FLORIDA AIDS ACTION
PO Box 16705 - Tampa, FL 33687
(813) 232-5886 - Fax (813) 232-0857

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green/813-974-4892
mgreen@floridaaidsaction.org

FLORIDA GEARS UP FOR BIKE IT & BEAR IT

Tampa, FL - Make a difference in the lives of 100,000 men, women and children in Florida living with HIV disease, join Florida AIDS Action (FLAA) for Bike It & B.E.A.R. It, the "Because Education Achieves Results" cycling event taking place Friday through Sunday, November 7-9, 2003.

Bike It & B.E.A.R. It is a 203-mile, two-day bicycling event designed to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and funds and benefiting four nonprofit AIDS organizations in Florida, including Florida AIDS Action, the only statewide not for profit AIDS organization in Florida.

According to Director of Rider Relations Glen Weinzimer. "This ride is exciting because fully 100% of funds raised by the riders goes directly to the benefiting agencies. Additionally, the event will take riders on a two-day trek along one of the finest coasts in the world, from Miami to Key West, Florida!"

Other unique aspects of the Ride include:
· The first 50% of money raised by each rider is distributed evenly among the agencies; each rider determines which agency will receive the remaining 50%
· A two-day, 203 mile ride (centuries both days)
· Sponsors cover ride expenses (thus, ensuring funds raised by participants go to the benefiting agencies)

As FLAA's Executive Director Dr. Gene Copello notes, "When it comes to AIDS, complacency kills. This event is exciting because it not only raises funds to assist those in Florida affected by HIV disease, but is a reminder that our battle with AIDS is far from over - it helps put AIDS back on our radar map."

Bike It & B.E.A.R. It organizers are seeking 2003 riders for this two-day-event taking place November 7-9, 2003. Each rider is required to raise $1203 to participate. Rider representatives will be available to assist with fundraising, provide access to training rides and networking with other area riders. Registration is $50 for riders and koalas (support team). To register, or to make a pledge, visit: www.bikeitandbearit.com

For more information on riding, crewing (koalas) and sponsorship opportunities, contact Bike It & B.E.A.R. It toll free at 1-866-696-7701, by email at glen@bikeitandbearit.com , or via Florida AIDS Action at 813-974-4892.

To learn more about Florida AIDS Action and AIDS advocacy work, please contact Florida AIDS Action by phone at: (813) 232-5886, or by email at: information@floridaaidsaction.org .

Current Bike It & B.E.A.R. It beneficiaries include: Florida AIDS Action, statewide; Wansiki Foundation, Broward County; Hug Me Program, Orlando; and Sarasota Comprehensive Care Clinic.

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Florida AIDS Action, the only statewide 501(c)(3) HIV/AIDS agency in Florida, promotes social change through community planning, education, public policy research and advocacy. For more information, call (813) 232-5886, or visit on the web at www.floridaaidsaction.org .