The Los Angeles LGBT Center has launched a new three-day cycling event, Center Ride Out, that will span across Southern California — building on the legacy of its previous cycling event, AIDS/LifeCycle. The center partnered with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation for over 30 years to put on AIDS/LifeCycle, which held its final ride last summer.
“For decades, our community has come together to ride for something greater than ourselves,” says Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “Center Ride Out honors a rich legacy while charting a bold path forward — celebrating our progress and recommits us to fight for health equity, compassion, and visibility for all LGBTQ+ people.”
The ride will take place April 24-26, with riders traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego through Riverside County. There’s also an option to participate virtually, allowing registered “Spinfluencers” to support riders from home and raise funds.
L.A. has a new cycling fundraiser.courtesy Los Angeles LGBT Center
Day 1 and day 3 will feature long endurance rides of between 80 and 100 miles, while day 2 offers a “choose your own adventure” option from 20 to 100 miles — or a day of rest at base camp. Each day will feature a different experience, ranging from city streets to scenic climbs. At base camp each night, there will be drag performances, shared meals, and other festivities.
In addition to supporting the L.A. LGBT Center, the ride will donate 10 percent of its proceeds to the San Diego LGBT Community Center and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
“We’re uniting cyclists, volunteers, and supporters across Southern California to celebrate who we are and why we ride: for community, for pride, and for the future of LGBTQ+ equity,” says Melissa Lewis, director of Center Ride Out. “Whether a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, there’s a place for you on this ride. Every participant helps move our mission forward.”
For more information, visit centerrideout.lalgbtcenter.org.
This article was written as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship program at The Advocate, which is underwritten by a generous gift from Morrison Media Group. The program helps support the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists.
This article is part of OUT’s Mar-Apr 2026 print issue, now on newsstands. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.
