Large group of people gather along a scenic coastal cliff overlooking a sandy beach and ocean waves.

 

The Final Ride: AIDS/LifeCycle 2025

 

Seven days. 545+ miles. 2,000+ riders.


One photographer's documentation of the last-ever AIDS/LifeCycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

 

As one of four official photographers, I captured the complete story of this historic final ride, from the opening ceremony at Cow Palace to the emotional finish line in Santa Monica. These images document not just a cycling event, but a living memorial, a celebration of resilience, and a community united in purpose.


If you’re interested in learning more about the behind-the-scenes of documenting ALC 2025, please check out this newsletter post on my Fonzieland Substack.

 

Day 0 - Orientation Day

 

Large crowd of diverse spectators filling stands at a sports event or entertainment venue during daytime.
Turquoise vintage bicycle with drop handlebars and tan sidewall tires against colorful blurred background.
Someone in red sportswear holding a phone while stretching outdoors on a sunny day.
A diverse crowd of people gathered behind safety barriers at an outdoor event, with some wearing sunglasses and hats.
A group of people gather around motorcycles as one expresses excitement at a bike meetup event.
A person in black athletic attire with parasols visible on a sunny day at an outdoor venue.
Person riding a bicycle across a parking lot lined with orange Penske rental trucks and barriers.
A person in an orange shirt and cap leans over a barricade within a crowded public event.
A mechanic in a white t-shirt inspects and works on a collection of parked motorcycles in a garage setting.
Two performers dancing on stage in contrasting outfits of bright blue and black and white houndstooth pattern costumes.
A person carries a cardboard CANYON sign while walking past spectators behind metal barriers at an outdoor event.
VIEW FULL DAY 0 GALLERY

 

Day 1 - San Francisco to SanTa Cruz

 

Cyclist stretches on wooden picnic bench surrounded by dry grass and cypress trees.
A cyclist in colorful gear rides a black road bike through an intersection with motion blur effect in the background.
Group of cyclists relaxing under tent shade during outdoor event gathering.
Cyclist in black cap wearing striped jersey with gradient sunset colors from orange to purple.
Person in white lab coat and orange mask directs traffic as cyclist rides past on urban street.
Cyclist wearing black jersey and reflective sunglasses participates in organized cycling event.
Cyclists in colorful jerseys and helmets participating in a group cycling event in cloudy weather.
Crowd of sports fans cheering excitedly with raised arms at a live event venue.
Close-up of bicycle disc brake and wheel with cyclists gathered in background.
Someone in polka dot dress holds sign while motion-blurred cyclist speeds past concrete wall.
Enthusiastic cyclist in pink jersey raises arm in celebration during group bike ride on cloudy day.
Cyclist in teal jacket rides red racing bike along road with motion blur effect.
Cyclist wearing red jacket and helmet smiles while riding during outdoor cycling event.
Cyclist wearing colorful black, pink and mint cycling jersey with reflective sunglasses and helmet on city street.
Cyclist wearing reflective gear rides in rainy conditions during an event.
Group of cyclists taking a break at rest stop with bikes and water bottles during outdoor event.
Cyclist wearing a neon safety helmet and black jacket while riding outdoors.
Cyclist in winter gear with furry ear attachments on helmet giving peace sign during event.
Foggy coastal landscape with crowd gathered on clifftop overlooking misty beach and ocean.
Cyclists ride in a group formation during a bike race, wearing bright orange and blue jerseys.
Two cyclists in red jerseys riding bikes along a winding mountain road.
Person performing a playful jump or dance move on an urban street with red clothing.
VIEW FULL DAY 1 GALLERY

 

Day 2 - Santa Cruz to King City

 

