12 times, I have cycled 7 days, 575 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles in a cycling charity event called AIDSLifecycle.

In route to Los Angeles, I (and 2,000 of my best friends) cycle thru Montecito - Santa Barbara, CA. ( Montecito is the home to Oprah Winfrey ). Each Year, the locals of Montecito - Santa Barbara gather and create their own "Paradise Pit Stop" for the approx. 2,000 AIDSLifecycle Cyclist & 400 Volunteer Crew members. There you can find: chocolate bars, strawberries, homemade ice cream, corn dogs, Twinkies, coco cola, massages, and then some.. ... ALL YOU CAN EAT ...GRATIS!

Years ago (as I ate my strawberries and homemade ice cream), I asked several Montecito residents: "Where is Oprah?"



Check out the story: https://ynottony.com/newsletter.htm
Mail the Invitation: https://ynottony.com/oprahwinfrey.doc
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aidslif...7622491187683/

isnt it kind of sad that she doesnt just participate? I know that she's a busy woman but given that the cause to fight AIDS is so important to her, and that this event isnt exactly small, and especially that it passes through her own home town, I think it's disappointing that she hasnt taken the initiative to support this ride without being petitioned.

It could be because direct donations to the AIDS services is more efficient use of her money. I was on the massage crew for one of the rides in Ca and VA-DC. Later read about the high overhead for these events.


oops, I'm operating by 10yr old news, apparently the present operation has less overhead. my bad

Why put a name on a ride or city? Just because Oprah has a house there in Montecito doesn't mean she should support anything. We don't know her nor does she pay our bills. Heck, she lives in Chicago most of the year and carries on about her business. Clint Eastwood is in Carmel and was mayor. Big whoop! The city was there before he arrived and is still there. People should do what they feel is best for themselves, not because a person or company has their name affiliated with anything.

From your newsletter:
That's so very true. It may not work out, but you never know unless you ask. Good for you.

A few years ago, I started sending an occasional appreciative email to a few authors and journalists if I read something they wrote that was very good in my opinion. In each case, they responded with equal courtesy, answering questions, and in a couple cases resulted in a longer exchange. Of course Oprah is one of the richest and most famous persons in the world... but ya never know until you try. GL