Hundreds of riders will pedal toward a cure for diabetes in the 2014 Buffalo Tour de Cure on Saturday, June 7 at Niagara County Community College. The American Diabetes Association’s signature cycling event raises crucial funds to fight diabetes and its deadly consequences, while also working to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
The Buffalo Tour de Cure offers various scenic routes between 6 to 100 miles through Niagara County. The newest 30-mile ride will be a flat and beautiful trip along the Niagara River and a halfway point photo opportunity with Niagara Falls as the backdrop.
“The Tour de Cure is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone. Whether you casually ride around your block or cycle competitively, there is a route right for you,” said Kelly Arthur, Tour de Cure manager for the American Diabetes Association, “And we hope the new 30-mile ride, with the mighty Niagara Falls in the distance, will inspire even more riders to join in our fight against diabetes.”
Independent Health Association is the 2014 Tour Presenting Sponsor. This marks the sixth year IHA has lead the way in the Tour’s effort to Stop Diabetes.
Other local corporate sponsors include: Uncle Bob’s Storage, Ingram Micro, Novo Nordisk, M&T Bank, Praxair, Great Lakes Health System of WNY, the Buffalo Bills, JW Danforth, General Motors – Tonawanda Engine Plant and Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP.
2014 Tour de Cure bike shop partners are Bert’s Bikes & Fitness and The Bike Shop.
National sponsors for the event are: BeeWell For Life, Gold’s Gym, Lilly Diabetes, Primal Wear and GoMacro-Macrobar.
This year’s food sponsors are: Sahlen’s, Tim Hortons, Subway, James Desiderio Inc., Polly-O, Starbuck’s, Mayer Bros. and Organic Flavrz.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the continued support of many of corporate sponsors year after year. This year’s Tour de Cure also welcomed many new sponsorship supporters like The Buffalo Bills and JW Danforth. The Western New York Corporate Community has been incredibly supportive of the American Diabetes Association and our mission. It is so powerful to see the our community join in the fight against diabetes,” said Alexandra Murello, Director Buffalo American Diabetes Association.
This year’s fundraising goal is $415,000.
Each rider is required to raise a minimum $200, and most raise much more. The 2010 Fenton Forecast ranked the ADA No. 1 on leadership and effectiveness for efficiently allocating funds to activities that advance our mission. Riders can participate individually or within a larger team. Riders with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are invited to participate as a Red Rider. The Tour de Cure recognizes these riders with diabetes as the true heroes of the event.
“Every year the American Diabetes Association provides valuable programs and life-saving resources to nearly 26 million Americans; 140,000 of which live right here in Western New York. We hope the Buffalo Tour de Cure starts a chain reaction in the area for supporting a very worthy cause,” Ms. Arthur said.
The ride will start and finish at Niagara County Community College, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, New York, with pre and post event festivities going on throughout the day for all ages.
For more information on how to participate, please visit: www.diabetes.org/buffalotour