STAP Executive Director John Barry presides over the Ride's opening ceremonies. Photo by STAP.

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cyclists took to the shores of Cayuga Lake Saturday, September 10 for the 18th annual AIDS Ride For Life, ultimately raising over $200,000 for the Southern Tier AIDS Program.

Now in its 32nd year, STAP’s mission is to provide support to HIV positive individuals in eight counties in upstate New York. The yearly Ride promotes awareness of HIV/AIDS, and to date has raised over $3.5 million.

At 7:00 a.m., riders set out from Stewart Park on 100, 85 and 42-mile journeys. In the early evening, all riders were escorted back to Ithaca for a victory parade, closing ceremonies and dinner.

Photos and video by Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc.

Volunteers help get cyclists sorted out for their early morning start. Photo by STAP.
Volunteers help get cyclists sorted out for their early morning start. Photo by STAP.
Racers begin to assemble for their ride around Cayuga Lake. Photo by STAP.
Racers begin to assemble for their ride around Cayuga Lake. Photo by STAP.
STAP Executive Director John Barry presides over the Ride's opening ceremonies. Photo by STAP.
STAP Executive Director John Barry presides over the Ride’s opening ceremonies. Photo by STAP.
STAP Executive Director John Barry presides over the Ride’s opening ceremonies. Photo by STAP.
Team Taitem Engineering looks ready to go. Photo by STAP.
Team Taitem Engineering looks ready to go. Photo by STAP.
Ithaca High School Varsity tennis team volunteers to cheer on riders. Photo by STAP.
Ithaca High School Varsity tennis team volunteers to cheer on riders. Photo by STAP.

Jennifer Wholey is a feature writer and Head of Dining Partnerships for the Ithaca Voice. Contact her at jwholey@ithacavoice.com.