We’re Riding for Pride 🚴♀️💪🌈
Supporting LGBTQ+ Health, Wellness, and HIV Care at Affirmations
This summer, a small team of cyclists will ride across Michigan to support the health, wellness, and HIV-related programs of Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.
The journey begins in Traverse City and ends at Affirmations in Ferndale, covering hundreds of miles over five days. Along the way, riders and support crew travel together with a shared purpose: raising awareness and funds to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Michiganders through education, programming, advocacy, and community connection.
Some riders are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Others are allies. What unites this team is a simple belief: everyone deserves access to safe, affirming spaces that support their health, wellbeing, and connection to community.
-
Why We Ride
Since 1989, Affirmations has worked to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Michiganders. Each year, tens of thousands of individuals and families engage with the center through counseling, youth programs, health initiatives, resource navigation, and community events.
-
Funds raised through this ride will support:
• Health and Wellness - HIV awareness, prevention education, testing access, vaccine clinics, and gender-affirming healthcare navigation.
• Mental Health and Support - Affirming therapy, peer-led support groups, and youth and family services that build resilience and belonging.
• Education and Advocacy - Workshops and community-led programs that empower LGBTQ+ people with knowledge and resources.
• Community Connection - Safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to gather, celebrate identity, and build lasting relationships.
Every mile ridden and every dollar raised helps sustain a center where LGBTQ+ individuals have the right to love, live, and thrive.
-
Meet the Team
Ryanne Riegling- Lead
Hazel Shockey
Tom Schmidt
Ed Foppe
Jacob Schmidt
Support the Ride. Support LGBTQ+ Wellness!