BLOOMFIELD, N.M. (September 19, 2011) Over 40 riders took to the road for the 2nd Annual American Diabetes Association Tour De Cure Bicycle Ride presented by Conoco Phillips in partnership with Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Project on Saturday, September 17, 2011, to help bring awareness in the fight against diabetes.
There were four different routes on the roads of the Navajo Agricultural Products Industries (NAPI) which included a 10-mile course for families; 25-mile course for novice riders; the 50- mile and 100-mile route for advanced riders. According to officials associated with the event, seven riders completed the 100-mile course which ended in a rain and hail storm.
“I thought the day went pretty well despite the fluctuations in the weather conditions. Everyone I spoke with had a good time and enjoyed the ride,” said Mark Orgeron with American Diabetes Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
John Poore with Conoco Phillips and coordinator for the ride stated that he was happy with the results and heard from the riders that they enjoyed the ride and looking forward to next year.
“I would like to thank everyone who assisted us this year in making Tour de Cure successful,” Poore said. “Everyone I talked to said they had a great time. There were some minor problems that we can fix for next year.”
Arval McCabe representing Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Project said that the staff had good time working at the event and contributed to the success of the ride. NNSDP staff prepared the luncheon for the riders, manned a couple of rest stops where they provided drinks, snacks, and refreshments for the riders.
Margilene Barney, Nutritionist, Gallup Service Area, NNSDP, provided a Navajo blessing to get the riders off to a good start after the morning rain.
The day was cool for most of the ride. It warmed up in the middle of the day, but then clouds came rolling in again and provided some clouds bursts that drenched the 100 mile route riders during the last part of the ride. Despite of the rain and hail storm, four riders completed the whole course and arrived to the applause of the workers, staff, and spectators who remained at the finished line at the pavilion at McGee Park.