AEGiS-BAYW: Mass Red Ribbon Riders trek across the state this weekend

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Mass Red Ribbon Riders trek across the state this weekend

Bay Windows - August 11, 2005
Ethan Jacobs, ejacobs@baywindows.com.

Nearly 200 cyclists will trek from the Berkshires across the state to the suburbs of Boston Aug. 13 and 14 to raise money for HIV/AIDS service providers in the second annual Mass Red Ribbon Ride. Thus far riders have raised over $250,000, and ride manager Andi Genser said organizers hope to raise more than $400,000 as the pledges roll in this weekend.

The 12 sponsor organizations, which include AIDS Action Committee, AIDS CARE/Hampshire County, JRI Health, and Cambridge Cares About AIDS, have planned events throughout the weekend to celebrate the riders and the organizations' work to end the AIDS epidemic. On Aug. 12 the opening ceremony for the ride will be held at First Baptist Church in Pittsfield from 7 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday there will be a photo exhibit showcasing the work of the 12 sponsor organizations called Being Positive: Faces of AIDS in Massachusetts. The exhibit, which is open to the public, will be on display at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton from 2 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 13. The riders will camp out at the high school that evening. On Aug. 14 the exhibit will be shown from 2 to 5 p.m. at Regis College in Weston, the final destination of the riders.

The ride closing ceremonies will also take place at 6:30 p.m. at Regis. Genser encouraged the public to come to Regis that day any time after 1 p.m. to cheer on the riders as they arrive, help set up for closing ceremonies, and enjoy the ceremonies with the riders and their families. She said the riders could use the support, since they will ride 100 miles from Northampton to Weston that day.

"Just the idea that there would be a lot of people cheering them in would be so amazing," said Genser.

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