AIDS/LifeCycle Riders Spend Final Night in Ventura
Tracy Lehr
VENTURA, Calif. – The AIDS/LifeCycle ride came to a close Saturday in Santa Monica.
Riders spent their final night at San Buenaventura State Beach, where they were greeted by supporters in costumes—including two dressed as characters from the musical Wicked.
Hundreds of riders camped in tents, though some opted for nearby hotels for their last night.
This year marked the final leg of the iconic 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Organizers announced on the event website that AIDS/LifeCycle is no longer financially sustainable due to skyrocketing production costs.
A mother and son from Colorado, who have local ties to the area, described the end as bittersweet.
“I spent half the day in my head thinking about how happy I was to be part of the ride, all the times I’ve done it in the past, and kind of sad about the fact that I’m not coming back,” said Keith Mitchell.
“It was beautiful—the whole scenery all the way down along the ocean—and doing this with my son for the last time that we’ll be able to,” said Kathie Mitchell, who has relatives along the coast.
One longtime participant, known as the “Bus Liaison,” reflected on the emotional final stretch.
“It’s been an amazing 30 years. I’m one of the people that started back in ’94 and have been here for every ride. It’s kind of sad that it’s ending—maybe more than a little bit sad,” said Tom Smith Jr.
Smith said the seven-day ride has raised more than $300 million over the decades. He added that it has also helped reduce the stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
After a night of rest in Ventura, cyclists rode through Thousand Oaks on Saturday morning, heading toward the Santa Monica finish line and celebration.
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