The morning is brisk. A hint of twilight peaks out from the mountain range. I am one of the 200 riders who anxiously straddle the bike waiting for the start of the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes around Lake Tahoe. We all have a reason for the training and commitment to this ride: a child, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or the rider themselves that is living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). But in the end it is all rooted in a passion to find a cure for this disease.
The National Anthem is sung and we depart through the gate toward Emerald Bay. This is the first of the steep climbs with twisty switchbacks. I drove this path the previous day and the car could barely get up. I am not sure how I got the bike up. The climb to the top was rewarded with a beautiful view of Emerald Bay and a view of the mini-island in the center.
On the other side there is a steep downhill also with some switchbacks. I feathered the brakes at 42 mph as I lean into the turns. Boy is that exhilarating! The downhill goes by too fast and I am on the flat(ish) part of the ride that slithers by the coast. Here there is a chance to ride next to others and strike up a conversation about where they are from and why they ride. The “lunch” stop (lunch at 9:30 AM) is on the beach and offers turkey sandwiches, chips, and a chocolate chip cookie, not to mention a refill on the Gatorade.
The next section of the ride goes up to Spooner Junction. This is a fairly steady 1000 ft climb up to the peak. There is no way to get by it without shifting into your lowest gear and grinding up the hill. The slow ascent does give you time to soak up the views of the lake to the right. Now the sun is shining and the temperatures are perfect. You can really see and appreciate the beautiful crystal clear water of the lake. Whew. Once at the top there is a rest stop to re-fuel and mingle with some of the other riders.
The last leg is mostly downhill and straight. I scream down in a tuck position and top out at 45 mph. Wow! I fly around the corner to the finish line where dozens of Breakthrough T1D volunteers are cheering me and the other riders on as we finish the course. At the finish line all the riders swap their stories from the road while enjoying a cool beverage and a Mexican feast.
It was a fantastic ride and a great weekend of events and outdoor adventures. Breakthrough T1D riders at Tahoe raised $950,000 for vital T1D research. The hard work, fundraising, and training really paid off. The ride is an amazing opportunity to be a part of a group that is making a difference and to participate in an exhilarating cycling adventure. Come join us…no experience necessary…just bring your passion.
This blog was written by ride champion and Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Ride Chair, Russell Hoppenstein.
Want to be part of this amazing experience?! Visit ride.jdrf.org or contact Haley Cole at hcole@BreakthroughT1D.org.
