(Madison) Four days, 300 miles, 137 riders, 97 crew members and over 100 volunteers: It’s the 8th Annual Wisconsin AIDS Ride™. July 29 – August 1. Registration for this year’s ACT (AIDS Network Cycling Together) bike ride is this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Madison (John Nolen Dr.). The actual ride begins with opening ceremonies on Thursday at 7 a.m. at Olin Park (near the shelter house). Well-wishers will gather to see the riders and crew off on what will be a bike tour of South Central Wisconsin, raising funds for AIDS Network and awareness about HIV/AIDS. WMTV’s Morning Show Host Christine Bellport will be the emcee. Last year’s ride brought in over $300,000.

“This is a much anticipated event for all of us involved with the ride,” says AIDS Network Executive Director Karen Dotson. “It is the culmination of a year-long effort of literally hundreds of people. During the past seven years ACT has raised closed to $2 million for our agency. I’m proud to say all of that money stays right here in our community, used to assist in providing much needed case management support, prevention, legal and client services.”

ACT 8 is produced almost entirely by the effort of volunteers. Corporate sponsors and in-kind contributions underwrite the cost of this event. Remarkably most products or service consumed during the ride are donated. For more information or to make a pledge to a rider, please visit the official ACT 8 website: www.actride.org.