Sporting their distinctive red attire, the AIDS/LifeCycle riders made the trek from Santa Maria to Lompoc on Thursday as the event marks its final year.
The 545-mile ride, co-sponsored by San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, began Sunday in San Francisco and ends Saturday with the Finish Line Festival in Santa Monica.
The event includes 2,500 cyclists plus 600 volunteer roadies with Thursday’s theme of “Red Dress Day” involving riders donning assorted attire including plenty of tutus.
Cyclists entered Santa Barbara County Wednesday, camping at Preisker Park at the northern end of Santa Maria.
After spending the night in Lompoc’s Riverbend Park, cyclists will travel south on Friday, stopping for lunch in the Santa Barbara area and spending the night in at San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura.
Organizers announced in September that the fundraiser’s 30-year history that raised more than $300 million, along with awareness about HIV and AIDS, would end with the 2025 ride after deeming it financially unsustainable.
They blamed skyrocketing production costs plus declining ridership and fundraising.
The event has provided a boost for hotels and restaurants as some LifeCycle participants venture into Santa Maria and Lompoc.
