https://bluestreakbiker.com/2025/09/19/braking-aids-ride-2025-slideshow/2025-10-08T06:47:26+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2022/09/12/video-braking-aids-ride-2022-opening-ceremony-remarks/2025-09-09T01:26:50+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2025/08/27/braking-aids-ride-2025-im-still-showing-up-to-fight/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_4544.jpgIMG_4544https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/breakingaidsday2122.jpgBreakingaidsDay2122https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/breakingaidsday2233.jpgBreakingaidsDay22332025-08-27T23:30:13+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/about/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/mrslentils4.jpgmrslentils42025-08-27T22:34:58+00:00weekly0.6https://bluestreakbiker.com/how-you-can-support-me/2025-08-27T22:34:35+00:00weekly0.6https://bluestreakbiker.com/2024/09/19/braking-aids-2024-updates-slideshow/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_0638.jpgIMG_0638https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_1969.jpgIMG_19692024-09-19T17:15:10+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2024/08/09/why-braking-aids-in-less-than-30-seconds/2024-09-13T05:26:26+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2024/08/01/join-the-braking-aids-2024-movement-support-mika-the-blue-streak-and-housing-works/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/img_0191-copy.pngIMG_0191 copyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/img_0179-copy.pngIMG_0179 copyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/img_0173-copy.pngIMG_0173 copy2024-08-09T15:17:43+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2023/07/17/why-i-keep-moving-braking-aids-ride-2023/2023-07-21T00:19:15+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2022/09/03/video-braking-aids-ride-thoughts-gratitude-a-story-hopefully-a-little-inspiration/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/299500359_10229132625120490_2039883648094197473_n.jpg299500359_10229132625120490_2039883648094197473_n2022-09-03T18:30:15+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2022/08/02/braking-aids-ride-2022-a-timeline-of-housing-works-milestones-1990-present/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_2273.jpgimg_2273https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/290377159_10228852180989562_2716597559251516792_n.jpg290377159_10228852180989562_2716597559251516792_nhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/45146415642_36233ee085_o.jpg45146415642_36233ee085_ohttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_2264.jpgimg_2264https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hw-timeline-graphic.pnghw-timeline-graphic2022-08-29T04:26:34+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/29/reasons-to-ride-reason-4-of-in-memory-of-dennis-1950-1987/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012-fed-budget-chart.png2012 fed budget charthttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1987-fed-budget-chart.png1987 fed budget chartUnited States government federal budget, 1987. Federal funding for AIDS accounted for .0038% of the total health budget for that year and .000416% of the overall federal budget.2022-08-10T22:17:39+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2021/07/18/braking-aids-ride-2021-some-sunflower-audacity/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/img_2872.jpgimg_2872133 protesters were arrested blocking the street across the Supreme Court in an act of non violent civil disobedience, as hundreds of LGBTQ+ advocates convened in Washington, DC on October 8, 2019 for a national day of action as a community response to the landmark Supreme Court hearings that could legalize workplace discrimination, primarily against LGBTQ+ people, on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender presentation. (Photo by Erik McGregor)https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kffjqmn-021sizeoriginal.jpgkffjqmn-0sizeoriginalhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/190913_0883_barnett.jpgBraking AIDS Ride 2019Braking AIDS Ride, from Cooperstown to New York City, September 13-15, 2019, raised funds for Housing Works.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/h8br97k-021sizeoriginal.jpgh8br97k-0sizeoriginalhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/gsc7224-2.jpg_gsc7224 (2)2021-07-20T01:35:29+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/11/04/red-hook-bklyn-post-hurricane/2020-09-15T19:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2020/08/21/video-taking-the-way-to-joy-after-12-years-why-i-still-ride/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_2127.jpgIMG_2127https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/118042772_10224102180242512_9080644113985084544_o.jpg118042772_10224102180242512_9080644113985084544_oFrom left to right: me, with friends Rodney Newby and Blake Strasser on a recent Saturday ride. