All the feels on Cycle to Zero
Hundreds of friends, teammates, veteran riders, volunteer “crew” members plus Cycle to Zero newbies came together May 29-31, 2026 for a weekend filled with all the feels.
“The love for my community” is what Kyle Pelchy, team captain of Funky Monkey, says brought him to the event. “There is definitely a personal impact, too,” he said. “I’m in support of everyone having equal access to PrEP or to treatment. I can’t help but be involved–because without these resources a lot of us wouldn’t have treatments.”
Ronald Viernes, an AIDS/LifeCycle veteran on team Outspoken said he joined Cycle to Zero to experience the love bubble again this year.
“I wanted to come back and do the event with my team and see the community of Guerneville. It’s a feeling of home. It feels familiar. And it’s nice to have a community here to come back to. I’m looking forward to more years of this!,” said Viernes.
“My favorite moments have been just seeing everyone,” said Scott McMillen, part of New Bear Republic, as he waved cyclists into the lunch stop on Day 2. “Everyone has had a different experience and story, and everyone is out there because they believe in what they’re doing.”
Cyclists, volunteer crew members, staff, and other supporters gathered early in the morning at Fort Baker on Day 1. The first day brought nerves and excitement as cyclists gathered in the early morning fog, the Golden Gate Bridge providing a stunning backdrop.
As the day warmed, cyclists traveled north through the California redwoods to the riverside town of Guerneville. Along the way, the vistas were sweeping and the roads were peaceful. Crew at rest stops and lunch stops along the way greeted cyclists with snacks, hydration, and creative costumes. Strawberry “blessings” were received, cowboys lassoed cyclists, and cyclists relaxed in the shade with their teams for lunch.
“The views through wine country have been just stunning. So calm, and so relaxing,” said Richel Bickert, who traveled with their team Sapphic Cycling Club up from L.A. to be able to ride through Northern California. “None of us had ridden through Sonoma before. And we were like, ‘This seems like it will be really, really fun.’”
Maria Rebolleda-Gomez, also with Sapphic Cycling Club, said the scenery on the first day brought them to tears. “I love the redwoods, I deeply love them,” said Rebolleda-Gomez. “The moment we entered the little road towards town, and we were surrounded by redwoods by the river, I started crying. It was incredible.”
A campsite at the serene Johnson’s beach in Guerneville greeted cyclists at the end of the day. Participants spent the afternoon unpacking, finding campsites (or hotel rooms!), showering, meeting up with friends, and taking a quick dip in the river.
That evening, the community gathered for dinner at the campsite with an invigorating stage presentation that featured dancing and drag by Nikki Jizz, a powerful call to action by legendary activist Cleve Jones, laughs and joy from Sister Roma, music by Mama Celeste, a heartfelt welcome and thank you from CEO Dr. TerMeer, two awards presented by the Positive Pedalers, and the announcement that the event has raised $1.798 million.
The evening continued with smores by the fire, hosted by Positive Pedalers.
On the second day, an ambitious set of around 100 cyclists chose to ride the century, while others opted for shorter routes around Sonoma County.
After a tiring day in the sun, participants gathered on Johnson’s beach for a lively beach party (complete with pie eating contest!) and to relax in the river.
The party continued that evening at “Red Dress Fest,” along First Street in Guerneville, and our community turned out in sequins, chiffon, and all shades of crimson for the festival. Our community cheered as folks strutted down the Red Dress Fest Runway.
Louis Hornberger, captain of Rest Stop 1, appreciated the opportunity to socialize during the festival outside of official volunteer duties. “The extravagance of everyone in their Red Dress outfits, it was very fun,” said Hornberger.
Towards the end of the festival, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence led a moving candlelight vigil across the pedestrian bridge, with the Positive Pedalers flags from AIDS/LifeCycle adorning the sides of the bridge.
While the party continued for some into the evening, many folks hit the sack early to prepare for an early morning ride out.
Day three brought views, views, and more views as cyclists traveled west to the ocean, following the curves of the coastline down Highway 1.
Cyclists wound their way along the coast through Bodega Bay, Tomales, and Point Reyes Station before turning inland to make their way to Mill Valley and their final destination and the finish line in Sausalito.
“Riding is not the easiest thing, but being out here with all of your friends is a really good way to do it,” said Aaron Trieu, who is a first time cyclist with the Marin and Malibu Marauders and long-time Roadie on AIDS/LifeCycle. “It’s a great way to get through the long miles.”
Register for Cycle to Zero 2027!
Join us next year! Registration for next year’s event, held May 21 – 23, will be open for a limited time.
