Like father, like daughter
MADISON (WKOW) -- In the previous six years of the ACT/AIDS Ride, Steve Nadler always watched from afar.

"I've never heard a single person associated with this ride say anything negative whatsoever," said the philosophy professor. "They take everything as it comes, and they take it as part of the experience."

Just because Nadler has never ridden in the event that meanders 300 miles in four days doesn't mean he's a stranger to long bike rides. "My wife and I once did a long ride across Europe, and I've done long distances for a long time, but just for pleasure," he said.

Then the idea sparked heading into summer of 2009 to ride in an event that's associated with a cause. With his daughter Rose home from college at the University of Michigan, he thought a few months of training together would be fun, and worthwhile.

"It's a good way to bond, he's always been into it," agreed Rose Nadler.

"It's a just a way to have fun while contributing something to the community," said Steve. "It seemed to be an important cause, the AIDS Network ride."

While Rose Nadler doesn't know someone directly touched by HIV or AIDS, Steve said he had two friends who passed away from AIDS in the mid- to late-1980's.

As they set out for one of the numerous training rides from their west Madison home, it's obvious Steve is the expert on two wheels; his daughter is the bicycling novice.

"I'm up to 70 miles, but before that it was around the corner, down the street," she said as she described her limits. "I don't think I've ridden a bike since I was ten."

Rose Nadler even sports a scar she got on her knee from falling off a bike while trying new cycling cleats. Yet at least three times a week this summer, she hopped back on, with her father by her side, filled with determination to finish all 300 miles by the time the ACT 7 AIDS Ride begins in early August.

"Twenty miles seemed tough to me, now I'm like twenty miles, that's nothing," Rose said proudly. "It was good to see that she wasn't possibly the slowest person on the face of the Earth on a bicycle, and that everyone was mutually supportive," jokes her dad.

In fact, it's been weeks of part laughs, and part support, both for a good cause, and for each other. "I've never understood why he wanted to go do 100 mile rides, but I think it's good bonding, and yeah, I understand a little bit about him," said Rose.

Rose and Steve Nadler, first time riders on ACT 7, training ride leader on ACT 8

I signed up for my first ACT Ride in 2007 for many reasons: to get in shape, to meet new people, to get riding again, to raise money for an organization and a cause I believe in, and to prove to myself that I could ride 300 miles. But the number one reason I joined was to honor all the people I knew who have lost their lives to AIDS and those who are still living with HIV. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia from 2001-2003 where 1/4 of the population is living with HIV and, as a direct result, the life expectancy is only 37 years old. I saw first hand how devastating this virus can be to families and communities and have seen far too many amazing people die from this disease.

That is why I signed up for my first ride. The reason I keep coming back for more is because for 4 days I get to be surrounded by the most compassionate, inspirational, non-judgmental, welcoming, supportive people I have ever known. The ACT ride community is unlike any other I've ever known. Through the sweat, the tears, the unflattering spandex, the laughs, the rain, the hugs, and every mile ridden, I love every moment of it. Whether it's the person at the top of the hill who stopped to cheer me on, or the crew member who unflinchingly rubs my sweaty back, or the sweep vehicle who blares some 80s rock to get me pumped up, we are all here for the same reason and we thrive off all the positive energy around us.

Speaking of great people and positive energy, it was on ACT 5 where I met the man I would soon fall head over heels in love with. Nate and I were just two riders participating independently on this great ride, until the last night in New Glarus when a large group of us went out to the local pub. We drank a few cold beers (which somehow tastes so much better after a 100 mile ride) and I met the guy who would become my best friend and life partner. Three years later we are more in love than ever. Just one of the many reasons that the ACT ride is so important to me.

It is imperative that we do not forget, that we keep fighting for a cure, that we lovingly embrace all those affected, and that we keep... on... riding.

Karri Bartlett, rider on ACT 5, 6 and 8

I first became interested in riding to raise money for AIDS organizations while living in Philadelphia. Fear that I couldn’t do it, a lack of organization, a record of a very small percentage of the funds raised going to the charity as a result of wasteful spending and the availability of other fundraising events kept me from participating in those rides.

In 2008, outgrowing my clothes and constantly feeling tired, I realized the need to focus on my own fitness. I began working with a personal trainer. Andy at Horizon Fitness helped enormously by building core strength and endurance. But without a goal my interest began to fade. Many of my Madison friends are involved with the ACT Ride. All of them encouraged me to get involved. Scott Staples provided the straw that broke the camel’s back. After that I began training, registered for the ride and replaced my 27 year old bike. I had found my goal. But, to be honest, in the tradition of Leos around the world it was still “all about me”.

Unlike the ride in Philadelphia, the ACT Ride community supports the fundraising with dedicated volunteers and a sharp eye on expenses. I also find fundraising comes naturally when raising money for an efficient quality driven community organization like the AIDS Network.

The camaraderie and encouragement from the training rides led me to volunteer as a ride leader for ACT 8. I generally lead rides Wednesday and Saturday. I hope to meet you on a training ride. Whether you are going to ride, crew, sponsor someone or just a friend I encourage you to come out and peddle a great cause.