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/de-roo1-rev-e1598045652883.jpgDe Roo1 REV2020-08-21T21:39:27+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2020/07/24/during-the-covid-19-pandemic-housing-is-still-healthcare/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_2081-1.pngimg_2081https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_6571.jpgimg_6571https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_2081.pngimg_20812020-07-24T17:41:19+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2020/07/24/housing-works-covid-19-emergency-response-braking-aids-ride-2020-me-your-help-needed/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/190913_0883_barnett.jpgBraking AIDS Ride 2019Braking AIDS Ride, from Cooperstown to New York City, September 13-15, 2019, raised funds for Housing Works.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rev104262953_10157217615496937_4488050301620959078_n.jpgrev104262953_10157217615496937_4488050301620959078_nhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bar-2019-me-and-brian-riding.jpgbar 2019 me and brian riding2020-07-24T17:27:54+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2019/11/21/braking-aids-ride-2019-recap-thoughts-on-radical-hope-in-the-light-of-autumn/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_5067.jpgIMG_5067https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/day-2-group-shot.jpgDay 2 group shothttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/day-3-fin.jpgDay 3 FINhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_5785-e1574314346203.jpgIMG_5785https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_1635-1.jpgIMG_1635https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/griswold-day-3.jpgGriswold Day 3https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/griswold-2-day-3.jpgGriswold 2 Day 3https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_5796-e1574309914886.jpgIMG_5796Not everyone is meant to be a hat model. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/me-and-steven-ie.-day-2-in-fog.jpgme and Steven iE. Day 2 in foghttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/eerzmfjuwaameru.jpgEErZmfjUwAAmerU2020-07-23T00:07:12+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2019/08/02/on-hope-uncertainty-and-an-aids-free-ny-by-2020/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_0159.jpgimg_0159https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/56922818_10219185159760073_3378155459507650560_n-1.jpg56922818_10219185159760073_3378155459507650560_n-1https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_0158.jpgimg_0158https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/56922818_10219185159760073_3378155459507650560_n.jpg56922818_10219185159760073_3378155459507650560_nhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image3.jpgimage32019-08-02T05:29:52+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2018/06/17/help-me-raise-15k-for-housing-works-an-aids-free-ny-2020/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_3111.jpgimg_3111https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_3114-1.jpgimg_3114-1https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_3114.jpgimg_3114https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1529206819534blob.jpg1529206819534blobhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1529196531700blob.jpg1529196531700blobhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/image.jpgimagehttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/image-1.jpgimage-12018-06-18T22:15:32+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2016/10/05/recap-photos-from-braking-aids-ride-2016/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1452.jpgimg_1452https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_14561.jpg2016.09.24https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1435.pngimg_1435https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1439.jpgimg_1439https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1453.jpgimg_1453https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1441.jpgimg_1441https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1440.jpgimg_1440https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1264.jpgimg_1264https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1476.jpgimg_1476https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1475.jpgimg_14752016-10-06T23:39:20+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2016/08/04/help-me-raise-20k-to-end-aids-in-ny-by-2020/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image1.jpegimagewith Advocacy Dept. colleagues at this year's NYC LGBT Pride marchhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/image.jpegimageme, halfway through last year's BRAKING AIDS® Ride2016-08-05T03:33:40+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2016/07/14/why-i-keep-coming-back-to-braking-aids-ride-every-year/2016-07-16T04:56:14+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2015/06/30/no-grit-no-pearl-what-i-do-the-day-after-love-wins-u-s-marriage-equality-prevails/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wedding-2010-closeup.jpgwedding 2010 closeupFred Speers, officiating at my wedding, May 16, 2010, West End of Provincetown, Massachusetts.From left to right: my wife Jen, Fred, me. Photo by Doreen Birdsell.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/image.jpgimageIs that a Housing Works sign or is the Governor just happy to see me? New York was the sixth state in the U.S. to make marraige equality legal and the most populous. It led the way for the domino effect of states that changed their laws to move toward the right side of history. New York can do the same for HIV/AIDS, which is as big and arguably an even bigger social justice issue than marriage equality. It's also a battle we're still fighting.