Despite this being my fourth Tour de Cure, each time the ride comes around I’m always nervous I’m going to forget something or be late or something (this year I forgot sunscreen, thankfully a teammate had some to share).  With the generosity of my extended team, we were able to raise $1,125 this year.  It was actually a really challenging year for fundraising and I didn’t make Achived Champion Level Champion until the week before the Champions’ Reception.

We rode the 50-mile course again this year and we had about 11 people sign up for the 50-mile course and 10 of us rode it.  The weather was perfect this year.  Bright and sunny, it didn’t get to warm until we had returned to the event site and it never got terribly windy.  We started around 8 am and rode a little slower this year than last year, averaging about 18 mph instead of 20 mph, which meant we had more time to enjoy the weather and the beautiful Lake Nona scenery as we rode by.

Like last year, we skipped the first rest stop and rode right through to the second.  The rest stops were well equipped with water and snacks, including tiny, wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which were delicious!  Continuing on from there, we started switching off lead more frequently as the wind picked up and our Team Captain didn’t want anyone getting too tired as we rode.  My favorite section of the ride is a couple of miles ridden through a neighborhood that is reached shortly after the third rest stop.  Unlike much of the rest of the course, the road at this point wines and turns as we go along, which is my favorite kind of road.

Throughout it all, our Team Captain kept our peloton together and well rested and motivated.  As we got into the last five miles of the ride, we picked up the pace, with the stronger riders taking lead one after the other and keeping the pace strong as we went.  The final mile climbs an overpass and this year, at the very top of the hill, we caught up to 3 of our 25-mile riders.  We added them to our group and we all crossed the finish line together.  And waiting for me at the finish line was my family!  My daughter had bells, which she had been ringing for every rider that came across the line and then she was ringing them for me!  It was an amazing way to finish another tremendous Tour de Cure.  🙂

Stats for the day

This was recorded by one of my team member’s who rode the 52-mile course with the group.

More important, your contributions help the many with diabetes. You know it’s one thing for diseases to affect older people who have learned to cope with adversity but a disease that affects youngsters is especially cruel. Just the name “juvenile diabetes” is a reason why we have to push for a cure. In addition, for your help, all I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! If you would like to read our team story go to: https://teamonecycle.com/2018/03/lake-nona-fl-ada-tour-de-cure-12/.

Next year, I may try riding the metric century course. Hopefully, you will still lend your support. I will ride on behalf of those who can’t and in memory of many.

Again thanks for your support. Regards,

Shawn
TeamOne