July 3, 2018

Summer is here which means it’s time to get out of the house and join the Rocky Mountain Team for JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes! Whether you are an avid cyclist, or just getting into the sport, Ride gives cyclists of all ages and skill-levels the opportunity to make new friendships and enjoy the unparalleled camaraderie of the Ride community, all while raising funds to help create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D)!

Join Team Rocky Mountain and choose from six stunning destinations across the U.S.:
• La Crosse, WI: August 9 – 12
• Loveland, CO: August 23 – 26 **LOCAL DESTINATION**
• Saratoga Springs, NY: September 13 – 16
• Amelia Island, FL: October 4 – 7
• Death Valley, CA: October 18 – 21 ** SOLD OUT**
• Santa Fe, NM: November 1 – 4

Riders set their own mileage goal and choose a fundraising minimum (packages start at $2,000).  You’ll join fellow riders to take part in a full weekend of activities like lively seminars, excursions around town, award dinners and team celebrations that all lead up to the main event—Ride Day!

You are not alone in your preparation for your Ride – JDRF provides fundraising assistance from Registration through the Ride weekend! Along the way, receive the full support of the JDRF Ride community—including everyone from Ride coaches to the fundraising experts—who will help you reach and exceed your fundraising and training goals.

Looking to ride right here in our beautiful Colorado backyard? The Loveland, CO Ride also has a Day Rider option available – click here to learn more!

Ready to start your training? Here are some summer riding tips from Ride Coach Tom:

Summer is in full swing and I hope to have you join me for a training ride soon! I know it is hot out on the road and I am confident that you are all staying well hydrated and safe. Here are some additional safety guidelines as you train for your JDRF Ride:

• First and foremost, always wear your helmet! I don’t care if you are riding a century or zipping down to the local ice cream store – an accident can happen at any time. Please protect your noggin!!
• It is best to ride with a group. Aside from the scintillating conversation and ability to cheat the wind in a pace line, there is an obvious benefit if anything happens. Anything from a flat tire to an accident, you will appreciate having a friend along to help out. Make sure that at least one of you has a phone – certain things just cannot be fixed on a ride (like a passing thunder storm!) and the ability to call for a pickup never hurts.
• When you go for a ride, let someone else know where you are planning on going and when you are planning to be back. Particularly if you elect to ride by yourself, make sure that someone is standing by if you need assistance.
• Be a safe smart rider. It is okay to ride side by side if conditions allow, but be aware of those conditions. I have yet to see a situation where more than two abreast makes sense so please just don’t do it! When a car approaches from behind, do your best to return to single file. Make it very easy for the car to pass.
• Obey all traffic rules, particularly stop lights and pedestrian crossings. They are there for a reason! When stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, make sure that you are not blocking traffic. Often I see cars trying to make a right on red but are stuck behind a bicyclist planning to go straight through an intersection. Please don’t be that person.
• Try your best to be polite and nice, particularly to motor vehicles. Remember that you are out having fun on your bicycle. Motorists are probably not out for a pleasure cruise and are in more of a hurry than you are. Do not antagonize motor vehicle drivers. If you run into an aggressive motorist, do NOT try to teach them a lesson. Bicycles always lose in direct interactions with cars!
• Make sure to keep yourself visible and communicate with your group. Wear bright colors when you ride, particularly if you are riding in the evening. If you are approaching a recently parked car, be aware that the driver may open the car door in front of you. Use your voice to alert drivers approaching intersections and communicate with your fellow riders if you are making any sudden maneuvers like slowing suddenly for some reason. If you see a car approaching, let your fellow riders know (“Car back,” “car right” or some similar call). When passing someone let them know as well (“on your left”).
• No matter what happens on the road, remember that your safety and that of the group that you are riding with depends on you. Be aware, ride smoothly, communicate effectively and obey all traffic rules. You are an ambassador of the riding community. Colorado is relatively bike friendly, let’s keep it that way!

I look forward to another safe happy riding season!

Tom Kissinger
JDRF Rocky Mountain Ride Coach

To learn more, visit ww.ride.jdrf.org or contact Rachel LeClere at rleclere@jdrf.org or call 303-209-7723.