By Ed Zagorski, News Republic

The Rev. Scott Seefeldt wants to make a difference, but this time it won’t be from the pulpit. Seefeldt will be on the seat of his Trek in his second Wisconsin AIDS ride.

Seefeldt, 36 of Baraboo, who has been spinning his wheels for nearly a decade, is the pastor at Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 6th St. in Baraboo. He said the Act 9 Wisconsin AIDS bike ride will allow him an opportunity for thought and prayer while he pedals across the state.

"It’s really a win-win," he said. "The church allows me a certain number days for retreat and what better way to use that time than for a good cause?"

The 300-plus mile ride, which runs Aug. 4-7, is the single largest fund raiser for the Wisconsin AIDS Network, said Dan Curd, development director for AIDS Network in Madison. He said the eight Wisconsin AIDS bike rides already have raised $2.2 million. He said bicyclists have to raise a minimum of $1,200 each.

Curd said AIDS Network is the leading HIV/AIDS service provider in south central Wisconsin, which serves 13 counties with offices in Madison, Beloit and Janesville. Their services include community-based HIV prevention and harm reduction programs, free HIV and Hepatitis C testing along with legal advocacy, transportation and utility assistance, a food pantry and a dental clinic for HIV positive people.

"This particular ride is the third largest bike ride for HIV/AIDS behind the Minnesota and California’s rides," Curd said. "It really gets the message out in the communities we serve."

That’s what Seefeldt wants to accomplish.

He will be blogging throughout the ride and also adding video to his site at www.fatherscottbikes.wordpress.com.

"I wanted to be able to share my experience with those who have supported me financially and those just interested in the ride itself," he said.

Seefeldt said he is riding primarily to give something back to the community.

"A disease of whatever kind is not a discrimination between persons," Seefeldt said. "We all live with disease. We know someone who suffers from a disease and we have to decide what that means for us. I can ride a bike and help people. I can at least do that small part to help someone."

Original article can be found here.