I actually started riding in '97 in order to participate in a grassroots effort here in the Northwest - Ride for a Reason. It was a localized alternative to the then multiple AIDS rides around the country (CAR, Twin Cities>Chicago, Boston>NY, etc) and we rode from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle; 4 days/200 miles (piece o' cake ride now!).
From that first-time multi-day experience, I got hooked and kept participating as I am passionate about ending the horrific pandemic of AIDS in our world and unfortunately and like too many, I have strong emotional reasons too in that I lost my brother to AIDS.
I was a rider in the first AIDS Vaccine ride - Alaska 2000, then across Montana in 2001. For me, the camaraderie amongst the riders and the mutual love affair between riders and the awesome crew is an experience unmatched except on the road of an AIDS ride.
My experience of the road markings, support and especially the rest stop crews trying to outdo each other to make their outpost the highlight of tough riding days, was that each were outstanding.
My sponsors have been and remain unswervingly supportive and generous and, after I began to feel strongly about and have a problem with the overhead costs by the event coordinators (Pallotta Teamworks at the time) on previous rides, I set to work on organizing and riding my own self-supported ride in 2002, so that every penny I raised would go to the cause (beneficiary I selected was UCSF, AIDS Research Institute, Breakthrough Fund) and I could look my sponsors in the eye and tell them that each rider/crewmember would be responsible for our own costs, so that 100% of their donation went to fight AIDS. It was very very hard - not only to organize but to train for and ride it, but ultimately it was the most satisfying effort I've ever had.
I'd just suggest that riders and volunteers check into what their charities cost breakdowns are, so that there are no disappointments or surprises later. How much of your fundraising dollars will go to the cause you'll be riding for? What's the percentage for other overhead costs? Staff? Marketing? Your sponsors deserve those answers and it will help your training and efforts when you feel satisfied about how you're helping in whatever particular cause you're supporting.
That being said, there are lots of great organizations out there, and too many good causes to list, plus the training support and encouragement is a bonus for you to experience too. I have so many great memories of each AIDS ride that I've been a proud rider for, every year since 1997.
Enjoy the ride!
Mary (still Riding for the same Reason - the end of AIDS in our world)