Why I Ride

I ride for the Tour de Cure because Diabetes sucks. I've seen people close to me suffer from the side effects from Diabetes.

This was my family's Christmas last year. I ride in the hopes that no one else will have to have a Christmas at the hospital. We made the most of it and had a good time. Sometimes you appreciate what you have more when you are at risk of losing it. You also realize what's important and what's not, but I recommend you try appreciating what you have and avoid the whole Diabetes thing if you can.

Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death according to a 2011 CDC report. However, Diabetes is also the leading cause of heart disease and stroke which makes it the secondary cause of death in a lot more cases (heart disease is the #1 cause of death & stroke is the #4 cause). Diabetes is a leading contributor to 4 of the top 10 leading causes of death.

Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes.

Diagnosed: 18.8 million people

Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people

Prediabetes: 79 million people

Basically Diabetes sucks big time. Even if you don't contribute to my Tour de Cure campaign, it would make me happy if you would get out and get active. It's one way to give Diabetes the bird.

Livi's page:

http://main.diabetes.org/goto/lriley

Has raised $20 out of $75

Richard's page:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/UtahArea?px=7524569&pg=personal&fr_id=8080

Has raised $35 out of $75

My page:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/UtahArea?px=3304181&pg=personal&fr_id=8080

Has raised $25 out of $150

Original painting

My friend Suzie paints these really cool pictures of a close up of a flower. I'm not doing it justice. If I can get a hold of a picture of one of her other works, I'll update the posting.

Opening bid: $20

Hardback copy of The Help, signed by author

This is a fantastic book. It is signed by the author. To Amy. Feel free to cross my name out and put yours in there. I met the author when the book first came out and she is delightful. Then they made the movie, so if you haven't heard of the book now, you've been living under a rock. The book is in mint condition. You really want to own it.

Starting bid: $15

Zumba 6 punch pass

This is good for a gift certificate for a 6 punch pass to Zumba by Kimberly. She teaches in a ballet studio at 10128 S Redwood Road Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Get your latin thing warmed up and put on some comfy clothes. Not only will you have fun sweating to some great music, but you'll be giving Diabetes the bird by staying healthy. And there's nothing I like better than seeing Diabetes get shafted.

Starting bid: $25

(Contact me if you have any questions about the classes, I think they are at 8pm but I needed to double check for sure)

Pat on the back

Maybe you are out of state and won't be around to collect an item. Maybe finances are tight. Then this is the item for you. It's a pat on the back. It can be self applied or applied by someone nearby. It's pretty easy but I can send instructions if you need them. Basically you take your hand, pat your back, and feel awesome about yourself knowing that you contributed to finding a cure to diabetes. You rock! If you are local, stop by and I will apply the pat on the back for you. Or if you prefer the high five, I can give a really good high five as substitute.

There are unlimited amounts for this item and do not need to be bid on. For every $5 you donate, you get one pat on the back. Just post in the comments how many of this item you would like to pledge for.

Cost: $5

Dinner by Amy

Get your stretchy pants ready, cause this item is for one home cooked meal by me. It will be customized to your tastes, but will include such items as entrees, sides, beverage, and dessert. I go all out for my donors. But that's not all. I'm even going to throw in a little something something extra. You can bring a friend/significant other/stranger/celebrity with you. But wait, there's more. We'll even be eating on real plates with real silverware. No paper plates and plastic sporks at this meal. It's the real deal.

Starting bid: $20

Custom made cake plate

Not only is this a one of a kind but there's a very good chance you pick it up/get it delivered it may have some delectable goodies adorning it. I had a friend show me how to make these and I think they are fun to make and super cute. Not only does this beauty hold cakes, but it can also present cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and even savory items piled high. No more serving out of baking pans, it's time to join the grown up world and own a cake plate. You're welcome.

Starting bid: $15