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Imagine a bike ride of nearly 300 miles in just three days, surrounded by a community all working toward the same goal: supporting those living with HIV and AIDS. Dr. Carla Smith recounts her first Cycle for the Cause bike ride. From emotional moments like Red Dress Day to crossing the finish line in New York City, it’s an experience that changed her forever.
Cycle for the Cause, The Center’s HIV and AIDS charity bike ride, has been one of The Center’s signature fundraising events since 1995. The ride supports our programs providing crucial services to people living with HIV and AIDS. But even knowing all of that, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional highs and physical challenges of this ride. As I look back on my first ride, I still feel the excitement, exhaustion, and deep sense of purpose that came with this unforgettable trip.
Over three days last week, hundreds of dedicated Center supporters cycled 275 miles from Massachusetts to New York City to raise money and awareness to help us support those living with HIV and AIDS. As a first-time rider, The Center’s new CEO, and someone who’s seen the impact of HIV in my community firsthand, this journey felt incredibly personal for me.
On Thursday, as riders, crew, and staff gathered at The Center to check in and prepare for Massachusetts, I spoke with veteran participants about the ride’s impact. One from Team Eagle summed it up: “There is life before Cycle and life after Cycle.” Now that I’ve completed my first Cycle for the Cause, I understand. I am changed, embraced by the love of this enduring community. It reminds me of how others describe their time at The Center—life before and life after is different. Better.
The ride pushed off on the morning of Friday, September 20 in Westborough, Massachusetts. You could feel the energy and nerves buzzing in the air as we set out. Morgan Stanley, our Presenting Sponsor, led us out to start the first day of the ride. As I rode through picturesque towns and big cities, pedaling across four states, the weight of why we were doing this became a bit easier to carry with every mile of the way.
The support participants received leading up to and throughout the ride was a big motivating factor that helped us all keep going. Family, friends, colleagues, and social media followers answered the call, donating to riders and crew to ensuring we reached our goals. I’m grateful to those who supported me! Thank you for your generosity.
Together we raised more than $2 Million! Our fundraising efforts will support things such as access to PreP, case management services, HIV and HEP C testing, counseling, and more. The donations will help to ensure that we can continue offering these much-needed resources.
Every night after hours of riding, we gathered for programming that kept us connected to the heart of why we were all there. People shared their personal stories—some were living with HIV. People like the Positive Pedalers shed shame and reject stigma by riding with an orange flag on their bikes underscoring their positive HIV status.
Red Dress Day really stands out to me as a memorable moment. It’s a ride tradition where riders wear fun, themed, red costumes to honor the memory of those who’ve lost their lives to AIDS. That ribbon of red riding through the streets was not only visually striking, but it also served as a powerful reminder of the lives cut short by this epidemic and of the strength of our community.
Riding in my red attire, I thought about the friends and loved ones I’ve lost, as well as the people in my wife’s family who have been directly impacted by HIV. Their memories fueled my every pedal, and I felt their presence with me along the way. Wearing red, I felt like I was carrying their memories with me every mile, and it fueled me to keep going.
For me, Cycle for the Cause was a chance to connect with an incredible community of people who are just as passionate about ending HIV and AIDS as I am. I was proud to ride alongside them, and I’m even prouder of what we achieved together.
Crossing the finish line in New York City on September 22nd filled me with joy mixed with exhaustion, relief, and pride. We celebrated at The Center like we were at a big family reunion—full of love and laughter knowing what we accomplished together is going to make a huge difference.
But this ride is just one part of the bigger picture. HIV isn’t gone and people are still dying from AIDS-related complications. More than 100,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV. At The Center, we’re here to keep fighting. We’re committed to making sure that everyone who needs help gets it and that we keep pushing until HIV is a thing of the past.
To everyone who supported us—whether you donated, cheered from the sidelines, or rode with us—thank you. Your support makes all the difference. We’re going to keep riding, keep fighting, and keep working until we reach the ultimate goal: a world without AIDS. Join us.
