AIDS/LifeCycle 4

Earlier this month, over 1,600 individuals pedaled their bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles in an inspiring display of community and commitment to end the AIDS epidemic. AIDS/LifeCycle 4--a 7-day, 585-mile bike journey through California--departed from San Francisco in the early morning hours on June 5th and ended in celebration seven days later in what has grown into the largest cycling event for AIDS in the country. Counting both cyclists and volunteer roadies, over 2,000 people participated in this year's event, raising a record $6.8 million to support the work of the two beneficiaries. This represents a 33% increase from the $5.1 million raised last year. AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by and benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

"We are simply awestruck by the response of the participants in this year's event," noted Stephen Cadby, associate director of AIDS/LifeCycle in San Francisco. "These dedicated participants are a testament to our communities' unwavering commitment to end AIDS."

In addition to the growth in participants, this year's event attracted support from a growing number of national and local sponsors who have found the AIDS/LifeCycle community and media visibility an attractive way to demonstrate their support for ending the epidemic. Presenting sponsor Subaru was joined this year by Bay Area media sponsor, CBS 5/UPN Bay Area, and new major sponsors Wells Fargo and MTV Network's LOGO.

Mark Silva, a Wells Fargo vice president of Wholesale Banking and a 10-time ride participant, noted the importance of their sponsorship as a way of supporting employee participation in the event. "We have an incredible team of employees in both Northern and Southern California who participate in AIDS/LifeCycle every year. This sponsorship allows us to support SFAF's commitment while demonstrating our own resolve to end the AIDS epidemic in our communities," said Silva. Team Wells Fargo had 17 members in AIDS/LifeCycle 4.

In addition to AIDS/LifeCycle's major cash sponsors, the event also enjoys sponsorship relationships with many businesses that contribute significant inkind support, which offsets costs that AIDS/LifeCycle would otherwise have to cover. Included among these donors are Joie de Vivre Hospitality, UCSF Medical Center, Southern California University of Health Sciences, CLIF Bar, American Medical Response and a new bike tech sponsor, Cannondale.

Registration is open for AIDS/ LifeCycle 5, which will take place June 4--10, 2006. Early registration for this event is encouraged. Regardless of your age or physical ability, this event is for you. ALC staff will assist you every step of the way to help you have one of the most amazing experiences of your life.