The 2023 Ride to Cure Diabetes season is officially here! On January 18th 2023 Ride registration launched, and supporters from around the country took that first step of the season, pledging to ride for JDRF. By registering for a JDRF Ride, you join thousands of like-minded cyclists who have the same goal: a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Ride gives cyclists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to support breakthroughs that transform the lives of people with T1D, until there are cures.

JDRF Ride isn’t just a bike ride: it’s an experience where riders come together from all over the world to make new friendships and enjoy the unparalleled camaraderie of the Ride community with a shared mission to raise money to help end T1D.

With 5 destinations to choose from and the independent My Ride option, there is truly an experience for everyone. When you join the Kansas and Missouri Ride team, you’ll have the support of our 2 coaches, staff, and your fellow teammates to reach your goals. Check out a description of each Ride destination below highlighting the best features of each. We’ve got riders from our chapter going to each location, so you’ll have at least one teammate whichever you choose!

Burlington, Vermont (July 27-30)

JDRF Ride welcomes back the fan favorite Burlington, VT destination that was featured a few years back. This route starts and finishes in downtown Burlington, featuring backcountry roads with sweeping views of historic farms and villages, Lake Champlain and the Green and Adirondack mountains. You’ll pass through Ferrisburgh, Vergennes and Middlebury, and be greeted by JDRF staff and volunteers cheering you on every mile of the way! This moderately challenging course features rolling hills and several mileage options from 20 to 100 miles, accommodating everyone from a beginner cyclist to a seasoned veteran.

La Crosse, Wisconsin (August 10-13)

This crowd favorite, historic, vibrant city is everyone’s go to Ride destination.  Nestled between the bluffs of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River, riders will navigate a course that starts in La Crosse and crosses three states, two bridges and one mighty river. As you cross the Mississippi and ride south through Minnesota and Iowa, you’ll have the Mississippi River on your left and the stunning Midwest on your right. Nestled in the heart of the country, the relatively flat route (with multiple distance options to choose from) makes this one of our most family-friendly rides that’s also perfect for beginners. Both the Kansas and Missouri coaches will be in attendance at this event as well!

Grand Rapids, Michigan (September 7-10)

With this destination being a newer location for a JDRF Ride event, we’re excited to have it back! The Grand Rapids Ride begins and ends at Millennium Park, and rolls through scenic farmland and small townships to beautiful Lake Michigan. Riders will encounter short rolling hills early in the ride, followed by relatively flat terrain that follows the Grand River. Our Ride team had 5 cyclists represent us in Michigan and they had nothing but awesome things to say about this route. Check out pictures from last years Ride on our social pages.

Death Valley, California (October 12-15)

The challenge is back! Death Valley is one of the most otherworldly of America’s natural wonders—an eerie panorama of salt flats and elevations. With rolling hills and steep mountains, Death Valley is also famous for Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.

The Death Valley Ride gives cyclists an opportunity to ride up to 100 miles in one of the most desolate locations in the country. Starting at The Oasis at Death Valley, this ride heads south through Badwater over rolling sand dunes and salt flats and culminates with a challenging climb up Jubilee Pass. From several hundred feet below sea level to several hundred feet above, the Death Valley Ride offers unique terrain, extreme conditions and an unforgettable experience. We’ve had a number of riders participate in this destination over the years, so reach out if you have questions for them about the experience.

Amelia Island, Florida (November 30-December 3)

We end the season on a high note in Amelia Island, where we see the largest gathering of riders of the year. Located in Northeast Florida, Amelia Island is an island oasis just 35 miles from Jacksonville. At this JDRF Ride, you’ll cycle along pristine beaches, over marshlands and through beautiful maritime forests with mileage options up to 100 miles. Amelia Island also features dozens of artisanal shops, over 70 restaurants and a historic district that gives you a glimpse into Amelia Island’s Gilded Age. This Ride is unlike any other. Flat roads, Spanish Moss and ocean views are just a few of the highlights that will welcome riders to this beautiful location. Starting out with a northerly spin through the island, riders will experience the scenic roads through Fernandina Beach. Our team has over 10 riders attending this year and a large group of 23 that attended last winter. Check out our social pages for highlights and pictures of that Ride weekend!

If you’re interested in any of these locations, register at ride.jdrf.org or reach out to Rachael Wernsman rwernsman@jdrf.org for questions. We’d love to see you on the road with us this season!