(Photo provided by AIDS "Ride for Life" Website).
The AIDS “Ride for Life” is the Southern Tier AIDS Program’s (STAP) largest fundraiser, attracting more than 400 riders every year.
People from all over the country participate. Some even come from other countries to participate as well.
This is the 21st annual AIDS “Ride for Life.”
The ride will begin on Saturday, September 7th, with riders arriving and reporting at 6 a.m. at Stewart Park in Ithaca.
It is a 102, 90, 69, 42, 25 or 14 mile bike ride that begins at Stewart Park and continues all around Cayuga Lake.
Most people sign up for the 102 mile ride.
“The ride is a fun event,” said Cynthia Rotella, Event Coordinator for the Ride. “It’s a terrific event. We have nine locations around the lake where riders can stop to have water, gatorade or food. There is also medical assistance all around the lake.”
It takes about 300 volunteers to cover the lake, according to Rotella. So STAP is always looking for volunteers to help out.
On Friday, September 6th however, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a packet pick up and a health & fitness exposition that will be open to the public.
During this exposition, the program will inform people about their different services.
With HIV/AIDS prevention not being the only service they provide. STAP also provides an opioid overdose prevention program among many others.
This ride provides a life changing experience for many participants from all backgrounds.
Cyclists and volunteers come together for the common goal to do something great for the community.
STAP is serving record numbers along with caring for clients who have HIV/AIDS, which is still an epidemic in this day and time.
"Last year we raised about $255,000," said Rotella. "All the raiders raise money. All the riders are obligated to bring $300 each. Some people even raise to about $1,000. All of the money stays and goes to the programs and services we offer."
To register or for more information about the event, please visit the AIDS “Ride for Life" website.
(Photo provided by Cynthia Rotella).
