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. 

Several LezGoers attended!

The rain and chilly air didn’t keep almost 50 people from attending Austin’s first World AIDS Day 5K Fun Run on Tuesday evening. Sponsored and organized by the Capital City Front Runners, Austin’s very own gay and lesbian running group, it was a touching event to participate in. The group started around sunset at the Mopac bridge for the 3-mile run, stopping midway through at City Hall to participate in a ceremony. KXAN News was there to cover the event.

Runners donned both red flowers and red lights in remembrance of those around the world— and in Central Texas—that suffer from HIV/AIDS. The lights and flowers were also symbols encouraging greater awareness and prevention of the epidemic. According to the United Nations, roughly 33 million people in the world live with HIV. Agency spokesman Micah King of AIDS Services of Austin estimates that nearly 6,000 people in Central Texas have the disease. “World AIDS Day is an important date for remembering those we’ve lost in the epidemic and reflecting on where we are in preventing the disease and treating those who suffer from it,” King said.

This event was only one of many in honor of World AIDS Day. And although the day is done, you can still do your part to support the community. The AIDS Services of Austin is a great organization that respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic. Visit their site to learn more: www.asaustin.org

Also, coming up this spring is the annual Hill Country Ride for AIDS on April 24, 2010. Get on your bike and ride either 10, 45, 65 or 100 miles to raise money for the cause! www.hillcountryride.org

Don’t be left out! Meet at the stretching area under the Mopac Bridge at 5:30 pm and follow the running group over to City Hall. The official slogan for this event is “Running together – Supporting each other” and as such, the pace will be relaxed, allowing all ability levels to join in. 

Once at City Hall, a few positive and supportive words will be spoken for all of those who continue to live and fight with HIV and AIDS. In addition to raising AIDS awareness, this event is also about bringing awareness to a gay lifestyle that is both healthy and social, helping to break stereotypes that tend to define us. Following the ceremony, everyone will run on back over to the Mopac Bridge.

In solidarity with AIDS awareness, each runner is encouraged to bring a red flower and to carry a red flashing safety light. If you do not have a light, they will try to provide one for most people. Don’t forget to wear red, also! 

But running isn’t the only fun to be had. Rusty Spurs will be hosting the after party at 7pm with food and drinks. 

More information can be found at http://www.capitalcityfrontrunners.com/Site/World_AIDS_Day_2009.html

Just do it!