WHY WE RIDE

Every year since 1993, the AIDS/LifeCycle brings together thousands of brave souls to bike from San Francisco to LA. They are fueled by a shared commitment to help those impacted by HIV/AIDS, many of whom are themselves participants. Through over 100 striking portraits and their own heartfelt works, we celebrate the diversity, love, and deeply personal stories of the community of heroes who make this trek together.

THE ARTIST

Cedric Terrell has made it his life's work to celebrate the art of living through photography that is visually precise and narratively compelling. The seven-year active-duty Marine veteran sees photography as a form of empowerment for commercial clients, for people from all walks of life, and for himself. His compositions have elevated established and emerging fashion, media, and lifestyle brands, complementing an evolving body of personal work focused on telling compelling stories of people and place. 

His work can be viewed at cedricterrell.com and on Instagram at @cedricterrell. 

ARTIST STATEMENT 

I was utterly overwhelmed by the beauty of my first AIDS/LifeCycle ride. The love and energy being poured out on the road from San Francisco to Los Angeles is awe-inspiring. Why We Ride emerged as I was compelled to photograph the people with whom I shared the road. Soon after that first ride, missing the love bubble of it, I knew I had to continue to capture the diversity, strength and passion of the people who dedicated their time, energy and money in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. I have been humbled and inspired by the stories and memories riders have shared with me as this book came together. Whether or not they know it, each person represented here is a hero. Together we'll continue the fight until HIV/AIDS has been defeated, in honor of those lost and of the many who rode before us.