Breaking out a new Tour de Cure program for cyclists with diabetes (ie: Free schwag!)

Hey all - I'll have a special love session for Chainlinkers that are thinking of riding Bike the Drive later this week... keep checking back. Today, however, the ADA announced the formation of the Red Riders!

Basically, we think it has been an oversight that cyclists who are successfully managing their diabetes while participating in our Tour de Cure events (Bike the Drive and the Grand Geneva Tour de Cure) haven't been honored. So starting this year, any diabetic riders or volunteers in the Tour de Cure will be eligible to take part in the Red Rider program and receive a free team jersey. There will be other Red Rider perks and accolades along the route to (and at!) the Tour de Cure. If you, or someone you know, a) has diabetes b) has a bike, please let them know about this program! It's my hope that it will grow into a year-round resource for diabetic cyclists!

Anyone interested can contact me at ergoodwin@diabetes.org!

‘RED RIDER’ PROGRAM TO RECOGNIZE LOCAL DIABETIC CYCLISTS
American Diabetes Association initiative will honor Tour de Cure
participants, volunteers managing Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes

CHICAGO (January 26, 2009) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) of Northern Illinois/Northern Indiana introduced today its “Red Rider” initiative, which will honor participants and volunteers with diabetes at two local Tour de Cure cycling events this summer. The program is supported by Central DuPage Hospital of Winfield, Ill.

The Red Rider program will debut as part of Team Diabetes at Bank of America Bike the Drive, held on Lakeshore Drive in Chicago on Sunday, May 24, and also as part of the Grand Geneva Tour de Cure, held at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, Ill., on Sunday, June 7.

“Many people taking part in Tour de Cure do so for the competition, camaraderie and the challenges associated with cycling,” said Nancy Harris, Senior Executive Director of the ADA’s Northern Illinois/Northern Indiana office. “The Red Riders, however, will serve as a touch-point to the mission of the Tour de Cure, reminding our cyclists that every mile they ride and every dollar they raise brings us that much closer to a cure for this disease that kills over 250,000 Americans each year.”

Inspired by a grassroots program introduced at the Colorado Tour de Cure in 2007, the Chicago-area Red Rider program will provide diabetic cyclists with a free Red Rider team jersey while volunteers will receive complimentary Red Rider t-shirts. While cycling to raise funds, Red Riders will enjoy recognition throughout both events including VIP hospitality at the Tour sites and special honors along the course. Those with interest can register at www.diabetes.org/tour or contact Manager Eric Goodwin at (312) 346-1805 or ergoodwin@diabetes.org for details.

Cycling in the Tour de Cure provides tangible health benefits for those with diabetes who are working to maintain a well-rounded diet and exercise regimen. “The Red Rider program turns what is already a healthy activity for the rider into an inspirational act for others with diabetes and, indeed, for all the participants in the Tour de Cure. Central DuPage Hospital is excited to be a founding sponsor of this program,” says Director of External Communications Tammy Pressley.


The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Colorado Red Riders in 2008!