Every year, thousands of individuals across the nation join together on a thrilling adventure — one that allows them to bike through stunning and variable terrain while simultaneously raising money for JDRF’s life-changing research. The Ride to Cure Diabetes provides a truly unique opportunity to connect with the T1D community, explore beautiful settings, fulfill personal goals, and support groundbreaking T1D research. The event offers six locales — and this September, several local riders will travel to a JDRF Ride in Saratoga Springs, NY!

Tim Williams, a passionate cyclist and fourth-time Ride participant, is celebrating his 40th “diaversary” by joining Team NorCal on this scenic New York trail.  He’s set a fundraising goal of $5,000 in hopes to support JDRF in its commitment to ending T1D. Tim first met with JDRF cyclists during the Tour de Tahoe in 2014 and after learning more about the organization, he signed up for the Burlington, Vermont Ride in 2015. The following year, he set his sights even higher and participated in the Tahoe and Tucson Rides.

This year, he will join several other local riders in Saratoga Springs, where he plans to meet up with friends he met on previous Rides and through social media. According to Tim, one of the most rewarding parts of the Ride experience is “meeting others, hearing about new developments, [and] learning how others cope with diabetes”. Most of his donations come from his business clients, as well as friends and family via Facebook. He encourages others to reach out through social media, “a highly successful and visible method of promoting the JDRF Ride and similar fundraisers!”

In addition, Tim invites riders of all skill levels to join the local JDRF “social rides”! These casual training routes are a great way to meet new friends and share the passion of cycling.  Whether you’re preparing for a JDRF Ride or simply enjoying the journey, there’s a place for everyone. The group accepts suggestions for local routes, and welcomes new members at any time.

Tim has found the JDRF Ride experience particularly helpful in learning to live fully and successfully with T1D:

“Being part of JDRF is learning where treatment and work towards a cure are going each year. For me it is motivating and reassuring to confirm my own treatment is on the right path… I ride bikes, hike, I was an assistant scuba instructor, I ski, travel and have never been held back by diabetes. You can find that JDRF and others associated are a fantastic resource of knowledge, support and friendships in your life.”

We thank Tim for his valuable contributions, and we wish Team NorCal the best of luck in their upcoming rides!  If you are interested in learning more about Ride to Cure Diabetes or would like to join an upcoming social ride, contact Stacy Wear at the JDRF office at (916) 576-1380.

Written By: Lorena Bergstrom