diff --git a/_posts/2018-11-16-fitted-for-alc.md b/_posts/2018-11-16-fitted-for-alc.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..011e1fa --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2018-11-16-fitted-for-alc.md @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +--- +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!