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fred-chase-me-6-6-09.jpgFred Chase Me 6.6.09https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-112255.jpgFacebook-20150629-112255https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-112245.jpgFacebook-20150629-112245https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-112230.jpgFacebook-20150629-112230https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-112215.jpgFacebook-20150629-112215https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-112153.jpgFacebook-20150629-112153https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/facebook-20150629-111624.jpgFacebook-20150629-111624https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/11695858_10153440161813656_2025565217349272418_n.jpg11695858_10153440161813656_2025565217349272418_n2016-01-11T01:25:03+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2014/08/26/on-possibility/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/linda-and-a-new-friend.jpgLInda and a new friendCrew member Linda Zipko hugs a new friend, who wore a red shirt for Red Dress Day, Braking AIDS Ride, September 2013.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tom-the-tragic-ho-on-red-dress-day.jpgTom the tragic ho on red dress dayhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tom-on-red-dress-day.jpgTom on red dress dayhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/red-ribbon-red-dress-day.jpgred ribbon, red dress dayA small group of riders and crew gather during lunch at the beach to make a red ribbon, Red Dress Day, Braking AIDS Ride, September 2013.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/red-dress-day-beach-group-shot.jpgred dress day beach group shotSome riders posing during lunch at the beach, Red Dress Day, Braking AIDS Ride, September 2013.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/northfield-road-with-sky.jpgNorthfield road with skyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/henry-and-brigid-red-dress-day.jpgHenry and Brigid red dress dayhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/possible-sign.jpgpossible signI encountered this mysterious street sign near a construction site on Henry Street in Brooklyn a few weeks ago while walking home. It was as though the universe was trying to tell me something. Turn left?2016-01-11T01:23:02+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2014/09/06/salty-century-photo-essay-a-wellfleet-provincetown-dennis-figure-8/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/west-end-marchesjpg.jpgwest end marchesjpgAnother view of the West End marshes, Provincetown, at low tide. Love these colors.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image31.jpgimageUnfortunately, it isn't visible in this photo, but I discovered during the last 30 miles of my 102.5-mile ride this Wednesday that from a few places along the Rail Trail, one can see all the way to the bay. In this image, I could catch a small triangle of blue salt water right next to the tree silhouette at the top.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image30.jpgimageObjects may be larger than they appear. This slice of pistachio coffee cake from Relish is roughly the size of my head. Although the one pictured here is the one Jen and I shared from today (Friday), it is nearly identical to the one I purchased at Relish about 27 miles into my ride and housed all by myself. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image29.jpgimageRather than staying on Route 6, the main highway on the Cape, which is two lanes—one in each direction—for most of it and is also the most direct route from Wellfleet to Truro and Provincetown, I took back roads for the the first 22 miles. I rode Ocean View Drive, then Old Truro Road, Pamet Point Road, Old County Road, Castle Road, and Corn Hill, criss-crossing and riding Route 6 along the way for brief stretches. What did this mean? HILLS. Lots of them.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/image11.jpgimageAnother view of the West End marshes, Provincetown, at low tide. Love these colors.2014-09-17T05:44:52+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/10/07/braking-aids-2013-raises-250k-and-counting-for-housing-works/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-moi-day-2-fin-barnett.jpg2013 moi Day 2 fin barnettMe, celebrating near the end of Day 2, over 200 miles into the 300-mile ride, somewhere along the Connecticut coastline. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1277081_10153280004870500_457476485_o.jpg1277081_10153280004870500_457476485_oAs of September 30, 2013, Braking AIDS Ride netted $250,000 for Housing Works. Donations can continue to come in for the 2013 ride through the end of October: http://bit.ly/ZGvJZl. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1233556_10151905010098656_805799789_n.jpg1233556_10151905010098656_805799789_nhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/eoaids.jpgEOAIDS2014-09-16T02:45:16+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2014/07/19/next-stop-aids-free-ny-2020/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image1.jpgimageA graphic from the newly branded Housing Works AiDS-FREE NY 2020 campaign.