SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- AIDS/LifeCycle 11 participants have successfully completed their first day of riding, reports Team San Diego member Sean Suydam.

After Sunday's early morning opening ceremony at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, the nearly 3,000 riders, staff, and volunteers embarked on their 575-mile journey to Los Angeles in an effort to raise support, funds, and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The ride, which is organized by the LA Gay & Lesbian Center, benefits numerous California HIV/AIDS charities and is in its 11th year.