News Room
The Friends for Life Bike Rally’s latest information and announcements.
2027 STEERING COMMITTEE & VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
September 8, 2026
Hi friend,
We hope you had an amazing 2026 Friends for Life Bike Rally experience! The bikes may be back in your garage or storage unit, but the magic of the Bike Rally continues...
After another incredible year on the road and raising a record-breaking $1.9M, we’re already looking ahead to 2027 — and we want you to be part of what comes next!
The Bike Rally doesn’t happen without the people who step up. Riders make the pedal-powered journey, crew provide important support, but it’s also our volunteers and leaders who help enhance the experience (or Bike Rally magic as we like to call it!), build community and keep this incredible event moving forward.
Could you be one of them?
Take the next step: Join the Steering Committee
If you’ve ever thought, “I have an idea for the Bike Rally,” “I’d love to get more involved,” or “I want to help make this even better,” this could be your opportunity.
We’re looking for passionate Bike Rally participants to join the Steering Committee and help shape the future of the event. Whether you’re a longtime participant or relatively new to the Bike Rally, your perspective, energy and ideas can make a difference.
We’re looking for folks to lead in the following positions:
Media, Communications & Community Engagement
Road Support
Recruitment
Participant Engagement
Sponsorship & Fundraising
Nutrition
Training & Support
Wellness
Rustlers
Logistics
Team Captains Lead
Women’s Experience
Montreal Experience
Out of Town Ambassador
We meet once a month in-person at the PWA Office, with a virtual option for those unable to meet in-person. Each portfolio has two leads, with a minimum of one lead needed to attend the monthly Steering Committee meeting.
Volunteer your time
Not ready to join the Steering Committee? There are many other ways to get involved and help support the Steering Committee on a sub-committee!
We’re looking for folks to join us in the following positions:
Web Design & Content
Graphic Design
Social Media
Montreal Experience
Kingston Experience
Ottawa Experience
And more!
Bring your ideas. Bring your energy. Bring your passion.
Help us make the next Bike Rally the best one yet!
Confirm your interest in joining the Steering Committee or volunteering in another way. Contact cochairs@bikerally.org by October 1, 2026.
If you have any questions or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Cheers,
Stiva Sinanan (He/Him) & Patric Senson (He/Him)
Co-Chairs
Michael Blackburn (He/Him)
Vice-Chair
NEWS RELEASE
Hundreds of cyclists complete six-day journey, raising critical funds for people living with HIV/AIDS
August 8, 2026
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MONTREAL, QC – August 8, 2026 – Hundreds of cyclists rolled into Montreal Friday after completing the Friends for Life Bike Rally, one of Canada's longest distance charity cycling events, a 600-kilometre journey from Toronto that raises critical funds to support people living with HIV/AIDS.
For 28 years, the Friends for Life Bike Rally has brought together riders, crew members, volunteers and supporters who share a common purpose: ensuring people who live with HIV/AIDS have access to the care, connection and programs and services they need to thrive.
While advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition for many, stigma, social isolation, rising costs of living and health inequities continue to create barriers for people living with the virus. Funds raised through the Friends for Life Bike Rally support essential programs that improve health and well-being, including financial assistance, food banks, peer support and other life-changing services.
Since 1999, the cause has raised more than $31.9million in support of AIDS Service Organizations such as the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, AIDS Community Care Montreal, Trellis HIV & Community Care in Kingston and Bruce House in Ottawa.
This year's participants included first-time riders, long-time supporters and volunteers from across Canada and the United States. Each contributed to a legacy of compassion, resilience and hope that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS – raising a record-breaking $1.9 million.
The finish line in Montreal marks the end of an extraordinary journey, but it is also a reminder that there is much more work to do.
Registration for the 2027 Friends for Life Bike Rally is now open. To learn more about the Bike Rally, to register or donate, visit bikerally.org.
QUOTES:
“The need for action is now. HIV is still a matter of life and death for thousands of people living with HIV here in Canada, and it’s at a crossroads. Over the past several years, the public health landscape has shifted significantly, putting added pressures on AIDS Service Organizations. Canada is the only G7 country with rising infections, with HIV/AIDS being a health equity issue that remains unresolved. While we have made significant medical advances to support prevention and care, scientific progress alone doesn’t end HIV/AIDS – community support does.”
– Suzanne Paddock (She/Her), Executive Director, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation
“The Friends for Life Bike Rally is powered by an incredible network of riders, crew members, volunteers and dedicated partners who believe no one living with HIV/AIDS should face their journey alone. Every kilometre ridden helps sustain life-changing services, reduce stigma and ensure people living with the virus have access to care, connection and the resources they need. As long as there’s a reason, there’s a ride.”
– Stiva Sinanan (He/Him), Co-Chair, Friends for Life Bike Rally
“The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation saved my life, and the Friends for Life Bike Rally changed it. When I was diagnosed with HIV, I felt lost and alone. The Toronto People with AIDS Foundation helped me find a way forward, and I promised myself that one day I would give back by doing the ride. Five years later, I did. Living with HIV can be isolating, but spending six days riding alongside a community committed to supporting people like me reminded me that I wasn't alone. Five years after that, I shared my HIV status publicly in the hope that someone else might feel a little less alone too.”
– Mark Keller (He/Him), cyclist and former Toronto People with AIDS Foundation client
PHOTOS:
Beneficiary Executive Directors Suzanne Paddock (Toronto People with AIDS Foundation), Anthony Johnson (AIDS Community Care Montreal), Amanda Girling (Trellis HIV Community Care), and Linda Truglia (Bruce House)
Friends for Life Bike Rally 2027 Co-Chairs, Michael Blackburn, Stiva Sinanan, and Patric Senson.
2026 Departure in Toronto (Aug. 2, 2026)
2026 Arrival in Montreal (Aug. 7, 2026)
About Friends for Life Bike Rally: Founded in 1999, the Friends for Life Bike Rally is one of the longest distance annual charity cycling events in Canada. It brings people together for an inclusive, supportive and life-changing challenge that inspires much-needed help for people living with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised by the annual charity event support three AIDS Service Organizations across Ontario and Quebec, including the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM), Trellis HIV & Community Care and Bruce House.
Stay connected: Follow the Friends for Life Bike Rally on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Proudly riding to make a positive difference.
2025 MEDIA ADVISORIES
Hundreds of cyclists cross the finish line in Montreal after epic six-day charity ride for HIV/AIDS services
August 8, 2025
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27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally embarks on the final day, 6 of 6 from Lancaster to Montreal
August 7, 2025
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27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally embarks on day 5 of 6 from Johnstown to Lancaster
August 6, 2025
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27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally embarks on day 4 of 6 from Kingston to Johnstown
August 5, 2025
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27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally embarks on day 3 of 6 from Adolphustown to Kingston
August 4, 2025
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27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally embarks on day 2 of 6 from Port Hope to Adolphustown
August 3, 2025
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PRESS RELEASE
27th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally rolls out August 3: Cyclists ride 600 km to raise $1.8M for life-changing HIV/AIDS services.
July 31, 2025
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Canada’s longest-distance charity cycling event kicks off holiday fundraiser with $50K goal to support people living with HIV/AIDS during time of need.
November 26, 2024
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