On June 1st, at a very, very (very) early hour, 2,500 cyclists and more than 600 support crew (or "Roadies") will set out from San Francisco on a 7-day journey to Los Angeles. While each participant will have a personal reason for doing The Ride, we all work to support the efforts of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the LA Gay & Lesbian Center - two organizations who make life easier for those living with HIV and AIDS.

The Ride also raises awareness that AIDS and HIV are not over - and that the need to fight the spread of the disease is as imperative as ever. Through the money the ride raises - $11 Million for ALC 6 last year -the beneficiaries can continue to provide services and education to meet the ever-expanding needs of the community.

For those who experience it, The Ride is a life-changing event - if for no other reason than because it's seven days spent in a bubble of good will. That bubble just happens to require butt balm.