Employee Bikes for 545 Miles, 1 Cause
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Kevin Powell has been a cyclist for less than half a decade, but his most recent rides have been impressive lengths.
The Labor Relations Officer for Human Resources is winding down from his 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles – an annual seven-day ride called AIDS/LifeCycle.
Powell, who rode with his partner and a team of San Diego cyclists from June 1-7, called the event “life-changing.”
“You have to train for it and you’re on the ride with a lot of powerful people, those living with HIV and AIDS. There are a lot of inspiring stories,” Powell said. “It puts it all in perspective.”
Read on to find out how Powell trained, who he rode with and why he does the ambitious trip.
What exactly is the AIDS/LifeCycle, Ride to Ends AIDS event?
It’s a bike ride that raises money for AIDS prevention, medical services, education and research. This year was the 13th year they’ve done the ride. You have to raise at least $3,000 to participate, but many people raise a lot more.
You bike 545 miles in seven days with 2,400 riders and 600 supporters on the sidelines. There are rest stops every 15-20 miles with food, water and bathrooms. It’s like a moving city! We average about 70 miles a day, with the longest ride being 108 miles.
How did you find out about the event?
I fell into this about three or four years ago. My partner was doing the ride and we did it together two years ago. This time, we did it with the San Diego team — about 30-40 riders.
It’s a great way to build relationships with people that are interested in raising awareness. It’s a really supportive function. It’s like being in high school sports again!
Do you compete in the ride? Or is it all just for fun?
No. It’s a group effort to raise money for the foundation, which is the goal of the ride. It’s more fun to be on the ride and share camaraderie than to compete.
How much money was raised this year?
About $240,000 was raised through the San Diego team, with a record-breaking $15 million raised as a whole. They announced the total raised at the beginning of the race to give us motivation for the trip. It’s a cool way to start the ride.
How did you train?
I’ve been cycling for four or five years. The training is harder than the actual 545-mile trek. We devote the weekends from January until the ride on our bikes. I’ve learned more about the County of San Diego on my bike than in my car!
We also did spin classes through the week. The worse thing is to go on an event like that and not be prepared, because you won’t enjoy the ride. Being on a team really helps keep you accountable.
How difficult is the trek?
They joke that it’s all downhill, but really you’re going uphill, so some parts are difficult. But the coastline is so beautiful, it’s not too hard to enjoy the ride. (Check out the ride’s route here.)
One of the hardest things about the ride is that it falls when the fiscal year ends, which is a typically busy time for us!
Do you have a favorite moment of the 545-mile journey?
My favorite part of the ride is day four. You’re halfway to LA and you get to overlook Morro Bay, and then you come down into San Luis Obispo and you’re on the central coast. Not only is it nice because you’re halfway through the ride, but it’s absolutely beautiful.
Why do you ride? Will you continue to participate?
I think one of the reasons I ride is that I feel like it gets rid of stigma for HIV and AIDS. It’s a positive example for a disease that people usually have a negative connotation of. It’s a powerful statement. As time goes on, it’s a good reminder for the younger generation who may not remember the ‘80s and ‘90s.
If anyone wants to do it, contact me! It’s a great organization and they do a great job. They’re very supportive. It’s a very good group to be a part of.
