Welcome to the official website for Team Orange County. On June 1-7, 2008 we will participate in AIDS/LifeCycle 7, riding our bikes 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for AIDS services in California.

How it all began . . .

Team OC was formed in 2002 after the first AIDS/LifeCycle Ride. Jim Toledano grew tired of having to drive all the way up to LA every time he wanted to join a training ride. So he found some local routes and Team OC was born. Jim T. posted the rides on the ALC site and was joined by three others -- Allen Bencomo and Jim Fleischer and Eric Hargis. Jim T. became the team leader, creating route sheets and a training schedule for the team.

In 2003, the group grew to more than 20 people for ALC2 -- most of us first-timers -- and we learned the ropes together. As one team member learned something new about bike maintenance or nutrition or hill-climbing, they would pass the knowledge on to the team. Soon, we were all hooked on the sport and having a great time with our new and wonderful friends.

For ALC3, Team OC agreed to be the subjects of a documentary chronicling their AIDS/LifeCycle experience. Team OC member and Training Ride Leader Beverly Oden shot and produced the film entitled "Diary of a Rider." With Eric Hargis as narrator and main character, the film follows the team through the six-month training process and the seven days of The Ride.

By ALC4 in 2005, Team OC had grown to over 50 members. And from the beginning we have been an eclectic group of cyclists at every experience level who pride ourselves on helping and looking out for each other out on the road. We share a common goal in our desire to raise money for AIDS services and to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV.

We look forward to all the new riders who join us each season for their first AIDS/LifeCycle. The experience is unforgettable and life changing for all who participate. It's always exciting for us to watch the transformation from new rider to experienced cyclist with many AIDS/LifeCycles in the rear view mirror. Our motto is "Nobody Gets Left Behind" so we will make sure that a Team OC Training Ride Leader stays with the very last rider until they make it safely back at the end of each ride.

We meet every Saturday morning between January and May to prepare for The Ride. Click on the "Rides & Events" page to see where we're headed next. Everyone is welcome to join us!