Event Highlights
Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. It's a life-changing event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes® and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association.
Through May 31st: Register for $25!
The Tour is a ride, not a race. Whether you are an occasional rider or an experienced cyclist, there is a route just for you:
- 14 Mile Fun Ride: Safe, leisurely trail-only route for any level of rider, which follows the W&OD Trail to a fun rest stop at the historic Vienna Station and Caboose and then returns back to Reston by the same route. Check out the route here.
- 20 Mile Fitness Test Ride: This route provides an eastbound trail-only extension to the 14 Mile Fun Ride route beyond Vienna Station along the W&OD Trail to a water stop at Idylwood Park and back to provide an added challenge to your fitness. Check out the route here.
- 35 Mile Road Challenge Ride: This metric half century plus (50+ km) route challenges beginning to intermediate level road riders to venture out on local roadways and the W&OD Trail west to Ashburn and beyond and then back to Reston. Check out the route here.
- 56 Mile or 68 Mile Blue Ridge Rider's Choice Ride:This ride features a combined route which gives intermediate road riders the choice of riding a 56 mile half century or an optional 12-mile extension route. Check out the 56-miler here, and the 68-miler here.
- 82 Mile Virginia Horse Country Ride: This challenging but rewarding route - for avid riders only - tours the Virginia horse country south of Purceville. Check out the route here.
- 108 Mile Serco Century Challenge Ride: This epic century route tours the Virginia horse country and Goose Creek Valley south and west of Middleburg. Check out the route here. There is also a shortcut option to make this ride into an 87-mile route. (Sponsored by Serco North America)
Starting Times
Red Rider of the Day!
 I was overweight and out of shape. You have probably heard the term "couch potato", well I was both a couch potato and a desk potato. I do not get much of an opportunity to exercise at work, because I sit at a desk all day, and then I would go home and sit on the couch for the evening. I was about 40 or 50 pounds over what I should be.
My doctor told me that I was pre-diabetic for about 2 years and that if I didn't watch my diet that I could become diabetic. Last Spring, my A1c blood test went into the diabetic range, and the doctor prescribed oral medicine to control my blood sugar. I also had symptoms Metabolic Syndrome and my doctor explained that I needed to change my diet and exercise habits if I wanted to get off of the medication. So I started going regularly to the Fauquier Health Life Center in Warrenton.
I also joined "Team Fauquier", which is a goal oriented exercise group, and decided to ride in the Tour De Cure with other members of Team Fauquier. Team Fauquier, led by the amazing Al Maxey is a huge part of my new training regimen. We rode spin cycle stationary bicycles three nights a week in the gym from November through March. I was doing strength training two nights a week at the same gym.
It has now been ten months since I started exercising and changed my diet, and in those forty weeks, I have lost thirty four pounds and I am feeling like I am getting lots of ability back. I work on the fifth floor of a federal office building, and I have only used the elevator a few times in the last ten months. At first, I had to walk the hallway on the fifth floor to recover my breathing after climbing the stairs. But now when I get to the fifth floor, I go right to my desk and no recovery period is necessary.
Last year when I was 56 years old, I felt more like I was 60. This year at age 57 I feel more like a 45 year old. Losing weight and getting in shape has done wonders for how I feel, but better than that my A1c tests are running below the pre-diabetic numbers. I am still taking the Metforman for my blood sugar, but I am anticipating that my doctor will start to reduce the dosage and someday I hope to not need the oral medicine for my diabetes.
The Tour De Cure is great, because I can help myself get well by exercising on a bicycle, and I can help others by getting donations to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for research, treatment, and advocacy. I have found that friends and family members are very generous with contributions to ADA both because it directly affects me, but also there is somebody in their life that has had diabetes and they have seen the effects of this disease.
To see more of Tom’s story or support his efforts please click here.
Calling All Volunteers!
Interested in volunteering to help make this our best event yet? Whether you're riding and want to help out before the event or know some people who aren't riding and can help on June 2nd, fill out our volunteer form and/or contact Nahome Mazengia at nmazengia@diabetes.org.
Want to donate a check?
1) Please make sure all checks are made out to the American Diabetes Association. In the memo line please put the name of the person or team to which the check is going.
2) For checks to be entered into your online total, you must enter them through your Tour Center by clicking on the Progress button at the top of the screen and then selecting Enter Check/Cash Donation under progress tools.
3) Please bring your checks to Tour on June 2nd for collection.
