Pedal for a Good Cause on Sunday with Tour de Cure

Pedal for the cure this Sunday, June 13 and take the family along. The American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Bike Event will convene at the Verizon Headquarters, 1 Verzon Way off North Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge.

This event is not just for serious riders. It's a day of family fun. Registrants can choose from 6 different distances from 13 miles up to the challenging 100 mile "Century" route. There's even a one-mile Tour de Tots Kids' Ride for the little ones. Participants and supporters at the finish line will enjoy food and entertainment, gifts, gear and games.

Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 43 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Fundraising proceeds support Diabetes research, education and advocacy initiatives. This year's ADA nationwide goal $19 million.

The Basking Ridge event is the second of three events held in New Jersey. Last weekend over 350 riders convened in Princeton Junction and have raised $130,000 so far. (Participants can continue to fundraise 30 days after the event.)

According to Taran Connelly, ADA Event manager, the Basking Ridge event is the biggest money maker of the three in New Jersey due to strong corporate support. Verzion is the site host, while Barclays Capital is the presenting sponsor. Novo Nordisk,  and Sanofi Aventis are other major corporate supporters.

The goal for this event? $375,000. This exceeds last year's success at $232,368, so the ADA is looking for many more riders to hop on their cycles that day. And, it's not too late.

How to Register

Riders can register individually,  as a team, or join a team. The registration fee is $25.00 and riders must commit to raising a minimum of $175 per rider. Because riders have 30 days to complete the fundraising, it will be possible to register that day and sign a pledge for the fundraising minimum. Online registration is still open.

For last minute riders wishing to join a team, sign up with the ADA Red Team. As the Association's team, it is open to anyone.

Check-in times are staggered to accommodate the different length routes. As Taran Connelly pointed out, "Riders should get there early, especially if they are not registered. There will be plenty to do. We will have bike shop mechanics who can check out riders' bikes for free, a complimentary breakfast and plenty of information on diabetes. The bike routes will be staffed with refueling stations and refreshments. We will have volunteer bike marshals on all the routes and motorcycle patrols staffed with trained EMT personnel."

Other Ways to Help

If you are not up for cycling, but would still like to show support, you can sponsor a rider or make a monetary donation through the ADA website. In addition, volunteers are needed to help staff the event; volunteers will greet riders, hand out refreshments, and staff refueling stations. Individual and family volunteers are welcome. Contact Tarran Connelly for more info at 732-469-7979, ext. 3514 or TConnelly@diabetes.org.

The event is "rain or shine." 


Take the ride of your life!
Basking Ridge Tour de Cure - Sunday, June 13, 2010
Register online today at
http://main.diabetes.org/BaskingRidgeTourdeCure