As many of you know, Meet the Teams season is winding down here in Seattle. For speedy, competitive types a racing-focused team is one outlet, but many of us are also inspired to channel our cycling energy in philanthropic directions.
In the spirit of November being National Diabetes Awareness Month:
The Ride to Cure (Type 1) Diabetes is dedicated to raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, JDRF (their site needs a tune up…) The team trains for one or more event rides each year, similar to the Leukemia “Ride for a Cure” organization. Members of the team can choose to do one, two or five rides at distances between 30 and 100+ miles. Last year there were two teams. One went to Sonoma, CA, the other went to Whitefish Montana, and two individuals did a Death Valley ride. Next year it looks like the team is leaning towards Death Valley for the big ride (Visit here to see a list of the 2007 rides.)
Weekend training rides include a variety of paces and are suitable for novices as well as competitive cyclists. The team’s training schedule will be available by November 16th on their web site. JDRF’s national Ride to Cure Diabetes fundraiser, is currently recruiting and gearing up for next season. They are hosting a kick off party at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16th at Mac & Jack’s brewery in Redmond.
JDRF hosts the Black Diamond Ride to Cure Diabetes the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in Black Diamond, WA, with century, half century and shorter distances including a very short family ride.
The team also participates in local event rides including the 7 Hills of Kirkland, Utley Dam to Dam, and the Kitsap Color Classic.
If you have a connection to someone with type 1 diabetes, JDRF gives you a way to help support finding a cure, as well as get all of the benefits of a regular cycling fitness program. JDRF has club certified coaches that can help you set fitness goals and the rest of the team can support you in reaching your fitness goals.
I’m personally aware of Kerry White, an amazing ultra-endurance athlete who has competed in RAAM several times and has a race resume that would be impressive even if she didn’t have type 1 diabetes. Managing your food intake and energy levels can be tricky at any distance above 50 miles; imagine how diabetes must compound those difficulties, then add 2000 miles. Yowza.
Interested? Contact Susan at JDRF: susan@jdrfnwride.org or 206-838-5153
