AIDS	AIDS awareness fuels nation-wide bike ride by Amanda Dawkins

AIDS, a disease killing an estimated 3 million people in 2000, continues to infect the world’s population with pain and loss. Family members who have lost a loved one to AIDS can rest assured that there are people in the world who care about the cause of AIDS awareness, counseling and research. Those who live with the virus can also rest assured that they are not alone and battle their virus head-on with collective strength from their communities. Though there is not a cure, awareness of one the most important elements of AIDS prevention. Thousands people will respond to the continuing AIDS crisis with their own sweat and tears this summer in one of Tanqueray’s AIDSRidesUSA.

From July 9-14, over 1700 participates will bike through America’s Heartland to raise money for AIDS research. AIDSRidesUSA has become one of the most powerful responses to the AIDS crisis in American history. The trail begins in Minnesota’s Twin Cities then heads into the small towns of America’s Heartland. The 500-mile bike ride ends in Illinois where participants will be honored with a closing ceremony in Chicago. In this massive wave of compassion and ambition, many people find their own courage and joy with the realization that they have accomplished something few have done in their lifetimes.

Many people say that AIDSRide is the best-organized event they have ever been a part of. Though the trail may be long and intimidating, the organization offers enticing benefits and rewards. On the trail, riders will find roving bike technicians, water and snack stops.

One of the main attractions is Mobile City. With a population of 3000, riders will find hot meals, warm showers, and massages when they arrive at camp each afternoon. The program also provides riders with a daily newspaper that provide inspiring profiles of the riders, general information on the event, and changes in the day’s route.

Participants are asked to raise $2500 and to attend training programs that will prepare them for the arduous race ahead. AIDSRide’s Official Outfitters offer informative seminars on topics ranging from how to fix a flat to how to pick a bike.

For seven years, AIDSRide worked diligently to make this ride a success. AIDSRide raised over $125 million for AIDS service organizations all over the country. The funds raised will open doors for people who are affected by HIV and AIDS. Doors that may otherwise remain closed. Counseling and high quality health care is made possible. Teenagers also learn how their actions could put them in jeopardy of contracting HIV. These services and hundreds more are enhanced, broadened, and made possible through the funds AIDSRide raises.

AIDSRide offers various fundraising opportunities for those who want to participate in the ride. Innovative pledge forms allow donors to make big pledges over an extended amount of time. Pledges who offer to donate $250 can donate on their credit card and pay $50 a month for five months. The organization assigns Rider Reps to each participate who guide them in their fundraising, help set their goals, and coach them to success. AIDSRide also provides invitations for Houseparties where inspiring speakers will come to the participant’s home and talk about the organization and its purpose.

Tanqueray’s AIDSRide sponsors three other trails that are held in other parts of the country. Tanqueray’s Northeast AIDSRide, California AIDSRide, and Washington D.C. AIDSRide are among those held each year.

Cathleen E. Blanton, who participated in Washington D.C.’s AIDSRide in ’99 felt the ride is a worthy investment of time and dedication. "I rode it and I honored the dignity and courage of millions who are fighting for their lives and the stigma of a terrible disease", she said.

Lisa Zeler, another rider, reflected on the emotional atmosphere at the closing ceremonies. "Closing ceremonies were great", she said. "A riderless bike was rolled down the center aisle by several people who have lost loved ones to AIDS. We were welcomed with open arms treated like heroes."

Those interested in participating can visit www.aidsride.org and request a brochure discussing terms of registration in more detail or they can call the organization’s toll free number at 1-800-825-1000.