AIDS Lifecycle
One of the proudest moments in my life, while living in Los Angeles, was riding in the (now defunct) AIDS Lifecycle. It was a bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Getting ready for a training ride.
It took nine months of training, but that year we raised $11 million. Over the 31 years of the annual event, $349 million had been donated.
During the ride was a time of hope, laughter, and much-needed love. Over five days and 575 miles, we were helping others. Every time I pedaled, I realized I was assisting someone in getting medication or mental health care.
We had so many people cheering us on during the day, with drum circles, an Opera Singer, banners, and flags - even a small town hosted a dance party. Every night over the five-day event, we camped. One night we had a BBQ, on another night there was a fashion show and an open mic for comedy and poetry readings. One of the best days of the ride was “Wear Red”. Drag Queens took that theme and ran, er pedaled, with it.
At the finish line, we were all hugging and crying and feeling like this is how the world should be.
“We rise by lifting others.”