Traci Dinwiddie is the star of the popular lesbian film Elena Undone”, as well as the star of Raven’s Touch” and Stuff”, both of which premiered this summer.
Traci is also known for her Youtube Moustache Monday videos, and the 7-day, 545-mile bike ride she takes each year from San Francisco to Los Angeles to help end AIDS. We sat down with Traci to talk about that Ride: AIDS/LifeCycle.
Q: What in the world possessed you to ride your bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
A: AIDS/LifeCycle had been on my RADAR for several years before I took the leap to join. My spiritual mentor had been a long-time “Roadie” on this ride, and she sang its praises to me often. Another tipping point was losing a dear friend to AIDS-related illnesses in 2012. I have so many sober friends who are HIV positive, and I wanted to give back. An added plus was the opportunity to learn how to be a cyclist and elevate my fitness for an amazing cause!
Q: Do you have to be an avid cyclist to do this ride?
A: I was not a cyclist when I began my AIDS/LifeCycle adventure. Luckily, it’s a fully-supported ride, and there was (and still is) an entire season of training, and Training Ride Leaders who guided me through the entire process. I learned how to clip in & out of my pedals, change a tire, call out hazards, and ride with the safest crew all over the streets of Los Angeles. What started out as little weekend 20-milers turned into 100+ mile rides and a whole new confidence in myself. It is greatly empowering to know that I could ride my bike anywhere, all day!
Q: How many times have you done this? Why do it more than once?
A: This year will be my 4th time participating in AIDS/LifeCycle. The love and support within this special community is staggering. I've had the extreme joy of witnessing first-time HIV positive participants find peace with themselves among us. It's deeply touching, and I can't imagine not being a part of this “love bubble”. Your own broken pieces are mended by being a healing source for others. If you're like me, you will want to come back again and again.
Q: Why this ride?
A: The safety values of AIDS/LifeCycle are impeccable. The west coast terrain is gorgeous (especially when viewed from a bicycle)! The ride is fully-supported by the kindest people on Earth, also known as "Rockin' Roadies". Most importantly, HIV/AIDS is still an issue that needs our attention. I truly believe we can end this pandemic in our lifetime. It takes funds, commitment, awareness, and love-warriors to break down stigma so people can talk about it and get the help they need.
Q: How would someone who is interested in joining you on AIDS/LifeCycle do that?
A: There are still Cyclist seats open for people who live in Southern California, but anyone can join the Ride as a Roadie or Virtual Cyclist. I have had teammates join from over 26 countries. Some are Roadies (those who come on the Ride to volunteer their help) and some have been amazing Virtual Cyclists who have created their own personal fitness challenges to help raise funds and awareness for those living with HIV/AIDS. Last year my team, Team Goodisness, raised over a quarter of a million dollars!
To join Traci, visit www.aidslifecycle.org/register and use discount code: JOINTRACI for $25 off of registration!
AIDS/LifeCycle is produced by and benefits the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and San Francisco AIDS Foundation