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image.jpgimageHousing Works staff, clients, volunteers, and allies, celebrating during NYC Gay Pride 2014.2014-07-20T18:54:28+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2014/06/19/throwback-thursday-braking-aids-ride-in-95-seconds/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2013-moi-day-2-fin-barnett.jpg2013 moi Day 2 fin barnett2014-07-09T19:39:40+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/08/15/braking-aids-ride-in-105-seconds/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/209-spinach-poached-egg-e1376603500213.jpg209-spinach-poached-eggEvery weekend, each time I cycle up the long Alpine hill at the northern end of Palisades Park, I keep hoping that a brunch feast like this will be waiting for me when I get to the crest and then roll into at the rangers' station. I've been riding that hill for years now. Where are my damn poached eggs?2013-12-13T12:32:43+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/07/31/cyclist-dreams-imagining-the-finish-line/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/deese32214v.jpgDéesse 16, rue Halévy, ParisDéesse 16, rue Halévy, Paris, Jean de Paleoloque, c. 1989. Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stearns3g06645v.jpgRide a Stearns and be contentIn my mind's eye, I looked something like this when I first started training in 2008 as a novice cyclist. Every hill was a slog, every mile was an accomplishment. Image info: Ride a Stearns and be content, Edward Penfield, 1896. Courtesy of Artist Posters Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.2013-11-20T06:01:22+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/16/reasons-to-ride-reason-3-of-in-memory-of-curtis-wheeler-1950-2003/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/david_von_michelangelo.jpgDavid_von_MichelangeloMichelangelo's David, Florence, Italy. This Renaissance sculpture masterpiece is the sort of art Curtis studied and loved.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jacob_okadalg.jpgJacob OkadaMy brother Jacob, who became Curtis Wheeler's friend and made an award-winning short documentary film about the last three years of Curtis' life https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/curtis.jpgcurtis wheelerCurtis Wheeler, an African-American artist battling AIDS, in his house in Washington Heights, c. early 2003. This image is a film still from director Jacob Okada’s documentary short film Curtis (2003). Image appears courtesy of Jacob Okada.2021-01-27T16:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/09/25/things-i-think-of-before-a-300-mile-ride-in-the-fight-to-end-hivaids/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/60-hiv-13-to-24-yr-olds.jpg60 hiv+ 13 to 24 yr oldsThink HIV isn't a problem? Think again. This terrifying statistic makes me want to run out and try to raise another $10-15K in the next 48 hours.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chicken-run-paradise.jpgchicken run paradise"You can't see paradise if you don't pedal!"-from Chicken Run2013-11-20T05:42:35+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/09/20/braking-the-cycle-ride-postscript-3-snapshots-from-the-road-boston-to-new-york/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-18-e1351406980446.pngPicture 18Crew member Laurel Devaney, a newbie rider, and me, posing at Oasis 1, on Day 1, Friday, Sept. 28. I was cruising speedily for those first 15 or so miles, and already soaked to the skin by the time I arrived here. I also got my first flat about 15 minutes after this was taken. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-17.pngPicture 17"Thank god! An oasis!" Me, arriving at Silver Sands State Park, Milford, Connecticut, Day 2, Saturday, Sept. 29. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-16-e1360603238834.pngPicture 16https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-15.pngPicture 15The members of the First Congregation Church of Griswold left a cross for all the riders and crews of Braking the Cycle to sign. The cross remained there so that the entire congregation could see it on Sunday, but the intention is to eventually send it back to Housing Works. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-14.pngPicture 14A number of the messages on the cross were dedications to the memory of friend and fellow Braking the Cycle rider Kyle Spidle, who passed away unexpectedly from meningitis the week before this year's ride. He was 32 years old. Many of us knew Kyle from his first ride in 2008; he had already been signed up when he found out he himself was HIV+, just a handful of weeks before the ride. He came out with his HIV status at dinner on Day 2, in front of over 150 people, most of whom had only known him for two days, myself included. Watching him do that was one of the bravest, most moving, sad things I've ever witnessed. He was kind, inspiring, funny, and courageous, and he is much missed. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-13.pngPicture 13Friend and rider Chris Vaughn signing the cross at the First Congregational Church of Griswold. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-12.pngPicture 12Jen picking out a card for us from the basket left for us by the children members of First Congregational Church of Griswold. The card is shown in two photos below. