California: Pacifica Team on the Road Again for AIDS/LifeCycle

June 5 marks the start of AIDS/LifeCycle10, the seven-day, 545-mile cycling fundraiser for California organizations providing direct support for people living with HIV.

The annual trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles has 2,500 slots, which filled up quicker than ever this year. Each cyclist must commit to raising $3,000. The ride saw its best results in 2008, taking in $12.3 million; organizers hope to break that record this year. Beneficiaries include the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

"For a whole week, you are supported by this whole community of riders who are cheering you on. We are there because we have a clear goal that provides clear, concrete services to the community that needs it," said Char Crawford, who has joined her dad Robin Crawford on the ride for the last five years.

"This provides resources for others who wouldn't get help and that's satisfying," said Robin. "Many of the people are riding because they have lost people dear to them. They know how important it is to see no one who has this illness is abandoned."

For more information, visit www.aidslifecycle.org.

Back to other news for May 2011