My first time participating in Braking the Cycle!

Posted on October 8, 2010, 1:57 PM, by Glennda Testone, under Advocacy, General.

Braking the Cycle is one of the most incredible experiences a person can have. It was my first time participating in the ride. I was one of over 100 riders who cycled nearly 300 miles over 3 days. The bonds you create, the passion you share for a common cause-the end of HIV/AIDS, and love and care between riders and crew is unbelievably powerful.

Glennda Testone, rider #74

The Center had a huge presence with its team called “Centerlicious”. So many riders expressed how much they enjoyed our team’s energy, and although I was technically the team’s Captain, our leader was really Board co-chair Gregg Passin who has done this ride for years raising more awareness and funds each and every time he participated. Centerlicious was the newest team, and along with the Center crew, we were able to directly speak to the other riders about our work at the Center and how much our life-saving HIV/AIDS programs help people. Team Eagle once again raised the most money for these vital services and repeatedly succeeded in bringing tons of fun and humor to the ride: the little eagle’s on their helmets, leather themed jersey’s and oasis rest stops were memorable. Team Flying Goats was very supportive on the road, and they deliberately choose a team name that would cause people to strike up a conversation so they could talk about HIV/AIDS. Team Google was so fast that I barely saw them on the road, and the ride would not be complete without team Black Watch.

Team Google’s presence was certainly felt though, as they served once again as our presenting sponsor – thank you!

At the end of three long days, we raised funds so the Center can continue to provide our life-saving services. Our work in the community includes HIV support groups, individual and group counseling, prevention education, leadership training and services to more than 1,000 youth a year in Youth Enrichment Services which incorporates HIV and STD prevention messages into everything we do. We created visibility over four states and raised awareness about this devastating disease. As the demand to continue and expand upon our services increases, the funds we raise are essential. Collectively, we have raised $318,000 on this year’s ride and these funds will go to directly serve our community! Because of the funds we raised, all of the Center’s HIV services are provided free of charge and are available to people of all income levels.

The ride drew to an end with a closing ceremony held at the Center. The event was hosted by lesbian country singer–and one of my best friends–Chely Wright who entertained the crowd with her beautiful songs and heartfelt words. Chely also pledged to ride with Team Centerlicious next year! Again, we thank our Presenting Sponsor, Google, for their continued support in the Center’s fight against HIV and AIDS. Thank you supporters at the closing ceremony, many of you came to the ceremony from the Marriage Equality Wedding March that took place earlier that day. It was a beautiful day of collective community, advocacy and activism.

I want to thank each and every rider, crew member, sponsor, supporter for strengthening our community!

Forever touched.

View, share and download pictures from Braking the Cycle!