Thursday, Mar 1, 2012    Text size: 

LOS ANGELES — The Screaming O will join forces with the Association For Safe Fun Sex (ASFX) to sponsor Team Long Beach during the 11th Annual AIDS/LifeCycle bike tour.

The seven-day ride down the California coast raises funds and awareness to fight HIV/AIDS and attracts thousands with a common goal to educate and make a change.

"We jumped at the chance to team with ASFX once again to be a part of such a life-changing event," The Screaming O partner Keith Caggiano said. "This landmark 545-mile bike ride takes participants and their supporters through beautiful California with everyone working together for a common cause. It's an honor to be involved."

Fans can follow team Long Beach's journey on ASFX.org with the official Screaming O Team Long Beach Tracker, keeping them up-to-speed on their cycling path and the various fundraising events planned before the team takes off.

According to the company it has several events in the works, including a St. Patrick's Day-themed beer pong tournament, Official Training Rides, and a tattooing party, for the months prior to the official send-off June 3.

The kick-off event is set for Saturday, March 3, from 2-5 p.m. at the Paradise Piano Bar, where attendees can enjoy free Screaming O and Rock On Sexy prizes, as well as other goodies. The Paradise Piano Bar is located at 1800 East Broadway in Long Beach, Calif.

"The Screaming O and ASFX are a perfect match for Team Long Beach, as we all want to help people feel more comfortable about sex by talking about it and making it fun!" Team Long Beach captain Melinda Elmer said. "Sometimes you have to get creative when raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, and events like AIDS/LifeCycle helps demystify it by eliminating the stigma."

The Screaming O and ASFX logos will be on full display on each cyclist's jersey for all to see, something Elmer said already catches the attention of onlookers during practice rides.

"Everyone comes up to us and asks what The Screaming O is, and when they realize it they all say, 'Ooooooh,'" Elmer said. "The logos are on our pockets and across our backs — the most prominent positions."

For more information, and to donate or learn more about Team Long Beach, click here.