AUSTIN, Texas — A cycling couple took their friends and their bikes to California for one of the biggest rides of their lives — all for a good cause.
The ride aims to:
- Fund the work of centers providing free HIV/AIDS medical care, testing and prevention services
- Raise awareness to end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS
- Provide a positive, life affirming experience for people affected by HIV/AIDS
- Grow community of activists, volunteers,ambassadors fighting to end AIDS
- Honor those who have passed from AIDS-related causes
The AIDS/LifeCycle event has cyclists ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for HIV/AIDS research.
At around 550 miles, the trip is the longest ever taken by Austin couple Andres Araiza and Will Garner.
The pair and their team — the Quad Squad — was able to raise around $80,000 in donations before traveling down the Golden State.
"You’re really reflecting about all the people that have died because of HIV and AIDS over the years. so it’s not only physical endurance it’s also a time to push yourself to think larger about this community and what we need to do to end HIV/AIDS," said Arazia.
More than 2,500 cyclists joined the Quad Squad at AIDS/LifeCycle. This year, the charity event raised $16.6 million.