Although most of us gather in Austin over the Labor Day weekend to enjoy an awesome softball tournament, we should not forget exactly why this tournament exists. Texas Shootout is a wonderful tournament designed to give athletes from across the country a chance to compete in a fun and awarding tournament, but it is primarily a fundraiser to benefit others. This year, the tournament committee has designated Hill Country Ride for AIDS as its beneficiary.

The Hill Country Ride for AIDS is a fun, fully supported bike ride through the Texas Hill Country to raise money to support men, women and children living with AIDS. The Ride is the largest fundraiser for people with AIDS in Central Texas.

The 2007 Hill Country Ride had a record number of riders and raised a record amount of money, over $500,000 to provide critical care for services like medications, housing, and food.

The Hill Country Ride for AIDS is a collaborative event, with the net proceeds benefiting ten local non profit organizations that provide life saving services all year long to thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Most of all, the Ride is for all levels, from very beginners to serious cyclists. It’s a ride, not a race, everyone has a great time on the Ride. For more information, visit www.hillcountryride.org or call 512/371-7433.