ALC!

_posts/2018-11-16-fitted-for-alc.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "Getting fitted for AIDS/LifeCycle 2019"
+tags:
+- cycling
+- alc
+---
+
+The impact of HIV/AIDS on the world is difficult to overlook, perhaps more so
+in the San Francisco bay area where the epidemic decimated the gay community in
+the 80's and 90's. While not directly affected, I have supported AIDS-related
+organizations and legislation in San Francisco and California at large ever
+since I moved here over a decade ago. This year I will be trying something of
+a slightly different color: [AIDS/LifeCycle](http://www.aidslifecycle.org/).
+An event which brings thousands of cyclists, roadies, and supporters together
+to ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising millions of dollars in the
+process. This year, rather than donating to friends' fundraising activities,
+**[I will be joining them!](http://tofighthiv.org/goto/rtyler)**.
+
+My journey officially started _this week_, first by taking the plunge and
+signing up. Next up was taking some time off of work to go get properly fitted
+with my commuter/road bike so that I can start training [once the smoke
+clears](/2018/11/10/the-air-is-fire.html) for the **545 miles in five days** of
+exciting cycling between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
+
+---
+
+The meager fundraising goal which I have set for myself is **$5,000**. That's
+not huge, but $5,000 which the [San Francisco AIDS
+Foundation](http://www.sfaf.org) and the [Los Angeles LGBT
+Center](http://www.lalgbtcenter.org) can use to provide preventive care, free
+testing, condoms, and to keep a number of other support services operational in
+our northern and southern California communities.
+
+It has been less than a week and I am already amazed by the support by some
+friends and family who have donated to the cause. From the bigger donations to
+the smallest, like a few $10 donations from some college students I know,
+**everything** is appreciated and will be put to good use to help **end AIDS**.
+
+Between now and next June, I will continue to blog about my training and
+progress. I'm incredibly excited to see how much we can raise for
+AIDS/LifeCycle 2019.
+
+
+The team I have joined, [Team
+ALCaholics](http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR/Events/AIDSLifeCycleCenter?pg=team&fr_id=2110&team_id=19101),
+have set an ambituous but attainable goal of $400,000 this year, and I really
+would appreciate your help in getting us there!
+
+My donation page, and fundraising progress, can be found
+**[here](http://tofighthiv.org/goto/rtyler)**.
+
+I hope you will join me, and thousands of other supporters, to end AIDS!