AIDS Ride

( printable version ) by Heidi & Derek

Faeries On Bikes at the California Aids Ride 7!!; Well, that's what we hope the headline reads! The truth is, I (that would be Heidi) have participated in four of the Aids rides. My first experiences were as a member of both the motorcycle and massage crews for the DC Aids Rides 2 & 3, then earlier this year, I served as a co-manager of the massage crews for the DC Aids Ride 4 and the Texas Aids Ride 2. My experiences in these events have continued to leave me with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and pride -- not hubris mind you, but a good healthy dose of feeling that I've participated in an extremely worthwhile cause.; Coupled with the fact that two very amazing women (who just happen to be dear friends) are cyclists, and have inspired me to consider actually riding in one of the events this coming year (thanks for this go to my buddies Kathie and Joyce).; Well, when you add to the mix that Derek and I started cycling out here in the lovely arena of the high desert, and Derek's a proven, serious cyclist (and bike mechanic!), and he's been wanting to do an Aids ride himself, well the die was cast!

So, Derek and Heidi have committed themselves to training for the California Aids Ride 7. Over seven days in early June, we will join some 3,000 other cyclists and cycle 600 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. We are awaiting our registration forms as we write, but here's what we're asking our larger community to consider: as riders for the Aids Ride, the registration fee is $45 each, we will be required to raise $2,500 in pledges (and collect the money before the ride), additionally, we will incur expenses in traveling to San Francisco and returning from Los Angeles.; We are asking for support from our community-members-at-large.; So if you are interested in making a contribution for defraying the expenses of the adventure or would like to sponsor us in the form of a pledge, please do not hesitate to call (505.783.4002) or e-mail us for additional information.; We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!

If you have any questions about the event and its sociopolitical ramifications, I (Heidi) will be happy to discuss those with you. These events not only raise millions for Aids services, but they truly are raising the consciousness of the planet (well, at least in the towns and villages through which the ride travels -- and these tend to be rather out of the way places). I have been amazed, astounded, and brought to tears by the outpouring of support from communities through which the DC and Texas rides traveled.; So if you have any questions, please, don't hesitate to contact me!