Note: Please visit our 2018 LL4T1D Cure Team page for information about this year’s team and ride.
JDRF Saratoga Springs Ride 2017: Perfect in Every Way!
The folks at JDRF like to say that the goal of their rides is not completing the 100 miles (or whatever distance you set out to do), but getting to the starting line — that is, the ride is simply a celebration of all the hard work that led up to it, both in training and fundraising. On September 16, 2017, 615 cyclists from across the country (as well as Canada), including our Logistics Leaders for T1D Cure team, made it to the starting line. We collectively raised $2.7 million — including $49,000 from our team! — which will go a long way toward funding all of the work JDRF does in our collective pursuit to turn Type 1 Diabetes into Type None.
The weather was close to perfect, the course and scenery were beautiful, and the cause was inspirational. Cycling 100 miles is never easy, but when you’re surrounded by hundreds of other people who are passionate about this cause, including riders young and old who have the added challenge of living with T1D, you find new strength and commitment to make it to the finish line, and we all did — even our teammate Ken Wood, who wasn’t able to make the trip to Saratoga Springs because he was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma back in Florida, we carried him through the finish line in our hearts and thoughts.
To my teammates James Coon, Andrew Clarke, Steve Wallace, and Ken Wood: Thank you for all of the time and energy you invested in training for this ride and helping to raise funds. I was truly inspired by your dedication. Sharing this experience with you is what made it extra special for me.
To our sponsors BluJay Solutions, C.H. Robinson, Descartes, and Elemica, as well as the many family members and friends who donated: Your generosity made this experience possible, and your donations will go a long way toward improving the lives of people living with T1D, so thank you so much for your support!
Now that the ride is over, I’m already planning for next year. I’ve got some big ideas on how to raise the bar for 2018, so if you’re interested in joining or sponsoring our Logistics Leaders for T1D Cure cycling team, please contact me.
