Bicycling event will help raise money to fight diabetes

Thousand Oaks Councilmember Jacqui Irwin and Alex Soteras, vice president of the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, have joined together to fight diabetes.

The two are co-chairpersons of the Southern California Market Tour de Cure, which will begin in Thousand Oaks on Sun., May 6. Their goal is to draw 650 cyclists and raise $175,000 for the American Diabetes Association. The funds will be used for diabetes research and education.

Irwin will be riding a bike 30 miles. Until three years ago she hadn't been on a bike--except at the gym--for many years. But getting back on a two-wheeler proved the old saying was true--you never forget.

"People who only ride five miles can participate," she said.

More experienced riders can take a 65-mile course.

The rides offer rest stops along the way, a hero's welcome when riders cross the finish line and an afternoon of food, music, entertainment, massages and raffles as part of the post-ride activities.

"Everyone knows someone--a family member or a friend--who has diabetes," Soteras said. "It is a terrible disease, and we need to raise funds for research."

"We also want to make sure children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle," Irwin said. "We want to promote lifelong fitness."

Gold sponsors contribute $15,000; Silver, $7,500; Bronze, $5,000; T-shirt, $3,000; Rest Stop, $1,500 and Promotional, $1,000. Local companies are being asked to contribute to the event and can call (888) 342-2383, ext. 7448 for more information..

- Nancy Needham

In a Nutshell

Tour de Cure Signups

The Sun., May 6 Tour de Cure begins at Thousand Oaks Community Park, 2525 N. Moorpark Road, near Thousand Oaks High School.

Those who can ride a bike at about 15 mph for 4½ hours should check in at 6:30 a.m. for the 65-mile ride, which will be mostly on bike trails and two-lane roads through rolling hills in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Newbury Park and Westlake Village. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m for the 30-mile ride, which heads east from Thousand Oaks, goes past the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and includes some rolling hills to Simi Valley. Participants in the five-mile family fun ride--short, sweet and flat--may check in from 9 to 10 a.m.

Teams of five or more riders can also compete.

Here's what do do

To sign up, call (888) 342-2383, ext. 7448 or e-mail ssedadi@diabetes.org for details. Riders usually find sponsors since there's a $150 fundraising minimum to participate, plus a pre-registration fee of $20 until April 30. Late registration is $25 and can be paid on event day.