Lake Nona, FL – ADA Training 2017: Diana’s story

On a beautiful Sunday, December 3, 2017, I spent the morning on an ADA Tour de Cure Community ride in Lake Nona, FL. This community ride was in support of the Red Rider team for the upcoming ADA Tour de Cure in Orlando.

Today there were cyclists of different levels. What brings all of us together for a ride on a beautiful day? It is not just the love of cycling or the number of riders. The joy of meeting new people, the camaraderie building that happens on a ride, and the opportunity to show support for those who struggle with diabetes all contribute to what appeals to us.

Though we were a small group today, we split off into even smaller groups to check out some of the different planned routes. David, Brandon, and I checked out almost 20 miles of some the planned route. The Earth Dogs team took off for a bit of a longer ride today. Heather and Cesar rode the proposed 5K walk/run route. This upcoming Tour de Cure also offers a 5K walk/run route! Eric, one of the Red Riders, took the 20-mile route as well.

I had so much fun in my small group. David pulled the entire time! He is a strong rider, completing so many century rides this year, I can’t even keep count. Brandon, a little new to riding, kept up the entire time. Not only a bit new to riding, he also rode with regular flat pedals. That is saying a lot about his skill – he had no trouble keeping up with riders (David and me) clipped in. David shared stories of how he got started in riding. He has been riding a long time, and it was so motivating for me to hear that. Brandon shared his wish to get pedals so he can clip in. Upon hearing this, David offered great tips on how to get started once Brandon gets those clips. Experienced riders are always so willing to give tips and advice to those less experienced. One of the things I love about these rides! I always learn something new, and I also know to look out for Brandon – he will be passing everyone.

The love of riding and the conviction of supporting this worthy cause brought everyone together. At the end of the ride, we all spent time visiting and having some refreshments. There were bananas, PB& J sandwiches, water, and Gatorade. Heather also provides some little treats at the end of the ride. Anyone that has managed to find a little time to participate gets the reward of healthy homemade cookies at the end. If you haven’t found that out yet, you should definitely try to make one of these community rides part of your training plan. The cookies are not to be missed!

I am looking forward to the next ride, and especially the Lake Nona Tour de Cure in March 2018. Who knows … maybe I’ll see you out there!