Information for riders:
Message from Coach Mike Clark - As we embark on this adventure together I want you to know that I think it’s awesome that you’ve joined our team and are going to be a part of this very cool project! This is the 4th season that the West Michigan Chapter has been involved with the Ride to Cure and we’ve had a ton of fun and done some good work over the last 3 seasons. There have been many laughs, a few tears and lots of stories from past rides and this year will be no different! This is a wonderful thing that you’ve chosen to become a part of and I can’t wait to get to it! My job and goal is to see to it that you are ready and eager by the time your Ride comes along and I’m going to do anything and everything I can to make sure you get everything out of this that you’re looking for.
Training Plans -
The training plans below are guidelines to help a rider prepare adequately for the mileage they want to complete in the given amount of time they have to train. And here are Coach Mike's thoughts on how to intrepret these plans.
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To help get some of those miles needed under your belt, our team will get together a few times per month and ride as a team. This is where the "fun" of riding really comes into play. A printable schedule is here, and check the calendar for what's coming soon.
If you can only make one or two team training rides, we highly recommend the following dates: June 1st from Coach Clark's house (Mexican Fiesta after? in Holland), July 20th - The Great Northern Training Ride (Pool Party after at Nicole's Grandparents in Montague), and August 3rd hosted by Ann & John O'Connor in Pullman (pool party after ride). This is a great way to include your entire family, get to know your teammates and make the most of this most incredible experience!
There are other group rides going on locally througout the week based from different shops and cycling clubs. Here is a list Coach Mike put together of ones he knows of. There are likely to be more, but this is a start.
Fundraising Ideas - here are some ideas and contact information for riders who have used these ideas successfully to help in raising the funds.
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Fundraising Milestones - So you know your fundraising goal, but there are also some milestones that are set to ensure you get to the ultimate goal by the time Ride day arrives. Please be sure you are hitting these goals. The first one: $750 is key, as JDRF cannot book travel until you've hit this fundraising mark. Booking flights early = less expensive = more $$$ for research.
Asheville |
Whitefish |
Death Valley |
May 10 | $500 | June 15 | $750 | July 18 | $750 |
| June 24 | $1,000 | July 30 | $1,500 | Sept 1 | $1,500 | ||
| July 29 | $2,000 | Sept 3 | $3,000 | Oct 6 | $3,000 | ||
| Sept 7 | $2,500 | Oct 13 | $4,000 | Nov 15 | $4,000 | ||
The Ride Experience - thoughts from a past rider
Riding in Death Valley is truly a life changing experience. As I struggle up to Jubilee Pass, I think about my son Jake checking his blood sugar, four, five or six times today. As I battle the 100 degree heat, I think about Jake changing his pump site. As I fight the 30 mile an hour wind on the way to the finish line, I just want the ride to end. And for me it does end. I get to stop and relax by a pool. But dealing with diabetes doesn’t end for Jake. He still has to check his blood sugar, change his pump site, watch what he eats and live with the knowledge that he has an increased chance of blindness, kidney failure and amputation. So I will train to put myself through 105 miles of pain in the desert so that one day, Jake and our ride friends and all the others dealing with this disease will be able to live a life free of diabetes. - Tom
"The joy of the journey is the ride." For me, it's more like "The ride creates the joy of the journey!" Riding for JDRF begins as a physical challenge for a great cause. Training for it nudges you to become totally present, letting go of inner blockages you never knew existed. Completing it creates a joy beyond belief, learning what's really important. It's the ride that transforms ya AND benefits others...how cool is that?! - Carmen
"...to think about what the ride really means to me. Brings me to tears every time!" - Carmen
Interact with the team - Want to be able to post on our blog? Email Katie and let her know. She'll send you an invitation.
West Michigan Ride to Cure Diabetes Sponsors
