MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Hundreds of cyclists came out for an annual bike ride that will take them across the southern part of Minnesota.

Bikers took off from the Mall of America around 7 a.m. Thursday for the 9th Annual Red Ribbon Ride.

The ride is the largest cycling event for HIV/AIDS in Minnesota and the third largest in the U.S.

More than 200 riders will take part in the four-day event which spans 300 miles.

They’ll make overnight stops in Lake City, Rochester and Northfield, Minn. and finish with a closing ceremony at the State Capitol on Sunday.

This year’s event has raised nearly $400,000 for AIDS/HIV charities around the state.

For more information and donations, click here.