August 4-7, 2011
History of the ACT Ride, Wisconsin AIDS Ride
The AIDS Ride concept was conceived about 12 years ago, when someone thought it would be a great way to build community, challenge people, and raise needed money for this cause.
There have been numerous rides since then, in cities all across the United States. In the Midwest, we had what was called the Heartland AIDS Ride, which was a 500-mile ride from Minneapolis, through Wisconsin, to Chicago. Over 1,200 riders raised money and participated in this event.
Eight years ago, that ride started seeing dwindling returns, so a number of volunteers and staff at AIDS Network decided to produce its own ride. It was called ACT I, or AIDS Network Cycles Together.
The ACT rides have met their goals. Between ACT I, II, III, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 over 1000 riders and 650 crew have traveled through small towns and cities all over southwestern Wisconsin, spread the word that AIDS continues to affect our state, and raised over $2,200,000. An incredible 87 to 90% of that amount, almost $1,900,000, went directly to AIDS Network and the services that they provide.
ACT I
130 Riders
59 Crew
$295,404 raised
79% return
ACT II
134 Riders
81 Crew
$275,366 raised
87.5% return
ACT III
158 Riders
92 Crew
$308,283 raised
89.57% return
ACT 4
133 Riders
102 Crew
$252,196 raised
89.25% return
ACT 5
122 Riders
92 Crew
$296,000 raised
89.25% return
ACT 6
138 Riders
86 Crew
$295,525 raised
89.42% return
ACT 7
134 Riders
90 Crew
$305,440 raised
90.01% return
ACT 8
Final stats yet to be determined
Other Information
The ACT ride, presented by Williamson Bikes and Fitness, continues to be the largest cycling event for AIDS in Wisconsin and is the third largest cycling event for HIV/AIDS in the United States (behind California's AIDS LifeCycle and Minnesota's Red Ribbon Ride). The ACT 9 ride benefits AIDS Network.
