Ahh, yes..... I remember the 2010 Tour de Cure like it was yesterday... We gathered in Gloucester at the High School, so excited to ride! We pitched the tent, chalked the pavement, pumped the tires, filled the water bottles, gathered the troops, and smiled for the camera as we prepared to ride 62 miles for the American Diabetes Association to help cure diabetes. Jen's Comprehensive Racers were ready to roll - one Red Rider, 13 Comprehensive Racers, and one full scale cardboard cutout of our beloved Captain Kurt who was stuck in Europe on an unexpected business trip!
At the start line, we heard lots of kudos and thanks for our efforts and plenty of folks wishing us well on our journey. We began the ride with a large group in the first sendoff at 7AM and slowly broke up into a long train single file and then some smaller clusters of riders. We took in the beauty of Cape Ann as we pedaled along through shady trees, along the sea shore and then over the leftover potholes of winter, yelling "Hole!" to our friendly riders behind us as we dodged and hoped not to fall in!
We paused at a few of the rest stops along the way to check in with the race directors, to repelntish our snacks and water bottles and to chat with other riders and compare notes. Smiles all around - What's not love with a beautiful sunny day on your bike with great company?!
....Oh and that cardboard cutout of Kurt? ....Well he was a little too much like a sail to ride with, so he guarded the tent in that format, but .... He also morphed into his secret riding identity, "Elmo" to accompany us for the ride! On Patrick, Jen and Dan's handle bars in aero position, of course!
We all enjoyed an unbelievable day of riding the full 62 miles and approached the finish line and our tent with pride! We had accomplished our mission completing the ride and raising over $4000.00 for the ADA to support reasearch for a cure! Now that's a reason to celebrate....
....And celebrate we did! The Captains re-united for a toast!
Chester Bear settled in for a snack and a relaxing sprawl...
Dan and Patrick had to try out the riot gear just to be sure it worked ok....
...And Patrick thought he'd steal a smooch from Denise while no one was looking!
We relaxed, chatted, refueled, laughed....
....And refueled, chatted, took in the sunshine and smiled some more.... So much to be thankful for, so much to be proud of. ; )
Jen's Comprehensive Racers did it! We rode 62 miles and made a difference! Our sponsors, friends, families and folks who donated cash or cheered us on all did it, and we are so proud!
We're going to do it again! On May 22, 2011, Jen's Comprehensive Racers will ride again! Join us! We "Train smart. Race hard. Have fun. " And we make a difference!
Our 2011 page can be found at: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/EasternNewEnglandArea?team_id=4995958pg=team&fr_id=7544
Join us to ride! Sponsor us! Cheer us on! And thanks in advance for all that you do!
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