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AIDS/LifeCycle riders pass through Monterey County

2015 update: The group is scheduled to ride through Monterey County June 1 and June 2. See Californian report, “AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride to return to Salinas Valley.”

2014 update: Salinas, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, and King City will be among stops for 2014 riders. For schedule, see the Salinas Californian report, “AIDS/LifeCycle riders arrive [6/2/14] in Salinas.”

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Larissa Keeler and Jeff Richman:

2013 and 2012 riders biking to help end AIDs

Larissa Keeler saw that her longtime friend Jeff Richman of Salinas (above) helped those with HIV and AIDS just by doing what he loved–riding his bike! In 2013, Larissa, a native of Pacific Grove, decided to do the same. Read her message below.

From June 2-8, 2013, I’m bicycling in AIDS/LifeCycle. It’s a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to make a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.

I have been so inspired by the friends I know and have known with HIV and AIDS.  I’m amazed by their positivity in the face of such adversity.  Doing this ride has been one of my life goals and this is the year!  I have faith that you can help me to reach this fundraising goal.  This is a fabulous event and your donations will be put to such good use.

Help me support AIDS/LifeCycle by giving what you can. We’ll keep riding until AIDS and HIV are a thing of the past.

Congratulations to Larissa, who met her fundraising goal. Want to make a donation to AIDS/LifeCycle anyway?  Click here to visit Larissa’s personal page.

Larissa Keeler

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The below was previously published 5/31/12

Salinas School Nurse Jeff Richman Biking to Help End AIDS

East Salinas resident Jeff Richman is a a Salinas public school nurse, performing guitarist-vocalist, and volunteer with Guitars Not Guns and other efforts for social good. Jeff is biking the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, June 3-9, 2012.

Last year Jeff road 30 miles between Salinas and Greenfield with this group.  This year, he is dedicating seven days to do the entire ride. To prepare, in addition to his usual bike commuting to his job in the Santa Rita School District and biking around Salinas, he has been doing training rides to strengthen his knees for the 545-miler.

Jeff has raised over $3,000 to support the work of the SF AIDS Foundation and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center.  Learn more about Jeff and why he’s doing this ride via the following link, where you may also make a donation if you wish: http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR/AIDSLIFECYCLE11/AIDSLifeCycleCenter?px=2840447&pg=personal&fr_id=1440

June 4 – Jeff and other riders in Salinas
The ride came through Salinas on Monday, June 4.  The cyclists planned to have lunch in Central Park, 420 Central Avenue,  Salinas and welcome others to come meet them there.
Last year’s route sheets give an idea of the time frame when Jeff and Alyssa were expected at Central Park, Salinas.  Although the route is subject to change, the 2011 sheets do give an idea of other parts of Monterey County where you may expect to see them:  http://www.aidslifecycle.org/documents/route-slips/10/alc10-route-sheets.pdf
As for June 4, Mother Nature had other plans:  to deliver needed rain–needed by just about everything and everyone here except the more than 2,700 cyclists who were not expecting that unseasonal weather.  Click here for Kevin Howe’s story in the 6/5/12 Monterey County Herald.
More about Jeff

Bicycling Monterey is proud to have known Jeff for over 30 years, and to salute his many good efforts in Monterey County and beyond.  You may have seen Jeff performing guitar and vocals at First Friday Art Walks in Salinas, at the Peace Resource Center in Seaside, or on other occasions.  Jeff and his wife, Kathy–a retired first grade teacher for Salinas public schools–are longtime residents of East Salinas, where they raised their now adult daughters, Nancy and Nora.

Related local resource:  Central Coast HIV/AIDS
Central Coast HIV/AIDS Services have offices on the Monterey Peninsula and in Salinas. Read about them on the Monterey County Weekly website in this December 8, 2011 story by Rebecca Robinson.
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As reported by David Almanzar in the Salinas Californian on June 3 (“Salinas cyclist rides to fight AIDS“), also riding is Alyssa Varela-McKee of San Francisco, who is a North Salinas High alum.
Meet up with Alyssa and Jeff at Central Park in Salinas on Mon, June 4.
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This post was published on 17 May 2013. One or more changes last made to this post on 4 June 2015.

One Comment

  1. Ellen Petersen says:
    4 June 2012 at 01:03

    Yay for my big brother! Mom and Dad would be so proud! Love from the eastcoasters- Ellen, Melanie, Laura, Kenny and Amanda

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