MADISON, Wis. -- A local teen wanted a summer challenge, so he took on the 6th annual AIDS Ride.

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"I wanted a special ride I could do this summer, a charity ride, and I wanted a challenge," said rider Zander Steichen.

Over the past four days and 300 miles, the 17-year-old created lasting friendships with 139 other riders, including his mother.

"Even though I am the youngest and I'm out of the age group of most of the people, we got along so well," said Steichen.

Steichen was the youngest part of a very committed team, whose love and effort were hailed by hundreds on their ride into the Capitol Square on Sunday.

The joy became overpowering as the riders welcomed the crew of 87 who stood behind them during the entire journey.

"It's the community," said training ride coordinator Jeanne Marshall. "It's remembering the employee I lost to AIDS. It's remembering my best friend at church who is living with HIV. It's all of those things wrapped up together and all the wonderful friends I've made over the last five years."

Those reasons are why the riders ride every year.

It's also why the celebration sobered as a riderless bike passed. The bike is a reminder of all that is still left to finish.

"HIV is still happening," said Marshall. "It's growing in spite of our best efforts for education and prevention and that's why we have to continue to raise the funds we do, to continue that fight. This is a disease that just continues to get worse, and we've got to get through it."

It's a fight that continues each day, regardless of gender, race or age.

"It will be quite an accomplishment," said Streichen. "It will have made a difference. It will be a great conclusion, and I'm looking forward to doing it next year."

The ACT 6 AIDS Ride raised $287,420.