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We all have our own personal reasons
for taking on a Challenge of this magnitude. Many of
us ride to honor or support a loved one. For some of
us, HIV and AIDS has affected us personally. And many
of us ride to prove to ourselves that we can do it.
That we can accomplish our goals. That we can make
a difference.
No matter what your reasons, we are
all riding as one teams with one common, unifying goal.
Please read the following stories and ask yourself
this question - why do you ride?
How Will You Ride?
By Jeffrey O'Connor
Why am I doing this ride? I have
yet to pinpoint one specific reason. I understand
that I ride because I have made a commitment, not only
to myself, but to those family members and friends
who have stood by me and supported me through this
spiritual endeavor that has yet to play itself out.
I am beginning to find a stride and a pace for myself.
I have discovered that I actually do have a fashion
sense for cycling gear and that spandex is pretty damn
comfortable and can be sexy. If I keep up with the
spandex this fall, I may even be Axl Rose for Halloween...not
that I find Axl Rose sexy.
I feel refreshed that the ride has
not even begun yet and already I am having the time
of my life. This whole experience is a challenge, but
quite exhilarating at the same time. The question "why
we ride?" has been answered, but we can go further.
I propose a question to everyone involved that you
can brainstorm before we ride out together. How will
you ride?
"Why," You Ask?
By Janelle Ruelly
Because I can. Because I am able.
Because they are less able. Because I graduated from
law school. Because I am about to take the Bar Exam.
Because who could say "no" to four days with Maggy
Krell? Because philanthropy and awareness is vital.
Because cycling is an amazingly gratifying hobby. Because
of the cause. Because I could devote the time to training.
Because Ruby makes riding a joy. Because I wanted to
invest in a whole bunch of new gear. Because I haven't
been camping in ages. Because Table Mountain petrifies
me. Because those tan lines are so hot. Because I get
to eat bagels, burritos and pizza while training. Because
I also get to swallow lots of bugs. Because of that
feeling you get when you hit 25 mph coming down the
hill from Folsom. Because it's fun to weave out of
butterflies' way. Because of the light at the top
of his head. Because Kriss Kross'll make you jump,
jump. Because I finally found the perfect headband.
Because even after three days of long rides, I know
I'll be psyched to wake up for day four. Because if
I can do this, I can do anything. Because $100,000
means so much to so many.
Because of her. Seriously.
Reasons to Ride
By Amber Hespler
I admit that when I
initially heard about the ride, I decided to do it
for selfish reasons. I wanted to be able to prove to
myself that I could not only take on a new sport, but
I could tackle an endeavor such as the one presented
in the NorCal AIDS Challenge.
As I participated in
the training rides and met the people who were involved
in the organization of this ride, those who were participating
and the experiences of each person, my reasons for
riding quickly changed. It came down to the fact that
this wasn't about me. This ride is about helping other
people in my community. It was, and still is, about
doing something beyond myself.
Needless to say, after
sharing four days with some of the most compassionate
and optimistic people I have ever met, I couldn't help
but tell everyone I knew about the experience. When
I mentioned to my parents that this year's ride might
be short-handed with crew, they both jumped at the
opportunity to offer their support. It didn't take
much to convince my cousin Tina to ride as well because
it was an amazing and selfless cause that directly
helps other people.
AIDS is still at epidemic levels and has become an
equal opportunity disease that does not discriminate.
Approximately 40,000 people become infected with HIV
in the United States each year, with many of those
under the age of 25. It is a sad reality that HIV is
spreading as fast today as it was ten years ago.
Unfortunately, the "window" of
health is short-lived for some living with AIDS.
Without warning,
their bodies stop responding to the drugs. Their T-cell
counts drop and their viral load goes up. No one yet
knows why this sometimes happens. What we do know is
that when these powerful drugs stop working, there
is little hope for medical success.
The crisis is not over. Prevention education is crucial
and services for people living with HIV/AIDS are essential.
As people live longer, the number of individuals seeking
assistance and the types of programs they need to support
them continues to increase. Every year there are medical
advances, and we feel more hopeful, but we cannot become
complacent or comfortable. We must fight against the
disease and for dollars, research, and the best quality
of life for those living with the knowledge that one
day the drugs may stop working.
Please click here for information about our beneficiaries.
Please click here for HIV and AIDS statistics.
"This
event is about using your life to battle a disease
that affects thousands.
By participating
in the Challenge, you can make a difference."
- Doug McCalla, Executive Committee member and Positive
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