LGBT Center raises over $800,000 in annual Ride Out. (photo courtesy of LGBT Center)

The Los Angeles LGBT Center successfully concluded its inaugural Center Ride Out on April 26, an AIDS/LifeCycle legacy event, raising $830,511 to support the center’s life-saving programs and services for LGBTQ+ communities. From April 24-26, more than 300 cyclists and volunteers rode from Los Angeles to San Diego, covering approximately 285 miles across Southern California.

“Center Ride Out carries forward the legacy of AIDS/LifeCycle, rooted in a time when our community came together to care for one another,” Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner said. “Today, our riders are building a legacy that will shape the future of generations to come. Every mile ridden and every dollar raised supports life-saving services for LGBTQ+ people.”

The three-day experience began with a sendoff at Elysian Park, where riders departed before sunrise on Day 1 and traveled more than 110 miles to basecamp at Lake Skinner in the Temecula area.

Day 2 offered a “choose your own adventure” experience, giving participants the option to rest and recharge at basecamp or ridethrough Riverside County’s scenic landscapes. At basecamp, riders enjoyed camp-style activities including wellness, and live entertainment featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14 winner Willow Pill as Camp Stage headliner, alongside Camp Counselors Meat Ball and Miss Barbie-Q, with Camp DJ Litch Please – bringing the spirit of queer summer camp to life.

On Day 3, riders set out on an 87-mile journey from Riverside County to San Diego, traveling backcountry roads and coastal stretches. The ride concluded with a celebratory Finish Line Festival outside the San Diego LGBT Community Center, where riders were welcomed with a block-party featuring live performances from drag artists Kickxy Vixen and Arrietty.

As funding for LGBTQ+ programs continue to face ongoing challenges, events like Center Ride Out are critical to sustaining the center’s work across four impact areas: healthcare, housing and social services, culture and education, and advocacy. In addition, 10 percent of net proceeds will benefit the San Diego LGBT Community Center and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

Sponsor Gilead Sciences has long supported efforts to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment, and continues to partner with the LA LGBT Center to advance health equity and deliver life-saving care to LGBTQ+ communities.

Registration and fundraising for Center Ride Out 2027 are now open. The three-day ride will return April 23–25, 2027. Visit give.lalgbtcenter.org/event/center-ride-out/e775406.