In the end, after 4 days and 300 miles, in the height of my own zodiac, this Leo did something that was not “all about me” and it felt great!

Dean Pedretti, first rider on ACT 7, training ride leader for ACT 8

I do the ride to 'fight the fight' for individuals that I case manage that aren't able to do the ride. Even though some people may not be there in person on the ride, the flowers that I put on the back of my bike represent all the clients that I serve.

The ride offers me the ability to go out and meet other people who are willing to join the crusade of putting an end to HIV/AIDS. Without the ride, there would be many small communities still 'out' there not having a clue what AIDS Network does or what the ACT Ride stands for.

When I am gearing up and preparing myself for the ride, I always look at my helmet and pause for a minute. Some of my clients see me as a helmet for them because it's my job to help keep them safe, protect them and be there for them. So when I look at my helmet and am about to get on my bike and pedal, I think about all the clients that are inside that helmet to keep me safe and protect me.

Dan Leamy, Case Manager, AIDS Network and ACT 6,7, 8 rider

ACT 7 was my first ride and even though the weather was absolutely, unbelievably horrible, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I've made so many lifelong friendships that I would have never had the chance of making were it not for the ride. I learned a lifelong lesson that I can truly do ANYTHING I set my mind to. And most importantly, I learned how kind and generous people can be. I will keep riding until there is a cure.

Lana Chute, first time rider on ACT 7, training ride leader for ACT 8

Not knowing anyone connected with the ride when I started training, I soon got to know a collection of friendly, helpful, humorous and caring folks. It was a diverse collection of people with one major trait in common – the will to make an effort to help others. With hundreds of miles behind us and more in front of us, we often laugh together, sometimes we cry together, and when we need to, we hang on and help hold each other up.

Jim Thompson, veteran rider on ACT II, III, 4,5,6,7,8

I ride because when I found out David, my step-brother, had AIDS I didn’t know what to do. He lived out in California and I was here in Madison, and like the rest of my family, I struggled with feeling helpless because of the many miles between us. David lived over 10 years with AIDS and an unknown number of years as HIV-positive. During that time he took advantage of his “good days” by being as active as possible: hiking in the mountains, white-water rafting, mountain biking, you name it. He kept himself as strong and capable as possible.

When he died in 2004, I wanted to find a way to honor his life and the way he lived with AIDS. By riding in the ACT Ride, I honor David by doing my small part to raise awareness and to insure that people here in Wisconsin, living with HIV and AIDS, are able to have the support and care that they need. I am honored and grateful to ride with such dedicated people- all of us woking hard for a single purpose. We are different ages, we come from different backgrounds, and we all have our own story. For four days each August we create a loving and supportive community together that exists in all our hearts for the rest of the year, until we get to do it all over again.

Annie Kalson, first time rider on ACT 7, veteran rider on ACT 8

I participated in ACT III because I had just been hired by the AIDS Network. I kept being told over and over again that the ACT community was a special one, but I never imagined that it would end up being so inspiring. The enthusiasm and will of all those involved in this ride is something that can never be explained in words. You truly have to be there to feel it.

I ride as a personal challenge. When I rode in ACT III and I didn’t finish because my nephew passed away. In ACT 7, I wanted to have the experience of finishing it. I did and I cried.

Wes Radtke, rider on ACT III and 7

I am part of the kitchen crew. When people come through the breakfast line they appreciate that we got up at 3:00 a.m. to prepare. I am not able to ride, but I have something to contribute, my contribution matters and I feel special. A young man named Mike McKinney once told "Mom, being on the ACT Ride is one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime, and it will change your life forever!" Volunteering on the ACT Rides has certainly changed my life forever.

So why do I crew? I crew because for four days, I join a community of people with a consuming synergy of commitment. For four amazing days we celebrate together our loved ones, family and friends who are no longer with us. We also celebrate those we may never know and those who live daily being positive with this disease. When the riderless bike is escorted in we become one: we cry together, we embrace and hold one another because we remember.

I crew with an amazing group of people led by Tom, a small gentle, giant of a man whose commitment and energy is contagious. We chop, dice, slice, fry, bake, stir and cook together because that is how we support our ACT family.

Each year I look forward to coming back to this giving community of love, sharing and caring that I often wish I could bottle up and bring home. And on the final day, I cry because I can't put it in a bottle and bring it back home.

Barb McKinney, crew member on ACT 5, 6, 7 and 8

It was the late ‘80s when I first witnessed what AIDS could do to a person…on the outside. I ran into one of my friends at a yearly gathering, and he looked like a walking skeleton. I learned he had AIDS. I had no real idea what it was all about, other than I knew he was dying…Over the next couple of years, the story repeated itself. I would run into people at the same annual gathering, as we had all been involved in Drum Corps for most of our lives…and another friend would have “the look”. My heart would sink every time. More than anything it scared the hell out of me. Why was this happening and how was it taking people so quickly and ferosciously? It was a very hopeless and scary time.

