CHICAGO, IL - After months of planning, a new Ride is here at last! The 2003 Heart of America Ride for AIDS is a newly restructured charity bicycle event designed to raise funds to assist the region's AIDS community. The two-day ride will take place July 12 -13, beginning and ending near Illinois' historic Starved Rock State Park.

Registration is still available. For more information visit www.aidsride2003.org or call 1-877-343-RIDE (7433). Funds raised will benefit AIDS Cycle Inc., a Chicago area charitable organization that assists those living with advanced HIV/AIDS through housing, care and support services.

This inaugural charity ride has been restructured to a shorter two-day format based in one central location. The new design is an effort to lower operating costs and allow cyclists with all levels of ability to participate. More than 250 participants and 1,000 family, friends and support staff are expected during the July 12-13 weekend. Riders have the option of cycling up to 225 miles over two days and are required to raise a minimum of $1,500.

"We are thrilled that this new ride is finally upon us," said Jim Flosi, Founder and President of AIDSCARE, a participating AIDS Cycle organization. "Riders have been training and fundraising tirelessly for several months. Their extraordinary efforts help us in our vital mission of providing a higher quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area."

"The theme of this Ride is 'Celebrate Life'," said Steven Glass, Treasurer of AIDS Cycle and Vice President of External Affairs for ACCESS Community Health Network. "Every day we need to celebrate life and rise against new challenges. Even as we mourn those we have lost, we must treasure each wonderful moment and cherish what life gives. This weekend is about all of those things."

The event is under new management this year and will be produced by iExplore, a Chicago-based travel company and event management business.

AIDS Cycle Inc. is a not-for-profit organization established in 1996 and based in Chicago. The mission of AIDS Cycle is to assist participating charitable AIDS service providers in their efforts to house, care and support men, women, and children who are living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Cycle has raised over $16 million over the past seven years and expects to continue its unique service for years to come.

For more information, visit www.aidsride2003.org.