Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - Monday, June 4, 2007
Demian Bulwa, Chronicle Staff Writer, dbulwa@sfchronicle.com
"Did we bring enough butt balm?" asked Barbara Beaton, 49, a rider from Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The 545-mile trek to Los Angeles is no ride in the park. But many in the field this year said the gain was worth the pain as they did last-minute muscle stretches, hugged supporters, posed for pictures, ate energy bars and listened to rousing send-off speeches before putting feet to pedals at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
Much of the hard work had already been done, with each rider raising at least $2,500. Combined with the fundraising of 450 volunteer "roadies," organizers said, the ride is expected to pull in $11 million -- a record for the event, now in its sixth year, and a nearly $3 million increase from last year.
The money goes to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center for prevention and treatment of AIDS, which afflicts an estimated 151,000 Californians.
Riders wore red and white helmet covers that said, "Ride to end AIDS," which will later be stitched into a giant ribbon. They said they wanted to honor family members and friends who had succumbed to AIDS, or support the hard-hit gay and lesbian community, or combat a growing misperception that HIV and AIDS are no longer an urgent problem.
Many said the ride just made them feel good.
"I'm always amazed at how it opens up my heart," said Aura Bland, 46, of Alameda, who with her partner carried photographs of a friend they lost to AIDS in 1993. "For one week, I see the best of humanity, and I always hope I can take it back into my life afterward. If it wasn't that kind of experience, quite frankly I wouldn't do it, because it is quite grueling."
Leading the pack of riders was a 150-strong contingent of "Positive Pedalers," including Matt Chapman, a 48-year-old San Francisco resident who has been living with HIV for 22 years. Chapman said last year's ride was cathartic as he honored the many friends he had lost.
"This year," he said, "it's more about being part of life."
Riders -- ages 18 to 78 -- from 43 states and 10 countries were to travel 90 miles Sunday before camping on a ball field in Santa Cruz. They'll bed down in King City, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Ventura before arriving for closing ceremonies Saturday in Los Angeles.
In preparation, organizers are carrying 1,024 portable toilets and -- to prevent rashes in a sensitive area -- 18,000 packages of butt balm.
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