Tour de Cure fund-raiser offers four course choices

ASHEBORO — Tour de Cure, the signature fund-raising event for the American Diabetes Association, is coming to Asheboro on May 18.

The event raises money through registration fees by cycling participants, who are encouraged to engage with friends and family to increase their totals. There is a $250 fund-raising minimum for adult riders and $50 minimum for youth under the age of 18.

Katie-Rose Crater, director of development for the North Carolina chapter of the American Diabetes Association, told the Asheboro City Council on March 7 that it’s expected that 17 percent of children will be diagnosed with diabetes during the next 30 years. Tour de Cure NC has a goal to raise $300,000 in the fight for a cure. 

Crater said about 500 riders are expected for the ride, with that number increasing to 1,000 in the years to come. She said the North Carolina chapter chose Asheboro as the host because of its central location in the state, its vibrant downtown and the number of local attractions nearby. 

Asked if Asheboro will be host in the future, Crater said, “It’s the home forever unless y’all kick us out!”

Organizers are hoping for local businesses to be sponsors and become involved in the event. She said there is profitability for the community, especially as riders from around the state patronize hotels, restaurants and shops.

Local volunteers are also needed as support staff for planning help and day of event support.  Crater said the event is professionally managed.

Tour de Cure, in addition to raising money for research, also increases awareness and improves education in the community related to all types of diabetes. 

One in two American adults have diabetes or prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association is the largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing and curing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes. 

Diabetes causes major health complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, limb amputation, nerve damage, dental issues, mental health challenges and hearing loss.

As for the riding, cyclists of all ages and all abilities can find a route suitable to their abilities. The routes will feature the quiet, well-maintained roads of Asheboro and the surrounding area with distances of 15, 25, 50 and 101 miles. The routes are fully supported and rest stops are generously stocked. Plus, participants will return to a big party hosted by Four Saints Brewing and Downtown Asheboro. 

Looking for a challenge? The 101-miler was designed specifically for “mountain goats,” featuring more than 5,500 feet of climbing and two mountain passes. It’s extremely challenging. 

The signature route is the 63-miler, on a rolling, scenic, safe course with well-stocked rest stops.

The 25-mile route is great for cyclists just starting off their season. 

A fun ride is the 15-mile route that goes down to the NC Zoo and back.

All four routes start and finish at Bicentennial Park. To view maps of the four routes and for complete details of Cure de Tour including how to register, contact Katie-Rose Crater at kcrater@diabetes.org or visit https://tour-diabetes.donordrive.com and click on “Find Your Ride.”