Cycle Ride to Benefit AIDS Groups

On Sunday four Los Angeles AIDS organizations are producing the first AIDS Cycle Challenge ‘88, a bike ride to raise money for Southern California AIDS groups and to educate the public about acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The event begins with registration at 7 a.m. at the Park Central Picnic Grounds in Griffith Park.

More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in one of the three courses, beginners (25 kilometers or 15 miles), intermediate (50 km or 31 miles) or advanced (100 km or 62 miles). There will be professional cyclists, as well, and film and television celebrities on hand. Riders will follow designated courses that wind through Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank and return to Griffith Park.

The producers of the event are AID for AIDS, Being Alive/People with AIDS Coalition, Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center and Minority AIDS Project. Co-sponsors are 13 other AIDS service organizations from Los Angeles, Long Beach and the Inland Empire. Administrative costs for producing the ride have been donated by American National Telecom, the event’s corporate sponsor.

The Cycle Challenge is modeled after San Francisco’s AIDS Bike-A-Thon, founded three years ago. Last year the San Francisco cycling event raised more than $300,000 for a dozen AIDS groups.

Following the cycling, there will be a barbecue and entertainment. Actress Belinda Montgomery will sing with her own band, as will gospel singer and TV actress Mable King.

Of special interest is a “people’s work of art” called the Wall of Love. Composed of snapshots of people who have died of AIDS and messages of love and support for people with AIDS, the Wall of Love will be unveiled as a post-ride celebration and then be donated to the city of West Hollywood for public display.

Information: (213) 464-7400 or (213) 464-0029.