Braking the Cycle is one of the most incredible experiences you can ever have. The caring and sharing of one rider to another is unbelievable. Being part of this AMAZING team of dedicated people is even better. There is nothing better than being out on the ride and you want to get on your bike but you can't because of some side effect of this disease. You don't have to say a word, facial expression says it all. Another team member looks at you says, "It's ok, I'll ride for you". On the outside we look great, but on the inside there are days where it just hurts.

It's been 6 years in which I have traveled through 5 states and have ridden my bicycle over 1,600 miles. I will be back on my bike this year and every year until there is a cure. According to the NYC Department of Health, The number of new HIV diagnoses last year was 3,965. Only 42% of those new diagnoses were gay men. AIDS doesn't care if you are gay or straight! AIDS doesn't discriminate. AIDS STILL KILLS!

Riding in charity rides was always a way I felt that I could help others. I still am, but I also do it for me. Living with this disease is a struggle. A lot of the time you are asking yourself why? Now what? What if? And WHEN? When will the next big break through happen? When will the cure come? Will it? I believe it will come; it's just a matter of time. Until then we have hope. Until then we need to care for each other. Until then we need to erase the stigma that comes with this disease.

Doing this ride allows me to take my negative energy and channel it through the bike. To be out on the road with a group of like-minded people, totally committed to ending this disease. To ride side by side with these people who are not afraid to talk about HIV/AIDS to their friends, family and co-workers is the best feeling out there.

I ride for a number of reasons:

I ride so that I can hopefully save someone's life.

I ride so my kids can grow up in a world without AIDS.

I ride for those who struggle with this disease every day.

I ride for those who are no longer with us.

I pray that someday there is no need for a ride. Until that day comes, I ride!

Click here to make a donation in support of Rick.

275 miles, 3 days, 1 Destination - THE END OF AIDS