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-8.pngPicture 8Members of First Congregational Church of Griswold were on hand at the church to serve us fresh pie, ice cream, hot coffee and tea, and all sorts of other baked treats. Their kindness warmed the entire space. It was an amazing place to have as the last oasis before the hotel in Norwich, especially after riding in the freezing rain all day long. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picture-7-e1351403153149.pngPicture 7The cards and messages left for us by members of the First Congregational Church of Griswold in Connecticut. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc2012-cards-e1351401690619.pngBTC2012-cardsThe card Jen picked out for us, from the slew of cards made for Braking the Cycle riders and crew by children from the First Congregational Church of Griswold, Griswold, Connecticut. Day 1, Friday, Sept. 28.2013-09-21T01:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/09/16/outer-cape-century-bike-ride-a-photo-essay/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/century-odometer.jpgcentury odometerWhat joy: A 104-mile bike ride, completed.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/rail-trail-tunnel.jpgrail trail tunnelhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/railtrail-brewster.jpgRailtrail, Brewsterhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/storm-clouds.pngstorm cloudsCape Cod storm clouds gathering, before a deluge. The thunderstorm that drenched me all 22 miles back from Dennis to Wellfleet swooped in so fast, I didn't stop to take out my camera, which would have gotten soaked and ruined. But the storm clouds depicted here, of another Cape Cod rainstorm, give a pretty accurate idea of what the sky looked like just before it started to pour during the last 22 miles of my century ride on September 4, 2013.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ptown-bike-trail.jpgptown bike-trailOne of the Provincelands bike trails between Herring Cove and Race Point, Provincetown.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/view-of-drummer-cove.jpgview of Drummer CoveDrummer Cove, Wellfleet. The cottage we've rented for the past decade is one of about 6 to 8 small houses right next to the marsh and Drummer Cove. Tucked between Route 6 and the cove, the cottages are shaded by a copse of huge pines, so it's surprisingly quiet and beautiful, despite the close proximity to the highway. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sadie-navigating.jpgSadie navigatingSadie, helping me navigate the drive from Drummer Cove, Wellfleet, to the Flying Fish Cafe in the center of town, where the world's best scones and muffins are made. (It is a well-known fact that the Cape Cod muffin, which contains a mix of blueberries and cranberries, is the only muffin in the world I will praise openly and seek out actively.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/btkkrdgicaaaqtf.jpgBTKkrDGIcAAAqTfhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/moby-dicks-wellfleet-ma.jpgmoby-dicks-wellfleet-maMoby Dick's Restaurant, Wellfleet, from the intersection of Gull Pond Road an Route 6.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/1233209_10201973725964985_1549125216_o.jpgbikes!The New Yorker approach to getting two bikes up to Cape Cod: Bikes in the trunk, Luggage and kitchen supplies in the backseat. The Blue Streak has been disassembled and stacked on top of Jen's hybrid bicycle in the trunk of our rental car. Two wheels fit atop the two bikes in the trunk; the others went tightly wedged behind our seats in the car.2013-09-16T14:50:45+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/07/20/hivaids-good-news-bad-news-red-fish-blue-fish-loveship-courtship-pos-ship-aids-ship-sickship-oldship-deadship/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/image.jpgimagehttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/banana-condom.pngbanana condomhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/esquire-march-1999-cover.pngEsquire March 1999 coverIt's official. According to the popular wisdom, AIDS has been old news for a decade and a half. This Esquire cover hits the stands in March 1999, six months before I did my very first AIDS bike ride.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/kyle-spidle.jpgkyle spidleKyle, mugging for the camera, during the ride in September 2009. Don't let the smile and the hot bod fool you. He wasn't just a pretty face, and everyone who knew him misses him dearly. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/kyle-spidle-w-amy.jpgkyle spidle w amyKyle, fellow rider and a PosPed (an HIV-positive rider), giving crew member Amy Hemphill a kiss for helping him fix a flat. Kyle was the first victim of the meningitis outbreak that began last year. He died a week before last year's Braking AIDS Ride. He was 32 years old. 2013-08-13T22:14:00+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/08/02/women-on-bikes-getting-my-august-training-ride-bearings/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/women-on-bikes.jpgBearings, for sale hereBearings, for sale here, Charles A. Cox, c. 1890. Courtesty of Posters: Artists Posters Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.2013-08-02T22:45:50+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/10/20/braking-the-cycle-ride-postscript-1-the-blue-streak-hits-mile-9000-and-keeps-on-going/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-closing-cheerleader.jpgBtc 2012 closing cheerleaderOne of the women who first greeted us as the riders arrived at closing ceremonies. I believe this was taken at some point during my brief speech a few minutes later. