Just last weekend for the first time in JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes history there was a ride here in Florida at Amelia Island and the Central Florida Chapter was so glad that seven of our riders including Dan & Julie Jaworski, Gerri Leaman, Jennifer Mavrofrides, LeeAnne Trimble, Carla Voorhees, & Jennifer Winchell all had the opportunity to participate!  Check out these excerpts written by LeeAnne, who was a 1^st time rider and sent this to her supporters about her experience, and Gerri and Julie who are two of our JDRF Ride veteran riders:

“What an incredible ride weekend!  I’d heard a LOT from Carla (LeeAnne was riding in honor of her good friends, Carla and Paul, both who have T1D) and others what an incredible experience these JDRF rides are – and all what I heard is true; the people, camaraderie, stories of all of those with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), laughter, encouragement, etc. – truly amazing.  JDRF had a delicious dinner Friday night with awards and some remarkable statistics.  This ride, 1st time in Amelia Island, sold out in ONE HOUR!  Then we hit the hay for a good night’s rest.  I was blessed to be able to stay in a nice large house on the Amelia Island Plantation with some really cool people, three with T1D.

After the national anthem, the start was staggered in 3 sections about 7 minutes apart for safety’s sake.  You see in the picture at the start line, the 3 other gals with me have a darker blue jersey on… this is to distinguish the riders who have T1D.  There were so many with dark blue jerseys … so very inspiring!   This ride had LOTS of wonderful SAG stops with enthusiastic volunteers, good fuel/food/drinks to replenish everyone, but especially the T1D’s.  You would see so many people checking their blood sugar and taking such good care of themselves.  It was quite humbling to see what so many have to go through – not just day in and day out, but in a situation like this, hour by hour with strenuous exercise.

I found out yesterday, after I got home that Jamie, a fellow rider who was staying in the house with all of us, is an awesome triathlon coach.  Jamie, such an amazingly strong cyclist, pulled us and I got to draft behind the entire time.  At about mile 70 or so, I had to drop back as I just couldn’t keep up the group’s pace – even though I was drafting.  So, I just rode by myself and actually just took my sweet time for this leg of the route and enjoyed some of the scenery.  For those of you who aren’t cyclists, when you are riding in a pace line, you are so extremely focused on the rider’s bike/wheel in front of you that you really can’t be sightseeing at all.  So, even though I was going REALLY slow, I just kept telling myself, “I’m moving forward…”  The common thing heard at certain rest stops was “that wind is brutal”.  For the last 45 miles I was able to hook onto another group of fun guys and gals from New Jersey who were going just a bit slower (pic at 100 miles on a very windy bridge).  They were hilarious – think New Jersey humor and that was these guys – I laughed a lot.  Crossing the finish line was quite emotional.  Carla was right there, yelling and screaming along with so many others cheering for EVERY rider that came across the finish line.

The most impactful thing of the weekend for me was a video clip shown on Sat night after the ride – of various kids, young adults, etc. living with T1D thanking their mom/dad/aunt/uncle/friend/etc. for riding for a cure.  It was powerful.  Thank you all for being a part of my story and, in turn, their stories!”
– LeeAnne

“This was my 4th ride for JDRF Ride for the Cure. Everything was as expected; beautiful ride, great support from coaches and fellow riders, and timely and well prepared volunteers at rest stops. But what makes JDRF rides amazing are the people. I love meeting new riders and seeing old friends. So proud to be a part of this cause and witness inspiring stories and ride with 154 T1D heroes. Hate this disease but love our Type 1 Community.”
– Gerri

“The JDRF ride this year at Amelia Island was a remarkable event!! My third ride and favorite so far! Over 700 inspiring riders who raised almost three million dollars! We were surrounded by uplifting spirits, gorgeous terrain, and mesmerizing ocean views! Thank you JDRF for your continued fight for our cause!!”
–  Julie

As you can tell, the JDRF Amelia Island Ride has been so impactful on each of the participants and the Central Florida Chapter couldn’t be more grateful for all their hard work – both physically and financially!  The JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is a charitable bike ride that to date has raised $30 million for T1D research. The Ride gives cyclists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to fundraise for JDRF.  If you’re interested in finding out more about the JDRF Ride program, whether that’s participating in one of the seven different rides across the U.S. or supporting those who are, get more information here:
JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes