A week or so ago, I mentioned that Ryan has type I diabetes. To help raise money for this cause and for research to find a
cure, we will be riding in the Tour de Cure.
The
tour de cure is a bike ride to bring awareness of the disease and
fundraise for the American Diabetes Association. There are rides all
across the country. Each location has a few different distances to allow
for people to push their limits but also ride something that they are
capable of.
This year will be the fourth year
Ryan and I have participated in the Tour de Cure in Napa Valley. This year it will be taking place on May 5, 2013. We will be
riding the 100-mile route! A bunch of our friends will be joining us on
the tour, riding one of the various distances (10, 25, 50, 80 or 100
miles). Funds raised through these events are used to fund research for a cure, information to help prevent diabetes, advocacy
for those affected by diabetes and public awareness activities.
We have had an absolute blast participating in the Tour de Cure. The Napa Valley tour has stunning scenery, and is simply such a great route. The other nice thing about it is they have a bunch of rest stops to refill your water bottles and get some food. Besides the ride, we like to make a whole weekend out of it by going to Napa on Friday and enjoying the area Saturday before the ride on Sunday.
One of the other awesome things about this event, is people who ride and have diabetes (either type I or type II) are celebrated as a Red Rider. This promotes a community among those with the disease, and is nice to see who you are really riding for! Red Riders wear a special red jersey with this logo to be recognized.
So, this is our next big event to
train for! Last weekend we did a tough and hilly 45-mile training ride
with our friend Josh. Most weekends for the next month, we will be getting out on some longer rides. I will also be trying to bike one day per week to
campus to get some extra miles in the saddle.
To find a tour in your area, check out: http://tour.diabetes.org
If you are interested in donating to the cause and supporting my efforts to stop diabetes, please visit http://main.diabetes.
Have you ever done a charity walk, run or bike ride? Before the Tour de Cure, I had also done a few walks for Multiple Sclerosis and Relay for Life.
That sounds awesome. Everything about a century ride sounds good to me...plus it's in Napa! If I had a good road bike, I would do it, but I don't want to invest in a good road bike just yet...
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that you're doing a charity race :D Type I diabetes does deserve more awareness especially with all the negative stigma behind type II diabetes.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck training :D
The blog is looking good!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you guys do this bike ride. I've always wanted to do something like that. Do you have any tips for newbies?
Thanks! :)
DeleteI'll write a post about biking for newbies -- any specific questions you have?
100 miles! Ahh... that is so intimidating. Sounds like a really cool race. Napa is one of my favorite places - my husband and I went there on our honeymoon. I think the scenery alone could keep me going!!
ReplyDeleteYes, the scenery is amazing! I was really intimidated the first time I rode 100 miles. I still get nervous before the ride, but I know I can make it. Kinda like training for a bit running race
DeleteSo awesome!
ReplyDeleteSeeing as how we've now been in Singapore for 6 months, I guess it's time to get my bike assembled, huh? The spin bike is good, but *does* leave something to be desired sometimes....