Tour De Cure

[makbike]

I've signed up to participate in this event on May 20 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Has anyone participated in these events in the past? How well managed are they? Do they mark the routes well?

This will be the first fund raising ride I've participated in and am hoping to do well and make those who sponsor me proud. I'm going to tackle the challenging 62 mile course and have been putting a lot of miles on my trainer this winter (1500 miles since November) in hopes of staying in shape. I've been able to get a few days of real road work in, as temperature permit. I feel strong when I'm out on the road but have yet to go more then 30 miles on a ride this season. I'm hoping I have not bitten off more then I can chew for I'm familiar with the route to be taken and it has a few long, hard climbs. I hope to get a lot of road work in next week during my spring break, weather permitting so that I can really see where I'm at in my preparation for this event.

Does anyone have any words of advise for me? I guess I'm just nervous given that I will not have many long rides (50+ miles) under my belt prior to May 20 given my work schedule.

Marcie

[bcipam]

I'm signed up to do the Tour here in So. California (Long Beach to Newport Beach and back) also on May 20th. This will be my 5th Tour and I love the Ride. Part of it is becuase the route is one of my favorite bike rides. Of course, it's a great cause one of which is close to my heart as friends and family have the disease. Several years ago my best friend died due to diabetes related heart falure. He was a committed cyclist and dide shortly after a hard ride. I now ride in his honor. Don't know how your group is but here the event is top knotched. Well sagged, well attended. Every rest stop is a "party" and all well stocked with goodies.

Good luck, enjoy and report back. It's for a great cause.

[maryellen]

i've done two TdC in the New York area. They were both a lot of fun. Food was good. Route was reasonably well marked. People were great.

Just try to get some longer rides in and you'll be fine.

[makbike]

Thanks for the information.

I know this sounds silly but I'm riding for my cat, Scooter. Scooter was diagnosed with diabetes at age 14 and I managed it well for three years. In the end it was not the diabetes that took him from me but cancer. He was a wonderful teacher and friend and I still miss him. I'm looking forward to riding in his honor and of course riding for all family members and friends of my sponsors.

I'll keep you guys posted. No riding today too many thunderstorms in the area but the weekend looks great - what a great start to my spring break!

Marcie

[amcgltdchix]

Thanks for the information.

I know this sounds silly but I'm riding for my cat, Scooter. Scooter was diagnosed with diabetes at age 14 and I managed it well for three years. In the end it was not the diabetes that took him from me but cancer. He was a wonderful teacher and friend and I still miss him. I'm looking forward to riding in his honor and of course riding for all family members and friends of my sponsors.

I'll keep you guys posted. No riding today too many thunderstorms in the area but the weekend looks great - what a great start to my spring break!

Marcie

Hey thats great!! I'm a licensed vet tech here in VA at an all cat's hosp! My dr that I work for does marathons all the time and he thinks I'm nuts for wanting to bike for a cause(for cats!-they need medical research to cure their illnesses!)

[Duck on Wheels]

There's a Tour de Cure here in Madison WI too. Same day as the others. Problem is there's also a Syttende Mai 17-mile hike that day too. I was thinking of hiking. Three reasons:
1) I'm better at it.
2) I hardly know anybody around here to get pledges from.
3) I don't know anybody to ride with.
Anybody want to talk me into switching plans? It's not too late yet.

[bcipam]

I paid my own entry fee - I don't solicite donations although I did have some friends that went in and added their own funds on the website. I can write the amount off at tax time.

You don't really need anyone to ride with. My event is full of folks of all levels and there are plenty to ride with but I agree, it's always more fun to do a ride with womeone. I did my first full century alone and that kindof sucked. If the event offers long and shorter courses, elect to do the shorter one - more possibilities of meeting up with someone or less time out alone.

I don't push a charity event on anyone. Have to do what's in your heart. Diabetes is near and dear to me. My two best friends had and have it (one died one still thank God alive). Either event is worthy.

[juvel01]

I'm doing the one in Virginia and we have a team from our local shop, all levels of riders. We're doing the 32 mile ride for the fun of it, will spend most of it yapping I'm sure! Should be fun. If anyone wants to join our team, we're Team Bicycle Outfitters.