These amazing young men and women are riding to cure T1D and raising over $22,000 in the process!

Blake Schwartz

I turned 13 years old back in May and was diagnosed with T1D when I was 7 years old. This is my first JDRF ride and so far I have ridden a personal best of 52 miles on the Silver Comet Trail! I was motivated to ride this year after seeing my father, Ted, participate and ride on the JDRF ride team the last five years.

So far, going on the Silver Comet Trail and riding through the BIG tunnel was the highlight of the ride season as, even on a hot day, the BIG tunnel is so cool and misty. I am most looking forward to sharing ride day with my Mom, Cheryl, as she is also completing her first JDRF ride as well.  Together we plan to complete at least 62 miles together and can’t wait for Amelia Island!

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Eliott Gardy

I first signed up for a JDRF ride nearly four years ago after being prompted to do so as a family by my mother. I was still in the my first year post-diagnosis, so I was intrigued by the thought of a community of people who rallied behind each other to push themselves physically as well as to push each other to fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help type one diabetics like me.

As of now I have most enjoyed the act of writing thank you emails to supporters who have generously donated money to my ride. It feels good that these people care enough to give you this money, but it feels even better to make these people know how thankful you are for their donation.

I am looking forward to, as I always do, to the morning of Ride Day in Amelia Island when you see all of the hundreds of riders in their biking gear of whimsical outfits jumbled together at the starting line. The anticipation is palpable and the encouragement is nonstop.

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Gavin Smith

I am 13 years old and a type one diabetic. The Amelia Island Ride will be my first Ride event with JDRF and I was motivated to join the team by my dad, Jason. He has been involved with the team for many years as a rider and has recently started coaching. I was also motivated by all the other junior riders I saw doing the ride.

So far, my favorite memory from this year’s Ride season was when I completed 52 miles in Cartersville with the ride team. I can’t wait to complete the full 100 miles on Ride day!

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Gianna DiMuzio

I am 14 years old and I have type 1. I was diagnosed with T1D on March 17, 2009 when I was 5 years old. The Amelia Island event will be my first Ride with JDRF and I was motivated to sign up by my mom, Niki. She has done the Ride twice before and I wanted to do it with her this year.

My favorite memories from the Ride season so far have been getting to ride my bike more often and raising nearly my entire fundraising goal in a week. I still have some more money to raise to meet my goal, though!  On Ride Day, I’m most looking forward to spending a lot of time riding my bike with my mom and grandpa, who are also doing the Ride.  I’m looking forward to riding near the ocean, too.

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Sarah Schlueter

I am 15 years old and I live with T1D. I have previously participated in the Walk, but I will be completing my first Ride with JDRF in Amelia Island this year! I have wanted to do this for years ever since hearing about it at previous JDRF events.

My favorite part of the Ride season so far was probably reaching the $1,000 range in fundraising because I felt accomplished, but I am still looking forward to fundraising more! On Ride Day, I am most looking forward to the huge support group and having a lot of fun.

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Varun Devidas

I am 13 years old and I have had T1D since a few days before my 6th birthday. Some birthday present, huh? This will be my second Ride event with JDRF. I rode in the 2016 Amelia Island Ride and am heading back to Amelia this year. I was originally motivated to Ride because my dad has been riding for JDRF Team Georgia for a few years now, and he seemed to have a lot of fun on the rides.

My favorite memory from this Ride season so far was when I participated in a 60-mile ride with my Boy Scout troop. Although it was not a JDRF ride, it was my personal record for distance. It was challenging since it was early in the season, but it made me realize that I was capable of completing a century.

I love waking up the morning of Ride Day and the anticipation of getting on my bike and waiting for the announcer to call the start. I also love that everyone is so helpful and kind, and the friendly competition between the chapters for the most money raised.