Modesto Rider Confronts AIDS by Bicycle

It's partly about self-confidence. And ever so much more about compassion. "I have learned that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to. Never in a million years did I think I could or would do this ride," said Jimenez. Now he's demonstrated he could complete this ride. This new-found confidence allows him to express something that's been there a long time. "I have known many that are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, some who have been infected thru drug use and others thru transfusions. So I do this ride for them."

It wasn't easy. "I used to ride my bike when I was in high school just getting from school and home back in 1994. I haven't been on a bike since," Jimenez said. But that changed when he decided to let nothing stop him from completing the 2011 AIDS/LifeCycle trip. "The training I find more mind over matter," he said while in training. "When I first started riding I thought 10 miles was bad, but now I'm doing 40, and it's a piece of cake."

By donating, you can be part of Jimenez's adventure, adding your resources to his pedal pumping to tackle the challenges of HIV.

Photo courtesy of AIDS/LifeCycle

Why We Ride

It's easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is why the work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is so vital. These agencies continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors, and the general public. We ride because--in the current economy--our agencies need these funds more than ever. Ultimately, we ride so that someday, we won't have to.

AIDS is not over

In California alone there are 151,000 people living with HIV. Nationally, 70 percent of all new infections occur in communities of color and people under the age of 25 are increasingly affected.

The costs associated with medical care and treatment for a person with HIV are about $20,000 per year. Access to life-saving drugs, clinical trials and state-of-the-art treatment helps those with the disease live a longer and better quality of life. AIDS/LifeCycle will help those living with HIV/AIDS gain greater independence and get the treatment and care they need. Prevention services geared towards high-risk populations will ensure that future generations will not experience the same level of loss that we have faced in the last two decades.

As the number of people living with HIV increases, so does the need for the services provided by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, the two agencies producing this event.

AIDS/LifeCycle is the only AIDS fundraising bicycle event in California organized by the non-profit agencies that will benefit from the money raised by its participants. Our sole concern is providing critical services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Your support and commitment to this event is pivotal to our success. Your participation and the monies you raise will allow us to provide these critical services.