Looking back, I wish I would’ve reached out…held and told these guys that they were loved…because I would never get another chance to do so. I’ve lost 12 friends over the years since then. Thankfully a few are still fighting the good fight.

I started doing the AIDS rides 11 years ago because I felt like I had to do something, anything to combat this horrible monster. It has helped me overcome my fears and given me a way to honor and remember these wonderful men that were taken way to early. I’ve developed so many life long friendships over the past 10 years. I feel as though I have been given a great gift to share and pass on. The community of the ACT rides is a huge part of my life, and for that I am truly grateful. Never underestimate the power of a hug.

Kristin Mathews, veteran rider of all ACT rides and several Palotta AIDS rides

First-time ACT rider gives back after life's obstacles
MADISON (WKOW) -- For Bret Schuhart, the bicycle is both a crutch and a source of freedom. "I'm never pain-free, walking is an extreme challenge for me," said Schuhart at Vilas Park in Madison just before he set out on another training ride for the ACT 7 AIDS Ride.

"People just look at me and they wonder how I'm able to ride a bike." Schuhart is unable to stand straight up on his own, due to a history of injuries, infections, and complications. The story of his health goes back 27 years.

"Initially I fell off a cliff 70 feet, back in 1982, and that's what started all my spine issues," he said describing a climbing excursion on Gibraltar Rock near Lodi. "My lower back is fused with metal rods from when I fell off the cliff." He was laid up in a body cast for nine months. He would heal from that, but life kept throwing challenges.

In 1994, Schuhart was diagnosed with HIV. His emotions then tumbled. "Anyone with HIV or AIDS struggles with depression," he said. "You wonder why you should try anymore." Schuhart describes the years that followed as ones filled with harsh life lessons about living with the disease. Finding someone to share his life with seemed impossible after he would reveal his status.

"One of the harshest realities for me was that having children was no longer an option." Drug cocktails became the norm, including more drugs meant to pacify the side effects of the pills that more directly treat the virus and his immune system.

Schuhart said he became a shut-in. With a weakening immune system, he repeatedly developed pneumonia. Three years after his diagnosis, he sought help from AIDS Network. A case worker was assigned. Volunteers would show up to do house chores like snow shoveling and raking. He found small personal items like laundry detergent through the center's pantry service. Schuhart even sought legal advice through the agency. "There's just a wide gambit of things I've been able to tap into."

Then in 2007, an infection struck his neck. "We're thinking it was some residual infection from the pneumonia that I had struggled with, which is indirectly related to a compromised immune system." Doctors removed vertebrae. He spent six months back in a body cast. It was during that rehabilitation in a pool where Schuhart found the motivation to not only heal, but to improve to the point that he could participate as a first-time rider in the ACT 7 AIDS Ride.

He recounted advice he received from an uncle. "It made me realize after being a shut-in in my house for a couple of years, it was time to expand my world, and I was the only one that could do that." With another surgery slated for September to straighten his back, Brett Schuhart decided to challenge himself to ride 300 miles in four days through the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin as a way to get in shape for the looming procedure.

"We all have struggles in life, we all need help to get through those struggles, and we can't forget to help the people who get us through those struggles," he said. Schuhart will have help. When another ACT rider heard his life story, the out-of-state rider lent a bike won in a raffle two months ago, and donated it to Brett. It's easier to pedal and lighter in weight than Schuhart's last bike. "It was like getting into a Corvette compared to a Chevy Vega," he laughs.

The new bike now resembles Bret's new path in life, hoping to make it easier up any obstacle thrown his way. "It's been an overwhelming experience, and it's only just begun," he said. "I'm scared, but I'm excited," he added. "If I can't that's cool, but I'm determined to do the whole 300 (miles). At least, I hope."

Editor's Note: Bret did successfully complete ACT 7, had back surgery and is re-habbing so he can be ready for ACT 8

Bret Schuhart, first time ride of ACT 7 and AIDS Network client

ACT 8 will be my seventh ACT ride-three as a rider and four as crew. Since each year brings many challenges and awesome memories, it's hard to pick out one favorite ride. Below is a montage of some of my favorite memories:
• Dressed up as Minnie Mouse directing riders into Lunch Pit in Stoughton.
• Organizing PM Pit and hawking Zola during Mardi Gras day out in the middle of nowhere at one of the most beautiful state parks I've seen.
• Struggling up yet another hill on day four in the pouring rain with Libby and Michelle encouraging me to keep going. I may have always ridden with the caboose, but here's the best kept secret on the ride - caboose rocks!
• Crewing as sweep during ACT 7 and having to sweep riders into Lunch Pit during a thunderstorm. As always, everyone may have been soaked, but we were all safe. I even gave out my last three pairs of socks to riders just because that's what crew is all about.
• But without a doubt, the memory I will hold in my heart forever is hearing Mike McKinney's booming voice shouting out, "Go Rider!" during the last ACT Ride he was with us when he was crewing as sweep. Thanks, Mike

Nancy Buckwalter, crew member or rider, ACT II, III, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

>>Read the stories of the Steering Committee and why they volunteer.