Despite losing its most high-profile rider, the 26-member Election Cycles team is its largest-ever for the annual Ride For AIDS Chicago (RFAC), up from 15 last year and seven in 2010.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon rode the entire 200-mile Ride last year, along with her husband, Perry Knop, and she also rode the first leg of the 2010 Ride. Neither is participating in the Ride this July, but her fond memories of two sweat-filled days last summer linger.
"The experience was fantastic, though certainly taxing," Simon said. "At the 80th mile of each day, I was really wiped out. But [at] the end of each day, I was very proud of myself for what I had accomplished.
"The hills [along the course] weren't too, too challenging, but the total mileage was tough. To ride 100 miles on back-to-back days, it's a real good test of your legs and your lungs. The second day was challenging, but not more challenging than the first."
Simon said she might participate in the RFAC again next summer.
The Election Cycles this year features three noteworthy returning riders: Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th Ward); Austin Baidas, of Chicago, who is the associate director of office of management and budget for Gov. Pat Quinn; and Bennett Lawson, chief of staff to 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney.
"We sure loved [the Ride]," Simon said. "What a great bunch of people to ride bikes with for two days. It was great to be on the road with old friends and make new ones along the way, too.
"It got to be a more congenial bunch every mile along the way."
Thus, handshakes at the RFAC opening ceremony turned into high-5s and celebratory hugs at the end.
"A bike ride, especially one of that distance, is a good leveling factor. We were all just bikers out there for a good cause," said Simon, who still wears her 2011 RFAC jersey while cycling these days.
"To be able to tackle 200 miles in two days with [my husband] was an accomplishment for both of us. It was fun, a good challenge. It's on our list of possibilities to do again in the future.
"I admire anyone who is doing the Ride For AIDS Chicago, and best of luck to all of them."
For more about the Ride For AIDS Chicago, set for July 14-15, visit rideforaids.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=999164.