Rider Spotlight: Walker – Living and Riding with T1D
For Walker, crossing the finish line at last year’s Breakthrough T1D Ride in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho was unforgettable.
“Relief,” he said with a smile, “only because I had major cramping in both my legs.” But beyond the physical challenge, it was something much deeper. “Honestly, it was an indescribable feeling. It’s something you just have to experience for yourself.”
Turning a Challenge Into a Mission
Walker, who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D), didn’t take this challenge lightly. What began as a personal health goal, getting into road biking, quickly turned into something much more meaningful. “I started training for the Ride to get healthier and eventually do road racing,” he shared. “One day, I decided I wanted to do a Breakthrough T1D Ride and set that as my goal. From there, I gave myself a new set of goals.”
Walker says he’s always motivated by the idea of challenging himself, not just for others to see, but to prove to himself what’s possible. “Just because I have diabetes doesn’t mean I can’t do sports that others without diabetes are good at.”
A Father-Son Bond on the Road
Walker took on his first Ride alongside his dad, a second-time Breakthrough T1D rider. Though the two were already close, sharing the road added a new dimension to their relationship. “We’re able to challenge each other to make us stronger, and we also have a lot of fun,” he said.
One of his favorite memories from the Ride was the 15-mile section around Hayden Lake. “It was very quiet and peaceful. And going downhill was so much fun. The speed you build up makes the next climb a little bit easier.”
Advice to Others Living with T1D
When asked what he would say to others living with T1D who might be unsure about taking on a ride like this, Walker doesn’t hesitate. “Go out and do it! It’s a blast,” he said. “You don’t have to go all out and do the full 100 miles on your first ride. But if you do want to, definitely train for it a couple months in advance. You get to see some amazing scenery while riding.”
His message to first-time riders? “Train and have fun. Don’t worry about your time. Set a goal for how many miles you want to ride and enjoy it. Bonding with other riders on the road makes the ride even better.”
Looking Ahead to Santa Fe
Walker will be riding again this year, this time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and he’s looking forward to tackling a new course and even more elevation. “I’m excited to explore a new part of the U.S. and climb another 5,000 feet, hopefully in warmer weather than Coeur d’Alene,” he said.
His personal goal for this year? “To complete 100 miles in 5 to 5 ½ hours and to give it my all on the bike.”
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re living with T1D, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a meaningful way to challenge yourself, the Breakthrough T1D Ride community is waiting for you. Riders like Walker are proof that with determination and support, anything is possible.
Register today and join us at ride.breakthrought1d.org!
