Three-Day Cycling Event Raises $274,682 for the HIV/AIDS Services of the Center

Every day the country wakes up to news of the depressing economy. What the world doesn't wake up to every day is an update about the thousands of Americans that are dying because of HIV and AIDS, and the thousands of people living with the epidemic who have no financial resources to help them get better. The state of economic affairs is playing a part in the pandemic's rise, and not many people know or seem to care.

But on Sunday, September 13, 2009, 113 riders and a team of 50 volunteer crew members of Braking the Cycle ended their three-day cycling journey from Boston to New York, at the footsteps of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, demonstrating their resolve and their outspokenness about the disease. Together, this small group of dedicated individuals raised $274,682 (Net) for the HIV/AIDS services of the Center.

One of Braking the Cycle's most outspoken riders, Rick Weber, when he addressed the audience at the Closing Ceremony of Braking the Cycle, borrowed from Harvey Milk's famous words, saying:

"My name is Rick Weber and I'm here to recruit you. I'm here to recruit you to be shocked and angry every time we hear of another passing [by someone with AIDS]. I'm here to recruit you to march and volunteer and scream. I'm here to recruit you to donate and legislate. I'm here to recruit you to speak out, to teach the facts about this disease. I'm here to recruit you to embrace this disease. To talk to someone tomorrow about why you rode your bike [and why you supported a rider].  Why you decided to be a crew member. Why you came here today to support the Center. We know that this disease affects hundreds of thousands of men, women, children, gay and straight... My name is Rick Weber and I'm here to recruit you to make a difference today!"

Over the seven-year course of Braking the Cycle, the event has returned over $2 Million to the Center. To learn more about the HIV/AIDS services of the Center, visit us online at gaycenter.org.

To download high-resolution photographs, please click here.