More than 2,300 riders participating in the AIDS/LifeCycle pushed their bodies—and their bikes—to the limit as they pedaled 545 miles and raised a record-breaking $16.7 million for HIV/ADS causes.

Funds benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

This year’s AIDS/LifeCycle lasted from June 2 through June 8, with a route that stretched from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  Riders cross the finish line right as the city celebrates LGBT Pride weekend. According to the event’s fact sheet, the ride has raised over $279 million, a number which includes funds from this year as well those from 1994 to 2002, when it was known as the California AIDS Ride.

Joe Hollendoner, the CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and Lorri L. Jean, the CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, have seen firsthand the extent of the ride’s impact.

“The awareness and funds raised by the AIDS/LifeCycle community are critical components of ending the HIV epidemic—once and for all—for everyone,” said Hollendoner in a press release about the 2019 ride. “Because of the tenacity and enduring commitment of AIDS/LifeCycle participants, San Francisco AIDS Foundation is able to provide 25,000 clients with services that prevent new transmissions and promote the health of those living with HIV, all free of charge.”

The AIDS/LifeCyle community this year included 650 “roadies,” or service workers who provided bottled water and snack bars to the cyclists at various checkpoints along the route, in addition to the 2,300 cyclists.  In total, participants represented 43 states and 12 countries and ranged in age from 18 to 88.