Cyclist in black and orange jersey gesturing peace sign while riding on country road.
Colorful streamers and ribbons create festive motion blur against a dark background.
Cyclist in orange safety vest raises arm victoriously while riding on paved road near rocky terrain.
Side view of cyclists in racing positions speeding along a road captured with motion blur.
Cyclist on a paved road cycling route shown from multiple angles against a blurred background.
Cyclist in bright yellow jacket and orange helmet stands with bike beside green agricultural field on overcast day.
Cyclist wearing bright orange jersey and dark shorts rides black road bike on rural path.
Cyclist wearing orange and white cycling gear with helmet and sunglasses rides a road bike.
Cyclist in blue patterned jersey and white helmet rides on a cloudy day along rural road.
Someone in orange t-shirt smiling while holding a happy Pomeranian dog at outdoor event.
Athletic cyclist in light blue sweater takes a break next to bike while standing in green agricultural field on sunny day.
Cyclist in orange jersey riding carbon fiber road bike past blurred agricultural landscape.
Cyclist in orange and blue jersey pedals along green hillside with handlebar bag.
Cyclist in peach-colored jersey makes peace sign while riding bike against blue sky.
Side profile sequence of cyclist in orange racing down road showing dynamic motion and speed.
Cyclists riding road bikes through scenic rural countryside with mountains in background.
Group of cyclists in orange jerseys pose together for a photo outdoors.
Person in bright orange athletic wear shown from the shoulders down in several sequential shots.
Group of athletes perform knee raises in a synchronized outdoor exercise routine wearing orange and blue gear.
Cyclist in yellow jersey riding road bike along rural pathway with green fields in background.
Road cyclist in bright orange jersey and black shorts rides bike on open road.
DJ in high-vis vest and orange cap performs on Pioneer equipment at outdoor event.
Cyclists riding on rural road with yellow school bus in background.
Cyclist in bright orange jersey and navy shorts rides road bike on scenic mountain road.
Fast-paced cycling action shot showing riders in orange and blue jerseys racing along paved road.
Cyclist in orange and yellow jersey rides road bike through scenic countryside landscape.
Colorfully dressed figure in red dress holding Cookie Lady sign wears orange wig and sunglasses while standing outdoors.
Multiple shots of cyclists training on a desert road with palm trees and mountains in the background.
VIEW FULL DAY 2 GALLERY

 

Day 3 - King City to Paso Robles

 

Athletic cyclist in a black jersey celebrates during outdoor ride on sunny mountain trail while wearing sunglasses and helmet.
Cyclist wearing blue jersey riding road bike along coastal road during group cycling event.
Cyclist in colorful blue and coral jersey riding road bike during outdoor cycling event on scenic mountain road.
Cyclists riding on a dusty road during a gravel bike race with hills visible in the distance.
Cyclist in black t-shirt waving while riding on a mountain road with rolling hills in the background.
Cyclists riding road bikes in formation along a scenic mountain road while wearing cycling gear and helmets.
A cyclist rides on a winding mountain road while onlookers stand by during a race or cycling event.
Cyclist in gray athletic wear biking along a scenic mountain road with handlebar bag on a gravel bike.
A cyclist performs a wheelie on a road bike against a scenic mountain backdrop on an empty road.
A cyclist in black cycling gear with sunglasses and helmet raises their arm while riding outdoors against a blurred background.
Cyclist in coral jersey rides road bike through mountainous terrain with other riders visible in background.
Cyclist in bright orange jersey and sunglasses rides a road bike on a curved mountain path during daytime.
Low angle view of cyclists racing on a gravel road with cars and mountains in the background.
Three athletes in workout gear strike poses with kettlebells at an outdoor fitness event with WOD South banner.
Cyclist wearing orange safety gear rides on a road through mountainous terrain while gesturing with one hand.
Cyclist wearing black jersey with geometric rainbow pattern rides on gravel road with other riders in background.
Cyclist wearing black team cycling jersey and sunglasses rides road bike on sunny trail.
Cyclists riding road bikes on a scenic mountain trail during a sunny summer day.
A cyclist rides a road bike through golden hills during sunset on a mountain trail.
Cyclist in yellow jersey riding on a road with black bike shown across multiple action shots of the same sequence.
A cyclist in dark cycling gear rides a road bike along a scenic mountain road on a sunny day.
A cyclist in blue cycling kit rides along a rural road with dry hills and mountains in the background.
Road cyclist rides orange bicycle on scenic mountain road through rolling hills on sunny California day.
A group of cyclists rides along a scenic road while someone photographs them from the side of the path.
Cyclists ride mountain bikes on an outdoor trail and gravel path during daylight hours.
Road cyclists ride past a parked pickup truck on a mountain road wearing cycling apparel and protective gear.
VIEW FULL DAY 3 GALLERY

 

Day 4 - Halfway to LA

 

