PHOTO: One of the routes for the Tour de Cure slated for may 14, 2011. The fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association will begin in Woodland Park.

From Charlie Snyder

In 2011, the American Diabetes Association celebrates the 20^th Anniversary of Tour de Cure, its signature fundraising cycling event with an addition to its national line-up.

The Southern Colorado Tour de Cure will make its debut on May 14, 2011, and joins over 80 rides in 43 states with more than 40,000 of cyclists pedaling to Stop Diabetes®. In Colorado, 316,000 people have diabetes and 900,000 more have pre-diabetes.

“We feel that this is the perfect location for our next ride,” said Kelly Jackson, Tour Director for the American Diabetes Association. “Colorado Springs is known as one of the nation’s top bicycling cities, but has also seen a rapid rise in diabetes diagnosis. We will be drawing riders from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Tri-Lakes and Woodland Park.”

Woodland Park

Cyclists will have the choice of four routes that begin in Woodland Park and include beautiful views of the South Platte River and the north side of Pikes Peak:

·          A casual family ride of 14 miles

·          A 50-mile out-and-back to Deckers

·          A challenging 86-mile ride with 6,100 feet of climbing

·          A special Mountain Bike Trail Route

Sign up online at main.diabetes.org/socotourdecure.

Organizers are currently recruiting local cyclists and companies to support the event by forming teams and that includes individuals living with diabetes known as Red Riders.

“The Red Rider program, which started in Colorado five years ago, is now a staple for all Tour de Cure events nationally,” Jackson said. “Red Riders are given special treatment and recognition at our event; they add an immeasurable amount of inspiration and are a constant reminder of why we ride.”

Avid cyclists, children and riders of all ages and ability levels participate in the Tour de Cure, which features complete medical and mechanical support throughout all courses. After the ride, riders, family and friends will be guests at a post-ride party with food, drinks, local music, free massages, a kid’s zone and a Health and Wellness Village.

The ride is a fundraiser with all proceeds used to support programs in Southern Colorado. Organizers for the Woodland Park event have a goal of raising $125,000.

According to the 2010 Pikes Peak Quality of Life Indicators report, “Our people are healthy; our rate of cardiovascular disease is approximately 25 percent of the rate for the U.S. as a whole. But the incidence of diabetes has jumped 40 percent in one year.”

Follow the SoCo Tour de Cure on Facebook

For more information, visit the SoCo Tour de Cure webpage.