Peddling for a Cure

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” These words from writer and speaker Margaret Mead are the philosophy behind The SMART Ride. “That's really the founding statement of the ride,” said David Spacht, Ride Director for the SMART Ride. “It really is a grass-roots community effort.”

The SMART Ride this year stands for Southernmost AIDS Ride Two thousand eight and is an annual bicycle/fundraiser currently in its fifth year. The ride is scheduled to take place on November 14th and 15th and goes from Miami to Key West.

The six benefiting agencies of this year's SMART Ride are AIDS Help, Inc. (Key West), The Center for Positive Connections in Dade County, Broward House in Fort Lauderdale, Compass in Palm Beach County, The Hug Me Program, a center for pediatric AIDS services in Orlando and serving all of Central Florida, and Metropolitan Charities in Tampa/St. Pete.

The SMART Ride was founded by Glen Winzimer, who participated in the former Tanqueray AIDS Rides of the late 1990s. Most fundraisers, whether walks or rides, have administrative costs. The organizers of the Florida AIDS Ride and others throughout the country were criticized and condemned for their high rate of administrative fees and low rate of donations made to the affiliated charities. After those rides ceased to exist, “Glen wanted to find a way to do a fund-raiser where 100% of what everybody raised actually goes to the charities intended,” said David. That was the emphasis of the SMART Ride.

“We're very specific with our agencies that the money must be used for direct services. It cannot be used for executive salaries; it cannot be used for capital campaigns. It must be used for medical purposes, prescriptions, emergency food, housing, HIV/AIDS case management, education and prevention programs,” said David. “With all the federal and state funding cuts, for some people this is the only way they can get service. In 2007, we gave just shy of $400,000 dollars to the six agencies. This will be the fifth year and over $1,200,000 has been raised over the past four years, of which 100% has gone back to the benefiting agencies.”

As of this writing, there are 600 participants for this year's ride: 400 riders, registered and ready to start, and 200 support crew volunteers to provide dining services, riding gear, massages for the riders, handle pit stop needs and medical services.

“The individuals that are involved in the ride are very committed,” David said. “We're not the California ride or one of the bigger rides. It's a little bit more of an intimate setting. It allows people to experience what is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the country, South Florida and the Florida Keys. It's a beautiful setting. Then you end up in such a beautiful place as KW. I've actually heard riders say that's such a contemplative time. When you're out there on the road surrounded by nature and it really allows you to think about these things.”

The goal for this year is $500,000. “The good news is that we're already almost 60% there,” said David. “And usually the period of the end of October through November is when most of the money comes in. We're feeling really positive we can achieve that goal this year despite the country's economic environment.”

 Thursday, November 13th is the final registration day starting at 11:00 am with dedication ceremonies at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner. This takes place at Morning Star Retreat in South Miami. The riders awake at 5:30 am on Friday, November 14th with an opening ceremony at sunrise and the ride 100 miles to Marathon in the Florida Keys. Dinner will be served and is sponsored by Rosie's Bar and Grill. The riders will spend the night at Hawk's Cay Resort. On Saturday, November 15th the riders awake and ride the final 65 miles to Key West where they will end up at the AIDS Memorial Pier for the closing ceremonies.

“We need to make people aware that we still have to do this,” said David. “We still have to be out there, we still have do this. There isn't a cure yet. The CDC is reporting that there are higher infection rates than previously anticipated. We have our youth today who think AIDS is a treatable disease — there isn't yet. So there's a whole different mindset we have to deal with from previous years. So there's still work to do unfortunately. But the enthusiasm of the riders and the crew to step up and do this has been phenomenal.”

“We're very fortunate. One of the ways that we're able to produce this ride is through our sponsors. We really pride ourselves on our nucleus of sponsors, which allows us to produce the ride and give back that 100% back to the service agencies. “

If you wish to participate in this year's ride, it's still not too late to do so. If you would like to participate or if you desire more information, visit their website at TheSmartRide.org.