Riders raise funds for AIDS, cancer research

Bikers and motorcyclists bring in thousands of dollars

MADISON, Wis. — A 300-mile bike ride came to an emotional end in Madison Sunday afternoon.

About 115 bikers finished the four-day Wisconsin AIDS Ride at the Capitol Square.

This year’s event was the ride’s tenth anniversary, which has now raised more than $3 million for HIV-AIDS research and treatment in the state.

A lone bike called “Rider Zero” was also brought on the last leg to honor those lost to the disease.

The ride’s youngest participant said he was proud to finish the event.

“I met some awesome people,” said Cody Frost. “It was a great experience, and it made me feel more mature by doing it. It was really fun.”

This year’s ride brought in almost $268,000 for the AIDS Network, an organization that serves more than a dozen counties across southern Wisconsin.

And about 250 motorcyclists rode through Wisconsin over the weekend to raise money for kids with cancer.

Over its 29-year history, Ride for Kids has raised more than $60 million.

The event this year raised more than $70,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

The money will go toward research.