Only 4 weeks to go before Tour de Cure diabetes ride

Maricopa’s Team Wal Mart/ Sam’s Club is training hard for the 2010 Tour de Cure bike ride.

The Tour de Cure is held annually in Phoenix and Tucson as a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to support its research and educational programs. Last year 600 riders, representing 74 teams, raised $225,000.

Maricopa’s Team Wal Mart/ Sam’s Club consists of bicyclists John Ahren, Sandeep Bhatt, Ed Joyal, Darren Ross, Glenn Shapolia and Keith Monk, team captain. 

“It’s a lot of fun to ride,” said Monk, “and it’s really nice outside.”

Monk will ride in the Tucson tour on March 7, with a personal fundraising goal of $300; he and his five teammates will be in Phoenix for the Tour de Cure, hoping to raise $500 each in donations.

Three hundred riders are entered in the Tucson event, and in Phoenix 70 teams (approximately 1,000 riders) will participate.

The Tucson event will feature 10, 30 and 62-mile rides; in Phoenix the rides are 35 and 62 miles long.

With the experience and stamina gained from last year’s ride and much practice, members of this Maricopa team are riding and practicing for the 62-mile course. 

The group is always looking for interested riders to join them on their practice rides and for the Tour de Cure. In addition, they are seeking donations from businesses and individuals for the fight against diabetes. Maricopa’s Wal Mart will be helping with donations for the team.

If you are interested either in participating or donating to this cause, contact team captain Keith Monk via e-mail at [email protected]. Information about the Tour de Cure is available here. 

Photo courtesy of Keith Monk