Are you ready to be a part of the biggest AIDS fundraising event of the year? This Thursday is the official kickoff party of the Hill Country Ride for AIDS! Join us this week on Thursday at La Zona Rosa downtown from 7-9pm. It’s a free party, so you have no excuse for skipping out on this annual event that just may inspire you to dust off the ol’ bike from the garage– or splurge on a new one! You don’t have to be signed up to ride, just come, meet other riders and crew and found out more about the event.

For those of you that have never participated, it’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of. The Hill Country Ride for AIDS is a 50-mile bike ride through the Texas Hill Country that takes place on April 24th, 2010. By riding a bike for one day of your life, you are making a huge difference for someone for the next 365 days. And if this sounds too daunting, volunteers are always in need and welcomed.

So how does it work? First, simply register for the ride as an individual or a team. Then start fundraising. I can’t tell you enough how surprisingly easy this part is. The Hill Country ride folks offer so many tips and techniques for fundraising, that you can’t help but succeed. 

Then start the training for the 50-mile race. If 50 miles sounds like too much (or too little!), you can ride the 10-mile muleshoe spur or add the Olympic extension for a 70-mile ride. Still not enough? There’s even a 100-mile century option. Whichever route you choose, everyone out there on a bike is a hero to the people living with AIDS. For months prior to the event, there are organized training rides that help you get up to speed– and meet new friends on the road. And don’t worry, it’s way more fun that hitting up the gym.

The ride has raised more than $3 million to support thousands of Texans living with HIV and AIDS. Several non-profit AIDS service organizations are the beneficiaries of the Hill Country Ride for AIDS that provide vital care and services to thousands of people with HIV/AIDS 365 days a year. Beneficiaries include orgs like AIDS Services of Austin, ALLGO, The C.A.R.E. Program, OutYouth, Waterloo Counseling, and more. It’s pretty amazing what this Ride helps accomplish.

Check out the Hill Country Ride Kick-off Party event invite on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208033620691&index=1. I know I’ll see you there!

And when you’re ready to learn more or register for the actual ride, visit www.HillCountryRide.org.