WELCOME TO THE D.C. AIDS RIDE!!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
Welcome to my Web Page celebrating the WASHINGTON D.C. AIDS RIDE 3 sponsored by Tanqueray and benefiting Food & Friends and the Whitman Walker Clinic.
On June 18, 1998 1,393 riders and 500 crew & staff began making their way home from Raleigh, North Carolina. I was proud to be Rider #108. Our journey a 350 mile bicycle ride. Our purpose, to fight AIDS.
It is simple. We raise money. We ride so people can eat. We ride so people will not be denied the services they need to maintain their dignity and quality of life. We ask everyone to be a sponsor: family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and people we don’t even know. This year the AIDS Ride raised over $4 million dollars. After expenses, the net proceeds will go directly to our beneficiaries.
I want to thank and congratulate my sponsors. This year they contributed $4,700 toward the fight against AIDS.
After the fund raising our job was to ride the distance. We created a community of people who while "on the road" educate the public, increase the awareness of AIDS issues, honor the memory of our loved ones who have died, celebrate life and test our own endurance.
We hear a lot of talk about heroes. I have heroes, AIDS Ride heroes.
HEROES:
A rider who trained last year but due to an HIV related stroke was unable to ride in 97. He has some stroke damage on his right side, but no damage to his courage and spirit. This year he trained and rode proudly as a Positive Pedaler and rode every mile.
My sisters Rose and Jane who traveled from different states to join the Crew on Pit 5. They embraced this community with the same love and affection they have shared with me for many years.
My nephew and dear friend Pete who rode with great speed but stopped to change flat tires , help people in need, gave encouragement and hugs and kept a watchful eye on his uncle.
A great group of guys, the Positive Pedalers. HIV+ Riders & Crew who give more gifts than they can ever imagine.
Keri, a dear friend who rode with great physical pain. She rode every mile and did it with courage and grace.
My dear friends David, Ron, Chuck and Cindy whose laughter made the miles and days pass so quickly.
My puppies: Angel, Morgan and Miss CoCo ~ all Labs who would just watched as I left early on Saturdays and Sundays to train instead of going to play ball and run in the park.
And my partner Howie. He endured my training schedule, soothed my injuries, watched the dogs, eased my fears, offered encouragement, and waited with open arms at the finish line.
Thank you, you have been a critical part of the adventure of a lifetime and another AIDS Ride experience that has changed my life.
As you visit this Web Page I hope you get a sense of the love, power and commitment that merged into a force four days in June and continues to make a difference in the fight against AIDS.
And who knows maybe next year you will join us for the next most excellent adventure of a lifetime while we fight AIDS one mile at a time.
| Love
& Peace Jerry Larkins |
 |
If you're interested in having your own Website, or have a question, just ask Howie!
Got something to say? Email me by clicking here, or better yet, fill out my Guestbook!
people have visited since 8/9/98.
This page was last updated on 01/30/07 at 02:50:18 PM.