AIDS/LifeCycle Announces Its Final Ride in 2025: The End of an Era and the Future of HIV/AIDS Advocacy

The AIDS/LifeCycle event, a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, has been a cornerstone of the HIV/AIDS advocacy community for over three decades. Recently, the organizers announced that the 2025 ride would be the final event, marking the end of an era. This decision was made public through a joint statement by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the two primary beneficiaries of the event. Since its inception in 1994, the AIDS/LifeCycle has raised over $300 million for HIV/AIDS-related services, making it one of the most significant fundraising events in the history of the epidemic. The announcement has left many in the community reflecting on the event’s profound impact and the challenges that lie ahead.

The decision to end the AIDS/LifeCycle was influenced by several factors, most notably the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a significant drop in ridership and fundraising, making it increasingly difficult to cover the rising costs of organizing the event. In 2020, the event was canceled due to the pandemic, and although a virtual ride was held in 2021, it did not generate the same level of participation or funds. By 2024, ridership had dropped from 2,500 riders in 2022 to just 1,400, and total fundraising fell from $17.8 million to $10.9 million during the same period. These declines made it clear that the event could no longer sustain itself financially.

Dr. Tyler Termeer, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, emphasized that the decline in participation and fundraising is not unique to AIDS/LifeCycle. Many peer-to-peer fundraising events have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels. The AIDS/LifeCycle community, affectionately known as ‘the love bubble,’ has always been resilient and dedicated, but the economic realities cannot be ignored. Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that while the 2025 ride is likely to hit capacity, the long-term sustainability of the event is no longer feasible. Both leaders expressed pride in the event’s legacy and its role in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS/LifeCycle has always been more than just a bike ride; it has been a symbol of hope, strength, and community for those affected by HIV and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The event has played a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, testing, and prevention. It started in 1994, a year when HIV transmissions in the US peaked, and has since helped change the trajectory of the epidemic. The funds raised have supported critical services and interventions, including the use of preventive medications like PrEP, which have significantly reduced new HIV cases. Despite the progress made, approximately 1.2 million Americans and 40 million people worldwide still live with HIV, underscoring the ongoing need for support and advocacy.

The announcement of the final ride has elicited a bittersweet response from the LGBTQ+ community and past participants. Many are saddened by the end of an event that has brought so much support and solidarity. However, there is also a recognition of the importance of continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS in new and innovative ways. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center remain committed to their mission and are exploring alternative fundraising and advocacy strategies. The end of AIDS/LifeCycle does not signify the end of their efforts but rather a transition to new approaches that can adapt to the current landscape.

One of the significant impacts of the AIDS/LifeCycle has been its ability to bring people together and create a strong, supportive community. Over the years, countless participants have found camaraderie, inspiration, and a sense of purpose through the event. It has reduced the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and highlighted the power of collective action. As the final ride approaches, many past riders are expected to return, making it a highly anticipated and emotional event. The organizers aim to raise a record-breaking $17.8 million for the 2025 ride, a fitting tribute to the event’s legacy and its contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The decision to end the AIDS/LifeCycle also reflects broader trends in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Advances in treatment and prevention have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition for many. However, this progress has also led to a perception that the crisis is over, which can reduce the urgency of fundraising and advocacy efforts. The reality is that HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health issue, particularly for marginalized communities such as African Americans, Latinx individuals, men who have sex with men, and transgender people. The end of AIDS/LifeCycle underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for those living with HIV.

The financial challenges faced by the AIDS/LifeCycle are not unique. Other AIDS rides across the country have also ended, leaving only a few shorter events on the East Coast. The rising costs of organizing large-scale events, combined with declining participation, have made it difficult to maintain these traditional fundraising methods. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center are now tasked with finding new ways to fill the funding gap left by the end of AIDS/LifeCycle. Their revenue sources have always been diversified, which provides some resilience, but the loss of such a marquee event will undoubtedly have an impact.

Despite the challenges, both organizations are optimistic about the future. They are committed to reimagining their fundraising and advocacy efforts to continue supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS. The final AIDS/LifeCycle ride in 2025 will be a celebration of the event’s legacy and a testament to the community’s resilience and dedication. The organizers plan to host additional town halls and gather feedback from participants to shape the future of their efforts. The AIDS/LifeCycle community, known for its adaptability and spirit, will play a crucial role in this transition.

As the final ride approaches, the focus is on honoring the past while looking forward to new opportunities. The event has always evolved to meet the needs of the time, and this moment is no different. The end of AIDS/LifeCycle is not the end of the fight against HIV/AIDS but a chance to innovate and find new ways to support the cause. The legacy of the ride will continue to inspire and motivate those committed to ending the epidemic. The community’s determination and passion will ensure that the mission of the AIDS/LifeCycle lives on, even as the event itself comes to a close.

The final AIDS/LifeCycle ride in 2025 is expected to be a momentous occasion, drawing participants from across the country and beyond. Registration is currently open, with a limit of 2,500 cyclists and 600 volunteer ‘roadies.’ The goal is to surpass the 2022 fundraising record and make the final ride a fitting tribute to the event’s impact. The organizers are confident that the community will rally together to make the last ride a memorable and successful one. As the event draws near, there is a sense of anticipation and reflection on the journey that has brought the community to this point.

The end of AIDS/LifeCycle marks a significant chapter in the history of HIV/AIDS advocacy. The event has brought attention, funds, and support to a cause that has affected millions of lives. While the ride may be ending, the fight against HIV/AIDS continues. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center are dedicated to finding new ways to advance their mission and support those living with HIV. The impact of AIDS/LifeCycle will be felt for years to come, serving as a powerful example of the power of community and determination. As the final ride approaches, the focus is on celebrating the event’s legacy and looking forward to the future with hope and resolve.