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).

Jeff Goodnow joined JDRF in 2002, when his 11-month-old son, Jake, was diagnosed with T1D. Since then, Jeff has volunteered and participated in a number of JDRF events – including One Walk and JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes – with both the New York City and New Jersey chapters. And, clearly, he’s a man of many words!

Town: Fair Lawn, NJ

Number of years riding for a cure: 9

Number of years coaching: 5

Why or who do you ride for? My son Jake

Favorite Ride memory: Crossing the finish line with Jake in Burlington, VT, in 2015

What excites you about coaching? Helping new riders

Best piece of advice for riders: Pedal

Favorite place to ride: Still looking

What ride gear can’t you live without? My bike

Best piece of fundraising advice: Beg

What has the Ride taught you? Patience

What’s your favorite way to relax after a long ride? Beer

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