AIDS Bike Ride Will Go Long Way to Help

A spirit of courage, compassion and commitment is growing in California, and it’s getting larger every day, evening and weekend. Recently I felt that spirit as I walked among nearly 400 bicyclists who were getting together to practice for a special seven-day bike ride, the California AIDS Ride.

From June 2 to 8, these bicyclists will join thousands of others in a ride along the coast to raise money for critically needed HIV and AIDS services. By peddling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, these riders will give more to the battle against HIV and AIDS than many of us will give over many years.

As a bronze medalist in the 1988 Olympics and a contender for the Atlanta Olympic Games, I know firsthand the motivation it takes to accomplish such a goal. People make heroes out of Olympians--these riders deserve to be made heroes, too. They need our support.

My husband and trainer, Roger Young, and I were struck by the dedication of these riders and by their willingness to make a difference. They’re gay, straight, single, married, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. Some are HIV-positive, some have never met anyone with AIDS. After feeling their enthusiasm and energy and talking with them about why they’ve made this commitment, we knew it was a cause we’d stand behind.

To these riders, the sore muscles, aching knees and stiff backs are tolerable because each mile and hill conquered translates to making it possible for people to live with HIV and AIDS.

Money generated from the ride helps the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation serve friends, family members and fellow Californians in caring, sensitive environments.

Ride organizers told me that the first two California AIDS Rides raised $7 million for HIV and AIDS services. This year’s ride alone is expected to raise more than $6 million--in large part due to the dedication of riders but also because of corporate support from Tanqueray and the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors.

I’ll be vying for a place on the U.S. Olympic Team the first week of June, so I can’t physically support the efforts of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation at the ride. But I will be there in spirit, and I’ll be sporting a red ribbon for the cause.