Ken Cook

Fundraiser Profile

Participating in 2026 NorCal AIDS Cycle

Member of Team Smiley

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page!

Since 2015, I have been very active in raising money and participating in AIDS rides. While the annual ALC has come to an end, I want to continuing raising funds in our fight to end AIDS. I want to do that through riding for the cause. Thus, I am an eager first year participant in this ride.

Since 2015, I have raised over $140,000 and would love to exceed $150,000 in 2026. You can help by donating!

If you would prefer to donate through cash or check simply download and print the Donation Form (https://norcalaidscycle.squarespace.com/s/2026-NCAC-Donation-Form.pdf) and submit it with the donation to me directly or mail it to:

NorCal AIDS Cycle (NCAC)
PO Box 161934
Sacramento, CA 95816

Thank you and I look forward to sharing stories of the training and ride itself with you! Stay Tuned!

About the Event

May 14-17, 2026

Ken Cook

3 mo. ago

Why I ride..

Everyone has a different reason for riding and raising funds in our fight again HIV / AIDS. I somehow escaped contacting it when I probably shouldn’t have. I did though witness many people whose lives were cut short far too early.

I started doing long rides in my early teens. It was a great way for me to be away from a home life that wasn’t always happy or even bearable. My first century was when I was 13 on a Schwinn Varsity ten speed. I hold a fond memory and a sense of accomplishment on that ride. Sadly, as an adult I pushed riding aside. A lot of reasons contributed to my not riding but basically it boiled down to my becoming a raging alcoholic. It’s pretty hard to ride a bike when drunk.

When I hit bottom and started my sobriety journey, my sponsor encouraged me to find an activity which I could focus on. I had been thinking of doing this ride called the AIDS Lifecycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles. So, I bought a bike, some gear, and started training. I immediately felt accepted and made friends outside of the bar scene.

Fast forward ten years during which time I rode all the AIDS Lifecycles, rode throughout the Pacific Northwest, rode from Boston to San Francisco, and put over 48,000 miles on my. legs. In addition to riding, I led training rides, helped with the administrative tasks of the training program, and dedicated a significant portion of my life to raising funds in our fight against HIV and AIDS. So far, I have raised slightly over $145,000.

The demise of AIDS/Lifecycle threw a wrench into my existence. Fortunately, Garrett recommended I look into the NorCal AIDS Cycle. I am beyond thrilled to ride it for the first time this year. The NCAC’s grass roots and volunteer driven atmosphere is refreshing to say the least. Not only have I immensely enjoyed submerging myself in the NCAC family, but reconnecting with fellow Sacramento folks who I lost touch with has been quite special.

So, when out on the road, so howdy and introduce yourself to me! I would love to meet you all!