Bike Rentals
The Bike Lane in Reston, VA is offering discounted bike rentals for Tour de Cure! To reserve a bike please visit, call, or go to The Bike Lane website. Use the code tourdecure2013 to reserve a bike for just $25. Make sure the start date of the rental is June 1st and the end date is June 2nd. Bikes must be picked up on Saturday June 1st and returned by 5pm on June 2nd.
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Champions to Stop Diabetes
If you raise $1,000 or more:
You will automatically become a Champion to Stop Diabetes and will receive special recognition on the weekend of the event, along with special perks all year long!
If you raise $2,600 or more:
In honor of the 26 million Americans living with diabetes, you will become a Champion on a Mission and will receive the coveted gold Champions jersey.
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Do you or someone you know have diabetes?
Thousands of people with diabetes participate in Tour as "Red Riders". Red Riders are the reason we ride—they are given a jersey to proudly wear on the day of the event. Beyond the recognition, Red Riders are part of a community that inspires us to ride and raise money to Stop Diabetes. Be sure to choose "Red Rider" when you register!
Please check out our Red Rider video to find out more about what it means to be a Red Rider!
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Tour Technology
- The 2013 Tour iPhone and Android apps are now available in the app store. Check out the updates and new features and take your fundraising on the go!
- Try our Facebook App, which can be downloaded from you Tour Center. Now your friends and family will be able to donate to you through Facebook. Note: If you have last year's app please uninstall it and use this year's new and improved version!
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Be a Part of Team Red!
Team Red is for Red Riders (participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes), their family, friends and anyone else who is looking to join with millions of others who want to Stop Diabetes! Any rider who isn't already on another team can join Team Red.
Being on Team Red means that you will instantly be a part of a community made up of people from all different areas and walks of life. Team Red is a great way to connect with other families supporting a Red Rider and other families that are honoring a loved one with diabetes.
If I don't have diabetes, can I join Team Red?
YES! You can join Team Red, which is made up of Red Riders AND those who support Red Riders. This is a team for anyone who doesn't already have a team.
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Get Your Training Up to Speed with Weekly Training Rides! 
Bring your friends and come to The Bike Lane Reston (11943 Democracy Drive
Reston Town Center, Reston, VA 22190) every Saturday at 9am! Please bring your helmet and arrive a few minutes early to sign a waiver.
The Bike Lane Saturday Shop Rides: This ride averages a quick 17/18mph over 29 miles and travels through neighborhoods and
on main roads.
The Bike Lane/Athleta Women's Road Rides: Join
The Bike Lane for a 20 mile women's road ride through the neighborhoods
and roads in Reston. The average pace is
12-15 mph.
Email shopride@thebikelane.com for further details!
Tour de Cure Fundraising Milestones and Apparel
Tour participants can earn a variety of exciting gifts as a thank you for reaching various fundraising levels! Check out the Thank You Gift Redemption site for info on the gifts at each level.
- $250: Minimum
- $500: Commemorative Tour jersey
- $750: Dry fit t-shirt (instead of cotton)
- $1,000: You qualify as a Champion to Stop Diabetes! VIP check in, Medal ceremony, Champions Dinner invitation
- $2,600: Gold commemorative Tour jersey, Champion Bike Tag, and new for Red Riders: 2013 Tour Red Rider Jacket
Red Rider Apparel
 
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Red
Rider Cycling Jacket
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Red
Rider Cycling Shorts
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Red Riders
that raise $2,600 or more will
receive this cycling jacket.
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Each Red Rider
to raise $1,000 or more will receive these Red Rider cycling shorts.
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Thank You to our National Capital Area Sponsors!
 
 
  
    
 
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RED RIDER WEEK IS HERE!
Keep an eye on your email for exciting promotions and Red Rider stories!
Upcoming Events!
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Got questions about Tour?
Chris Carmichael of Carmichael Training Systems is the honorary chair of the 2013 Tour de Cure. Chris has devoted more than 20 years to helping amateur and professional athletes achieve their performance goals, from improved health to completing a first century. Chris coaches elite athletes, Ironman winners and more, but knows how to apply his techniques to the weekend warriors among us. He wants to help YOU be the best you can be on your bike!
Register today and you'll also find out how you could have a chance to win a multi-day CTS Camp for personalized coaching or ride with Chris at the Tour de Cure in select cities. Get ready to take the ride of your life!
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