The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The local event, which ranks first in the state and second out of 90 tours in the U.S., is set for Saratoga Springs this weekend.
Officials stress that the Tour de Cure is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist.
Locally, the American Diabetes Association’s Saratoga Tour de Cure is the most prestigious cycling event in the Capital Region. Last year’s edition drew 2,471 participants and raised $1.2 million.
ADA Development Director Laura Greenaway: "This event is really just built on the success of previous years. So we have a very engaged network of riders and sponsors and lots of people just supporting the event."
Ben Barrowman of Voorheesville is one of the tour's so-called "Red Riders," bicycle enthusiasts who are also diabetic. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teen, the 30-something says when cycling on the Tour de Cure he feels proud to be someone living with the disease. "This is actually an event where nothing is discreet. Nothing is hidden like it actually is every other day of the year."
He characterizes diabetes as a "private disease." "If I have to take insulin shots I'm not doing it in front of other people. I'm trying to be respectful and do it out of sight. I'm testing my blood sugar constantly, but obviously not in front of other people. It's very much a disease that, people who see me every day, still don't know I have."
The Tour de Cure is being held Sunday morning at Saratoga Springs High School.
"We will be moving the Red Rider and champion tent in the front by the start and finish line, so that will be new and exciting to keep everyone in the center of the celebration. Folks can sign up for the event on the day of, so if anyone is interested in riding in the tour they can come to our event on Sunday and we will have registration in the large gym right inside the entrance of the high school," says Greenaway.
Tour de Cure officials say they are raising funds as part of a nationwide movement to Stop Diabetes® and change the future of the nearly 30 million Americans living with the disease.
When : Sunday, June 5, 2016
Where : Saratoga Springs High School - In the event of severe weather check their Facebook pagewhich will be updated frequently.
Address : Blue Streak Blvd.
Get Directions
Registration Fee: $25
Fundraising Minimum : $200
Route Distances: 10m, 28m, 50m, 62.5m 100m
