Cyclists With a Purpose Continue Trek Down Coast

Updated 1:05 PM PST, Mon, Jun 1, 2009

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More than 2,150 bicyclists from 41 states and 14 nations woke up in Santa Cruz this morning as they continue their AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride down the state.

Riders will need their cold weather gear at least to start the da. It's cold along the coast, starting the day at 49-degrees and very foggy.

The group began their journey in San Francisco on Sunday en route to Los Angeles.

The group left the Cow Palace to the cheers of hundreds of people who turned out to support their 545-mile trek.

Organizers said this year's ride is the first since federal health officials reported that new HIV infections are much higher than previously thought.

During the seven day race, an estimated 1,080 Americans will become infected with HIV, according to officials.

A closing ceremony will be at the VA Center in Westwood, said AIDS/LifeCycle spokesperson Ben Carlson.

Organizers say the ride is expected to raise $10.5 million to support vital HIV/AIDS-related services in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Organizers said participants on the weeklong ride include cyclists and a volunteer support crew of hundreds of "roadies," ranging in age from 18 to 78.

"People come to AIDS/LifeCycle to fight a disease," said Mark Cloutier, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and one of the cyclists. "But the event is also a celebration of health. Participants have the physical strength to complete a challenging course, and the emotional connectedness to help others succeed on an exhausting, yet exhilarating journey."

Carlson said riders train for months to prepare for the rigorous ride, and raise a minimum of $3,000 each to support the work of the two sponsoring organizations. The event has raised approximately $50 million to fight AIDS since it began in 2002.

"The economic recession has deeply impacted HIV/AIDS service providers on all fronts. Charitable giving and government funding of HIV/AIDS support services are dropping while the number of people who need free or low-cost services is going up," said Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

"Our participants and their supporters recognize the urgent need for HIV prevention," Jean said. "I'm proud of the AIDS/LifeCycle community, and I'm deeply grateful."

Organizers say the event is the world's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser.