It began in 1995 and has raised more than $14 million in total, but this year’s Cycle for the Cause bike ride brought in a record-breaking $2.1 million to fund services to end HIV/AIDS. The annual event stretches from Boston to New York City across three days and 275 miles; the money helps support HIV-related services at Manhattan’s LGBT Community Center.

Nearly 400 riders—supported by a crew of nearly 100 people—completed this year’s ride from September 20 to 22.

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Day one: 88.4 miles down. 186.6 to go. You really powered through today. ????

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The Center has a long history of fighting and preventing HIV. In fact, it was founded in 1983 as a direct response to the then-burgeoning AIDS crisis. Groups such as ACT UP were founded there and still meet at the Center.

HIV-related services available through the Center include free HIV testing, education and prevention programs tailored to youth, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, assistance accessing pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), counseling, family planning, a harm reduction program addressing meth use and HIV risk, and referrals to health insurance and housing options.

“We’ve made incredible strides in the fight against AIDS over the past few decades—but as long as the disease exists, we can’t claim victory,” said Glennda Testone, the Center’s executive director, in a press release. “The funds and awareness that Cycle for the Cause raises ensure that we can keep making progress and strengthen our efforts to stamp out HIV and AIDS once and for all.” 

Next year’s ride is set for September 11 to 13. For more details, visit CycleForTheCause.org.

In related news, another New York–based bike ride fundraiser, the Braking AIDS Ride, took place this month and supported the efforts of Housing Works. For more, see “300 Miles, 3 Days and 1 Goal: End the HIV Epidemic in New York.”