Tour De Cure Raises Money, Awareness Of Diabetes
DENVER (CBS4) - Millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and millions more are diagnosed as prediabetic which means they are likely to develop the disease. The American Diabetes Association is working to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of those affected by the disease. The Tour de Cure Colorado is one way the organizations raises money and awareness.
Tour de Cure is a ride not a race. There are four different routes to match every rider's age and ability. The family ride is an easy 12 miles. There is also a 50K route, a 100K route, and a 100-mile route that goes all the way to Estes Park. Each route is fully supported with SAG vehicles, rest stops with food and water, medical staff, and bike repair.
Ten-year-old Sophie Steven has done the family ride for the last three years, this year she'll be tackling the 50K.
"I figured because I'm getting older, I need more of a challenge. And besides, the family ride is really easy," she told CBS4.
Steven rides with Type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed when she was two years old. During Tour de Cure, she and other diabetic riders wear red jerseys as part of the Red Rider program. Riders and spectators along the way cheer on the Red Riders.
"It feels good to know that other people know what we're going through and are cheering us on to the finish line," Steven explained.
In 2014 more than 2,000 riders raised $1 million for the American Diabetes Association. There is a $200 minimum fundraising goal to participate in the ride. All the money raised stays in Colorado and goes to pay for ADA programming and important research.
"There are 17 researchers locally that receive funds to support their research and efforts to find a cure for diabetes," said Suzanne Steven, the chair of the 2015 Tour de Cure Colorado.
The American Diabetes Association is hosting Tour de Cure on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. There is an after-party which includes free food, drinks, live entertainment and activities for every age.