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-me-and-glenn-hammerson.jpgBTC 2012 me and Glenn HammersonMe, with speedy BTC rider Glenn Hammerson, gleeful after finishing the main ride route and arriving in the holding area three blocks from closing ceremonies, Sunday, September 30, around 4pm.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-fin-to-holding.jpgBTC 2012 fin to holdingWoot woot! Me on Day 3 in New York City, finishing the official ride route as I pulled into the holding area on East 12th Street. My nerves about having to talk at closing ceremonies kicked in about 15 minutes after this was taken. Photo by Alan Barnett.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/57420_10151168996509827_818665356_o.jpg57420_10151168996509827_818665356_oThe check for nearly $221,000 that we presented to Housing Works at closing ceremonies on Sept. 30, 2012. The actual final total was higher, as riders and crew continued to fundraise until the end of October.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/415766_10151105489401185_1503939156_o.jpg415766_10151105489401185_1503939156_oWith fellow riders, about to turn the corner onto 9th Street where a crowd of applauding friends, family, and other supporters awaited us. It is entirely unclear to me what I might have swallowed to produce the beautiful expression on my face.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-me-colby.jpgBTC 2012 me ColbyI've posted this photo before. This pic of me and Colby was taken right before closing ceremonies last year. In other words, after Colby had ridden 85 miles in the rain wearing a cycling helmet. It may be even better that I'm in the photo as a source of hair comparison. I mean, really, look at the coiff on that man! Photo courtesy of Colby Smith.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-holding-area-from-fb.jpgBTC 2012 holding area from FBBraking the Cycle riders gathering together in the holding area on East 12th Street, three blocks from Housing Works' Cylar House, where closing ceremonies took place. This way, we get to ride in all together. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-closing-speech-kate-asson-credit.jpgBTC 2012 closing speech Kate Asson creditMe, talking at Braking the Cycle's closing ceremonies, Sunday, September 30, around 5:30pm, with rain looming but thankfully not materializing. In front of Housing Works' Cylar House facility, 9th Street and Avenue D, New York City. If I sort of give off the air that I've just gotten off my bike after riding 300 miles, it's because I have. Photo courtesy of Kate Asson. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/btc-2012-thank-god-a-rest-stop.jpgBTC 2012 thank god a rest stopLost in the backwoods of hilly Connecticut, near the end of Day 2, after nearly 200 miles of riding. The thought bubble above my head would read, "Thank God, an oasis." (FYI, during BTC, a rest stop is called an oasis.) You can't tell from my smile here, but I hate Gatorade. 2013-07-25T21:51:16+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2013/03/20/signs-of-spring/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/fairwawybakery.jpgfairwawybakeryhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/redhooklobsterpound.jpgredhooklobsterpoundhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cameraawesomephoto.jpgCameraAwesomePhotoMy Braking AIDS water bottle, outside my apartment before my first training ride of the season ride, Saturday, March 9, 7:45am.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/582444_10151344753841238_648160355_n-3.jpg582444_10151344753841238_648160355_n-3Riders from the first Braking AIDS Second Saturday training ride of the season, warming up with coffee and hot chocolate, post-ride, Saturday, March 9.2013-03-20T14:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/10/26/braking-the-cycle-postscript-2-lifecycle-of-a-donation-to-housing-works/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lifecycle-of-hw-donation.jpgLifecycle of HW donation2012-10-26T19:12:26+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/26/inhaler-deeply/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blake.jpgblakeSuperhero Blake Strasser, my friend and the Braking the Cycle rider coach. She is a hero of a human being and a kickass athlete. I am posting this photo from last year's BTC ride partly in the hopes that she will wear this outfit again this year.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/me-jen-btc-2010.jpgme jen BTC 2010https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/inhaler.jpginhalerMy new albuterol inhaler.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dsc01141.jpgDSC01141Another view of Alpine Approach, Palisades Park. I took this photo right after I cycled up the hill myself, and I almost passed out right after hearing the shutter on my camera click.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dsc011391.jpgDSC01139The view from near the crest of Alpine Approach Road, Palisades Park, New Jersey.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dyckman-hill-road.jpgdyckman hill roadA cyclist going up Dyckman Hill Road, Palisades Park, New Jersey.