The 17th annual SMART Ride event this November will proceed as scheduled, only, re-imagined.

The SMART Ride (The Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride), November 20-22, 2020, has re-imagined this year’s 17th annual event to meet the challenges of the current pandemic. While COVID-19 has changed the way we are able to get together, our cause and goal remains the same. In fact, the needs of those fighting AIDS/HIV in our community are even greater this year with the pandemic adding another obstacle. With a combination of virtual and physical challenges, SMART Ride 17 participants will continue to raise money for those affected and effected by AIDS/HIV throughout Florida.

The SMART Ride has historically been a 2-day 165 mile journey from Miami to Key West. In that spirit, riders this year will be challenged to ride 165 miles, wherever they may be, over the weekend of November 20th – 22nd. In addition, ANYONE can participate this year by committing to logging 165 miles, minutes, or any other measurable metric of a physical challenge that they choose over that weekend. To learn more or to register, visit TheSmartRide.org.

In addition, virtual events will be held online the week of the event, including the traditional opening ceremonies, candlelight vigil, ride out, and closing ceremonies. The total amount of funds raised will be announced at the conclusion of the weekend on November 22nd.

From humble beginnings in 2003 The SMART Ride has become a major force in the State of Florida by providing support to front-line organizations in communities who are providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and working to educate about how to prevent the spread of HIV. Since 2003, SMART Ride has raised over $11.8 million which has been distributed for direct client care. 100% of every dollar raised is distributed. This year’s benefiting agencies are AIDS Help (AH) (Monroe County), Broward House (Broward County), Compass Community Center (Palm Beach County), Metro Inclusive Health (Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties), Miracle of Love (Central Florida), and Pridelines (MiamiDade County).

About SMART Ride:

For the past 16 years, SMART Ride has been a 165 mile bike journey from Miami to Key
West to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. SMART Ride is now the 2nd largest AIDS bicycle ride in
the country, and the only one of its size to give back 100%. Our participants come from across the State of
Florida, nationally, as far as Hawaii to as close as our neighboring state of Georgia, not to mention
Internationally. We attract between 400-500 participants with each event, but we touch thousands more on the
road as we travel between cities and towns, and with each donation that is made. Last year, close to 10,000
people donated to our efforts – that’s quite an impact! Riders and crew range in age from 18 to 73.

About Broward House:

Broward House has served Broward County for over thirty years; with the mission to
improve the quality of life for individuals impacted with chronic health challenges, including HIV, by providing
pathways to wellness. We welcome people of all backgrounds, genders, races and sexual orientations. We
serve individuals with or without insurance or income. Our objective: to support the health and stability of each
individual who walks through our door with a plan unique to their goals, including housing, medical care, HIV
testing, mental health and other support services. For additional information visit BrowardHouse.org.
More About SMART Ride: From humble beginnings in 2003 The SMART Ride has become a major force in
the State of Florida by providing support to front-line organizations in communities who are providing services
to people living with HIV/AIDS, and working to educate about how to prevent the spread of HIV. Since 2003,
SMART Ride has raised over $11.8 million which has been distributed for direct client care. 100% of every
dollar raised is distributed to 6 of South Florida’s nonprofit HIV related organizations.