"I’ve ridden a bike to fight AIDS for over 10 yrs. Dramatic advances have been made but there’s still no cure, so I’ll keep pedaling. Research is expensive but now I can fuel the spark of creative science by funding seed grants awarded from the ARI Breakthrough Fund. In the ESAR, I’ve found a cycling event that’s intimate yet challenging, where a small, determined and loving group of people can push their limits, contribute to a breakthrough and end AIDS once and for all."
--Tracy Daugherty (left)

"I continue to come back to ride the ESAR, year after year, because it's challenging, unbelievably rewarding and there is no more of a caring and loving group of individuals I would rather spend a week sweating, hurting, struggling, laughing, and loving with than the ESAR riders and volunteers. This ride raises an incredible amount of much needed funding for several very deserving AIDS agencies and the clients they serve. ESAR will guarantee you seven days that you will treasure forever and many new friends who care as much as you do about this cause."
--Kevin Judge

"The most amazing thing is witnessing my fellow riders, as we climbed those hills, looking at their faces in utter pain, but with eyes, legs and souls full of determination and commitment. You can feel the energy and spirit bounce off the trees and fill the camp site at the end of the day. And, I wonder how do I leave these "super" human beings? -- So I came back for another ride!"
--Lucy Prieto

"Having been a part of the Empire State AIDS Ride since it's inception, I can tell you that each one leaves me even more speechless in describing the camaraderie, strength, and compassion of the people this event brings together. This small but powerful group is making a difference! It has truly become a family affair--with spouses, partners, siblings, parents and kids supporting us. All others who are not related to us become part of the tightly knit ESAR by the end of the week. People think we are doing a selfless thing (and we are), but I receive so much more out of this amazing, life-changing week than I give."
--Paula Silvestrone, Executive Director of AIDS Rochester

"There are lots of reasons why I love this ride--my teammates, the wide open road, and the beauty of New York State in the summer. But I DO this ride because it is something meaningful that I can do to help people with HIV/AIDS. Funds we raise work towards preventing HIV, caring for people with AIDS, and conducting research to end the epidemic. You can add to the expanding legacy of ESAR by committing to doing what most people say they can't even imagine. Move beyond your comfort zone. Push yourself to higher levels of fitness and health during training. Spend a week on the road pedaling your bike that will enrich the rest of your life with the goodness and humanity of fellow riders, family, and donors. Make a difference in the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS!"
--Tobie Olsan

"ESAR 5 was probably the most physically challenging "vacation" I could have imagined, but in return it was the most mentally relaxing and emotionally rewarding week of my life. For seven days, I was surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, amazing people, and nothing to worry about but riding my bike."
--Cindy Beyer