LOS ANGELES, CA (BRAIN)—Thousands of bicycle riders from around the world acknowledged World AIDS Day on December 1, 2007 by cycling 27 miles in recognition of the 27 years that the pandemic has been in existence.
This year's ride was dedicated to Caleb Glover, a 3-year-old from Alabama who, this past summer, was denied access to a swimming pool due to his HIV status. The decision to plan and dedicate the rides was the brainchild of Brian Hodes, a member of TeamUTAC, or, Until There's A Cure Cycling Team.
Hodes rode in the Los Angeles ride, along with 175 other cyclists. Rides also took place in San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, London, Sydney, New Jersey and even in 31-degree weather in New York City, just to name a few places. On the backs of the cyclists, rider numbers were worn with the number 27 and the name of Caleb.
"Someday, we hope to ride in celebration of a cure," said Hodes. "Until then, we will ride to raise awareness and needed funds to put an end to a disease that has taken away so many of our loved ones and continues to infect men, women and children around the world."
Hodes and many of the participants in the World AIDS Day Bike Ride are also active participants in AIDS/Lifecycle, a seven-day 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in June that raises money and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Last year's ride raised more than 11 million dollars. This year's AIDS/Lifecycle will take place from June 1-7, 2008 with over 2,500 cyclists.
