106 riders from across the country traveled to Loveland, CO in late August to ride their bikes through the foothills and collectively raised $450,000 for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

Over the years JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes has raised over $47 million for T1D research. The Ride gives cyclists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to support breakthroughs that transform the lives of people with T1D. JDRF Ride is an experience for hundreds of riders to come together from all over the world to make new friendships, enjoy the unparalleled camaraderie of the Ride community and raise money to help end T1D. Between August and November, riders can enjoy JDRF rides across the country, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From riding the rolling hills of upstate New York to the desert of Santa Fe, JDRF has a ride for everyone!

Riders who register are immediately a part of the JDRF Ride family, a community of all ages, who return year after year to inspire each other and raise money for life-changing T1D research. After registering, riders choose fundraising packages and set their own mileage goal. Along the way, they receive support that includes ride coaches and fundraising experts who will help them reach and exceed goals. Riders who complete their fundraising will receive a commemorative JDRF Ride jersey. T1D riders can choose to receive a special T1D version of this jersey instead—and inspire others as they cross the finish line!

For the second straight year JDRF Rocky Mountain Chapter received the Top Recruiter Award! The 11 new riders recruited for Loveland included staff, board members, and some individuals new to the JDRF Family.  The Loveland ride’s Top Chapter Award also went to the Rocky Mountain Chapter, whose team of rider’s raised $113,857 for T1D research!

The Top Fundraiser award went to new rider Patricia Woolett.  Two years ago, after her granddaughter was diagnosed with T1D, Patricia committed to do what she could to make life better for her granddaughter and everyone affected by T1D. Patricia exceeded her goal of riding 75 miles–the number of years she’s been on this earth–and raised an incredible $52,365. 

Other who were recognized for their extraordinary impact on the Loveland Ride to Cure Diabetes:

• Marie Harris was all smiles as she rode in her first JDRF Ride with her dad. They rode together as a team and finished strong, earning her the award of Best Young Rider!
• David Zenlea and Mary Christensen were each awarded the coveted Spirit Jersey. David was in Loveland supporting his wife of 8 months who lives with T1D. He volunteered in the medical tent all day, making sure each and every rider was well taken care of when they crossed the finished line. “Eagle Eye” Mary was in Loveland visiting a friend, and came straight from the airport to help volunteer at the medical tent. Together David and Mary held down the fort, literally keeping the tent from blowing away and remaining in their post until every last rider was back safe, sound and smiling.
• Bob Gorsuch, the recipient of the Loveland Promise Jersey is a spark of energy and cheerleader for his chapter’s team. A committed volunteer who will participate in everything from galas to walks to help JDRF find a cure, he’s also a loving grandfather who has completed 11 JDRF Rides in honor of his grandson who lives with T1D. He represents the best of the JDRF Ride community and this year he raised $15,000.

The Loveland Ride to Cure Diabetes was a smashing success, but the 2018 ride season isn’t over yet! You can still join our riders who are participating in the following events:

Amelia Island, FL | October 4-7, 2018

Death Valley, CA | October 13-21, 2018

   Santa Fe, NM | November 1-4, 2018

Learn more about Ride  by clicking here!