5 am. 2150 riders arrived at the Cow Palace in Daly City at 5 am, greeted by the "comfort in a tube" banner, to load up their gear, participate in opening ceremonies and ride off on their 545 mi journey to LA.Kristy actually looked excited to see the banana she was offered for breakfast. We'll see if that holds true in a week! The arena was a see of spandex, good vibes and high emotions. The aerobicise warm up was good for a giggle and to shake off the stiffness of car seats and strange beds. After a quick speech or two the Positive Pedalers walked in a set of memorial banners that preceded the entrance of the ghost rider. 2100+ strong and not a dry eye in the house. A stark reminder of the foe HIV is to millions around the world and the enormity of the task to find treatments and a cure. Maybe a moment of sadness but also a moment of hope, founded in the efforts of everyone there, and pride in each of those riders and roadies for what they were about to undertake.I'm sure Good Morning was whooped at least a dozen times, so surely they were all ready. Men in tutus, riders in cow jerseys, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and so many other courageous men and women. They each rode out of the Cow Palace through a gauntlet of support, cheering, clapping, whistling and marriage proposals (really!). It may have been grey and cold, but there was nothing but warmth in that crowd. Kristy finally rolled by, hand in the air and smile on her face. 7 am on Sunday, May 31, 2009. You go girl!