In recognition of World AIDS Day ( Wed., Dec. 1 ) , the Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) will open registration for the 2011 Ride for AIDS Chicago that day.
Early registration is $50 until Jan. 30; the registration fee jumps to $85 after that.
The two-day, 200-mile bicycling ride benefits HIV/AIDS charities in Chicago, and the 2010 event raised more than $300,000.
The 2011 Ride should be TPAN's most successful ever, as organizers also announced that a structured training program will be implemented.
"One of the most significant changes to the 2011 Ride will be the structured training for all riders," said Richard Cordova, TPAN project manager. "This program will allow anyone—couch potato to seasoned rider—to train at a level that works for them."
The TPAN training program will begin in January with indoor cycling classes at Andersonville's Cheetah Gym. As the weather starts to warm up next spring, TPAN will move the training outdoors and divide the group based on everyone's fitness level.
The weekly training rides will progress participants in completing the Ride for AIDS Chicago, a double century ride.
The 2010 Ride featured about 200 Riders and 64 Crew.
TPAN registration goals for 2011 are 350 and 100, respectively.
"With our dedicated Community Partner Program, we're expecting to increase participation in 2011," Cordova said.
"For those that want to be part of the ride, but aren't able to ride a bike for 200 miles, [ being part of the ] crew is the answer. Since the ride has a goal of returning 100 percent of the money raised back to the beneficiaries, it is through the tireless work of the crew during the training rides and on the weekend of the event, that we are able to make that commitment. Crew members not only complete their own fundraising, but are also responsible with providing support, such as water [ and ] snacks, in addition to route support and safety throughout the weekend.
"Without the crew, the event could not happen."
The 2010 ride raised $300,000, with almost 100 percent of the money raised going back to the beneficiaries.
"The fundraising special event standard is returning [ about ] 50 percent to the organization, so we think that this is something that sets us apart from the rest of the charity fundraising events," Cordova said. "We realize how important is it to people that the money they raised goes back to providing actual services to people living with HIV/AIDS and we help honor that commitment."
Cordova, 32, a Lakeview resident, has completed three of the rides, six marathons and three half-marathons. He also ran the annual Hot Chocolate 15K Nov. 6.
This year, Cordova was the captain of Richard's Riders, the most successful fundraising team in the ride's history. With 25 riders in 2010, Richard's Riders raised $39,340, which was "more than we could have ever imagined," he said.
The team will be back in 2011 with even loftier fundraising goals: $50,000. "We're going to need everyone's help to make this a reality," Cordova said.
"This ride, even though it is heading into its 10th year, is still grassroots activism at its finest," he added. "Knowing you are part of something so special that makes a difference in the lives of people living with this disease is priceless. It's a tough economy out there, but knowing that you are asking people for money that directly funds agencies that provide direct service to people who are living with HIV/AIDS is something that just can not be matched."
TPAN has several other incentives to encourage registration for the 2011 Ride in December: One is that the first 50 riders to register will get a free month of membership at Cheetah Gym. In addition to the free indoor-cycling classes, people who register will get a discounted membership during the training season and can join without an initiation fee.
To register for the 2011 Ride For AIDS Chicago, go to: www.rideforaids.org
