Cycling Teams Focus on Tackling Diabetes
The numbers are shocking: As many as 47 percent of Solano County residents are pre-diabetic, and another 13 percent actually have diabetes, according to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.
Diet and exercise are a one-two punch in helping to defeat diabetes, and educating the public about that very fact is one goal of the Ride to Defeat Diabetes (R2D2), set for Sunday, Sept. 11.
Now in its fifth year, R2D2 aims to raise awareness of Solano County’s diabetes crisis, and raise funds to benefit NorthBay Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology’s programs.
Cycle teams are forming now, families are signing up, and now that HealthSpring Fitness Center is open, HealthSpring trainers are ready to help get its out-of-shape members into shape by the time R2D2 rolls around, noted Ken McCollum, vice president, Human Resources.
R2D2’s three routes offer something for everyone: a family-friendly 10-mile ride, a more challenging 25-mile adventure and a “Metric Century” 60-mile ride for the super-cycling enthusiast.
As with other rides that benefit diabetes research and education, those who have diabetes are invited to order a special red t-shirt — designating them as a “Red Rider” — when they register for the R2D2 event.
All routes start from NorthBay VacaValley Hospital.
The 60-mile ride departs at 7:30 a.m., the 25-mile ride at 9 a.m., and the 10-mile ride will depart at 10 a.m.
The 10-mile ride is $15 for those ages 13 and up; it is free for children age 12 and under. There is a $35 registration fee for the 25-mile ride, and the 60-mile ride registration fee is $50. On race day, registration is $40 for the 25-mile ride and $55 for the 60-mile ride.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can sign up at the R2D2 website at www.northbay.org/r2d2.
T-shirts, a raffle ticket, lunch and refreshments will be provided for registered riders. Register at www.northbay.org/r2d2.