AIDS/LifeCycle Spawns a Community of Activists

AIDS/LifeCycle participants are ingenious in their efforts to find ways to create new AIDS activists, and share the AIDS/LifeCycle spirit and sense of community.

Carol Hedges, cyclist #1037 is a San Francisco elementary school physical education teacher. For the past three years, Carol has used her participation in the event to teach children about HIV/AIDS, cycling, and the power of shared commitment. Carol travels with helmet in hand and bike by her side from school to school to talk to children about HIV/AIDS and AIDS/LifeCycle. She teaches her students--many of whom are physically disabled--the power of raising funds and awareness, the discipline of training for such an extensive cycling trip, and the commitment to the shared goal of ending the pandemic.

"Physical education can be difficult for many of these children so I tell them about all of the Positive Pedalers who ride the 585 miles despite their HIV positive status, explains Carol. "When the kids get exhausted, I tell them how Positive Pedalers cheer their teammates on and encourage them to fight through their fatigue. It demonstrates how a community can make a difference and overcome seemingly impossible challenges -- like ending HIV/AIDS."

Many of Carol's students write notes and create drawings to express their admiration for the cyclists. Eight year old Shannon writes, "I'm glad you are raising money for people who are sick. I appreciate what you're doing because someone I know is sick...When I'm older, I'll also participate in the bike ride." Fifth grader Cristian writes, "On every ride you go on you save a life. How does it feel to save a life?"

This is just one example of how AIDS/LifeCycle can create a sense of being a part of a greater community for everyone who is introduced to and touched by the event. And, as the event grows, so has the wonderful support of the residents who live in the communities AIDS/LifeCycle passes along the route. Familiar, friendly faces--young and young at heart--at rest stops or lining the road, reassure participants that they are truly making a difference in the fight against AIDS.

Stephen Cadby, Associate Director of AIDS/LifeCycle notes, "This year, participants were especially struck by the many children who greeted them with cheers, banners and chants of encouragement throughout the ride. And the children asked questions-- about their journey, about their cycling experience, their equipment, but most importantly, about how HIV/AIDS has touched their lives and what they can do themselves to end the AIDS pandemic. Each year, AIDS/ LifeCycle creates a wider and wider community of young AIDS activists and educators not only in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but in many of California's small rural towns."

Whether a cyclist gets an extra push through a rough mile, or finds encouragement in reading a child's letter at camp after a long day, this broadening community helps all of us in our struggle to end the pandemic.

Join this incredible community. Registration for AIDS/LifeCycle 4, which will take place June 5 -- 11, 2005 is now open. Visit our website at www.aidslifecycle.org or call us at 415-581-7077.