Pedal Power for Aids

LARRY LEMOS, 28, left is the youngest of nine children. He and two of his siblings are gay. In August 1995, one of his brothers, David, died of AIDS. David’s twin, Danny, center, is HIV positive. Larry and his oldest brother, Michael, right, who is married and has children, will be participating in the ride.

I hope to bring awareness that the fight [against AIDS] is not over even though there have been so many promising new drug therapies. It doesn’t work for everyone and not everyone can afford the drugs. Everyone needs to get involved.

As a family, I think David’s death has brought us closer. Facing the [AIDS] issue again is possible. I have two other brothers who are HIV positive. And just the thought that it still isn’t over is difficult. Within the family, there could be the potential that we would have to experience that loss again.

My parents, who are very religious, took the news (about David and the rest of us) from this standpoint of unconditional love. No matter what we are, we are still their children.

My parents and another brother, Danny, who is not riding, will be participating in the closing ceremonies.

The idea of the ride came about last year. My parents had invited Danny and me to the closing ceremony of the ride. At that time, we were working on my brother David’s [AIDS] quilt. Michael is an avid cyclist and races quite frequently. Michael mentioned he was interested in the AIDS ride. We both decided to do the ride.

I didn’t even own a bike when we decided to do the ride. The most I had ever done on a bike was hop on it and go down the street. I’ve been training since January.