Tracy Press

Local cyclist Rod Wehrli is using his love of the bike to fight against HIV/AIDS in an upcoming ride.

Rod Wehrli of Tracy will ride more than 500 miles to raise money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Glenn Moore/Tracy Press

Four years ago, he learned of the California AIDS/Lifecycle, a ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Organizers from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation expect the seven-day event
June 1 through 7 will raise about $11 million for research into treatments and services for people who live with the disease.

Wehrli, 55, said that the 545-mile route he and 2,500 other cyclists will ride is part of the Oregon-to-Mexico Pacific Bike Route, and he is already familiar with that ride as one of the long trips he has taken.

Wehrli said he doesn’t know anyone with HIV or AIDS, but the idea that he could help make a difference in a fight against a deadly disease motivated him to get involved.

"I did a little research and decided that this would be a worthwhile endeavor," he said. Both his mother and his mother-in-law died recently, and he decided to dedicate his efforts in this year’s ride to them.

"Their memories will get me over the hills and through the wind," he said. "I want my children and grandchildren to live in a society that doesn’t fear AIDS."

Wehrli did the ride for the first time four years ago with a friend from SouthWinds Church and has been an active cyclist for about 10 years, ever since he moved to Tracy. He has his favorite routes through the hills west of town, most often going for a decent workout ride of about 20 miles. His wife, Lydia, will sometimes take him and his bike to Livermore or Fremont on her way to work, and he will ride the bike home.

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written by Rod Wehrli , April 23, 2008

To donate to the AIDSLifecycle, go to www.aidslifecycle.org/2780. Thank you in advance for your support!

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written by Patti C , April 23, 2008

It is nice to have such a famous brother! Good luck on your fund raising and ride!

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written by Kathy Fry , April 23, 2008

I'm proud of my brother and offer love,prayers and support.

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written by CherylR , April 24, 2008

Rod is going to have company on this trip. My daughter, Alecia, www.aidslifecycle.com/1647 and her friends: Kelly, PJ, Dele and Amber will be going on the same trip. I am sure that all these fine people would greatly appreciate any donations that you are able to give.

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written by fun1 , April 24, 2008

Good luck to all of you.

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written by gerri/m , April 25, 2008

Hey Rod,
You are my hero! You are always in my prayers. This year you will have an angel along side of you. Mom was always one of your biggest fans!

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written by A Supporter , April 25, 2008

Rod,

Looks good! Almost reached your goal. Only about $330.00 away.

Everyone,

You can support Rod by going to to the following website:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/2780

Good work!!!

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written by Alecia Rock , April 26, 2008

Hello,

I will also be participating in Aids life cycle, only about a month a way now!!

Please visit my website @
www.aidslifecycle.com/1647

Thank you!
Alecia Rock

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written by walter wehrli , April 28, 2008

Lots of luck on your trip. Your efforts and all the other rider will help in the reserch in helping millions of people throughout the world. Hope you got my check.
Lots of love
Dad