FIVE QUESTIONS
Five Questions with Denise Nicastro: JDRF’s (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Ride to Cure Diabetes, one of the nation’s top type 1 diabetes (T1D) cycling fundraisers, returns to Saratoga Springs Sept. 13to 16. One of six Ride to Cure Diabetes events held nationwide, the event will bring together hundreds of cyclists of all ages and skill levels representing 80JDRF chapters from around the nation and Canada, as they fundraise for JDRF, the global leader in T1D research. Denise Nicastro, director of development at JDRF Northeast New York chapter, shares an overview of the event.
1What is the Ride to Cure diabetes?
JDRF’s Ride to Cure Diabetes is a charitable bike ride that raises money for T1D research. The JDRF Ride gives new and experienced cyclists — and their friends and families — the opportunity to fundraise for life-changing T1D research along with the entire ride community. Participants choose from one of six ride locations, train with their local coach to achieve their mileage goals and use guidance from their local chapter to meet and exceed their fundraising commitments.
2Who can ride?
We have riders as young as 13and as old as 89! You must be at least 13years old and meet your fundraising commitment, in order to participate. If you are between 13and 18years of age, you must sign a parental/guardian consent and be accompanied by a participating parent/guardian at all times.
3What are the routes offered?
We offer 25, 60or 100miles starting and finishing at the Saratoga Springs City Center. All routes follow an “out and back” course north up the Hudson River. Riders can refill water bottles and stop for snacks at rest stops every 10miles. Riders on the 100-mile route will pass through Corinth, Warrensburg and Pottersville where they will be greeted by JDRF staff and volunteers at aid stations and given food and drinks. Professional mechanics will attend to all bike issues that arise.
4How much did the 2018 event raise?
Last year’s Spa City ride raised $2.7million, which made our event the nation’s top revenuegenerating ride of the year! It also pumped more than $500,000into Saratoga’s economy, which earned an award from the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau.
5What’s the fundraising minimum, how are the dollars used and how can I sign up?
There is a $2,000fundraising minimum to take part in the ride. Reaching that requirement isn’t hard, since we have fundraising experts who can help you reach and exceed your fundraising goals. Those who complete their fundraising receive a commemorative JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes jersey. T1D riders also have the option to receive a special T1D version of the jersey instead. To date, JDRF Ride events have raised more than $47million for research on 70 human clinical trials of potential T1D therapies. Proceeds from the Saratoga ride will also support an array of educational programming and support groups for those suffering from the disease living in the 15counties served by JDRF’s Northeastern New York chapter. To learn more and register, please visit jdrf. org/ride, call (518) 477-2873or email dnicastro@jdrf.org.