2011 Tour de Cure Gears Up to Stop Diabetes

Tour bicycling is a popular, healthy pastime when the weather grows warmer, and on Saturday bikers were ready to hop on their bikes for a cause.

The American Diabetes Association reports that over 26,000 Americans have diabetes mellitus, which is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin, according to its website.

The American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure is one of the largest biking events in the Midwest and is one of several events held to promote awareness of diabetes and to generate funds for research, education, programs and advocacy efforts.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Tour de Cure fundraiser, which is being hosted by Brighton High School in downtown Brighton.

This year’s goal is to raise over $400,000.

Participants had four courses to choose from: 10-mile, 25-mile, 62-mile and 100-mile. According to Nicki Gabal of the American Diabetes Association, 1,013 riders registered for the event.

“We’ve never exceeded 1,000 in any Tour de Cure so we’re very excited,” Gabal said.

All four courses began with the Red Riders leading the way. Participants who are afflicted with diabetes are honored with the title “Red Rider” and wear a designated Red Rider event shirt.

Christina Johnson of the American Diabetes Association announced the first 2 courses, pointing out the special group of Red Riders in the lead.

“You are why we are all here today, and that is why you are leading us now,” Johnson said to the group.

Raphael Guillen of Dearborn Heights works for Nissan and was riding for the first time in the Tour de Cure.

“Never thought I’d be getting up early like this -- the event is a good one, though,” he said. The races started at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Jane and Jim Brown were part of Team Marcus Madness and Rachel’s Posse from the Rochester area.

“Our nephew Marcus (Alcala) was diagnosed at 9 yrs old with diabetes in 2006,” Jane Brown said.

According to Jim Brown, their team was one of the top fundraising teams, collecting over $12,000 for the event.

Team Mackenzie of Brighton was another top fundraising team. According to Mackenzie Stuenkel, 16, who was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 6, the team has raised well over $10,000.

This is the first year for Stuenkel, who was nominated  to be the Red Rider youth ambassador for the 10 mile course.

“We really kind of dove into it strong,” she said. “It’s been great so far!”

The members of Team Max, from Royal Oak, were riding for Max Bush, 6, who was diagnosed with diabetes. This is their 4th year in the event, according to Dennis Zewatsky, of Team Max.

Nissan, Kroger and Carrabas Restaurant were some of the top sponsors for the event, with several bike shop and food vendors in attendance.

Shaun Bhajan of Brighton, has been to past Tour de Cure events, but this was the first year he attended as the owner of Hometown  Bicycles.

“It’s exciting for me but I’m nervous, too,” Bhajan said. “This is the first time my shop gets represented to a large group of people.”