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2/21/2000 Dear Friends and Family: It took me a few years but I’ve finally built up the courage to do it! I made a commitment to participate this year in the CaliforniaAIDSRide7, riding my bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles on June 4 – 10, for 7 days, 570 miles, and mucho love and support from friends and family. This is going to be quite a challenge for me since I haven’t really ridden a bike since I was 10 years old, with my banana seat, u-shaped handlebars, and 1 gear. I finally bought a bike last year (20 years later), and just now trying to feel comfortable riding again while learning how to use multiple gears! The AIDSRide is something that’s been on my mind for several years now but I never really thought I would or could do it. Now here I am, honestly scared but extremely excited! I’m mainly doing the ride for 2 reasons. The first is to ride for those I know and love who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. I want to feel like I’m making a difference and contribute to the cause that helps the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since I am a registered Los Angeles rider, all funds raised will go towards the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, one of the nation’s leading HIV/AIDS care providers and equal rights advocates. They offer a full range of low or no cost primary and specialty HIV medical care, counseling and support services, as well as an HIV prevention/education program.
The second reason I’m doing the ride is to challenge myself physically and mentally into doing something I never thought I could do. I need your support in helping me raise at least $2500 to enable me to qualify for the ride. Your support means you are also riding with me during my training and on the actual ride in June!
Enclosed is a pledge form. Please take your time in reading the information while you fill it out and send it back to me in the self-addressed stamped envelope. I’ll be posting weekly training updates and journal entries on my website for those curious to know of my progress as well as more information on HIV, AIDS, the AIDS Ride beneficiary, and the ride. Check it out:
http://www.aireene.addr.com/aidsride/ridehome.html.My many thanks to you in advance for your generosity and support! Please return your pledge as soon as possible in the enclosed envelope.
Aireene Espiritu
RIDER # 7235