Additional reporting by Brian Addison.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural ride, where over a 100 cyclists raised over $30K, the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach and C.A.R.E. Program at St. Mary Medical Center have announced the kick-off party for the 2nd Annual Long Beach AIDS Ride
Set to take place on Sunday September 7 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at Alfredo’s Beach Club, the event will provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the ride, the route and how to train properly before the big day. Additionally, tips on how to successfully fundraise before the ride will be discussed, while attendees can also register for the ride on-site.
Meanwhile, the ride itself (which will roll out on Saturday, November 15, 2014) is set to both honor the 3,000 Long Beach residents we have lost to the disease as well as help the estimated 1,400 currently living with HIV/AIDS. In other words, the event is to showcase not just the fact that HIV/AIDS, though removed from the devastation that the diseased caused during the ’80s and early ’90s, still deeply affects many, but that there is still a goal to reach an AIDS-free generation.
As with last year, riders can choose between a 40-mile or 70-mile one-day ride or a newly featured 8-mile family fun ride. Those who raise the most funds will be honored for their efforts by the Long Beach AIDS Ride committee.
Alfredo’s Beach Club is located at 5101 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803. For more information or to register visit the Long Beach AIDS Ride website.