In less than 8 weeks, Diocesan Archdeacon, the Venerable Anthony Turney, will ride his bike over 545 miles in just seven days (June 1-7) from San Francisco to Los Angeles as a participant in AIDS/LifeCycle 7.  This will be the fifth time he has participated in the event.

In explaining his motivations for doing the grueling ride, Anthony says, “As was the case in 1999, the first year I did the Ride, and in all the subsequent years I’ve participated, my reasons for taking part in AIDS/LifeCycle 7 remain very simple: I ride to honor the memory of all those who have died of AIDS, especially the 108 loved ones, friends and co-workers of mine. I ride because we still have no cure and millions around the globe are infected. I ride to raise money for essential HIV/AIDS–related programs and services in the Bay Area. I ride because this year in the United States, 40,000+ people will test HIV positive and 50 percent of them will be under 25 years old. Last, but not least, I ride in celebration of my 70th year!

A central part of Anthony’s commitment to this year’s event is his pledge to raise at least $2,500 to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation:  “I’d love to raise $7,000, again as a gesture of celebration and thanksgiving for my 70th birthday. I can ride the 545 or so miles -- but I need the help of a lot of generous folks to meet my fundraising goal. No amount is too small –- every dollar counts.”

If you would like to help Anthony in his fundraising efforts, you can make your tax-deductible gift on-line using your credit card at: www.aidslifecycle.org/donate/1070

If you send a check to Anthony, please make it out to AIDS LifeCycle, making sure to add the note: “Rider #1070.”