On 20th Anniversary of Loma Prieta, Cyclists Will Cross Four Major Fault Lines in 200-mile Ride

What: Seismic Challenge 2.0 is a two-day, 200-mile bicycle ride around San Francisco Bay that begins on the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake and crosses four Bay Area fault lines. It is a fundraiser to support the lifesaving work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

When: Oct. 17 and 18, 2009. Start time: 6:45 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17. Finish line:  2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.

Where: The ride begins and ends in the San Francisco Presidio Parade Grounds at the Main Post.

Route and Visuals: On Saturday, Oct. 17, Seismic Challenge cyclists follow the San Andreas Fault south through the Peninsula. After circling the bottom of the Bay to join the Hayward Fault, the route continues north through rolling hills to Martinez, where participants will spend the night.  Rest stops on Oct. 17 include the Moraga Commons Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 18, riders will cross the Carquinez Bridge to traverse the West Napa Fault into the Wine Country. After riding through the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, cyclists will cross the final fault line, Rodgers Creek, and turn for the home stretch through Marin and over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Who: Dozens of riders of varying ages and abilities, who have been training for months, will undertake the challenging course that includes many climbs and steep downhills.

For more information: www.seismicchallenge.org or http://www.sfaf.org/aboutsfaf/releases/seismic2

Contact: Debra Holtz (415) 487-3071.

Background: The San Francisco AIDS Foundation provides leadership to prevent new HIV infections. Linking community experience with science, the Foundation develops ground-breaking prevention programs and bold policy initiatives to promote health and create sustainable progress against HIV. Established in 1982, the Foundation refuses to accept that HIV transmission is inevitable.