An Unpredictable Drive

There’s something so thrilling about being on the open road and not knowing exactly where you’ll end up.

Ithaca College senior Jeffrey Goodwin told Carolyn and I to arrive at Stewart Park for the AIDS Ride For Life at 6:30 this morning so by 6:10 we were in the car and ready to roll. I drove cautiously because the car did not belong to me and I have never personally driven through Ithaca, but trying to find our way and traveling to different parts of the town we’d never been to was something special. We parked and went over to the lake to take in its beauty before joining Jeff’s team made up of three students of IC. I felt the normal excitement anyone would feel when people gather together for a great cause – cliché, yes, but nevertheless a heartwarming feeling.

We wished Jeff, Mary-Katharine (MK) Huebener, and Brian Erickson good luck and watched them take off before walking back to the car and driving to the first pit stop, the King Ferry Winery. We shot videos, took pictures, and congratulated our friends and others for their completion of the first 17.6 miles of the 100-mile race. I was so happy to be able to be there for these people who were helping a cause and even better to be able to report to an audience about it. This blog is all about outdoor events in Ithaca, but I could not help but think that though I was happy and excited to see so many people riding for a great cause, the drive through Ithaca and nearby towns was what made my morning. Driving for the first time through this town I now consider my second home and having the power to stop whenever I wanted, wherever I wanted was incredible. Carolyn and I could not help but pull over and take pictures when we saw the enormous sunflowers covering miles of land. We saw the sun come up over the lake, a park we had never seen before, and drove on roads through towns we had never been and were not exactly sure at first if we were even supposed to be driving through them or if we had just taken a wrong turn.

So, today we accomplished seeing two outdoor attractions with the intent of only seeing one: the AIDS Ride For Life and having out own special ride, driving through the gorgeous (no pun intended!) town of Ithaca, New York.

AIDS Ride for Life…it’s time.

Guest Blogger: Ithaca College SGA President Jeff Goodwin

After being invited, or coerced, I am here to reflect on my thoughts regarding the upcoming AIDS Ride for Life.   I don’t pride myself of my blogging or writing ability, but I’m willing to give this a shot. All I ask for in return some grammatical leniency.

As a senior at IC this is my fourth fall season in Ithaca.  I still remember hearing about the Ride my freshman year and thinking how amazing the experience would be.  Despite my knowledge and interest in the event, I’m ashamed to say that three years have passed and I still have not ridden.  I always had a lame excuse: not enough time to raise money, not in good enough shape, work, etc. etc.

It wasn’t until last year that I finally committed to riding.  I was assigned to follow the riders throughout the day and document the event for FUSE Magazine.  It was a combination of experiencing the event first hand and realizing this year was my last chance that finally motivated me to suck it up and sign up.

The ride is now 11 years old and has grown into quite the charity event.  All new riders are required to raise $300 and returners $500.  The full route is an 100 mile trek around Lake Cayuga but riders can opt out at 85 or 50 miles.

Although only a day stands between me and my first century ride, it hasn’t hit me yet.  Despite my blatant lack of training and mental preparation I feel strangely comfortable.  I think since I was there last year I now have a false sense of confidence that it won’t be a big deal, as if driving 100 miles is the equivalent of biking the same distance.

I don’t really know what to expect, but I do know that I’ll be in great company and raising money for a good cause.  So bring it on leg cramps, abundant rain, and exhaustion – I’m (kind of) ready.