Breakthrough T1D™ Ride welcomes cyclists of all skill levels. By joining one of our Rides, you will enjoy an experience unlike any other. With breathtaking destination rides and a virtual option with Breakthrough T1D My Ride for flexibility to choose from, there is an option for everyone.
Our team of coaches elevate our riders’ experience. Coaches offer training plans, help riders set and achieve their Ride Day goal, organize local community rides, and educate on topics ranging from selecting their first bike to changing a flat tire.
If you have any questions about registering or joining us this season please feel free to reach out directly to one of our Ride Coaches, or our Breakthrough T1D Ride Manager, Sara Gaugler at SGaugler@BreakthroughT1D.org
2025 Coaches
Petra Vester
Hometown: Utrecht, The Netherlands
Current Residence: Cincinnati, Ohio
Married for 35 years to Russ, 3 children and 3 big dogs!
Work: The CEO of The Vester Family!
Breakthrough T1D connection: My daughter Hannah, 30 year s old, diagnosed at 16. I started riding in 2012. My first ride was with Hannah in La Crosse, WI. Hannah and I completed 10 rides together. Since 2012 I have completed 25 rides!
I began coaching in 2016. My favorite ride is any ride I get to attend! In 2025 I will be riding in La Crosse and Cape Cod. I also plan on helping our chapter host an amazing My Ride.
Keirsten Welch
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Partner to Kevin 24 years, 3-Kids: Alexandria (25), Twins Kyra & Makenna (21)
Work: Registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Works at NovoNordisk in cardiovascular division, dedicated NovoNordisk Breakthrough T1D coach
Breakthrough T1D Connections: My daughters, Ali diagnosed in 2001 and Kyra diagnosed in 2019 as well as all the patients I have worked with in my past career. My other daughter, Makenna is also Type 1, stage 1 as am I. Full bio here.
Jason Litke
Hometown: Greenville, OH
Current Residence: Jamestown, OH
Married to my wife Melissa. We have 2 kids, Hannah (20) and Isaac (17) and I went to school at the University of Dayton. Works at International Paper.
Breakthrough T1D Connection: My daughter Hannah and all of the T1Ds and their families that I have met over the years. Full Bio here.
Breakthrough T1D Ride History: LaCrosse – 6 times, Burlington – 2 times, Amelia Island 1 time, Grand Rapids 1 time, My Ride – twice including doing the Ohio to Erie Trail
Owen Wyss
Hometown: Bucyrus, OH
Current Residence: Columbus, OH
1 child, Sydney, and married to Natalie (Columbus Ride Committee Chair); Wright State University; True passions: Cars, Lake Life; Forced passions: bourbon, golf, sporting clays, long distance shooting
Where you work: CFO for Miles-McClellan Construction Company
Breakthrough T1D Connection: Corporate/none when this started, now too many to count.
Breakthrough T1D Ride History: 2 x AI, 2 x GR, 1 Ride in LaCrosse and My Ride (COVID)
Ride to Cure Journey: Ran out of other volunteering opportunities in Breakthrough T1D. 🙂
Elaine Lynch
Hometown: born and raised in the Washington DC metropolitan area
Current Residence: living in Cincinnati OH
I have one daughter who is 20 and attends UC. I attended George Mason University for undergrad (BA in Fine Arts and Art History) and New Mexico State University (MFA in painting, drawing, and critical theory in art)
Work: Currently work as a paraeducator for students on the autism spectrum at Cardinal Pacelli School in Mount Lookout
Breakthrough T1D Connection: It begins with meeting and riding with Petra Vester through the 50W cycling groups. After a few years of riding together, and donating to her own Breakthrough T1D rides for Hannah, meeting other local Breakthrough T1D riders (through her), I decided to officially register myself. While I have no direct connection to type 1, it has become a passionate cause for me. I have witnessed first hand how advancements have helped and assisted those with whom I have become close to, whether fellow riders or their family members.
Ride History: My first ride was My Ride in 2021, followed by Amelia Island in 2022, and Grand Rapids in 2023. My favorite ride this far has been Grand Rapid. This year, I am signed up to ride/coach in Coeur d’Alene ID, as well as La Crosse WI.
