AIDS/LifeCycle forges new path with Center Ride Out from LA to San Diego

ELYSIAN PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's the dawn of new era for AIDS/LifeCycle which has helped raise more than $300 million for HIV and AIDS services since 1994.

The inaugural Center Ride Out for the Los Angeles LGBT Center rolled out on Friday morning from Elysian Park.

Joe Hollendoner, LA LGBT Center CEO said, "After 30 years of doing AIDS/LifeCycle we decided it was time for the next chapter in this event's legacy and so we decided rather than do a seven day event, to do a three day event instead."

More than 300 cyclists and volunteers started a three-day bike ride.

Cyclist William Blanco said, "I think really it's my turn to help the community."



Center Ride Out has raised more than $800,000 for the LA LGBT Center which provides life-saving programs and services to those who need them.

"It's important to give back to the center that I've used before," Blanco said. "The services I've gone to and used for free and that are available for all people in LA, whether LGBT or ally."

Cyclists will ride more than 100 miles through LA into Riverside County where they will set up basecamp at Lake Skinner near Temecula.



Justin Mikita said, "So AIDS/Lifecycle we had seven days. The routes were always set. We knew every day what to expect. What the climbs were going to be like and this is all new. So we have 110 miles today and I've never done this route before so we'll see how it goes."



On Saturday those participating will have the chance to take part in two rides, or rest and recharge before pushing almost 90 miles to San Diego on Sunday.

"The AIDS/LifeCycle was life changing," Megan Shutzer said. "I think there's never been a community that I've been a part of as an adult that's so supportive and that's working to together toward such an important cause."

The three-day cycling dvaenture is more than fundraising.

Riders said it's about resilience, community and pride.

Shutzer said, "Preserving this community which is such a special group of people coming together every year and I feel really lucky to be here."



Blanco added, "it is gratifying, hard. It is challenging and at the end it's just one of those moments that really kind of changes you."

When the riders make their final destination to San Diego the fun isn't over.

There's a block party where they'll be celebrating their achievements and also all the money raised for the LA LGBT Center.