The Los Angeles LGBT Center has announced the launch of a new initiative called Center Ride Out, a three-day cycling fundraiser scheduled for April 24-26, 2026. This inaugural event will take participants on a scenic journey from Los Angeles to San Diego, with the primary goal of raising funds to support the Center’s essential programs and services. This initiative replaces the long-standing AIDS/LifeCycle ride, which has successfully raised over $300 million for HIV/AIDS services since its inception in 1994.
Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “For decades, our community has come together to ride for something greater than ourselves. Center Ride Out honors a rich legacy while charting a bold path forward—celebrating our progress and recommits us to fight for health equity, compassion, and visibility for all LGBTQ+ people.”
Participants will experience a diverse range of landscapes throughout the ride. The first and third days include long endurance rides of 80-100 miles, while the second day offers flexibility with options ranging from 20 to 100 miles. Each day is designed to provide unique experiences, from bustling city streets to scenic climbs, culminating in a celebratory Finish Line Festival in San Diego, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Southern California’s LGBTQ+ community.
Proceeds from Center Ride Out will directly support the mission of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which aims to create an inclusive environment where every LGBTQ+ individual can live authentically. Participants are required to raise a minimum of $2,500 by April 10, 2026, ensuring that the Center can continue addressing urgent community needs. To maintain the quality and impact of the event, registration for the inaugural ride will be limited to 525 participants, with current registration already reaching 50 percent of that capacity.
In addition to benefiting the Los Angeles LGBT Center, 10 percent of net proceeds will support the San Diego LGBT Community Center and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Registration and fundraising efforts are currently open at lalgbtcenter.org/centerrideout, where interested participants can find more information about the ride and contribute to this important cause.
Through Center Ride Out, the Los Angeles LGBT Center not only honors its past but also embraces the future, inviting the community to come together for a shared purpose of advocacy and support.
