March 31, 2019 – The Tour de Cure once again arrived. A beautiful spring day greeted all the attendees. This year there were over 2,000 participants, and for the second year in a row, the ADA Tour de Cure also had a 5K run/walk.
Saturday had been a busy day in preparation for the event. Volunteers made sure that routes were clearly marked, tents were up and ready for sponsors and vendors, and registration and information desks had everything needed for the big day. Champion’s names lined the entrance to the venue, proudly displaying all the efforts to attain Champion status.
TeamOne riders came from all over the country to participate. On Sunday they gathered early, regardless of their group start time, to kick off the day. As always, the venue provided a brilliant array of sights and sounds. Tents lined up displaying all sorts of swag. The Breakfast Cafe was popular — breakfast sandwiches, bagels, cream cheese, fruit, orange juice, and coffee made everyone feel right at home.
TeamOne leads put up signage for the team at their tent, located right at the start line. They made sure everyone was checked in for registration. Bikes were readied for the day.
The forecast was sunny and warm, in the ’70s with winds up to 10 mph. Mother Nature did not disappoint. Spring always brings wind and sun. Sunday was not any different from its spectacular weather.
The Ride
TeamOne had two groups of riders participating in 25 and 52-mile courses. 7:30 am was the start time for the 52-mile riders. A large group of TeamOne members made up the 52-mile adventurers.
Lined up for a photo opp at the starting line, the cyclists displayed pride, readiness, and excitement. Every year has a different synergy depending on the participants. One thing that does not change, though, is the bond shared by a group ready to fight the wind and successfully master the ride!
The riders soon picked up to their targeted pace of 17-20 mph. With such a large starting group, it took a few miles to get out in the open. At only 10 miles in, a flat tire struck. The cyclist skidded to safety. A pit-stop to fix the tire allowed the riders to visit. Fixing a flat is a skill, and the cyclists soon had a new tube in and the bike was ready to go.
Skipping the first SAG station, the riders continued their ride to the second SAG station. Volunteers greeted the group. The day was starting to get warm. Water and Gatorade to quench the thirst was a welcome site. Not only was their hydration, but a huge assortment of snacks to satisfy the riders was also laid out: oranges, bananas, PB&J, trail mix, and pickles!
After the 10 minute stop, the team got back to the ride. The miles started to pass quickly. The wind took note and started to pick up. After another 20 miles, the next SAG stop: warm smiles and precious refreshments. 10 minute stop – it passed by fast. The team was ready to finish this 52 miles.
9:30 am was the 25-miles ride start time this year. TeamOne cyclists participating in this route made their way to the starting line. Excited and ready! The 25-mile course took the group through tree-lined neighborhoods, scenic routes, and provided for an incredible experience. Their first stop was at the 5 mile SAG stop, where they took a few minutes to visit with the 52-mile group. Then they too were on their way to finishing this incredible day.
The Champions
The hard work and excellent leadership helped the team reach the goal of $21,182 at ride time. TeamOne is proud to once again have all the team members achieve Champion status. As a “Team of Champions“, this group of riders celebrated at the Champions Tent. Chroma sponsored the delicious lunch reserved for Champions. Beautiful displays of salad, roasted vegetables, bread, spaghetti and meatballs, golden mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes lined tables.
The Activities
The ADA Tour de Cure treated participants to several special activities. Massages for weary legs offered respite from the grueling effort put forth.
Tijuana Flats sponsored lunch for participants. Tacos, chips, and salsa invited participants with the delicious aroma wafting through the air. ABC Wine and the Beer Garden gave a little taste of escape.
Themes of the day: community, dedication, celebration, commitment. Another year helping to fight for a cure for this disease gives this team the motivation to come back again next year!
How We Helped
| TeamOne | ADA Totals |
|---|---|
| Achieved to Date: $21,182 Number of Champions: 17  Corporate Teams: #7 (View Top Ten) Overall Teams: #10 Number of Riders: 17 Average per team member: $1,246 |
Achieved to Date: $1,158,448 Number of Champions: 239 Number of Corporate Teams: 78 Number of all Teams: 130 Number of Riders: 2,203 Average per team member: $526 |
Other Information:
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TeamOne’s Part in the Tour de Cure:
* Data and figures derived from the ADA Lake Nona web site. |
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Who is TeamOne
Read the summaries below about the event in TeamOne members’ own words by selecting their name link below (more to follow). Special thanks to the members who traveled from out of state to ride in this event!
| Affiliation | 25 Miles | 50 miles |
|---|---|---|
| SAIC | Bob Fecteau John Legarreta Ron Hemphill Susie Schmitt Tom Wofford |
Diana Riley Lee England Shauna Brookshier Shawn DeLuca Tom Eldridge1 Zrain Olivencia |
| Family / Friends | Jimmy Vasil  Seresaa Setzer |
Catherine Aldea Jodel Jerome Jonathan Nunes Summer Knight 1 |
| Notes | 1 First time ADA event riders 2 Very close to joining the other Champions3 Also will ride 63 miles in St. Petersburg for ADA Tampa 4 Virtual Rider (a team member who raised funds but couldn’t ride) Red Rider: A person who rides with diabetes. Tour de Cure Jersey Champions for Diabetes |
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“Fun”raising Activities Winners
The prize purchases were made possible solely with the team member’s support. You can view Drawing Winner’s page for all the winners or the individual by selecting a link below.
- $250 Amazon Gift Card Winner: Trudy Gomes – San Diego
Event Day Statistics
This is the course charted by one of the TeamOne members who participated in the 50-mile route.
Photos
Special thanks to all who provided your photos.
Thank you,
TeamOne
