'MO - May 2008 - (Page 19)

your health matters Healthy Alternatives “What else is there to do besides go to the bars?” Plenty! With just a little searching, you can ﬁnd many alternatives to the usual “scene.” One local organization has a few options for you this spring. Gay City Health Project has events planned to keep you informed, entertained, and maybe even a little healthier. Like to bike? Putting the pedal to the metal has never been so challenging. Especially, if you’re one of the nearly 10,000 riders that ride from Seattle to Portland every year. Dubbed the STP (Seattle to Portland), the trek takes riders on a route off the well-beaten path of I-5. Instead, bikers zoom along the shores of Lake Washington; go through Renton, Tukwila, and past REI. Then they pedal through Yelm, Tacoma, near Ft. Lewis, following farm roads south, over the Oregon border, and ending in Portland. “It’s a great ride for beginners,” says Keith, who rode the ride for the ﬁrst time last year, and plans to do it again this year. “You don’t feel pressure, and you enjoy all the other riders. You make great friends.” For the ﬁrst time, Seattle’s Gay City set up of a team this year, seeing the ride as a great way to unite and fundraise. “A volunteer approached us and said ‘hey, why doesn’t Gay City have a team and try to raise money’ so we did!” says Tony Froehlich, Gay City’s team captain. “We have 13 members committed to riding in the STP, and another 16 people who have signed up to support us along the way, including meeting us half way on the route to help set up camp!” Gay City Health Project, half of the Center for LGBT Health on Capitol Hill, prides itself as the premier provider of HIV and STD testing in King County. Their goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and foster a sense of community. Froehlich sees the STP as a great opportunity. “The big challenge for all of us was getting on our bikes for the ﬁrst time this season,” he says. “Then (we had to) stay warm on our rides! Everything since then has been rewarding. Making new friends, getting outdoors, being healthy! It’s a great feeling to be with a group of supportive, inclusive gay men all together to achieve big goals.” Those goals include raising at least $1000 each for GCHP when they hit the road on July 12th. If biking’s not your thing, how about learning a little country western line dancing, or maybe delving into the world of acupuncture? Gay City has you covered there, too. Gay City University 2008 will offer classes on May 17th. GCU is a day to learn many things about many topics. From “Wild Man Medicine” to “Effective Flirting,” GCU covers everything you want to know, but were afraid to ask. “This year’s GCU planning efforts are being spearheaded by a volunteer committee of folks of all ages and all walks of life,” says organizer Eleazar Juarez. “Together we have selected a diverse range of courses that will be of interest to everyone.” The daylong event takes place at The Northwest School (1415 Summit Avenue) on Capitol Hill. Registration is $35, and includes lunch. Limited scholarships are available. Juarez adds, “GCU really offers an alternative environment for us to interact with other gay men outside of the bar and club scene. It’s a fun and informative day you don’t want to miss!” If you would like to learn more about Gay City University, visit www.gaycity.org. To join the STP ride, contact tony@gaycity.org. are you getting it online? Subscribe to the FREE online version of ’mo Magazine. Send your email address to subscribe@moSeattle.com., and we’ll add you to our online subscriber list. moseattle.com 19 issue #15 | may 2008 http://www.seattlemeds.com http://www.gaycity.org http://www.gaycity.org http://moseattle.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of 'MO - May 2008

'MO - May 2008 Contents Letter From the Editor Voices Instant Activist Pet Project 'mo-BIZ: SeattleMeds Pharmacy 'mo-Money: The Federal Reserve 'mo Magazine Interview with Will & Grace Star Leslie Jordan Form & Function: Better Legs By Summer Healthy Alternatives Vancouver: Heading North in Rail Time Book Review: Where Are You Now? By Mary Higgins Clark Seattle International Film Festival Preview Capitol Hill Guide SceneOut: People@Places 'mo-Single Q&A

'MO - May 2008

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