Harbor to the Bay

Take 2! It’s time to gear-up for another memorable and important ride to Provincetown.

Joseph Raccuglia — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 18:31:06 +0000

Last year’s ride was picture-perfect, and I am hoping to make this year even better! It will take help from my friends to make this happen.

Why should you donate?

Perhaps you know someone who has been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Donate to help them have a few less struggles.

Maybe you are focused on doing your part to help ensure future generations have the best opportunity to lead a long and happy life. Donate to help give communities the tools and aid needed to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

Or, maybe you feel lucky to have had access to healthcare for your own condition and want to extend a helping-hand to others who are not as fortunate. Donate to help those who need it the most.

No matter why you decide to donate, you can feel good about the fact that 100% of donations go to the beneficiaries.

Mid-Summer Check-In: Legs are on-point but progress towards goal needs some help

Joseph Raccuglia — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 00:38:36 +0000

Tick-tock, it’s check-in o’clock!

I spent the Spring laser focused on training for an amazing 7-day journey through the mountains in Colombia. There were many obstacles along the way that almost took me off the bike and out of the trip. I was lucky to have a loving support network helping ensure I was physically fit, technically capable, and mentally prepared to tackle this huge goal. The process was as mentally challenging as it was physically, but I was committed to the task and wanted to impress not only myself, but also my support team.

I am happy to report that I succeed in covering the full 350 miles, climbing 45,000 feet from Bogotá to Medellín!

Now, my training will focus on preparation for the long, single-day ride to Provincetown. This is about saddle-time and patience, as I am often reminded that this event is not a race. It is an opportunity to take time to think about those who have fought, who are fighting, and who stand side-by-side to help fight the battle against HIV/AIDS. We fight not only the disease itself but also the stigma that is often associated with it.

I can see that this journey is similar, in some ways, to my challenge in Colombia. It represents the coming together of a diverse community to accomplish shared goals:

To improve community awareness of HIV/AIDS care and services
To support those organizations that advance the quality and accessibility care
To help prevent HIV infection and to positively impact people living with HIV/AIDS

I want to be part of such a community. And I want to give you an opportunity to also join us. You don’t have to ride a bike, I got that covered.

I have a goal to raise $1,000. If you feel inclined, please give any donation you can offer, knowing that 100% of pledges go to our wonderful and dedicated beneficiaries.

Stay tuned, more to come!

KiKi Made Me Do It

Joseph Raccuglia — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:38:48 +0000

While yes, Keith Kohl is my H2B mentor, I have been wanting to be part of this group for a while.

One of the beneficiaries is Fenway Health, which has been my safe-space for healthcare since I moved to Boston in 2001 for everything from clogged ears to help with sports nutrition. This organization is one of the leading providers of care for those affected by HIV/AIDS across all populations in New England, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. There are many other local organizations that receive funds from this ride, some that probably help people in your area or community, perhaps even to someone you know.

If you want to grasp the enormousness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and get to know some of the people that sadly suffered unimaginable deaths before we had the care we have today, start following The AIDS Memorial on IG immediately! The stories will bring you to tears while giving you hope and focus on the Getting To Zero campaign and the 90-90-90 initiative .

Stay tuned as I gear-up for this ride, including some of my training and paining along the way!

Cheers!

joseph