In June, 2001, I'll take seven days to ride a bicycle 575 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles with over 2,700 other people in an event called California AIDSRide 8 Presented by Tanqueray. We're riding to raise money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Together, we hope to raise more than $11 million for individuals living with AIDS, and important AIDS prevention programs in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

I've committed to raising at least $2,700 in pledges between now and the beginning of the Ride on June 3rd. I need your help.

This has been an exciting journey for me so far. In October, 2000, I committed and registered to participate in the AIDSRide. In late November, I purchased my Zurich Lemond bicycle. In December, I began my initial stages of training. Through the months of January and February, I rode on several 25-30 mile rides and spent several hours in spinning class. Now, in the month of March alone, I've ridden over 250 miles on my Zurich. On March 31st, I participated in the 25th annual Cinderella Classic, a 100km ride of solely women riders.

I will be participating in the TierraBella ride in April and the Wine Country Ride in May to help me train and prepare for the AIDSRide in June. It would surely help me through my continued training and preparation, if you would please make a pledge supporting me to meet my goal.

It's estimated that over 33,600,00 people worldwide are infected with HIV right now. AIDS has affected nearly all of us, having taken more than 420,200 people in the United States. I hope to avert any more deaths caused by this epidemic and to help those who are ill and in desperate need of care and intervention.

Maria (Rider# 4211)
"The wheels of my bike, go round and round! Round and round! Round and round!"