©2000 Benchmark Maps		4 Days, 325 Miles on a Bike in the Sweltering Heat of Northeast Summer... Are You Nuts?? Despite the fact that I've not exactly ridden an average of 80 or more miles a day for 4 days straight, I have a feeling I can endure this event better than I fear. No, I KNOW I can do it. What is it? It's a multi-day bicycling ride organized to raise money for AIDS relief efforts around the country. It's not a race, but an impressive test of endurance -- especially to the many who join this event who may not be regular cyclists or athletes, or even have ridden a bike in their lives! The sense of accomplishment gained in both overcoming the physical challenges of the ride and collectively making a huge difference to the fight against AIDS is a truly memorable one. I've heard much about previous AIDSRides that proceeded from Boston into New York in the Fall months and feel a bit of a loss that we won't be "treated" to Fall colors of New England and a reception in New York. Little of that will matter, I'm sure, as there's probably just as much to look forward to in this year's Northbound route. This year's AIDSRide starts on July 19, 2001 in Bear Mountain, NY, a scenic recreational area along the Hudson River, 50 miles of New York City and ends in Boston 4 days later. The route traces the coastal towns of Connecticut along the Long Island Sound, goes through Rhode Island and up the Eastern side of Massachusetts into Boston. About 3,000 riders are expected to participate this year, which I'm sure will be an impressive sight on the road. Camping at the end of each day should be interesting. So-called Mobile Tent Cities set up by the event organizers are quite orderly and well-appointed (ie. enough hot water for 3,000 stinky riders -- woo hoo!). I'm just counting on several helpful hands to show this clumsy fool how to set up a tent properly. Oh... and a tent-mate who doesn't strangle me for my snoring might be nice too. I'll have more news about the route, the legendary rest stop events and nightly entertainment a few days after the conclusion of the ride.
Introduction | The Event | The Cause | Meet the Rider | Get Involved | The Sponsors News & Photos | Rider Goods | Message Board © Copyright 2001-2003 Eshutter Creative LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. "AIDSRide" is a registered trademark of Pallotta TeamWorks.