Geoffolution: World AIDS Day Ride 2010

While A-list celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Katie Holmes will be signing off of social media on Wednesday (Dec. 1st) to help raise $1 million for families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India, around 100 riders, most dressed in red, showed up in Santa Monica this morning for the World AIDS Day Ride (WADR) 2010. I was one of them.

Getting up at 6am on a 45'F Sunday morning wasn't fun, not at all. I managed to get myself out of bed, had light breakfast and showered, then drove to the meeting point, Bike Effect in Santa Monica. I met some old friends that I haven't seen in months, Tommy, Kathie, Tony, and other friends from ALC and Different Spokes.

After a brief introduction by Brian, the event organizer & longtime AIDS awareness advocate, and safety speech by Jen, the WADR officially roll out around 8.20am. The 30-mile (32.6 to be exact) route was to commemorate the 30th anniversary of HIV/AIDS. We rode through Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hill, Koreatown, and LA Live in Downtown LA before arriving at the LA Mission, where we had a short memorial ceremony and red ribbon dedication.

This was my first time riding in downtown LA, and first time in the skid row! While 1% of the general population are affected with HIV/AIDS, there are 8% of them in the skid row.

I've ridden 3 ALC and met many friends who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Besides that, as a healthcare interpreter, this year I started to work with clients of APAIT - I've learn so much about their life and medical conditions from all the doctor visits. I want to dedicate today's ride to all of them.

Really enjoyed today's ride. I will ride in RED this year until there's a cure. Project Ride RED