Road Warriors

VENTURA —  The hundreds of miles Moorpark resident Mike Langowski pedaled during the weeklong AIDS Ride began to wear on his body early Friday morning.

He wondered whether he would make it to San Buenaventura State Beach, the next to last stop of the 560-mile journey.

But after a couple of granola bars, and plenty of applause from dozens of supporters lining Pacific Coast Highway, the 52-year-old federal prison worker was suddenly re-energized.

“I feel so good,” Langowski said. “I have the normal pains. But somebody gives you a pat and gets you going again.”

Considered the most successful fund-raiser to support AIDS causes, the sixth annual AIDS Ride, which started in San Francisco Sunday, raised a record $11.1 million. More than 60% of that money will go to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The rest of the money goes to overhead.

Before the nearly 3,000 riders rolled into the Ventura campsite, they took in the stunning California coastline and drew inspiration from the energetic supporters who cheered along the way.

Anne Rodriguez of La Habra held a sign that read, “Love You Riders Granma.”

Rodriguez, 74, spent the last two days sitting on road sides across the state to support the riders, especially her 23-year-old grandson, Chris Nelson.

“You thank the riders and they thank you right back,” she said. “But they’re really the ones we have to thank.”

Each cyclist is required to raise $2,500 to participate in the ride.

Riders train for months to prepare for the physically demanding event. They pedal an average of 75 miles a day during the ride. Langowski rode a total of 2,000 miles to get ready.

He spent every night of the race sleeping in a tent, sometimes in near-freezing temperatures. But on the last night, his wife came to Ventura to treat him to a night in a hotel.

Although he initially set out to conquer the distance and raise AIDS awareness, Langowski made an emotional journey as well. He reflected on the devastation of the disease and gained a new understanding of the human spirit.

“It’s very touching,” he said as tears welled up in his eyes. “The feelings are difficult to control.”

As AIDS Ride participants prepared for the last leg of their journey, which will end today in Century City, they set up tents, got a massage and settled in for the night.

The race provides meals, showers, tents, bike repair, medical care and even evening entertainment. Pallotta TeamWorks, which sponsors five other AIDS Rides around the country, relies on 1,650 volunteers and crew members to coordinate the traveling event.

“We’re moving a small city down California highways,” said Gwenn A. Baldwin, executive director of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. “It is a logistical feat.”

Advances in drug treatment have changed the needs for those who are HIV positive, Baldwin said. And the money that is raised now goes to helping people reenter the work force and find long-term housing.

“People are living with HIV, not dying,” she said. “There are a whole host of new challenges.”

Rich Benbrook of Ventura decided to do the ride with his father this year after they cheered participants last year.

The good weather, statewide support and new friends have made it a memorable week.

“I’m going to miss it when it’s over,” said Benbrook, 37. “I’d be happy if it went another week.”