by Rich Savitt
April 29, 2012; Long Beach, CA: Canyon Velo’s 18th year participating in the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure was a record. Eighteen members and friends of members signed up and raised money for the privelege of riding over the Long Beach and LA Harbor bridges (normally off limits to cyclists). They were treated to extraordinary scenerey in the harbor and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Most of us did the 60 mile route which was plenty challenging with over 3,000 feet of climbing.
In addition to riding in the event, the club is also involved with operations for the event. Rich Savitt was chair of the Route Logistics Subcommittee which designed the route and oversaw route marking and route safety operations. Several club members helped with route marking on the day before the event as well as route operations on the day of the event.
Tour de Cure is not a race, but there is a competition among top team and individual fund raisers. The team raised a record $6,021 for the American Diabetes Association and earned a coveted spot in Team Tent village at the start/finish venue Queen Mary Events Park. We finished 5th in the “Club/Organization” team category.
The event attracted over 2,000 riders and, as of this writing, raised over $680,000 for the American Diabetes Association. That number is expected to grow to $800,000 by June 8 when fund raising officially closes. Tour de Cure is a top money maker for the American Diabetes Association and the Long Beach “Ship-to-Shore” ride is among the top six in the country for the organization.