KING CITY — Thousands of cyclists fighting to end HIV/AIDS will make their way through King City next week while embarking on a 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles for the 16th annual AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride.
The seven-day trek from June 4 through 10 is the world’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, with millions of dollars being raised annually to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Participants — ages 18 to 97, and from nearly every state and 18 countries — will arrive in King City on Monday, June 5, and stay the night at San Lorenzo County Park before leaving the next morning to continue their ride.
According to AIDS/LifeCycle, the bike ride raises important awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, in addition to funding such services as HIV testing and screenings for other sexually transmitted infections, HIV medical care, prevention services and more.
“The commitment that AIDS/LifeCycle participants demonstrate to raising awareness and funds for HIV-related services is awe-inspiring,” said San Francisco AIDS Foundation CEO Joe Hollendoner in a news release. “Without their drive, compassion and determination, our goals of reducing new HIV transmissions and increasing the health and lifespan of those living with HIV would be out of reach. I am proud to ride along these heroes as I participate as a cyclist in my first AIDS/LifeCycle.”
In the seven days it takes the riders to reach Los Angeles, more than 500 people in the United States will become infected with HIV. Statistics show that one out of every eight people living with HIV nationwide is not aware of their status.
Despite the progress that has been made since the disease was first discovered in 1981, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over. There are currently 1.2 million people living with HIV nationwide, and an estimated 39,000 will become infected this year.
“We’re living in unsettling times when the health care of many Americans, including those living with HIV or AIDS, is at stake,” said Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “That’s why we’re more grateful than ever for the heroes — and sheroes — of AIDS/LifeCycle who are journeying 545 miles to help end AIDS and care for those living with HIV.”
Since 2002, AIDS/LifeCycle participants have raised more than $236 million and completed more than 58,000 journeys on bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles. For more information, or to follow their journey, visit the website aidslifecycle.org.