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dsc01139.jpgDSC01139https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dsc01142.jpgDSC01142My friend and one of my training partners, Terry Christopher, kicking back at one of the outdoor tables at the Strictly Bicycles bike shop. Don't let the easygoing look he has fool you. He is a fierce rider. About two minutes after I snapped this, the sky opened up, and it poured so hard, we huddled together under the table umbrella.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mission-1.jpgmission 1https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mission-2.jpgmission 22012-09-26T02:51:17+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/09/25/cape-cod-cycling-diary-a-photo-essay/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/map-of-cape-cod-massachusetts.jpgCape Cod Cycling Diary: A Photo Essayhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01217.jpgDSC01217https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01216.jpgDSC01216https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01215.jpgDSC01215https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01214.jpgDSC01214Local seals, my ocean animal friends, coming to greet me and congratulate me on riding through 75 miles of downpour just to come and visit them. On my calm, pleasant days, if I were an animal, I'd be a seal. On my other days, I'd be a tiger.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01213.jpgDSC01213The view from the parking lot at Herring Cove if you are facing Race Point, the neighboring beach, Provincetown, September 2012. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01212.jpgDSC01212The skies clearing up, Herring Cove Beach, Provinctown, September 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01211.jpgDSC01211Storm clouds over the dunes, Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, September 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01210.jpgDSC01210https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01209.jpgDSC01209Facing south, Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, September 2012. 2012-09-25T17:45:49+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/09/19/a-bike-training-lesson-cooking-in-the-devils-kitchen-or-climbing-platte-clove-road/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/plattecloveroad.jpgA Bike Training Lesson: Cooking in the Devil's Kitchen, or, Climbing Platte Clove Roadhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sadie-dexter.jpgsadie dexterDexter and Sadie, guarding us from the wild beasts in the woods and in the river, Palenville, New York, August 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sadie-dexter-snooze.jpgsadie dexter snoozeDexter and Sadie, snoozing together, Palenville, New York, August 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/woodstock-2010-mtn-view.jpgwoodstock 2010 mtn viewView of the valley, taken near Woodstock, New York. Jen and I spent a long weekend here in July 2012, and while we were there, I cycled up Meads Mountain Road, a hill that almost beat me.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01164.jpgDSC01164Niobe Falls, located on the property where we spent a weekend in Palenville, New York last monthhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01159.jpgDSC01159Niobe Falls, Palenville, New York, August 2012. We could hear the roaring sound of what you see here from every room in the house where we stayed.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01155.jpgDSC01155View of the neighboring mountain, from Platte Clove Road/Devil's Kitchen, Tannersville, New York, August 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01154.jpgDSC01154The view looking down Platte Clove Road/Devil's Kitchen, Tannersville, New York, August 2012. This photo doesn't do it justice. The little bright spot at the center of the image is the expanse of the Hudson valley, which was visible for miles into the distance from where I was standing.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01153.jpgDSC01153Still higher on Platte Clove Road/Devil's Kitchen, Tannersville, New York, August 2012.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc01150.jpgDSC01150Higher up on Platte Clove Road/Devil's Kitchen, Tannersville, New York, August 2012.2016-04-15T18:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/09/12/reasons-to-ride-reason-7-of-braking-the-cycles-10th-anniversary/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/clay.jpgclayMy friend Clay Williams, who, like Tommie Stringer, I did not meet until the ride itself. We kept passing each other on the route all three days. Who knew that a conversation about chafing would ever be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/btc-logo.jpgBTC logo2012-09-13T17:08:46+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/30/reasons-to-ride-reason-5-of-a-lil-help-from-my-friends/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/christian-miller1.jpgChristian MillerFearless crew leader Christian Miller. He makes it all look so easy. Sadly, during the ride, my first reaction to seeing Christian is to hop on my bike and pedal away from him, given that his presence at a rest stop is usually accompanied by the warning, "Riders, you have 5 minutes to leave this oasis!"https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/group-shot-grants-tomb-20091.jpggroup shot grants tomb 2009https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/me-sadie-jen.jpgme, Sadie, JenThis isn't a photo from the ride. Obviously. But this is my family and all this biking and training and fundraising and all the rest wouldn't be possible without their love.