Greetings Breakthrough T1D riders, other Breakthrough T1D supporters, and those of you hopefully considering this effort. I come to you from Bellingham, WA, although I ride for the great Team Wisconsin. Always have, always will.
I first came upon Breakthrough T1D and the rides in 2011. Living in Madison, WI at the time, a good friend of my wife, knowing I’m a cyclist and a T1D, jawboned me into joining the ride program. Motivated by the desire to contribute to Breakthrough T1D’s mission and to resume endurance events (I had previously completed three marathons), I rode the La Crosse Century that year and never looked back. This year’s Death Valley ride, my 4th at this special venue, will mark my 11th Breakthrough T1D Century. They’ve all been special.
Breakthrough T1D rides aren’t events; they’re experiences. The community of hundreds of people with very personal connections to T1D, together at a single venue for three days, sweeps you off your feet. Chapter sponsored training rides and the gatherings that follow build community, purpose and spirit. Isn’t that right, Team WI? Through the on-road support from fellow riders, coaches, volunteers, and support teams at the rides themselves to the team training rides to the family like support coming at all times from across the Breakthrough T1D community, delivered via information sharing, sympathetic shoulders and other means, you form inseparable bonds across the Breakthrough T1D community that last a lifetime.
I’ll continue to complete Breakthrough T1D Centuries for as long as I can ride 100 miles in one shot. The entire adventure – the rides and ride weekends, the training leading up to them, the experiences and information sharing with folks you meet along the way and with whom you form lasting bonds – creates truly inspiring experiences. I’m psyched for Death Valley! I hope all of you registered Breakthrough T1D riders out there are equally as excited for your upcoming ride/ride weekend. To those of you on the fence about registering for a ride, you need to join us. I’m 67 years old, and I’ve been a T1D for nearly 51 years. What’s your excuse? Jump on board. You’ll be glad you did.
