The ride on Saturday, March 31, was in a downpour of rain, but 23 hardy cyclists attended. The routes were borrowed from the Vancouver Bicycle Club, went along Salmon Creek and over quite a few rollers. Everyone had a lot of fun.

The weather for April 7 will be warmer and no rain. The routes will be around Hagg Lake, which is near Gaston, with a short route out of the park to accommodate newer cyclists who can't go up and down the hills yet. There is a route option that gives stronger cyclists a category 5 climb, along with more up and down terrain around the lake. Quite a few cyclists are responding with RSVPs, and the estimate for attendance is that there will be over 50 cyclists again.

For all of the volunteers who work so hard to put together these rides, it is real heartwarming to see people come out on their bikes for the first time, realizing that cycling will help them gain improved fitness and health, and to help themselves and others to find a way to cope with their diabetes. My team, Team Red Portland/Tommy's Team, is the team to which many of the Red Riders belong, cyclists who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and this year our Team Red jersey reads on the back, "I Ride to Stop Diabetes."