Profile of a Cyclist - Jon Garrison

To say AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) changed me is a huge understatement. It has deeply affected my life by demonstrating the wide diversity and the significant number of people who are willing to sacrifice things in their own lives to help people living with HIV, many of whom I now consider my close friends and family.

ALC also made me question my own courage. When I first signed up, I wondered if I could even complete the journey; a 585-mile bike ride seemed a little excessive! Through the entire experience, the courage I've displayed has now led others to believe that they too can make a difference, that they too can change the world.

I experienced a world of change in those seven days. As a result of Jon Garrison ALC, my parents came to view HIV as something that was to be fought, not feared. Their support was instrumental in my success, and because of it I was finally able to tell them that I am HIV positive.

Aside from my own personal life, the riders are visible to the general public, and for once there was nothing bad to say about sickness and sexual orientation. We represent humanity at its best and shatter negative stereotypes along the way. We fully represent the hopes and dreams of one day living in a world without HIV.

ALC truly was the experience of a lifetime for me, and I encourage everyone to consider taking part in this incredible adventure.