This group is for cyclists of all levels who want to train for the annual Tour de Cure charity ride that is held at the Hillsboro Stadium (July 20, 2013) with routes of  5, 26, 43, 65 and 100 miles.   Tour de Cure  raises money for the American Diabetes Association and funds diabetes research, education and advocacy.

This group is open to everyone, including people who are just learning how to ride a bike.  A cyclist does not have to be registered for Tour de Cure to participate in this meet-up group and any of the training rides; it is about getting on the bike and gaining health and fitness through cycling, and it is a way to socialize and make friends while gaining bike skills.

The official ADA-sponsored Tour de Cure training rides are every Saturday starting the first Saturday in March until ride day.  We also ride in the Monster Cookie Metric,  Ride Around Clark County, and the Pioneer Century, the signature event rides offered by our local cycling clubs.  As the season evolves, shorter and longer training rides will be offered, with the increasing difficulty of more miles and of climbing rollers, hills and some category climbs.  These training rides are managed by volunteers, with ride support (SAG) before, during, and after the rides, and rest stops on the longer routes during the rides.

We hope you will register for the Tour de Cure.  Registered cyclists who have diabetes will receive a Red Rider cycling jersey after a minimum donation. These Red Riders are inspirations to the rest of us on the road.

This meetup will also offer unofficial group rides at differing levels of abilities.  These unofficial rides usually will not have volunteer support; the ride leader will provide all necessary information as to the route, terrain and what the cyclist needs to bring on the bike.  The unofficial rides will be primarily on Sundays and after the official training season has ended, or as an add-on to an official training ride for increased miles.  Any member can suggest a ride, especially if they will lead the suggested ride.

Cyclists can register for the Tour de Cure Oregon/SW WA 2013 bicycle event ride here:  http://diabetes.org/portlandtourdecure

Happy cycling everyone!