2,000 Cyclists Head to LA

Updated 6:42 AM PST, Mon, Jun 1, 2009

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More than 2,150 bicyclists from 41 states and 14 nations left San Francisco Sunday en route to Los Angeles as participants in AIDS/LifeCycle, an event organizers say is the world's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser.

An opening ceremony was held 6 a.m. at the Cow Palace in nearby Daly City before the cyclists began their 545-mile trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles, where they are expected to arrive June 6.

A closing ceremony will be at the VA Center in Westwood, said AIDS/LifeCycle spokesperson Ben Carlson. Cyclists left Santa Cruz Monday morning.

Carlson said the journey is expected to raise $10.5 million to support vital HIV/AIDS-related services at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

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 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 days of AIDS/LifeCycle, an estimated 1,080 Americans will become infected with HIV.