Team Province ready to ride

Team Province is ready to ride. On March 14 eight riders from the Province Bike Club will pedal their way through the annual Tour de Cure, one of the top fundraising events in the Phoenix and Tucson areas for the American Diabetes Association.

The Province bicycle club was founded in 2005, hosting rides twice a month with enough riders to form three and often four groups. “We have groups for all skill level riders,” said team member Brian Gotcher.

The March 2008 ride was a first-time effort for Team Province. According to last year’s captain, Ed Joyal, “Team Province enjoyed this event so much and had such great financial support from everyone that we will be riding again this year.”

Riding under the leadership of team captain and last year’s top fundraiser, Keith Monk, five team members will participate in the 62.5-mile route while three riders will do 35 miles. Monk is a diabetic so the team’s effort is especially important to him personally.

Province riders registered for the 62.5-mile ride include Monk, Joyal, Darren Ross, Ralph Petersen and Robin Asher. Cristina Gotcher, Brian Gotcher and Glenn Shapolia will ride the 35-mile route.

“Team Province will be ready to go,” said Monk.

Last year the Tour de Cure featured 500 riders. This year there are 600 riders and 74 teams. However, like many charities in the economic downturn, the ADA has reached only about half of its fundraising goal of $257,000. Team Province hoped to raise $5,000 in sponsorship monies from friends, family members and local businesses. Currently they are at $4,494, including recent donations from the Casa Grande Walmart and Jerry Colangelo.

Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring Team Province should contact Keith Monk at [email protected].

Photo courtesy of Team Province