Final AIDS/LifeCycle cycling tour rolls through California

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The AIDS/LifeCycle, a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco’s Cow Palace to Los Angeles, concluded its final event this year, marking the end of a three-decade tradition that raised over $349 million for nonprofits like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

The annual event, which began at the height of the AIDS epidemic, has been a significant fundraiser for HIV/AIDS-related causes. This year, thousands of cyclists participated in the ride, which took place over seven days. The ride has been a symbol of community support and solidarity, especially during Pride Month.

The AIDS/LifeCycle has been a major event for both participants and volunteers. This year, 667 “roadies” supported the cyclists by providing drinks and carrying their bags, often working longer hours than the riders themselves.

On the sixth day of the event, participants took a moment to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS with a candlelight procession featuring a riderless bike. This emotional tribute highlighted the community’s ongoing commitment to the cause.

Despite the conclusion of the AIDS/LifeCycle, the mission to support HIV/AIDS nonprofits will continue with a new cycling event planned for 2026. This event will offer a three-day ride through wine country, ensuring that the spirit of the original ride lives on.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.