What is a Roadie?
Roadies are selfless individuals who volunteer their time for the full week of AIDS/LifeCycle. For 7 days, these folks dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to waking up very early and going to sleep late to move this event down the coast.
Once registered, you’ll be connected with our NorCal or SoCal Roadie Coordinator who will work with you to place you on a Roadie team, inform you of any fun AIDS/LifeCycle social events, and keep you involved in our year-round community!
In early 2018, each Roadie is placed on a team led by a volunteer Roadie Captain that determines the job you will have for the week of the event. In the months leading up to the Ride your Roadie Captain will give you an overview of your day-to-day schedule on the Ride, remind you about necessary paperwork, and help you prepare for the adventure ahead!
Not totally convinced? Listen to why Audrey, Mark, Dan, Ray, Jason, and Matt choose to Roadie, and what this week means to them!
Teams and Positions
The entire Roadie community (about 650 volunteers) is split up into 32 working groups, or Roadie Teams, for the duration of the week. While Roadie jobs may vary in skill and physicality, each job is crucial to the success of the event!
Click on the icons below to see the teams!
Fundraising for Roadies
Although Roadies have no fundraising minimum, we are a fundraising event and encourage you to do so! AIDS/LifeCycle participants raise funds for critical programs and services at San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Last year, Roadies raised $700,000!
Roadies take a week off to move tables, pick up garbage, mark huge tent grids, hand out bananas, and the list goes on. They work together and create magic out of a warehouse full of supplies. How many people do you know who volunteer for a full week? YOU are an inspiration!
Your family and friends may not understand why you would do such a thing, but we bet they are impressed. Tell them your story, and tell them why AIDS/LifeCycle means so much to you. Why are you making this sacrifice? Ask them for their support, and you will likely be surprised.
We even have fundraising recognition for Roadies to give you that extra push of motivation. Check them out here!
Ready to get started? Check out our online resources and contact your Roadie Coordinator!
Roadie FAQ
Q. When do we start working on the Ride, and will I get to see the Opening Ceremony?
A. Depending on your team assignment, you are welcome and encouraged to attend Opening Ceremony.
Q. How do I get around each day?
A. Once you are on the event we provide all your transportation. Generally you travel with your team in a truck, car, van or bus.
Q. Can I bring my own vehicle to the event?
A. Due to limited space, insurance requirements and team continuity, the general answer is no.
Q. Will I be able to participate in the Closing Ceremony?
A. Yes, all Roadies and Cyclists are encouraged to participate in the Closing Ceremony.
Q. What hours will I work every day?
A. Each Roadie team is different; each team has their own special schedule. Some teams start at 5:00 am each day and they are usually the first to finish their duties. Other teams start later and finish later, and breaks are built into each shift.
Q. Do Roadies Fundraise?
A. Yes, absolutely! Many Roadies do fundraise. While there is no requirement to do so, we encourage everyone to try. The reason we are doing this event is to raise critical funds needed for those living with HIV. In AIDS/LifeCycle 2016, Roadies raised over $625,000! For further information about fundraising, please check out the fundraising page on our Participant Resources section, or contact your Roadie Coordinator.