Enthusiastic counselor, Julio Flores, is known for his big smile and outgoing personality.

His big heart has lead him to forgo his 30th birthday and instead, raise money for AIDS/LifeCycle.

Flores didn’t want an over the top birthday. He said that he feels truly blessed with everything that he has.

“It started as an opportunity to do something more meaningful, as I hit a birthday milestone,” he said. “I wanted to forgo a birthday party and instead celebrate the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS, both present and past.”

Where?

While talking to a friend about not wanting a party, he was told about the AIDS/LifeCycle. He decided that he was going to cycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles over seven days. Riding a total of 545 miles. Former student Jesus Manriquez said,“I wasn’t surprised when he told our class he  didn’t want a party instead he was going to do a bike ride for a charity.”

The opening ceremony for the ride will be a special one as AIDS/LifeCycle will have riderless bikes to honor those who have lost their battle to HIV/AIDS.

Flores has been preparing for this ride by going to a spin class four days a week, called the Sweat Shop.

He has taken a liking to spinning, as well as riding his bike on the weekend.

With only one off day during the week that day being Wednesday.

Donations

Flores’ donation page is helping spread the word for the cause. A renowned comic book writer George Perez donated to his donation page.

Perez has a personal connection to the cause.

His friend Patrick Anthony Crosby who died of AIDS, was a life cut to short. Flores said it would only be right if he rode for him throughout these seven days.

Flores had a goal of raising $10,000. He met that goal and raised more than he had anticipated getting $10,392 in donations in only six weeks.

He said without the help and generosity from the Rio Hondo staff and their donations, meeting this goal would not have been possible and he is forever grateful for them.

Counseling receptionist, Patricia Castillo said “I love it! It’s nice to have someone that takes the time to help others and I love that he has met his donation goal.”

The money will help those suffering from HIV and AIDS in the LGBTQ community. The mission of the ride is to provide free HIV/AIDS medical care, testing, and prevention services to San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

As well as reduce new HIV infections and improve quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. With that site online, we’d call it one of the most comprehensive Q&A’s on STDs and STD testing specifically.

The Fifth Day

Flores is looking forward to day five of the race which is red dress day.

The cyclist wear red during the ride to commemorate those who have died and celebrate their life.

The mission of the ride is to provide free HIV/AIDS medical care, testing, and prevention services to San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

When they cross the finish line they will be hearing the chants of many the pride parade.

The AIDS/LifeCycle started in 1993 and has raised over $200 million and has had 42,000 riders participating in the journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

If you would like to get involved or donate visit www.aidslifecycle.org.