The only cycling event designed to raise money for people living with HIV/AIDS takes Saturday, Oct. 15, and begins at 7:30 a.m. at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo and makes a pit stop at Madison Square & Garden Café in Laguna Beach.
“This is a great ride for a terrific cause,” said Jorge Rodriquez, MD, who is chairing the event this year. “Cyclists can cover the 100 or 62 mile route – or ride as much as they like. It really is about the message not the miles.”
The route passes along the Santa Ana foothills, through Orange, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Alison Viejo and San Clemente before returning to Saddleback College.
For those not riding the entire route, vehicles will be available to bring cyclists back to the Saddleback College start line.
All money raised by the cyclists goes directly to client services provided by AIDS Services Foundation Orange County, which helps about 1,600 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County. Last year 100 riders took part and raised nearly $100,000. This year OCRA organizers are looking for an even larger turn out and hope to raise at least as much as last year.
The registration fee is $50 and riders are required to raise a minimum of $250. Rider check-in begins at 5:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony starting at 7 a.m. The route opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., followed by closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Registration is available at www.ocriddeforaids.com or call ASF at 949-809-5700.
Ride chair Jorge Rodriguez suited up for last year’s ride.
