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Members of The Northwest Florida/South Alabama American Diabetes Association are gearing up for the fourth annual cycling event on April 21.
The Tour de Cure®, as it’s called, will start at Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, and cyclists from all around this region will ride one of three different routes.
“Our community joins over 50,000 other cyclists and volunteers who are participating at more than 80 sites across the United States to help raise funds to stop this devastating disease,” said Lynne Cranford, executive director.
The $150,000 raised will be used for research to help find a cure, for education, and advocacy and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
The Gulf Coast Tour offers three course options for everyone from novice to experienced cyclists, including a 22-mile, as well as 42- and 62-mile rides.
Each course is supported from start to finish with full-service, SAG Vehicles, rest stops stocked with energy snacks, hydration and restrooms, mechanical support and medical teams. At the finish line, riders will enjoy a post-race lunch, music, massages, fun and much more.
Karen Emmanuel, legal counsel for Sacred Heart Health System, has been cycling for over 10 years, and has been on the ADA board for more than 15 years.
“I was thrilled when the board made a decision to organize a Tour de Cure in our area. I believe we can grow the Tour into the premiere cycling event in Northwest Florida,’’ Emmanuel said.
“For avid cyclists, it is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery in our area, our wonderful spring weather, and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. It is one of the few organized cycling events in our area that attracts riders from all over the Southeast. The event is well organized and supported to ensure the safety of participants of all levels and ages, and finishes with a great post ride party,” she said.
Of the nearly 25.8 million Americans suffering with diabetes, more than 50,000 are in this community,’’ she said. It’s estimated that while 18.8 million have been diagnosed, at least 7 million Americans are living with diabetes, although unaware of it. If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and one in two minorities, will face a future with diabetes.
For more information about the event, go to www.diabetes.org/tour or call 492-6100. You can register to participate at http://main.diabetes.org/gulfcoast.
