Dr. Sally Trains For 545-Mile Benefit Bicycle Ride

(This guest article is contributed by San Leandro business owner and resident Dr. Sally Scrutchin, pictured above.)

Do you think 545 miles is a long way to drive your car? Can you imagine doing it on a bicycle?

On June 3rd, 2012, I’ll be one of 2,500 cyclists heading down the California coast to do just that – ride 545 miles over the course of 7 days – to raise money for AIDS/HIV prevention and research.

I’ll be participating in AIDS/LifeCycle, an event that has inspired me to take on a challenge that I never would have dreamed was possible.

My journey with AIDS/LifeCycle began in 2010 when I joined the sports medicine team that supports the cyclists during the event.

I am a and for the past two years I have volunteered my services to the ride, treating cyclists before they get on their bikes in the morning and as they arrive in camp each day. Our goal is to help make sure that everyone gets to Los Angeles at their best.

I have been so inspired by the stories I have heard and the lives that are touched by this ride that I decided this year I will take the challenge to get on the bike and make the 545 mile journey to L.A.

Before I signed up for this ride my longest day on a bike was about 17 miles. Now I spend my weekends training hard – we are about halfway through the training season and I’m riding over 100 miles each weekend.

That number is only going to get bigger as we get closer to the event. With the daily mileage on AIDS/LifeCycle reaching 107 miles at its longest, I have a lot of training to do. But anytime my legs get too sore or the hill up ahead looks too steep, I just remember the bigger purpose of what I’m doing and it makes the challenge a little easier.

AIDS/LifeCycle is the largest private fundraiser for AIDS/HIV prevention and research. Last year we broke all of the records and raised $13 million! These funds make all the difference to programs that are constantly under budget cuts in the current economic environment.

Last year I raised over $3,000 and this year my goal is $5,000. The money I raise goes to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to fund services in the Bay Area.

I am so grateful for all of the support I have already received from the community. I have already raised over $2,000 this year.

Your support makes all of the difference as I prepare for this adventure.

If you’d like to hear more about my journey, see photos, read funny stories, and offer support, please visit www.tofighthiv.org/goto/drsally.

Dr. Sally Scrutchin is a San Leandro business owner and resident. Her chiropractic practice is located in the heart of downtown. She is an active part of the San Leandro business community, serving as a part of this year’s Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce. She was also recognized as this year’s Ambassador of the Year at the Chamber’s business awards dinner.