Harbor to the Bay pushes for pedalers

Organizers of the 6th annual Harbor to the Bay AIDS charity bike ride kicked off their campaign to recruit riders with a May 19 reception at Club Caf? in the South End (see photos at right). The ride, which starts in Boston and finishes in Provincetown, takes place Sept. 20.

"We have already outpaced last year's benchmarks with riders and donations," said Jim Morgrage, president and director of Harbor to the Bay, in a statement. "The ride grows annually, and in 2007, we doubled the number of riders and crew from 2006 and raised more than $325,000. This year we want to top that goal. We're already 30 percent full, so we're well on our way."

The ride benefits four Bay State HIV/AIDS organizations: AIDS Action Committee, Fenway Community Health Center, Community Research Initiative of New England, and AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. Currently there are 137 riders signed up for this year's ride. All proceeds from the ride are donated to the benefiting organizations.

Riders can choose among three different routes this year. Those feeling up to the challenge can ride the entire 125-mile route from Boston to P-town. Less adventurous riders can choose either a 68-mile ride from Boston to the Sagamore Bridge or from the bridge to P-town, a 57-mile trek. Those who want to get involved in the event but do not want to ride can volunteer as crew members.

During the reception organizers introduced attendees to some of this year's riders and crew members and representatives from the four benefiting organizations. They also gave attendees the details of this year's ride and welcomed veterans from past Harbor to the Bay rides.