LOS ANGELES—When it comes to spreading the word about safe sex, few do it with more flair than The Screaming O. That's just how the toy manufacturer rolls. And they'll be rolling out their message with event partner the Association for Safe Fun Sex (ASFX) as sponsors of Team Long Beach during the 11th annual AIDS/LifeCycle bike tour.
The AIDS/LifeCycle tour is a seven-day ride down the California coast to raise funds and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The cycling event attracts thousands of participants, spectators and supporters.
ASFX is the first association of its kind to provide expert information on sexually transmitted infections and other safe sex issues in a fun, fresh fashion. Working alongside The Screaming O, the two are promoting this message by providing Long Beach's long-running cycling team members with the support they need to complete their significant journey.
"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 closely 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.
Several public events—including a St. Patrick's Day-themed beer pong tournament, Official Training Rides, and even a tattooing party—are in the works for the months prior to the official send-off on June 3.
The kick-off event is set for Saturday, March 3, from 2 to 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 E. 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."
Safe sex is a message that all too often falls on deaf ears. ASFX takes an entertaining yet compelling approach to educating the public about condom use, sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy prevention. ASFX's events break the notion that condoms are a boring buzzkill by showing the sexually active and curious hundreds of ways to make condoms an essential part of the bedroom routine.
AIDS/LifeCycle is a week-long, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises money and awareness for HIV/AIDS with thousands of participating cyclists and "volunteer roadies." The event has supported the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation for 19 years, with 2012 marking the 11th year it's carried the AIDS/LifeCycle moniker.
For more information, visit AidsLifeCycle.org. To donate or learn more about Team Long Beach, click here.
For more information on the Association for Safe Fun Sex, visit ASFX.org. For more about The Screaming O, visit TheScreamingO.com.
For updates and details, check out Facebook.com/ScreamingO.
