Julie Geddes is entering her sixth season as a coach for the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes. Based in Montana, she has helped cyclists from around the state train for the annual charitable bike ride, which has to date raised more than $47 million for type one diabetes (T1D) research.

Julie first became involved with JDRF after her oldest son was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 12. He is now 28, but Julie remains as committed as ever to diabetes advocacy and care. In addition to her role as a JDRF Ride coach, she serves as the Montana Research Information Volunteer (RIV) and Advocacy Team Chair. She is also studying to become a nurse and diabetes educator.

After she completed her first JDRF Ride in 2006, Julie knew she wanted to do it again. She has traveled around the country to participate in various JDRF Rides, and in 2016 she completed five of the six rides held that year. She looks forward to the new connections she makes within the T1D community at every event.

“I have so many amazing stories. On every ride, I have met the person I was supposed to meet.” She tells of people who ride for family, friends, or themselves, and the emotional and enduring moments they share along their journeys.

For anyone looking to participate in their first JDRF Ride, Julie recommends finding a buddy who can share the commitment. Julie joined a local cycling group before her first ride, and also took a spin class – which she says can be especially helpful if the weather is not yet ideal for outdoor cycling.

For cyclists with T1D, Julie is particularly excited about JDRF’s new PEAK program, which offers guidelines to help people with T1D exercise safely. She acknowledges that cycling can have its own unique challenges for those managing T1D and says, “I want to empower and encourage T1D riders to achieve their goals.” For anyone interested in learning more about PEAK, there will be a panel at Seattle’s TypeOneNation Summit this Fall.

There will be six JDRF Rides in 2018, each offering a unique and unforgettable terrain and experience. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels come from across the world to make new friendships, enjoy the unparalleled camaraderie of the Ride community and raise money to help end T1D. For more information visit jdrf.org/ride.