Sue's story: AIDS LifeCycle

BaseCamp athlete Sue Bergeron shared her experience at the 2025 AIDS LifeCycle bike event in California.

The final total miles of this event was about 570 over 7 days. Its usual number was 545 mi, until the January fires damaged PCH and a new route needed to be created for Day 7.

This event was in its 31st year and this was the last. There were 2k riders (including 1st timers) and 500 support staff and a great time was had by all.

While I was only able to ride 6 of the 7 days due to my phone taking a dump into the porta potty (literally), I gave it my best shot on my baby Pinarello and completed 254.41 mi. I ❤️ this bike. It fits me so well and is a pleasure to ride.

There were a few places I chose not to ride because of safety/weather issues:

Devil’s Slide on Day 1, between SFO and Santa Cruz. I “cross-trained” the steep climb into lunch and decided it was too dangerous for me to “cross-train” the steep grade after lunch.

Day 6 Gaviota Pass between Lompoc and Santa Maria. Although I’m told the road is better now because of repairs made.

There were other climbs I had forgotten about and ended up walking due to lack of SAG vehicles.

All in all, I am happy with my performance. Riding half days gave me the time I needed to get my gear, set up my tent, get food and shower, and get to sleep. The facilities where we camped were huge so getting around took at least a couple of hours.

It’s now time for me to put my baby Pinarello back on my indoor trainer so I can get back to Zwifting again. I’m really missing BaseCamp and the friends I have made. The tires on my baby Pinarello are 25cm on which I felt a lot less in control than on the 28 cm tires on my Pinarello e-bike.

For outdoor I’ll be riding my Pinarello e-bike. This bike doesn’t fit me as well, but it seems to handle better and be more stable.

Until we meet up again next time, stay healthy and ride safe!