Holy Family, Half Moon Bay Cheers on AIDS/LifeCycle Riders

Jun 5, 2025 | #Stories

Story by Sara Hayden, Senior Warden; Photos by Sara Hayden and Ken Myers

On Sunday, June 1, Holy Family Episcopal Church in Half Moon Bay observed its annual tradition of cheering on cyclists participating in the AIDS/LifeCycle fundraiser.

Each year, congregation members eagerly await the parade of cyclists along Highway 1, for whom they bang percussion instruments, blow bubbles, and offer shouts of encouragement. In return, cyclists show their appreciation with lots of smiles, waves, and bike horn beeps.

This year was the first time Holy Family held its Sunday service outside for the early morning event. Parishioners’ noisemakers peppered the service with jubilant interruptions.

Nine riders took part in Holy Family’s Communion-to-Go—more than double last year’s four.

AIDS/LifeCycle covers 545 miles in seven days, beginning in San Francisco and ending in Santa Monica. This year marks the last time this event will be held. However, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation will begin hosting an annual three-day cycling event in spring 2026. The route will alternate between North, South, and East bays, so Holy Family will continue its traditional support on the years the ride passes through Half Moon Bay.

Ellie Simpson
Author: Ellie Simpson