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by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL — Ride for AIDS Chicago (RFAC) has blasted all prior records and expectations, making it the largest in event history.

Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN), producer of the Ride for AIDS Chicago (RFAC), released numbers today that indicate more than 250 riders and crew to date. Participants have also raised almost $200,000, which organizers say should far exceed that amount by July 11.

On Wednesday, the Chicago City Council, lead by Aldermen Ariel E. Reboyras, Thomas Tunney, Ed H. Smith, and Mary Ann Smith, passed a resolution which salutes the RFAC 2010 mission and its success.

"We're ecstatic that the Chicago community has made this year's Ride for AIDS Chicago an overwhelming success," said Rick Heintz, a rider and RFAC co-chair.  "We're thankful to all the riders and their efforts in raising awareness of HIV and raising funds to support TPAN and the Ride's Community Partners."

RFAC has traditionally taken place in early June.  This year, organizers rescheduled the event to July 10 and July 11 to allow more time for training, fundraising, and to give riders an opportunity to bike in warmer, more predictable weather.  Jeff Allen, RFAC's coordinator, said, "It's been a win-win for everyone this year."

Opening and closing ceremonies will take place on the east lawn of Northwestern University's Norris University Center in Evanston, rain or shine.

On Saturday, July 10 at 7 a.m., opening ceremonies will begin with performances by the Chicago Spirit Brigade and brief speeches from co-chairs for this year's ride, including Angie Frank, Rick Heintz, Nirmalpal Sachdev, and Shaine Wynsma.  Riders and crew will depart for Elkhorn, Wisconsin, where they will spend the night.

On Sunday, July 11, at 5 p.m., friends, family, and loved ones will gather to welcome riders as they complete their 200-mile journey.  Representatives from the Ride's beneficiaries, About Face Theatre, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, BEHIV, Housing Opportunities for Women, South Side Help Center, and Test Positive Aware Network, will be on hand to congratulate the top fundraising individuals and teams.

For more information on Ride for AIDS Chicago visit www.rideforaids.org

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