A whole new concept in AIDS fundraising was launched on May 1, 1994, when 478 cyclists departed San Francisco for a 525-mile, 7-day journey to Los Angeles.

The riders, most of who resided in Los Angeles, were hoping to raise nearly $1 million. They far exceeded their expectations, raising $1.6 million for AIDS services at the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic housed at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center. With a minimum goal of $2,000, each Rider raised an average of $3,100 and was the most successful first-time AIDS fund-raiser in American history.

One year later, the AIDS Riders did it again. They quadrupled their numbers, joining with rider from San Francisco to raise funds for both the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Nearly 1,900 riders made the same trek, exceeding their minimum pledges substantially with an average of $2,200 each. The group raised $5.5 million, again creating the most successful all-time AIDS fund-raiser in history.

Later that year, the AIDS Ride concept was brought to the East Coast, eclipsing all previous records. In September 1995, nearly 4,000 individuals from around the world participated in the very first BostonNew York AIDS Ride presented by Tanqueray, and directed by Mark Robinson.

BostonNew York AIDS Ride was a 3-day, 250-mile bike ride culminating in a closing ceremony hosted by prominent celebrities and covered by the national press. The event was originally slated to gross $4 million, but ultimately grossed a whopping $7.4 million, becoming, in its first year, the most successful AIDS fundraiser in history.

The AIDS Rides were created by Dan Pallotta and produced by his Los Angeles based fundraising consulting firm Pallotta Teamworks, which raised money for some of the finest non-profit organizations in the U.S.