Each year, nearly 500 people gather for a three-day bike ride to raise money to combat HIV and AIDS. The ride is 275 miles long, starting in Boston and ending in New York City. This year, on Sept. 20, the ride will stop overnight in Mashantucket, and sponsors are asking for local people to join Cycle for the Cause as a Virtual Rider, donate to NYC’s LGBT Community Center at cycleforthecause.org or cheer riders as they pass through town.

NYC’S LGBT Community Center was founded in 1983 as a direct response to the AIDS crisis. The center provides numerous services: free rapid HIV testing, referrals and assistance in accessing prevention medications, for instance.

In 1995 the center created the Cycle for the Cause, a bicycle ride for charity with the intent of raising funds for the continuation and expansion of their HIV/AIDS support services. Since its inception, the charity ride has raised more than $14 million.

For information, follow Cycle for the Cause on Instagram or Facebook or use the hashtag #cycleforthecause.

Be An Angel is a regular feature in the Times. To contribute, email times@theday.com.