(For those who don’t know me, I am new to Fast & Fabulous. I am looking forward to riding with all of you for years to come—all the way to Sydney and back!)

Having ridden in Boston-NY AIDS Ride 3 in 1997, I thought I knew what to expect on this year’s ride. Fortunately, I was mistaken.

All along the route, we were cheered on by by-standers. Families, individuals, and even whole schools (mostly younger children) shouted their support as we rode by.

In 1997, I rode for (and by) myself. I was in it for the physical challenge, and while I did meet people during the training rides and on the actual Ride, I made no lasting friendships.

< Me (early on Day 1) and my "Black Beauty" (a HEAVY DB Apex)

Determined to create a different experience for myself in 1998, I joined the official Training Ride Committee to help plan and lead rides throughout the Spring and Summer. All I can say after all of the training rides and the Ride itself is, “Where do I sign up again?”

Earlier this year, I wrote an article for the Ride newsletter that talked about the “community-on-wheels” that IS the AIDS Ride. The highlight of the Ride for me was seeing so many familiar faces (and even remembering a surprising number of names, given my “sieve” of a memory) and having so many people say hello to me (by name). As I passed someone on a hill, I loved being able to cheer them on as someone who had seen the efforts they made all season long to get into shape. I was proud to see others pass me (of course yelling, “On your left!”), shouting words of encouragement (“Looking good, Matt!”). I even saw F&Fers Paulette, Mary, and Jen with whom I had trained a few weeks before the Ride.

During the pit stops and around camp, it was wonderful speaking with riders—familiar and unfamiliar—hearing their stories (why they’re riding, where they’re from, etc.) and sharing my experiences with them. Many of “my” riders came up to me and thanked me for helping them train for the Ride and told me how much fun they were having. I felt like a proud “papa” many a time. The most gratifying thing for me was getting into camp early enough (on both Day 1 and Day 2) to be able to cheer on other riders as they arrived (last year, I kept coming in pretty close to dusk). Their tired but smiling faces gave me goosebumps and soothed my aches.

After two years of doing B-NY, I have decided to make BIG changes for 1999. I have already signed up for the Washington, DC AIDS Ride 4 (6/24-27) that starts in Raleigh, NC (anyone else interested?) and will serve on crew for BNY5. I will also be on the official Training Ride Committee for BNY5. I hope to have my new ROAD bike (yes, I did all that riding on a clunky MB with slicks) under my butt and will start preparing for Sydney 2002 (it’s NEVER too early).

See you “out” on the road!