The 2022 Ride season is upon us and we are so excited to be back in-person this year! If there’s ever been a time to join the Ride to Cure Diabetes, this is it! Join Team Wisconsin by registering today!

JDRF Ride is for all cyclists — beginner or experienced — who share a commitment to JDRF’s mission. Your registration is your doorway into a ride experience unlike any other. With our stunning destination rides across the country, you’ll have the chance to join fellow riders for an unforgettable weekend experience.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing stories of riders from our team and why they ride! Here’s Kiley’s story:

Provide a short intro of yourself, T1D journey and connection to JDRF.

Hi, I’m Kiley and I have had type 1 diabetes for almost nine years. My cousin was diagnosed with T1D seven months before I was, so my family already knew some of the symptoms. I was actually diagnosed at my cousin’s house on Father’s Day when they tested my blood sugar and the meter just read HI. Diabetes definitely has its good and bad days. I’ve been able to meet a lot of people that I otherwise wouldn’t have if I wasn’t diabetic. I don’t actually remember how I was first introduced to JDRF, but I do remember that within the first two months of my diagnosis, I was signing up for their walk.

Why did you first decide to participate in Ride?

My family and I had participated in the JDRF walks for the first four years following my diagnosis and wanted to get more involved. We had known about the ride for a couple of years but I was initially hesitant since the furthest I had ridden before was five miles. After talking with some of the coaches and staff at JDRF and learning that we can ride anywhere from 1-100 miles, my dad and I decided to sign up. They made it clear that it didn’t matter how far you rode that weekend, as long as you had fun.

What is the most rewarding aspect of participating in the Ride?

To me, there are two most rewarding aspects. It individually is a great feeling to cross the finish line and to know that you met your goal of riding 100 miles. For the Lacrosse Ride, you can look back and say, “I biked through three states today.” On a larger scale, it is very rewarding to know that I have so many great people supporting me and helping me fund life changing T1D research so that one day there will be a cure.

What helps you feel prepared for the Ride?

Participating in training rides is my favorite way to prepare. Team WI has some really great coaches who put together rides of varying lengths and difficulty so everyone has the chance to participate. They are always happy to give tips on anything from riding technique to blood sugar control during your ride.

As we go back to in-person events, what are some of your highlights throughout Ride weekend that you are looking forward to?

It’s not an exaggeration when I say that Ride weekend is my favorite weekend of the year. The excitement that you can feel from all the riders as we line up at the start is something that can’t be matched. Coach Mike’s warmup bike tour across the bridge to go get pizza is also something that I’ve missed.

Why would you encourage others to join the Ride to Cure Diabetes?

The ride community is very welcoming and inclusive. Returning riders always go out of their way to talk to new riders and to offer any advice they can. Participating in these rides always reminds me that I am not alone and there are so many other diabetics out there and people who want to help us. It is one of the few times of the year that being diabetic feels like a good thing.