I feel tremendously privileged to be doing my second year as co-chair of such an exceptional event! When I did my first year as a rider, back in 2001, I would never have imagined how my involvement would develop over the years, but I learned that the more I invested in the Bike Rally, the more it gave back to me, in a surprising synergy. But what has brought me back, year after year, has been the satisfaction of watching so many people's lives changed through their involvement in this event, as riders, as participants, as volunteers ...and that is above and beyond the critical support felt by clients of PWA who benefit from the funds we raise. I am looking forward to a fantastic 14^th annual Bike Rally in 2012, working with a strong group of volunteers and PWA staff, and getting to know more of you!

I am thrilled to have the honour and privilege of being Co-Chair with Sherri. I have been a rider and part of the Media Committee since first signing up for the ride three years ago. I was looking for a way to get involved in the community and help others. I'd heard about this event called the Friends For Life Bike Rally, in support of the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). Well, I've got more back than I ever imagined possible. I feel very fortunate to be part of this group of spectacularly amazing people. The effort and commitment to raise the funds and ride a bicycle to Montreal is truly inspiring. Even more so are the clients, staff and volunteers I've met at PWA. If you're reading this and not yet convinced to donate, sign-up or volunteer, I encourage you to hit the button – your donation will change someone's life and the ride will change yours.

This is my 7^th year as a rider on the Rally and my first as co-lead of Social. Harvey and I have been busy planning for the 2012 events to make for a funtastic year. Come out and get involved it makes the Rally a great time as it's not all about the physical challenge and hardwork of fundraising. It's about enjoyment and meeting new people. We hope to see you at an event with your friends and supporters soon!

With so many others, I Iived through the 80's-90's having lost so many of my extended family of friends to HIV/AIDS. Over the last two years, the rally has become a family affair shared with my partner Chris, my daughter Shana and my sister Lennie. Our family, and friends, especially my grand children Noah and Nathan, are our greatest supporters. As a returning 4^th year rider, I am looking forward to working with Mark Fisher as Co-Lead, and hope that the riders and crew alike are anticipating some very exciting events leading up to and during the rally.

Hi, I'm Todd Davies. This is my tenth year on the Friends for Life Bike Rally. The boyfriend got me hooked 10 years ago and now I think I have become a lifer! During the day, I am a mild-mannered secondary school teacher in the Durham Region, and therefore, have lots of time in the summer to give to a truly worthy cause. My other passions include volleyball, camping, movies, and alas, I am also an internet junkie. Good luck to everyone on the ride. Let's have a great time for a great cause!

This will be my fourth year doing the ride. Four years ago one of my best friends asked me to volunteer on food crew for the 2009 Bike Rally. At that time I did the ride for him. Now I am doing the ride for PWA and myself. Crewing for the bike rally is a fantastic experience and as I work in conventions and meeting services, Food Crew was the obvious choice for me. I am proud and honoured to be a part of Bike Rally 2012 and encourage you to get involved.

This is my fourth year with the Friends for Life Bike Rally. I rode in 2009 and 2010 which was an amazing experience - if this is your first time riding I can tell you that you'll make some great friends while accomplishing an impressive physical feat. In 2011 I was a volunteer on the Training & Support Committee, focusing on "Fundraising 101" training - it was during this time that I became aware of the outstanding work that PWA does and how important the Bike Rally is to the PWA's efforts. This year we've formed a specific Fundraising Committee to ensure that all riders and crew are well supported in their fundraising efforts. If you have any ideas on how the Steering Committee can support riders and crew in fundraising, please contact us.

In 2008, a friend wisely convinced me to sign up to ride to Montreal, even though the thought of being on a bike for six days seemed impossible. In fact, all that you put your mind to is possible. The most rewarding part for me is knowing that the work we all do contributes to the ongoing support the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation provides to a community in need. The side benefit is making new friends and having the time of my life on the journey. I'm very happy and honoured to be Co-Lead of the Media and Communications Committee along with my fantastic Co-Lead and volunteers.

2012 marks the 2^nd Bike Rally for me, and the first year on Steering Committee as co-lead for Media and Communications. It all started with the desire to see if I could put my mind (and body) to such a big task. I had put it off for a year, and then last year I took the plunge. I quickly realized that I was doing it for over 400 more reasons; for all the riders and their family, friends and loved ones. And for everyone else that has benefited from Toronto PWA and the Bike Rally for over 13 years. For those that have doubts—you can do it. For those that want a challenge—sign up today. It will change your life and the life of so many others.

I joined the Bike Rally in 2009, after years of hearing stories through friends. It is now 4 years on, and I still can't seem to get enough. I am also happy to say that I am back doing Recruitment for the second year. Seeing all these amazingly enthusiastic riders, crew and staff participating in an event that helps change lives, for those relying on PWA services, is truly inspiring. Your life too, will change. It is an honour to be part of such an important and humbling cause and to share it with you. Come drink from our Kool-Aid and see you on the road!

I had heard of the Bike Rally for years but was always a little intimidated by the distance (610km, eek!). I anxiously signed up for the first time in 2009, and after meeting other riders and the fabulous crew, any aprehension I had was quickly put at ease. It's funny, a 120km ride doesn't seem so bad when you're surrounded by over 300 great friends! 2012 will be my 4^th year as a rider, and I am thrilled to be given the challenge to recruit new participants to this experience. See you on the road!