Group of cyclists in colorful costumes including Superman and other superheroes pose together at an outdoor event.
Group of cyclists in matching red jerseys celebrating together during an outdoor event.
Two cyclists making peace signs pose with Halfway to LA sign during AIDS LifeCycle event.
Cyclists in colorful Romanian flag jerseys celebrate with bikes and a 'Halfway to LA' sign on rocky terrain.
Person sitting in inflatable pink toy car prop during AIDS LifeCycle event.
Cyclist in blue and white jersey lifts bicycle overhead while standing next to AIDS LifeCycle halfway marker sign.
A cyclist in orange and green attire holds a 'Halfway to LA' sign while standing on a rock formation.
Cyclist in floral top holds bike overhead next to Halfway to LA sign on dirt trail.
Group of cyclists in matching jerseys pose with Halfway to LA sign during AIDS LifeCycle ride.
A team photo of rugby players wearing black uniforms with red accents posing together outdoors.
Four cyclists with their bikes pose by a 'Halfway to LA' sign on a hillside trail.
Group of cyclists make victory poses while holding a 'Halfway to LA' sign on a rocky summit.
Cyclists posing with 'Halfway to LA' sign on a dirt trail with their bikes.
A row of runners sprinting along a dirt track during an athletic competition or racing event.
Two cyclists in dark athletic wear striking poses on a rock with 'Halfway to LA' sign.
Two cyclists share a candid moment on a hilltop as one photographs the other.
Large group of cyclists pose together for celebratory group photo on hilltop overlook.
Cyclists in green checkered jerseys holding a 'Halfway to LA' sign on a hilltop during a group ride.
Group of cyclists holding 'New Bear Republic' banner during an outdoor cycling event.
Cyclists gather on a rocky outcrop as one person holds a bicycle overhead against a mountainous backdrop.
Two cyclists in matching orange and blue jerseys pose with 'Halfway to LA' sign on a large rock.
Cyclist in colorful jersey lifts mountain bike overhead triumphantly against scenic rolling hills background.
Large group of cyclists in green jerseys gathered for a group photo with 'Halfway to LA' sign.
VIEW FULL DAY 4 GALLERY

 

Day 5 - Red Dress Day

 

Cyclist in red sparkly outfit and helmet rides road bike during outdoor event.
Cyclist wearing orange 'brat' t-shirt and long black wig poses with bicycle.
Person wearing sunglasses, a choker, and white ruffled outfit poses dramatically against an overcast sky.
A cyclist wearing a red hood and white wig as part of a festive holiday costume looks at the camera.
Performer in striped red white and blue outfit with spiky orange hair and glasses performing at an outdoor event.
Person wearing a bright red flapper-style dress with fishnet stockings and white sneakers stands outdoors.
A cyclist wearing a green helmet with white fur trim and long hair makes a playful expression.
Participant in a cycling event wearing a red jersey and helmet giving thumbs up.
Group of people wearing red and white holiday-themed outfits posing together outdoors in a festive spirit.
A performer wearing a red and white tulle dress costume performs under dramatic red lighting on a dark stage.
Person in red fringe dress and sneakers walks confidently on a red carpet at an outdoor event.
Cyclists riding along a coastal road with cliffs and evergreen trees in the background.
Large crowd dressed in bright red clothing sitting on grass near white tents at an outdoor gathering.
Cyclist wearing red tank top and helmet smiles during outdoor cycling event.
Person in red and green striped outfit and bright orange hair dancing energetically during a celebration event.
Person in red flapper dress with black gloves, pearl necklace and glasses poses playfully at outdoor event.
A cyclist in red attire and bunny ears rides a red road bike while wearing sunglasses.
Figure wearing sunglasses performs with dramatic long black hair moving in strong wind against blue background.
Two figures in bright red outfits stand together with prayer-like hand gestures outdoors.
A cyclist wearing a flowing red veil rides a bike during a festive event.
Cyclist in red outfit performs celebratory gesture while riding bike on mountain road.
Cyclist in bright coral-colored jacket smiling while riding bike on coastal road.
Person in a vibrant red outfit with matching puffy red headpiece poses energetically on a sports field.
VIEW FULL DAY 5 GALLERY

 

Day 6 - Ventura Beach

 

