Breaking records and personal bests, the 2017 Fall Rides so far have lived up to and surpassed the awe-inspiring reputation of our fastest growing National Program.

On Saturday, September 16, 620 riders (over 200 being new riders and 120 having type one) from around the country and Canada rolled into New York for the inaugural Ride to Cure at Saratoga Springs, raising an unprecedented $2.7 million for research! Houston Gulf Coast Chapter was proudly represented by our Super Six: Andrew Jones, Carole Jones, Troy Jones, Scott Rook and Dr. Vikram Gopal of Ascend Performance Materials, and Travers McEntyre.

Jonesing For A Cure. The Jones family returned as second-year riders, took Saratoga Springs by storm, and left the weekend exhausted but with victories to boast. Troy, feeling out of shape and unaware that he actually signed up to ride sixty miles, came with enthusiasm to face the challenge head on, and  finished strong. Andrew, T1D rider, signed up for 60 miles with his dad, but felt so good on race day that he surged forward to complete his first ever century ride – that’s 100 miles! And Carole, nervous about the 28 miles she initially signed up for, stunned her family, AND herself, by conquering a 60 mile triumph.

Go Further. Two colleagues, new to the JDRF family, were sponsored by their company to join the Ford Global Action – UAW Ride Team. Vikram Gopal, Ph.D., Vice President, Technology, Nylon, whose father has type one, committed to training for his first Ride to Cure. It all paid off when he completed his first century ride, alongside a triathlete no less. Scott Rook, Vice President – Nylon and said triathlete, had taken a hiatus from cycling, but he dusted off his bike to join our cause. Having no type one connection and a Harvey-flooded home, Scott still came to Saratoga and inspired in more ways than one with his century ride and taking the fundraising cake by raising over $16,000!

Family matters. Travers McEntyre, who has roots in New York, signed up for Ride on a whim and took the weekend as an opportunity to spend some time with his family there. He rode for his little cousin Max, who was diagnosed with type one at 18 months, and he put forth the most commendable efforts and commitment to fundraising for a cure for Max. First time rider on a trail not for beginners – Travers crossed the finish line with an impressive 60 miles under his (biking) belt!

Just this past weekend, on Saturday, October 7 we wrapped up our Ride at last year’s newest destination location, Amelia Island, where 480 riders raised over $1.7 million. Amongst those riders was our very own Katina Mein.

Super mom of Super Steven. Katina Mein, a Walk Family Team committee member last year, decided this year to celebrate and honor her T1D son in a different way – through Ride. She bravely and solely represented our Chapter in Florida, and made both fundraising and race weekend a family affair. Katina crushed 28 miles and  returned home to immediately switch gears to One Walk coming up later this month!

Thank you to all of our Riders for your dedication, your strength, and your inspiration. With Ride celebrating its 20th anniversary next year – we’re hoping to honor it by being 20 riders strong. Everyone look out for the destination list to be revealed next month and plan to join us!

ride.jdrf.org