California: Cyclists Test Mettle With Pedals in San Francisco-Los Angeles Ride for AIDS Care

On Sunday, about 2,150 cyclists began the first leg of a 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise AIDS awareness and program funding for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles' Gay & Lesbian Center. At a time when California faces a massive state budget crisis, the eighth annual AIDS/LifeCycle event drew fewer participants than in previous years, making every donation essential.

"We raised $10 million that is really critically needed, in spite of the economy and particularly in light of the cuts that the governor is proposing for HIV care," said Debra Holtz, a foundation spokesperson.

The bike route began at the Cow Palace arena, and cyclists from 41 states and 14 countries traveled a total of 79 miles, much of it on coastal Highway 1. About 500 volunteer "roadies" helped coordinate traffic and stops for sustenance, rest, and first aid for injuries and dehydration.

"All the riders and roadies come together not only to support each other, but to spread awareness and educate the communities that we ride through," said roadie Michael Cook. "The fundraising was a little tougher than last year, but we made it," said cyclist Jordana Jones, whose Kitty Kat Club team rode with faux cat ears on their helmets. "I raised $3,500."

"I lost my first partner of 17 years and also my identical twin to AIDS back in the '90s, so this ride is great for me because I can remember them in a big way," said cyclist Lonnie Payne-Clark, whose friends and supporters helped raise more than $6,000. "I keep going back to the well every year because they know how important it is."

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