A large crowd of energetic people with raised arms dancing and celebrating at an outdoor festival event.
Shirtless crowd of energetic participants celebrating and cheering at outdoor festival or event.
Shirtless participants gather outdoors for a casual social event on a sunny day with palm trees visible in the background.
Athletic person in black vest and floral print sleeves smiling and gesturing at outdoor event.
Palm trees line a sunny beach with colorful tents and umbrellas dotting the sandy shoreline.
Energetic crowd enjoying an outdoor event with people wearing black and white patterned accessories.
Two friends in athletic wear and sunglasses enjoying beverages at outdoor festival.
Shirtless male rugby players performing a traditional haka dance ritual on grass field while wearing zebra-striped shorts.
Participants in white and maroon outfits with tutus participating in an outdoor athletic event.
Two DJs performing at outdoor event with equipment and mountains in background.
Crowd of enthusiastic spectators cheering and raising their arms during an outdoor event on a summer day.
Person running joyfully across a green hilltop field against blue sky and ocean vista.
Two people wearing matching colorful graphic print jerseys and baseball caps smile together at outdoor event.
Festival goer being lifted above crowd with arms raised during outdoor summer concert event.
Crowd of energetic participants celebrating with raised arms at an outdoor fitness event.
People gathered outdoors on a sunny day socialize during a sports or recreational event.
Group of athletes in athletic wear socializing and laughing at an outdoor sporting event.
Crowd of spectators with helmets and hats gathered at outdoor sporting event.
Athletic participants gathered outdoors wearing sportswear and chatting between events.
A large group of shirtless spectators gathered outdoors on a sunny day at a sporting event.
Shirtless athlete wearing sports sunglasses and patterned shorts at outdoor event.
Shirtless crowd enjoying an outdoor summer event with people dancing and celebrating on grass field.
Volunteers in protective gloves working at a donation distribution table with boxes and supplies arranged on blue tarps.
VIEW FULL DAY 6 GALLERY

 

Day 7 - The Finish Line

 

Important note about finish line photos: AIDS LifeCycle will publish ALL of my finish line photographs for free download on their official website. However, these will be compressed for web use. If you want the full resolution, print-quality versions of your finish line moment, they're available here instead.

Cyclist in olive green jersey smiling during daytime group ride with other riders visible in background.
A cyclist in teal and white attire raises arm in victory while riding along a palm tree-lined coastal path.
Cyclist in navy blue and red jersey celebrates while riding during an outdoor cycling event on a sunny day.
A cyclist in a green jersey with floral pattern and cycling helmet raises an arm in celebration during an outdoor event.
Cyclists in orange jerseys race along a palm-lined beachfront path during a competitive cycling event.
A cyclist in racing gear rides a black road bike on a paved course with palm trees visible in the background.
Cyclist wearing blue helmet and yellow-black cycling jersey celebrates with thumbs up gesture while riding bicycle.
Cyclist in black jersey and cycling helmet raises arm in victory gesture during outdoor cycling event.
Cyclist in a navy cycling jersey and helmet celebrates victory with raised fist against blue sky and palm trees.
A cyclist wearing sunglasses and protective gear rides a bike during an outdoor event on a sunny day.
Closeup of riders in orange and blue cycling jerseys racing in a group formation.
A cyclist in a blue patterned jersey smiles and gestures while riding during an outdoor cycling event or race.
Cyclist in black helmet and sunglasses smiles while riding in a race with another rider visible in yellow behind.
Cyclists in matching uniforms celebrate together during a competitive racing event.
Cyclist wearing navy cycling jersey and black helmet rides turquoise bike during outdoor event.
Athletes wearing colorful patterned cycling jerseys smile and laugh during an outdoor event.
Cyclist wearing red jersey and helmet smiles while riding bike in sunny outdoor event.
Cyclist in a patterned blue jersey and black helmet shows excitement while riding during a competition.
Cyclist in turquoise and white jersey waves while riding mountain bike during outdoor event with palm trees in background.
Enthusiastic cyclist wearing a navy and red cycling jersey and helmet gives peace sign while riding outdoors.
VIEW FULL DAY 7 GALLERY
A cyclist wearing orange gear rides a road bike through scenic countryside fields and landscape.
A cyclist in a blue and white jersey rides a road bike on a scenic mountain road on a sunny day.

 

Thank You

 

Documenting AIDS LifeCycle 2025 was an incredible honor.


Capturing authentic moments, genuine emotions, and the power of community is what drives my passion for photography.


If you're inspired by what you've seen and would like to work together on your own portrait session, headshots, or event documentation, I'd love to hear from you. The same attention to detail, storytelling approach, and commitment to capturing authentic moments that you see in these galleries is what I bring to every shoot.


Ready to create something together?


Send a message: afonso.me/contact

Follow my work: @afonso.salcedo


Thank you for supporting independent documentary photography, and for keeping the spirit of AIDS LifeCycle alive through these images.

A performer with dark hair and sunglasses wearing a red t-shirt jumps energetically at an outdoor festival event.
Cyclist resting on a large boulder with a blue gravel bike and 'Halfway to LA' sign in a desert landscape.