Hello there! Road safety is part cheerleader, part "safety officer" and I am very pleased to be working with all of you for Bike Rally #14 in 2012. I've had a blast on crew and met many wonderful people,on the crew(s), on the bikes and on the sides of the road supporting... and who can pass up the opportunity to dress up like Halloween in July for 5 days in a row! The best way to sum up this event is that it is like summer camp for adults with a cause! In my employment life I work for Children's Services with the City of Toronto. Looking forward to a great year supporting and teaching about the great work of PWA.

In April 2005, I experienced my first training ride in the freezing rain of early spring! The encouragement and kindness of the other riders carried me through that wind and cold and I smile, today, remembering those faces. Experiencing the Bike Rally has changed me as a person and offered me friendships I cherish. It's been 7 years and now, as Co-Lead of Road Safety, I am thrilled to be working with Faye Jose for the 14th Friends for Life Bike Rally!

I choose to participate in the Friends for Life Bike Rally because of all the great programs that PWA operates using the funds collected from the rally, and how these programs improve the quality of life for people living with AIDS. I am fortunate enough to have the time, good health, and can afford to participate in the Friends for Life Bike Rally. I strongly urge everyone who can find time to assist, helping in any way you can, as you probably know someone who has been helped, is being helped, or will be helped by PWA.

The 14^th Annual Friends for Life Bike Rally will be my 11^th year with the Rubbermaid Rustlers since 2001, and 8^th year on the Steering Committee. This incredible event is so rewarding, both personally and spiritually. The energy of the Rally and excitement of the participants each year remind me why I returned after my first year. I continue to participate with inspired passion, thoughts and memories of dear friends, and the anticipation of new bonds and friendships! Here’s to 610 kilometres of smiles, and cheers to the Bike Rally family!

A month before the 2010 ride, my arm was twisted at the last minute to join two friends on the ride. Great cause and great friends I thought, so why not! I had few expectations when we set out, but ended up being touched by an incredible group of people, their passion for a cause, and the impact the ride had on the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. I did the ride again in 2011, and realized I had to do more for 2012. I'm excited to be co-leading the Sponsorship Committee for 2012 alongside a great team, and looking forward to raising even more support for PWA!

This is my fourth year with the Bike Rally and my third year on the Steering Committee. This year, I'm volunteering with Sponsorship as well as being the representative of the Board of Directors of the PWA on the Steering Committee. We encourage you to approach corporate friends and contacts to contribute to this worthy cause. The Board is very grateful for the enormous contribution of the collected efforts of all participants in this great event, PWA's largest fundraiser, making a world of difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Thank you. I look forward to riding with all of you!

This is my 11^th year participating in the Friends For Life Bike Rally. My introduction to the Bike Rally was purely by chance. I encountered some riders fund-raising on Church St. and after chatting with them I knew that this was something I wanted to do. By the time we got to Montreal I was hooked - I drank the Koolaid. My first year started more as a personal challenge but I quickly learned how important the Bike Rally is to PWA and how vital the funds we raise are to supporting the essential programs that PWA offers. Now I ride to ensure that those services continue to be available. This year, I have the privilege of co-leading the Team Leader Committee. As the Bike Rally gets bigger the team leaders will become even more important. I look forward to working with and supporting the wonderful and dedicated group of team leaders and optimizing their role in the Bike Rally.

Like so many others, I initially joined the Friends for Life Bike Rally somewhat by chance. A friend with ties to other participants decided he was going to ride and put it out there for me to consider. Having never cycled, I first just laughed at the notion of riding a bike over 600km, but after we chatted more about what the ride is, what we accomplish, and the amazing work we enable the PWA to perform by raising these funds, I bought a bike and lept in head first! The Bike Rally has become one of the annual highlights of my life and I am elated to be participating for a third consecutive year as a rider and to be joining the Steering Committee for 2012 with such a talented, dedicated and inspiring group of people.

In 2009 I had some spare time on my hands and wanted to support a great cause with more than just handing over a cheque. That summer a friend convinced me to join him and do Road Safety on this event called the Friends for Life Bike Rally. Not being a bike enthusiast I thought it was the perfect choice. Well, 2 days into the ride I knew I was hooked and wanted to get on a bike the next year. This will be my fourth year riding and my second on the Training and Support Committee. The cause, the amazing people I've met on this incredible ride have become a big part of my life and I look forward to seeing many returning and new faces but most of all getting out on the road with all of you!!!

Wow... Here we are - Bike Rally 2012! Going into my 3^rd year as a participant in the Bike Rally, I look back and wonder where it went?! Three years ago did I picture myself cycling from Toronto to Montreal over the course of 6 days - NO! In fact, I might have thought it was a little bit crazy! How times have changed... With a bit of encouragement from friends that were past participants, I decided to take on the challenge that turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I ride for the spirit and comradery that is shared on the journey, and for the personal challenge and soul searching this experience continues to encourage in me, but more importantly I ride for the cause, awareness and the impact that the ride has on the lives of those connected to the Toronto PWA. Here's to year 14 and the luck and fortune that ensues!

I can't wait to participate in the 14^th anniversary Friends for Life ride! This is my 5^th year on the ride and it has been amazing. About seven years ago two of my brothers completed the ride. Seeing them off and meeting them in Montreal was such an emotional journey that when one of my brothers decided to do the ride again I felt that I needed to be a bigger part of the rally. I have been so fortunate to be able to take part and to meet all of the wonderful people that make up the ride. A bit of background - I am a Registered Nurse and I currently work at The Scarborough Hospital in the field of computerized charting. I look forward to meeting everyone. Drop by for a chat - even if you don't need our assistance!!