Roadies & Volunteers

Why We Do It

"I have been a rest stop volunteer for six years now, and several of us 'veterans' keep returning because we've gelled into this crazy little family that travels from rest stop to rest stop with new costumes for each day. While considerable time and expense go into our preparations, and while the long hours of rest stop work are exhausting, I'm amazed at how much joy I receive from supporting such an inspirational group of people: the cyclists. What a thrill to cheer for them every day. Honestly, the week feels like a retreat for me, as roadies and cyclists work hard and invest themselves and their resources to fight HIV/AIDS together. Remember how the Grinch's heart grew a few sizes once he realized the deeper meaning of Christmas? I sort of feel like my heart does that every year on the ride."

Tom Musbach
Rest Stop 4
AIDS/LifeCycle 1, 2, 3,4

"My commitment to AIDS charities began in 1989 after the death of my brother, Mark. This year, I'll be celebrating my fifteenth year as a volunteer by being a roadie for the third time on my 50th event, AIDS/LifeCycle 3.

"But I won't be riding a bike. I'll be working. Hard. And most of my eight work days will be longer than each of the cyclists' seven ride days. I'll spend that time leading a team of amazing roadies. We'll start off as strangers, but after more than a week of waking before dawn, working, playing, eating, traveling and tenting together, we'll be old friends.

"I can ride a bike any day. But it's a rare day when I can point to a movable city of committed fundraisers and say, 'I did that.' Personally, I can't imagine doing an event and not doing it as a volunteer. it's just that simple."

Donna Trujillo
Advance Set Up A Captain
AIDS/LifeCycle 1, 2, 3,4,5

"When I first heard of the event I did not know anyone with AIDS but as a gay man I thought this would be a great way to fight the disease and help others dealing with it. That first year changed my life, so now as AIDS/LifeCycle 3 marks my 8th year, I am still in the fight. Every year it continues to be the experience of a lifetime with never a dull moment. And it amazes me how every year thousands of strangers turn into great friends and family over the week. So I'll continue to do the event as long as I am needed."

Tim Garis
Set-up B Captain
California AIDS Ride 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
AIDS/LifeCycle 1, 2, 3,4,5.....

"ALC is about raising money. My reason for volunteering on ALC is simple: to support the SFAF and LAGLC. By giving cyclists an amazing experience on the way to LA, I hope to help increase the number of people who ride and raise money next year. In return, the ALC community shows me that caring, energetic people can make a difference in the world."

Mike Kutner
Lunch Stop Captain
AIDS/LifeCycle 1, 2, 3,4,5

Contact Us