Pedaling for a Cause

Cyclists of all abilities can get out for a ride on the roads of Chattanooga and North Georgia on May 19 to help raise awareness and fund research for the American Diabetes Association when the Tour de Cure rolls through town for its annual ride.

Starting Line

The Chattanooga Bike Club hosts a beginners ride every Monday night to help people new to cycling learn how to get started in the sport and ride on the road safely in a group. The route and pace of the ride is determined weekly based on the skill level of the riders involved.For more information, check out the Chattanooga Bike Club's ride calendar at chattbike.com.

Local officials hope to have 400 riders at the Chattanooga event as more than 50,000 riders nationwide will participate in Tour de Cure rides held in more than 43 states.

"Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes," says Ben Bass, who has been working to organize this year's Tour de Cure. "The real goal with this is to have a fun activity where people can come out and participate with a variety of rides for everybody to get some exercise and help The American Diabetes Association."

Riders can register as part of a team or ride as individuals, and all money raised will be used locally for education and research to help improve the lives of people with juvenile diabetes.

The ride begins and ends at the First Tennessee Pavilion, featuring route options of 12 miles, 18 miles, 25 miles, 62 miles and 100 miles. The 62- and 100-mile routes will take riders to Mountain Cove Farm in Chickamauga, Ga.

The Highlanders, a Scottish bagpipe and drum corps, will kick off a day full of entertainment for riders before and following the ride. In addition, the ride will be fully supported with repair service, motorcycle escorts, snacks throughout the course and food provided at the finish.

For more information on the Tour de Cure, contact event manager Wendi Mullins at wmullins@diabetes.org or call 865-524-7868, ext. 3343.

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