AIDS LifeCycle forced to cancel, an outpouring of love and support follows

The AIDS LifeCycle, which raises money to fight HIV and AIDS, has canceled its ride for 2020, due to coronavirus.

“We have not made this decision lightly, and we have made it in consultation with members of the AIDS/LifeCycle community,” said Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean.

The ride was set to take place from May 31 to June 6, taking riders from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

While there is plenty of disappointment that the event, which many people call some form of “life-changing,” will not take place in 2020, there was also an outpouring of love and support for the event, the people who make it happen and the ride’s mission:

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All the nurses, PAs, doctors – you are so loved. I’m going to miss hanging out with you at rest stops & lunch while putting butt butt’r & good intentions into disposable gloves. Right now you’re needed elsewhere & I hope you are feeling appreciated. #aidslifecycle #roadiesrock

A post shared by Sister Leigh Viticus (@marinanachos) on Mar 18, 2020 at 9:00am PDT

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Yesterday we found out no Dallas trip, no Honeymoon to Galápagos and no AIDS/Lifecycle ride in June. I wallowed in self-pity for a few hours but then took my bike and headed out for a ride to my fave bridge. Perspective was gained by seeing the empty streets and the kindness of the people out and about (always 6-ft apart). So, I want to say THANK YOU for all the people who donated to my ride and let you know the money is still all going to the charity. Love y’all and your generosity helped to inspire me when I needed it most. . . . . #aidslifecycle #alc #instagay #instahappy #gayswhobike #gratitude #shelterinplacesanfrancisco #shelterinplace #activelifestyle #positivevibes #focus #resilience @ridecannondale @aidslifecycle

A post shared by Jeremiah Mayfield (@jeremiahlinc) on Mar 18, 2020 at 7:09am PDT

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When ALC is canceled and so is probably everything you hoped for this year but there is nothing left to do but accept the absurdity of life and commit to doing it next year even though something just as crazy could easily happen. Love y’all for your support. Wash ya hands (and ya legs). #thisisfine #aidslifecycle #oakland #blackcyclist #relatabletings #hellaqueer Shout out to Lara for the gobsmacking, lovely photo shoot I may have to sit on til next year…🤔

A post shared by pup nymph (@pup.nymph) on Mar 17, 2020 at 6:45pm PDT

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Absolutely devastated that the 2020 AIDS/LifeCycle has been cancelled. I understand the decision but it is still heartbreaking for all the Riders, Roadies, Training Ride Leaders, and Cycling Reps that have put in countless hours of work preparing and training for the ride. I am full of gratitude for everyone that has donated to fundraising efforts. The funds already raised, now more than ever, are being utilized to support people and organizations that are in need. The San Francisco AIDS Foundations and LA LGBT Center are continuing to provide vital services and serving vulnerable folks during these uncertain times thanks to you. Thanks to the amazing community of people that support me and a huge shoutout to the ALC riders and folks that I follow on social media. I feel like I know you despite having never met IRL, and our community means more to me today than it ever has. No matter what happens I will always be out riding my bike. It’s the best place I know to process my thoughts and feelings, see the world, and fill my soul with fresh air and sunshine. As my friend and teammate Wendy says, “put it in gear and just keep pedaling”. Looking forward to the 2021 ALC! Right @plattwendy ? 🥔👩🏻‍✈️🚴🏻‍♀️🚵🏻‍♀️ #aidslifecycle #VirtualLoveBubble #SarahTrainsForTheALC

A post shared by Sarah Lindeman (@sarah.pedals.slo) on Mar 17, 2020 at 6:47pm PDT

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Sad to report that #alc2020 is cancelled. I was really looking forward to #aidslifecycle again this year with a sweet new team 🚴 🚴 🚴 Thx for donating. Picking up #cycling made me feel part of the fabric of SF, a healthy positive community. I plan to keep at it! Riding across the 🌉 tomorrow 3/20. Anyone wanna join with appropriate social distancing?

A post shared by @ ktheodowling on Mar 17, 2020 at 1:11pm PDT

Organizers with the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation are encouraging riders to continue fundraising over the next year and carry it all over to an even bigger ride in 2021.

Various people are accepting the challenge:

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With the ride being canceled, I want to thank you all sooo much for your love, support, and donations to @aidslifecycle !!! Last year together we raised $14,138.00 and this year we reached $3,664.83. Totaling $17,802.83! All those funds have helped so many in need. My donation page will stay up because @sfaidsfound and @lalgbtcenter are still in need of our support. Be safe and stay healthy! Thank you all again so much!!!

A post shared by Mario 🚴🏽‍♂️ Martinez (@marmarnyc) on Mar 18, 2020 at 5:23am PDT

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Onward to AIDS/LifeCycle 2021! Despite #alc2020 being cancelled, I’m still committed to riding, esp with the cuties of @teambobalc I appreciate all your support so far ❤️ please continue to support my fundraising goal to provide much needed services: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/calvincam 🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️ Again, a big shoutout to @bicycleangels for the bike loan! They really helped me get used to road bikes 🚲

A post shared by Calvin Cam (@calvincam) on Mar 17, 2020 at 11:55pm PDT

While one virus has forced the cancelation of a fundraiser to stop another, we know everyone is banding together now to stop the effects of both. If you are interested in taking part in the 2021 AIDS LifeCycle, be sure to visit the event’s website.