Riding with a Mission

About

Having not ridden a bike growing up, it was quite astonishing when I rode my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles for AIDS/LifeCycle in 2003.  It was no simple task.  It required months of intense training that got me physically and mentally ready for the ride.  I did it to raise money for HIV/AIDS services.  And more importantly, I did it to raise awareness that HIV/AIDS was still a relevant issue.  Sadly, HIV/AIDS is still a very relevant issue today.  And that is why I’ve registered to do the AIDS/LifeCycle again.  From June 5, 2011 to June 11, 2011, I will once again put the pedal to the metal for 7 days and ride 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  This time, I get to do it with my partner Sam.  (To follow Sam, click here –> Sam’s Training Blog.)

AIDS/LifeCycle raises money for two important organizations, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  As a Southern California resident, I’m riding to raise money for the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, which has been providing HIV/AIDS services since 1982.  Some of their HIV/AIDS related services include providing free or low-cost primary and specialty medical care, providing one-on-one counseling and group therapy, conducting free HIV testing, offering an on-site pharmacy, and providing education and prevention services.  (To learn more about AIDS/LifeCycle, click here –> AIDS/LifeCycle.)

HIV/AIDS does not discriminate.  It affects men and women, young and old, white and people of color.  In fact, while African Americans comprise about 10% of the Los Angeles population, they account for nearly 20% of those living with AIDS.  Latinos account for 17% of new infections yet comprise 15% of the U.S. population.  And according to the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, AIDS diagnoses increased by 34% from 1999 to 2003 in the U.S. among Asian American and Pacific Islanders with Asian American and Pacific Islanders women having the largest increase of all.  Since 2003, I’ve met many courageous folks living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and I’ve also learned that some of my good friends are personally affected.  I am dedicating this ride to them.

2011 marks the 10th anniversary of AIDS/LifeCycle and the 18th for the event overall.  I’m excited to do my part to support this worthy cause.  Will you join me on the journey?  Help me by making a donation today.