They’re back from the ride.  Yesterday the tired but safe Red Ribbon Riders returned from their 4 day, 300 mile journey.  The Red Ribbon Ride (RRR) is now in it’s 8th year and going strong.  Created in 2002 by numerous Minnesota AIDS service organizations who joined together to form the Minnesota Fighting AIDS on Bikes (MN-FAB) non-profit organization which produces the RRR. The RRR was designed to continue what was begun by the Minneapolis to Chicago ride.  MN-FAB includes eight HIV/AIDS service organizations:  African American AIDS Task Force, The Aliveness Project, Clare Housing, Hope House of St. Croix Valley, Minnesota AIDS Project, One Heartland, Park House, and Rural AIDS Action Network.

This year’s ride concluded yesterday on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol.  At times, the tearful remembrances of those friends and family we’ve lost to HIV and AIDS became palpable.  The weather cooperated and allowed riders, crew and supporters alike an opportunity to be thankful for another successful year of raising funds and awareness about the ongoing fight against HIV.  With numbers continuing to rise and on the heels of the announcement last week from the White House about the release of the National HIV Prevention Strategy – the ride occurred at a very opportune moment.

TheColu.mn has been following Minnesota’s HIV situation virtually since our beginning and yesterday was a reminder that we need to continue.  The attendance and ridership were both down from previous years, suggesting that there may be truth to the assumption that the average US citizen does not perceive HIV and AIDS to be the critical health threat it continues to be.  Despite the lower number of participating riders the goal of $400,000.00 was nearly met.  Theresa Fetsch, Executive Director for the RRR announced at the closing that nearly $350,000.00 had already come in.  In past years money has continued to come in even after the ride concludes so the final count is not yet available.  The eight benefiting agencies will no doubt put the funds raised to good use and the ride will be back again next year.  Thanks in part to the riders mantra of Ride, Drink (referring to plenty of Gatorade and water), Pee – all riders made it through the entire trek safely.  There was one minor health concern on Saturday with a rider being pulled for dehydration but they were later able to resume the course.  For more pictures of the opening and closing ceremonies click on the image above.  Congratulations to all of the riders, crew and supporters for a ride well done!