I'm getting geared up for a bike ride with my roommate Walter, writing between stretches.

It's been a month since I last rode and I'm really worried about my foot, but this is the last chance I have to train before starting off for 7 days and 545 miles to fight AIDS on AIDS/LifeCycle next Sunday. I've also had my bike tuned up and a new bike fit and this is my last chance to make sure everything is set up right.

My podiatrist has assured me I'm not going to do any more damage than I've already done by tearing the plantar plate in my foot. When I saw her friday she asked if I was still excited about the ride and I admitted I've lost a lot of my enthusiasm about it.

Missing a month of training, I've also missed out on a month of riding with my good friends from previous rides and getting to meet new riders who don't know what's in store for them yet.

I hope this morning's ride will be a good reminded why I put myself through this. You can help too, make a donation of support if you can and help fight HIV/AIDS.