a close yesterday I felt sad that my life for the past seven days were not going to continue. In fact, on the ride home I felt a mix of emotions including being happy to be going home to my own bed, shower, and toilet, but also knowing that I was going to miss the community that the Lifecycle creates and the people that I had been fortunate enough to meet.

The Lifecyle was an eye opening and extremely rewarding experience for me. I have to admit that the timing of this ride could not be greater for my psyche. As some of you will remember from a previous blog entry I had serious doubts about whether I could ever feel comfortable being in this type of environment. My doubts were unfounded and the Lifecycle community embraced me from beginning to end.

Check out the video below for a little insight. I am also visible in the video for a second, so look for me!


Looking forward to volunteering again next year! Anyone want to join me?