On June 5, 2005, Gordon & Rees partner Dominic Campodonico joined 1600 other cyclists for the seven-day ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in AIDS LifeCycle 2005. A veteran of four fundraising bike rides from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this year's ride was no less memorable and rewarding than in past years.

Dominic's participation in AIDS LifeCycle stems from an interest in actively supporting the AIDS Foundation, which provides important services for people living with HIV and AIDS. "I participate in the ride to make a difference in the lives of people with HIV and AIDS," he said.

One of the main goals of the event is fundraising. As in years past, Gordon & Rees was "incredibly supportive. This year, the firm was one of my most significant sponsors. Other sponsors include partners, associates, and support staff," said Dominic. Anyone who would like to contribute may still do so by going to www.aidslifecycle.org/556.

Needless to say, training has been the key to Dominic's success. He spent almost every weekend from January to Memorial Day training for the ride. He usually starts his training rides in San Francisco but quickly crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and heads into parts of Marin County. Although in January his training rides start at 30-40 miles (no small feat for most of us), he steadily increases his weekend mileage: his weekend rides cover 40-50 miles in February, 55-60 miles in March, 70-80 miles in April and then finally 90-100 or more miles per ride in May. In addition to his weekend road training Dominic adds spinning classes to his regimen during the week.

Even with intense training, the 585-mile ride is grueling. The scenery, however, is amazing and inspiring. Inland, the route takes the cyclists through scenic farmland, where the strawberry fields and artichoke fields span the horizon. Along the coast, the steady and rhythmic crashing of the Pacific waves helps keep the cadence and bolster endurance as the riders head south toward Los Angeles. The route covers roughly 80 or more miles each day, depending on the terrain. No small feat for partner with a demanding litigation practice.

Dominic strongly recommends this fundraising event to cyclists of all levels. The event is sponsored by the main beneficiaries, "so there is a strong desire to keep overhead low in order for the majority of the funds raised to go directly to the AIDS services organizations," he said. "Because it's a multi-day ride there are more opportunities to learn of the great services that are funded by the ride. Anyone can get involved - cyclists and non-cyclists alike. There are opportunities for everyone," said Dominic. Whether you're considering riding or volunteering, or if you're just plain interested, you can learn more about the ride - including photos and day by day coverage of the trip - at www.aidslifecycle.org.