The annual two-day, 200-mile Ride For AIDS is a physical grind and emotional battle for Brian Harder, who will participate for the second time July 9-10.
Harder, 46, who lives in the Edgewater neighborhood, knows the Ride means commitment, dedication, endurance, hope and reward. The Ride also is heartache, loss, pain, education and fight.
"I'm from the era when AIDS really could be a death-sentence and I remember losing my first boyfriend to the disease," Harder said. "It saddens me to see those who were never exposed to the early days of AIDS and who know nothing about what this disease really did to people's lives. They don't understand that people suffered on their death-beds and at the bed-sides of their loved ones. They think AIDS is a disease that can be treated with medications, and somehow that's rationalization and comfort for them when they have unprotected sex. But the Ride really is about giving back to those who need our help. I would ride 200 miles for $1 if I knew it would make a difference for someone."
The Ride is produced by the Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) to raise needed funds for TPAN and community partners. About 300 riders will join Harder on the route that leaves Chicago on that Saturday morning en route to Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Geneva. The route includes shaded bike paths, country roads and so much more.
"I do the Ride to give back. So I can be a part of the larger consciousness that is reaching out and helping our fellow human beings without worrying about the sacrifice we have to make. I don't ask 'What's in it for me?' I just give it my all," Harder said. "I also do it in remembrance of Bob.
"The Ride is very challenging. Hills can be brutal and you always hope the wind is at your back. But if you have a moment of weakness or doubt, there will always be someone nearby who can help motivate you and give you perspective."
Harder has worked for Comcast Spotlight for 15 years, which is the advertising division for Comcast. He is a senior marketing coordinator who does in-house graphic design work, client retention, event planning and tracks all the programming that is carried on the 65 cable networks that they insert commercials on. He's an admitted "walking TV Guide."
But a rider at-heart. At least for two days in July.
Harder is originally from Madison, yet has lived in Chicago for 11 years after stints in Green Bay, Los Angeles and Grand Rapids.
"Last year, the Ride was so amazing that I had to do it again," he said. "The Ride is a chance to not only give back, but to meet so many other people who are also willing to do what is right, good and just. The Ride means making new friends with a conscience."
Harder is an anchor for Team Shaine, whose tag line is: Inspired for Good.
"I think that is very important—we never want to lose sight of the fact that what we are doing the Ride to make a difference," Harder said. "Personally, Team Shaine is headed up by my good friend, Shaine Wynsma, who is HIV-positive and truly inspires me to be a better human being. He's a personal trainer and I feel he wants us all to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. He's always there for me, so riding with him is my way of saying that I'm here for you now and always."
Harder said his goal for the 2011 Ride is to, "Ask Even More."
"I was amazed last year at how much people were willing to [donate] if you just ask them to support you," he said. "You never know who's been touched by AIDS and in what ways. People are willing to give, if you just ask."
Harder, who also plays softball for the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), is gay—and admittedly blessed to have his family's full support. Members of Harder's family were at pit stops throughout the Ride in 2010. And he knows they will be back this summer with support for him and fellow riders.
"I really enjoy the peace of riding in the country," he said. "I like to ride with others, but there are times when riding alone with no one ahead or behind you is very calming, peaceful and Zen-like. It gives me time to reflect on why I'm riding and who I'm riding for—those from my past, those in my life now, and those I don't even know.
"It could be the kid waving to me as I pass his house, or the mother I see passing me in a car.
"The worst part of the Ride has to be the hills. But even those help build character."
Harder was a rookie cyclist last summer, though he was part of a crew for long distance rides in Alaska and Montana. "I always saw how moving it was for the riders, and I wanted to be connected on that level with a community," he said.
Harder is a co-captain on Team Shaine this summer, not to mention an inspiring, motivating and, at times, cheerleading softball coach. Harder is quick to offer motivation to fellow riders or advice on fundraising.
Plus, he designed the Team Shaine logo and their jerseys which, he said, "will have a very vibrant, yet classy look like you've never seen before."
Harder was the top fundraiser from the 2010 Ride. In fact, he personally raised more than $7,200—the most money ever raised by one individual in the history of the Ride.
"It made me proud to be able to help in such a way and I'm happy to say that my record has already been beaten this year by another rider. I'm happy because, as a biking community, we are really raising a lot of money this year, more than ever before," Harder said. "If someone can experience what I did last year, then good for them, but game on. I'll do my best to catch up."
To support Harder on the Ride For AIDS, go to: www.events.org/sponsorship.aspx
