March 3, 1997

Most of us have committed time or money to a cause we deem worthy. We do something to help others in need, and at the same time, feel good about ourselves. Many feel satisfied by simply writing a yearly check or spending a Saturday or two at the soup kitchen during the holidays. While these commitments are worthwhile, opportunities do exist that require months of mental and physical training, as well as a substantial monetary contribution. The Florida AIDS Ride asks supporters of AIDS-related causes to volunteer to change their lives from now until May.

In the intense May heat of Southern Florida, 1,200 bikers, including myself, will ride from Orlando to Miami to raise money for AIDS support groups and research in the Florida AIDS Ride 2. Last year, AIDS Rides across the country raised over $25 million for AIDS research and support. This is more than any single event has raised for AIDS. To maintain these impressive figures, each biker must first raise $1,500 in donations. Only then will they let us bike nearly 100 miles per day from May 16-18th in grueling heat and intense downpours.

Am I worried about the ride? Yes. Actually, I'm more concerned about raising the funds than I am about getting into the necessary physical shape. I have made minor attempts to get into better shape before, but I have never been good at asking for donations. Although I'm apprehensive, it's precisely this challenge and level of commitment that drew me to the ride. If all goes as planned, by May 18th, local AIDS support groups will see both heightened awareness and substantial monetary backing. There will also be a large number of exhausted and jubilant bikers and volunteers who will not forget about their sacrifice until next year.

If you are interested in volunteering or riding, contact the Florida AIDS Ride

Dave Sheldon is a biology teacher at Valencia community college. He is an environmental activist who hails from Minnesota. Gin is his preferred alcoholic beverage. Other Articles I've Written