The role of a JDRF Ride Coach is to help each rider cross the finish line safe, sound and smiling. Our coaches work with our chapter team, the Metro Roadsters, and provide personalized training plans, organize weekly and monthly training rides across the state, and help each and every rider reach their goal.

In this four-part series you’ll meet our dedicated coaches, all of whom are volunteers driven by one, unified goal: to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Barbara Feinstein is our chapter’s lone female coach. Her involvement with JDRF extends far beyond the Ride; Barbara is currently our chapter’s Advocacy Team Chair and has also served as board president. 

Town: Morganville, NJ

Number of years riding for a cure: 5

Number of years coaching: 4

Why or who do you ride for? My 21-year-old son, Brad, who was diagnosed when he was 7

Favorite Ride memory: My first ride as a coach in Burlington, VT. Our small chapter team stayed together all day. We joined riders from other chapters along the way, took fun photos at every stop and finished together with big smiles.

What excites you about coaching? Watching new riders become more comfortable on a bike and meeting or exceeding their ride day goals

Best piece of advice for riders: Make sure you are comfortable on your bike, possibly getting a professional bike fit. Minor adjustments can make a tremendous difference. Find a seat that suits your body.

Favorite place to ride: Anywhere I can find quiet roads with minimal traffic

What ride gear can’t you live without? Comfortable, well-fitting bike shorts and padded gloves

Best piece of fundraising advice: Let people know that you are challenging yourself to do something really big and exciting. Reach out often with plenty of reminders. It takes multiple reminders for people to make a donation.

What has the Ride taught you? Slow down and enjoy the journey. Although getting to the finish line is amazing, it’s the little accomplishments along the way that are the most rewarding.

What’s your favorite way to relax after a long ride? I start with a good long stretch of my muscles followed by sitting in my favorite recliner with something yummy to eat.

Learn more about Ride to Cure, or register to join the Metro Roadsters at ride.jdrf.org.