What is “Team Cretins”?
Team Cretins is a group of cyclists who strive and ride to have a positive impact on our communities. Our primary focus is our participation in the AIDS/LifeCycle. The AIDS/LifeCycle is a 545 mile ride from San Fransisco to Los Angeles. The ride has thousands of participants each year and has become the worlds single largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event. Last year the ride raised over $16.6 Million dollars for the fight against HIV/AIDS. In the 21 year history of the AIDS/LifeCycle, Team Cretins is the first and only fixed gear only team. Our first year with 5 riders we raised a little over $17k. Our second year with 12 riders we raised over $42k. This year with 14 riders we have a goal of $65k and we have already raised over $22k!
Photo by Matt Lingo
When and how is born?
Team Capt, Rob Brouillard, did the ride on his own in 2013. The positivity and love of the ride inspired Rob so much, he returned and sold his car to buy more bikes. Rob recruited 4 friends from The Cretins bicycle club to join him on this epic adventure.
Photo by Matt Lingo
Why ” CRETINS”?
The first incarnation of Team Cretins consisted of riders from The Cretins. The Cretins formed 15 years ago in San Diego. Co-founded by Team Cretins co-captain, Ronnie Shaw. Ronnie and friends took the name ‘The Cretins’ from the Troma film ‘Class Of Nuke ‘Em High’ which featured a gang of weirdos who torment the school. The name stuck and The Cretins began regularly hosting fun, costume clad, group rides in San Diego such as The Lord of the Flies Ride, Full Moon Ride, Bike Prom, Punk Olympics. We still host these and similar events in San Diego. Costumes, bike games, and good friends. We always have fun.
Photo by Matt Lingo
What is your relationship with the bicycle and why you choose it to spread your message?
We LOVE our bikes and we love to ride.
Photo by Matt Lingo
Do you think that the problem of A.I.D.S. and the attention on it, is less than in the past?
Its easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is whey the work of the ALC and is beneficaries, The San Fransisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center are so vital. These agencies continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among our community and donors. We ride because, in the current economy, the SF AIDS Foundation and the LA LGBT Center need the funds more than ever. Ultimately we ride so that someday we won’t have to.
The cost associated with medical care and treatment for a person with HIV are about $20,000 per year. Access to live-saving drugs, clinical trials and state-of-the-art treatment helps those with the disease live a longer and better quality live. AIDS/LifeCycle helps those living with HIV/AIDS gain greater independence and get the treatment they need. Prevention services geared towards high-risk populations will ensure that future generations will not experience the same level of loss that we have faced in the last two decades. The ride ends when AIDS does.
Photo by Matt Lingo
In which way you raise fund to support your cause?
We raise funds in several different ways. Social media has become a great tool for fundraisng. With all the negativity and complaining going on its easy to offer people a break from that shit. We all get wound up when we see certain articles or hear about shitty going-ons in the world. Instead of getting upset and frustrated at the things we can’t change, people can join us in seeing an end to HIV/AIDS without pedaling an inch! Making a donation gives people the opportunity to actually make a change and help improve the quality of life for those who so desperately need it.
We also throw fundraising races and parties. Every alley cat we throw turns into a charitable ‘Party-Cat’! We want people to come to our events and have a great time! Its also a great opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference. We have found that those who have the least, give the most.
Many donations also come in from the Team simply talking about the ride with people we meet. Often times you tell someone you’re riding a bike with one gear and no free-wheel from SF to LA and they get interested. It also gives us an opportunity to remind people that HIV/AIDS are still a pandemic and we all have a chance to do something about it, weather its a $10 or $1000 dollar donation, every penny counts.
Photo by Matt Lingo
Do you have any sponsors that support your mission?
We have received helping hands from so many amazing and generous companies along our journey. The two that really stick out are Retrogression and The Heavy Pedal. Its very easy for our groups to work together and we are all like minded. Both Retrogression and The Heavy Pedal are grass roots. No rich mommies or daddies gave them their start or success. They embody the DIY mindset and both provide incredible service and products. Much love for them here.
www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?team_id=15501&fr_id=1880&pg=team
www.facebook.com/alcteamcretins/?fref=ts
Photo courtesy of Matt Lingo
“From June 5th – 11th 2016, I will join thousands of other cyclist and ride my bicycle from SF to LA, for the 4th time, to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS. Please help me in surpassing last years total of over $16.3M and make a tax deductible gift to the Aids/LifeCycle today! Just clink the links below! Thank you! “
Rob Brouillard
www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?px=2956269&fr_id=1880&pg=personal
www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR?team_id=15501&fr_id=1880&pg=team