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mount-archer1.jpgMount ArcherYes. Photographic evidence. I hollered my way up this beast of a hill in Connecticut. Twice. In 2009. And then again in 2010. Successfully. Perhaps the screaming helps? Mount Archer (AKA Mount Eric), which I'll be facing again on September 29, still scares the crap out of me. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jen-tim1.jpgJen Timhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/clay-williams-and-greg-baker1.jpgClay Williams and Greg BakerMy friend Clay Williams hugging previous BTC rider Greg Baker at closing ceremonies.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/william-thompson1.jpgWilliam ThompsonWilliam Thompson, flat on his back, per usual... Would you believe this guy has done multiple marathons, triathlons, and Ironman events? And he always looks as fresh as a daisy. I am certain painting of him is sitting in a closet somewhere, aging.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/trio-with-blurry-me-riding.jpgtrio with blurry me ridingYep, that's me in the foreground. So fast I'm blurry... When arm warmers come back into fashion, I will be so ready.https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tommie-stringer.jpgTommie StringerRider Tommie Stringer, who calls himself "Team Turtle." I met Tommie on the road during my first Braking the Cycle ride. Unlike me, he is always smiling, and it's infectious. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/super-me-with-cape.jpgsuper me with capeHow many occasions allow one to wear a superhero cape? Jen sewed it for me and everything.2012-09-11T18:28:37+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/31/reasons-to-ride-reason-6-of-the-aids-quilt-then-and-today/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/aids_quilt.jpgAids_QuiltThe AIDS quilt today. This photo was Courtesy of the NAMES Project Foundation. Photo by Mark Theissen. https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/aids-quilt-nyc-19881.jpgAIDS Quilt NYC 1988I posted this image in another post some weeks ago. This is what the AIDS quilt looked like over 20 years ago in 1988. 2012-08-30T14:48:24+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/07/22/on-taking-the-day-off/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img00699-20120721-1528.jpgIMG00699-20120721-1528Baby sandwich!https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img00700-20120721-1531.jpgIMG00700-20120721-1531"Fur, especially on the ears, is very, very soft."https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img00695-20120721-15111.jpgIMG00695-20120721-1511Jen, serving as the practice patient for a future dental technicianhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img00698-20120721-1515.jpgIMG00698-20120721-1515Me, unable to resist the baby cutenesshttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sadie-with-pillow.jpgsadie with pillowSadie, keeping the bed pillow warm for mehttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/me-and-sayd.jpgme and sayd2012-08-26T19:48:49+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/15/on-fear-of-failure/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cooking-tools.jpgcooking toolsCourtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Divisionhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/la-cuisiniere-chez-martinet.jpgla cuisiniere chez Martinet2012-08-26T19:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/07/17/the-hills-have-hills/2012-08-26T19:44:29+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/08/14/reasons-to-ride-to-fight-hivaids-reason-2-of-where-i-live/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/nyc_hiv-neighborhood-diagnosis-2010.jpgNYC_hiv-neighborhood-diagnosis-2010https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/aids-quilt-nyc-1988.jpgAIDS Quilt NYC 1988https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1500px-carta_marina.jpeg1500px-carta_marina2012-08-26T19:38:00+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/07/30/so-many-reasons-to-ride-reason-1-of/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2009-aids-campaign-nine-plus-half-minutes.jpg2009 AIDS campaign nine-plus-half-minutesThis image is part of a five-year campaign for AIDS awareness by the White House, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the CDC. It wasn't made in the early 1980s, or the mid-1990s, or the early 2000s. The campaign with this particular statistic was launched in April 2009. 2012-07-30T06:20:18+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/07/21/postscript-the-hills-and-narrative-flow/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cycling-narrative.jpgcycling narrativeThe episodic cycling narrative: Lather. Rinse. Repeat.2012-07-21T21:45:09+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.com/2012/07/12/hello-world/https://bluestreakbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/biker-mika75.jpgbiker mika75I don't always look quite this serious when I'm cycling.2014-06-23T11:51:46+00:00monthlyhttps://bluestreakbiker.comdaily1.02025-10-08T06:47:26+00:00