Why I Ride
I ride to honor those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. I ride to remember them and remind others that HIV/AIDS is still a problem. While treatment and prevention options have improved since the early days of the pandemic, our objective must continue to be a cure and the first HIV/AIDS-free generation in decades. This is within reach, but it won't happen overnight and it won't happen without continued focus and commitment.
I try in many forums to express how special AIDS/LifeCycle is. It remains an example of what I believe our world should be: a society that is supportive and caring, empathetic, united toward a common goal, and focused on that goal to ensure that no one is left behind. Riders and Roadies are kind and friendly. There are no barriers. People of diverse backgrounds are united for a single purpose: to raise money and awareness in the battle against HIV/AIDS and ensure that all 3,000 participants are safe and successful in traveling from SF to LA during the 7 day journey.
I've been committed to this event and cause for years. It was a different world when I did my first ride in 1995. I was 33. I didn't know what I was getting into. It rained. It was cold. I was uncomfortable. I chafed. But I stayed with it and rode again. And again. This will be my 19th ride. People ask me if it gets harder. It definitely does. Mentally and physically. But I'm an athlete. And I now know what to expect. I train diligently so that I am ready. But the Ride isn't about me. It's about the novice participants. First-time riders are an exceptional group of people. I admire and am in awe of them. They take on something new, that is an incredible physical and mental challenge. Their bravery and commitment should be applauded. They deserve every hug and high-five they receive along the way.
During AIDS/LifeCycle opening ceremonies, Lorri L. Jean [1] often reflects on what future generations will think looking back on our current struggle, especially during the early days of HIV/AIDS. She poses the question, what will your answer be to a future generation that asks what you did to end HIV/AIDS. On many levels riding a bike for a week is a small thing. But 25 years of AIDS Rides in California, involving nearly 50,000 people, have raised more than $246,000,000. More significantly, we have changed the world, if not in full at least in our little corner of it.
Our journey continues in 2019. On June 2nd we'll depart the Cow Palace for what promises to be an amazing week. I'll leave you with a quote attributed to Edward Everett Hale that has stuck with me through the years.
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do
xxoo, Mike