George Titterton completed the Ride For AIDS Chicago on July 14, marking the second consecutive year he has participated in the two-day, 200-mile bicycle ride.
This year's event was his best, and he was the third-best fundraiser of 330 riders.
"[It] was such a positive experience for me," he said. "I improved so much because I trained regularly and relaxed. Having done it before I knew what to expect and how to condition myself."
Titterton said he participates to help those in need, particularly the local community as the Ride is produced and supports the Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ).
"I often think of all the wonderful people I knew that are no longer [alive], and it makes me so sad," Titterton said. "Gary Peterson died and no one even knew he had AIDS. He was a huge influence and I enjoyed him so very much."
Titterton raised $11,030 this year.
"It was a total surprise to me that I was able to get this [amount] of money from all sorts of friends and family. It's humbling and so amazing to feel that much love," he said. "The Ride is a very emotional experience. You do your best and hope you have enough. Last year I had people bet against me finishing. I have to admit, [that] really hurt.
"So this year I was so determined to do that much better and not let their negativity take away from my personal accomplishments. I did my best to help those that needed some TLC and support. Everyone struggles [during the Ride], even the best of riders get exhausted and break down."
One of Titterton's fondest memories from the 2014 Ride was simple laughter with fellow rider Todd Johnson. "We were passing a horse event with barrel races. Todd heard a friend's name being called by the announcer. We cycled into the horse ring area and saw his friend just before he had his start. The announcer mentioned that it looked like his fan club just showed up, and off he went," Titterton said. "We met him after his ride and had our pictures taken. All this took less than five minutes and we were back on the road. It was incredible timing."
Titterton said he likely will ride again in 2015. "The Ride is a fantastic experience. Getting to know the other riders is wonderful. It doesn't matter what team they are a part of, as the big picture we are all part of the same team," he said.
Titterton sells custom carpeting, working with talented designers "who create beautiful living conditions and great working environments," he said. "The best part of my job is going to the clients' home and helping with design direction. Sometimes the clients even send me to their second homes. Twice, I have been sent to Maui to assist with a project."
THE STATS
Age: 54
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Relationship status: Single
Job title: Senior Sales Representative, Tai Ping Carpets
Hobbies: Scuba diving, growing orchids, bird watching, gardening, art shows, and traveling
Favorite TV shows: Antiques Road Show, NCIS, Elementary
Favorite professional sports team: Chicago Bears
Preferred drink at a bar: Tequila and Ginger ale
Favorite pizza: Nancy's deep dish chicken cacciatore—"hands down, the best."
Little-known fact: "I would love to have been a painter."
